Disparity Study To Identify Overlooked Local Businesses Missing Out On County Contracts

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A disparity study will be carried out by Howard County officials to identify opportunity gaps in the county's procurement process with minority-owned, woman-owned and disabled-owned local businesses.

A disparity study examines whether there are differences between the percentage of dollars that minority, woman-owned and disabled-owned businesses received in contracts during a specific time period, and the percentage of dollars that these businesses would be expected to receive based on their availability to perform those contracts. Comparing the utilization and availability of such businesses is referred to as a disparity analysis.

“Today, we’re taking another major step forward with an investment of more than $400,000 for the development of Howard County’s first ever disparity study,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said Tuesday during a press conference. “The disparity study is an important tool that will help identify any gaps in our current contracting practices and business assistance programs. It will help us evaluate the county's efforts to encourage the participation of minority, woman-owned, and disabled-owned businesses by assessing the current contracting practices and business assistance programs in place.”

The study will be completed by MGT Consulting, a national public sector management consulting and technology services firm known to have conducted more unchallenged disparity studies than any other firm in the country. MGT will provide recommendations to the county to improve equity among contracting and purchasing processes. The study will take 18 to 24 months to complete.

Funding to conduct the disparity study was announced in the county executive’s fiscal year 2024 operating budget that was presented to the County Council earlier this month.