Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) together with Milligan & Company, LLC conducted a study designed to analyze the City’s utilization of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disabled Business Enterprises (DSBEs) (collectively known as M/W/DSBEs), relative to the availability of such firms to compete for City business, on Public Works (PW), Personal and Professional Services (PPS), and Services, Supplies, and Equipment (SSE) contracts. It determines the extent to which a disparity between utilization and availability exists, and provides critical data in the formation of annual Participation Goals. The study includes a brief discussion of the purpose, results of the study, and recommendations for FY 2015.
The report findings reveal:
Higher utilization on contracts for which the city had more goal setting influence.- Overall M/W/DSBE utilization levels and spending continue to increase.
- Increased use of M/W/DSBEs within the City.
- The percentage of M/W/DSBE prime contractor participation increased while average contract size decreased
- M/W/DSBE availability decreased slightly, therefore the disparity ratio improved — from 0.80 in FY 2013 to 0.93 in FY 2014. An overall ration of less than 1 means that M/W/DSBE utilization is still not in parity with M/W/DSBE availability.
