By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com
Maryland is conducting a disparity study intended to ascertain the presence of racial or gender discrimination within the markets in which the state does business. Business owners have until March 31 to participate in a 10-minute vendor questionnaire and share their encounters – if any – with discrimination and its effect on their ability to compete in Maryland’s marketplace.
Studies like this enable the state to gather evidence that can provide justification for race- and gender-conscious procurement policies.
Maryland commissioned MGT Consulting Group to lead the investigation. The firm will collect data on the presence of minority- and women-owned businesses in the state and their utilization as primes and subcontractors in Maryland’s procurement system.
Aside from the vendor questionnaire, local business owners can email MGT at stateofmddisparitystudy@mgtconsulting.com to indicate their interest in participating in an in-depth interview or focus group. They can also submit comments about their experiences 24/7 using the same email address, calling 301-658-3440 or using the disparity study contact form.
Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member.
