CHARLES COUNTY, MARYLAND Disparity Study Consulting Services 235 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 584-9777 Fax: (404) 584-9730 1
ABOUT GRIFFIN & STRONG, P.C. No study conducted by Griffin & Strong, P.C. has ever been challenged or The most qualified overturned in court. team in the industry: • 5 Juris Doctors Firm Specializes in • 2 PhD Economists D isparity Research, • PhD Statistician Contract • PhD Candidate in Anthropology Compliance, • All with expertise in Program disparity research. Development, Training & Supplier Diversity Consulting
IN GOOD HANDS Project Executive, Rodney K. Strong has unmatched expertise , serving as Director of the City of Atlanta’s Department of Contract Compliance and as principal architect of the City of Atlanta’s distinguished MWBE contracting program. Principal Researcher, Dr. Vince Eagan is one of the foremost experts nationwide, conducting over 120 studies & successfully defending 6 studies as expert witness.
WHY DO WE DO DISPARITY STUDIES? Disparity Studies Form the Factual Basis for Remedial Contracting Programs City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co., 488 U.S. 469 (1989) Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena. 515 U.S. 200 (1995) H.B. Rowe v. Tippett, 615 F.3d 233 (4th Cir. 2010) Strict Scrutiny for race-based programs (Intermediate for gender-based programs) Must have a factual basis in evidence Methodology dictated by Case Law Must have narrowly-tailored remedy (to avoid over- or under-inclusion)
WHAT IS A DISPARITY STUDY? A DISPARITY STUDY is an objective research tool that determines whether a governmental agency has actively or passively discriminated against certain groups due to their race or gender. These studies measure disparities between availability and utilization for race, ethnicity, and gender groups. Utilization Availability
WHAT IS A DISPARITY STUDY? Discrimination, which may be the present effects of past discrimination, is determined through quantitative (statistical) and qualitative (anecdotal) evidence, as well as an examination of current policies and procedures.
WHAT IS A DISPARITY STUDY? The findings of the disparity study will result in recommendations by the study team to remedy any discrimination or disparities found. The recommendations, if accepted, are intended to be implemented as policy.
GRIFFIN & STRONG, P.C. EXPERIENCE GSPC Fourth Circuit Disparity Studies: • Montgomery County, Maryland Recent Program Development and • City of Frederick, MD Legislation: • State of North Carolina • Living Cities – City Accelerator • North Carolina Department of • MetroNashville Government, TN • City of Memphis, TN Transportation • City of Greensboro, NC • Fulton County, GA • City and County of Durham, NC • Tacoma, WA • City of Charlotte, NC • Greensboro, NC • Mecklenburg County, NC • City of Charlotte, NC • Louisville Water Company (KY) • Clayton County, GA Team Members Fourth Circuit Disparity Studies: • Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission • State of Virginia • Portsmouth, VA • Hampton, VA • Portsmouth Public Schools, VA 8
METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH Process for Study Execution
STUDY PROCESS Collect and Clean Relevant Market Legal Analysis Policy Review Data Analysis Utilization and Private Sector Availability Analysis Disparity Analysis Threshold Analysis Analysis Anecdotal Evidence Final Report with Collection and Recommendations Analysis
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE INFORMATIONAL ANECDOTAL SURVEY OF MEETINGS INTERVIEWS BUSINESS OWNERS PUBLIC HEARINGS FOCUS GROUPS BUSINESS CIVIC AND TRADE ORGANIZATION MEETINGS EMAIL/SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS
FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS Findings • Summary of findings Recommendations • Recommendations based on detailed policy review, anecdotal evidence and institutional knowledge. • Best Practices and Innovative Approaches for: • Race/Gender Neutral or; • Race/Gender Conscious Remedies. • Recommendations informed by unique findings of the study.
POST STUDY SUPPORT Study Roll Out Plan • Review findings & recommendations with the City. • Consult on release of the Study. Implementation is Key • Establish best practices and Innovative approaches for promoting M/W/DBE utilization. Post-Study Consultation • Experience operating and consulting for M/W/DBE programs. • Experience with peer cities to serve as resources in your growth.
@GriffinStrong FIND US ON THE WEB AT WWW.GSPCLAW.COM
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