PHASE ONE OF DISPARITY STUDY EXAMINING M-DCPS’ PROCUREMENT SERVICES DONE

MGT of America, Inc., a nationally recognized management and research-consulting firm, commissioned last March to conduct a disparity study at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) to determine if there were disparities between the availability and utilization of minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE), has completed the first phase focusing on capital construction and architecture/engineering services. The study was the subject of yesterday’s School Board Workshop.

The study reviews data from the period of July 2006 through June 2012.  It shows a disparity did exist in construction contracting at the prime level; however, this was due, in large part, to a lack of availability of prequalified African-American prime contractors, and not as a result of District policy or practices.

The District’s practice of promoting M/WBE contracting goals at the sub-contractor level resulted in a utilization rate in this category, which closely aligns with the racial demographics of Miami-Dade County as a whole. Also during the period between July 2008 and June 2012, the rate of African-American participation in sub-contracting ranged between 18.5 percent and 27.2 percent. This was a marked increase from July 2006 through June 2008, when the average participation rate was 10.1 percent.

Similar success was also shown in the review of total M/WBE data.  During the period from July 2008 through June 2012, M/WBE participation was an average of 79.4 percent, in contrast with July 2006 through June 2008, when the average rate of participation was 55.3 percent.

Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho expressed the draft would be reviewed by the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Review Committee, District Auditors, 21st Century School Bond Advisory Committee, and independent economic and legal consultants.

“We will continue to aggressively implement SBE policy,” said Carvalho. “We will use this economic data as a basis for respectful and inclusive policy that advantages all sectors of our community, rectifies historic disparity, while living up to the best business ideals.”

The Study credited the District’s policy of consistently promoting M/WBE utilization through construction management at-risk and the establishment of aspirational M/WBE goals as the main factors leading to this outcome. MGT further recommended that the District sustain these inclusionary practices to ensure that regression in minority participation does not occur in what has become a leading model for other public agencies working to promote economic equity within their business practices. Representatives from MGT were present at today’s workshop and provided a detailed overview of the study, its findings and recommendations. Phase two of the disparity study will include the procurement of services and goods.

For further information, contact Brian A. Williams, Economic Development Officer, Office of Economic Opportunity at 305-995-1307.

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13-JS/0266/HD

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