Disparity Study

Disparity Study Volume 1 Final Report (PDF, 1093 kb)
Disparity Study Volume 2 Final Report (PDF, 576 kb)
Disparity Study Community Presentation (PDF, 123 kb)

The City of Tampa and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority have evaluated their buying practices, focusing on the use of minority and woman-owned businesses. This process is known as a disparity study. The joint study examined how well the City of Tampa and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority have involved small and minority owned businesses in bidding and contracting activity. The study took 15 months to complete.

Mason Tillman & Associates, headquartered in Oakland, CA and one of the top five nationally recognized consultants that provides this service, was hired to conduct the study at a total combined cost of $221,000. By conducting a joint study, the city and the authority saved thousands of dollars.

• Allows for the utilization of best practices to improve the current contracting process
• Allows for an increase in the number of bidders for contracts
• typically generates lower cost associated with the bidding process

We conducted a broad-based, community outreach program and used a thorough data collection process with help from our consultant. Our contract records and trade and professional association lists helped to identify businesses that were available.

• Construction Services
• Professional Services
• Goods and Services

Findings:

Subcontractor Participation - No Disparity Was Found Regarding the City’s Current M/WBE Program

 There was no finding of disparity found for any minority or woman owned business group in construction or construction related services. The City’s program has historically been focused on the participation of subcontractors in City projects and the study shows that the City’s Minority Business Development Program has been very successful in this area.

Prime Contractor Participation (Contracts Up To $500,000 and Above) -Disparity Was Found But Current M/WBE Program Is Not Focused On W/MBE’s As Prime Contractors

There was an underutilization of minority and women owned business groups for formal prime contracts. The utilization of W/MBE’s as prime contractors is currently not the focus of the City’s M/WBE program.

Informal Contract Participation (Contracts $25,000 or Less) - Disparity Was Found But Current M/WBE Program Is Not Focused On W/MBE’s As Prime Contractors

There was an underutilization of minority and women owned business groups for informal prime contracts. The utilization of WMBE’s as prime contractors is currently not the focus of the City’s M/WBE program.

The City of Tampa and the Aviation Authority will evaluate the comments received from each governing board and the community meeting and each will develop a list of recommendations for implementation within their respective organization. For additional information, please contact the Purchasing Department at (813)274-8351.

City of Tampa • May 2006