M-DCPS TO HAVE A DISPARITY STUDY TO EXAMINE PROCUREMENT SERVICES

MGT of America, Inc., a nationally recognized management and research consulting firm, is conducting a disparity study for Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The study will determine several factors, including whether there are disparities between the availability and utilization of minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE); whether or not firms face difficulties or barriers when bidding as prime contractors, vendors, subcontractors, or suppliers; and whether there are disparities in the utilization of M/WBEs by prime contractors on projects where there are no M/WBE goals.

The study will examine 1) the procurement of services and products by the District, 2) the subcontracting practices of prime contractors/vendors who do business with the District, and 3) the anecdotal evidence collected from a broad cross section of M/WBE and non-M/WBE firms on their experiences in doing business or attempting to do business with the District. The study will be divided into two phases.  The first phase will include the procurement of construction, and construction and design-related professional services (includes architecture and engineering). The second phase will include the procurement of services and goods.

The study is necessitated in part by the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson that imposed legal requirements on jurisdictions to establish a “compelling interest” to support the establishment of a minority and women business program.  The results of this study will determine if a compelling interest exists.

This is a great opportunity for the public to provide feedback regarding their experience doing business with or attempting to do businesses with the District or its prime contractors/vendors.  Businesses may be asked to participate in one or more of the following activities that are to be scheduled over the next several months:

•  Surveys of Vendors   •   Personal Interviews   •   Focus Group   •   Public Hearing

NOTICE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Persons with disabilities who plan to participate in one of these activities and who may need auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers, large print or Braille, also non-English speaking persons who may need assistance are requested to contact Vernetta Mitchell at 704-531-4099.

Individuals or business owners with questions or comments about this study can contact Vernetta Mitchell, MGT of America, Inc., at 704-531-4099, or Vmitchell@mgtamer.com.

For more information, contact Michelle Hicks-Levy, Coordinator II, at 305-995-3003, or at mhicks-levy@dadeschools.net .

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13-JS/055/HD

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