Georgia Department of Transportation Disparity Study
In 2015, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) contracted with Griffin & Strong (G&S) to conduct a comprehensive disparity study to ascertain the participation and utilization of minority and woman-owned businesses that are ready, willing, and able to contract with GDOT on its federal and state funded projects.
First analysis ever conducted for overconcentration after the U.S. DOT mandate found overconcentration of MWBE/DBE Haulers.
Griffin & Strong made recommendations to GDOT based on the findings of the disparity study.
Strengthened good faith efforts
Made recommendations to assist MWBE/DBEs to bid as prime contractors
Recommended extending DBE program to State-funded projects
Recommended adjusting prequalification requirements
Recommended expanded opportunities for DBEs by reducing contract size
As a result of the Study, GDOT instituted a small business sheltered market program
Following the publishing of the Disparity Study, an Implementation Period included:
Strategizing with state leadership to determine which best practices fit the State
A Gap Analysis to determine which recommendations needed new legislation
Drafting a revising legislation and forms, and staff training
A legally defensible disparity study provides tremendous value to state and local agencies in their efforts to achieve inclusion and fairness in public contracting and their on-going obligation to be accountable for taxpayer dollars. Disparity studies provide the needed benchmarks against which participation can be measured. It can also provide the tools for implementing best practices and direct a path forward where diverse communities and all sizes of businesses receive an equal opportunity to thrive and win.
Does your state, county, city, or organization need a disparity study? Yes, if:
It has been more than 5-7 years since your last complete disparity study
You want to access the impact of recent legislative and policy changes on your participation levels
You are a public agency wanting to implement supplier diversity programs into your procurement process
You are a private organization or quasi-governmental agency who award construction or other goods and services contracts and want to secure an equitable distribution of awards or to create small business set-aside designations
You are looking for a legally defensible inclusion program
Why Choose Griffin & Strong for Your Next Disparity Study
Griffin & Strong, P.C. (G&S) is a respected law and public policy consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA and is the leading firm in disparity research and analysis. Since 1992, the firm has conducted over seventy (100) major studies and public engagements as a prime contractor, representing individual clients, small businesses, corporations, and government entities in public policy consulting, legislation, contract compliance, supplier diversity consulting, and disparity studies. G&S CEO Rodney Strong was recently honored as a Blue Legend Award recipient for his legacy of work in supplier diversity. Our full-time staff include attorneys for legal analysis and public policy guidance. As always, it is our goal to ensure we produce legally defensible disparity studies.
Interested in learning more about disparity studies or specific analyses of your program?