Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Disparity Study?
A Disparity Study is an evaluation of the procurement and contracting practices of government agencies, particularly their use of disadvantaged, minority-owned, and women-owned business enterprises.
Which agencies are participating in the Study?
The agency participating in the Study is the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
Who is conducting the Study?
Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd., a national expert in conducting disparity studies based in Oakland, California, is conducting the Study.
Who is managing the Study?
Metro’s project manager is:
Tashai R. Smith
Director, Small Business Programs
Diversity & Economic Opportunity Department
Metro
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Direct: 213.922.2128
Fax: 213.922.7660
Email: smitht@metro.net
What is the purpose of the Study?
The purpose of this Study is to determine if there is a disparity between the number of disadvantaged, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses within the local market area that are ready, willing, and able to provide construction services, architecture and engineering, other professional services, and goods and other services, and the number of these same business types that are actually participating in these same types of contracts.
This Study is an update of a previous Metro Disparity Study.
Why did Metro decide to conduct the Study?
Metro decided to conduct a Disparity Study to accomplish the following:
- Determine whether Metro is either an active or passive participant in discrimination in contracting for construction, architectural and engineering, other professional services and goods and other service contracts awarded by Metro
- Identify best practices that will help Metro enhance its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program to stimulate economic growth for local businesses
- Increase participation of disadvantaged, minority-owned, and women-owned business enterprises in Metro contracts
- Promote a sound fiduciary relationship with local businesses
- Reinforce social responsibility toward the local business community
- Comply with the United States Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program requirements
How does Metro benefit from a Disparity Study?
There are many benefits of a Study. The three principal benefits for Metro are:
- Identifying best practices to improve Metro’s contracting process
- Increasing number of bidders for Metro contracts
- Lowering Metro’s procurement costs
What guidelines exist to help direct the Study?
The Study will be guided by the United States Supreme Court’s 1989 decision in City of Richmond v. Croson J.A. Croson Co., 488 U.S. 469 (1989) and subsequent related cases.
The Study will also be guided by the United States Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26.
How will Metro identify available businesses?
Metro and their consultant, Mason Tillman, will conduct a broad-based community outreach program and use a thorough data collection process. Metro’s contract records, certification lists, and trade and professional association lists will help identify businesses that are available. In addition, Metro will utilize business lists from other governmental agencies.
What industries are being studied and what period is being studied?
The industries being studied include construction, architectural and engineering, other professional services, and goods and other services. The Study Period is January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010.
How can local business owners get involved?
Local business owners can get involved in many ways, such as the following:
- Completing a business survey
- Participating in a telephone interview to share their experiences
- Providing membership lists from local business associations
Who should business owners contact to get additional information?
Contact Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. at 213.947.1695, by e-mail at LAMetroDisparityStudy@mtaltd.com
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Last Revised
Friday April 30, 2010
Last Revised
Friday April 30, 2010
