Disparity Study Information
The purpose of this site is to provide information and updates regarding the status of Metro's Disparity Study Project. This site will contain pertinent information regarding progress related to current initiatives, next steps, and any related news regarding the Disparity Study and its related recommendation implementation. This is your one-stop shop for information related to the project. Find information regarding Metro's disparity study history, access copies of the most recently completed disparity study, find information related to the recommendations made in the study and the timeline for next steps.
What is a Disparity Study?
A disparity study is a fact based technique used to establish whether or not underutilization of minorities and women exists in the purchasing practices of an entity. This fact based approach must be developed in order to establish the legal validity of any pursuant minority or woman owned business program.
In 1989, the Supreme Court ruling in the case of City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson resulted in the imposition of new standards on how local governmental entities may increase the participation of Minority and Woman owned businesses through the use of "programs". The ruling required the employment of a fact based approach to determining whether or not actual underutilization of qualified firms ready, willing and able to contract with a Governmental entity has occurred. Disparity studies are generally that fact-based approach. Disparity studies look at the percentage of minority and woman owned businesses in the relevant market who are qualified to do work and compares that to the percentage of contract dollars awarded to the same kinds of businesses.
Why is a Disparity Study Done?
A disparity study provides the statistical evidence necessary to determine whether or not the underutilization of minority and woman owned businesses has been injurious such that remedy in the form of established minority and woman owned business programs are necessary. Disparity Studies tend to offer recommendations of such programs and other initiatives aimed at increasing participation of minority and woman owned businesses thereby remedying the underutilization.
Metro’s Disparity Study History
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has engaged two separate disparity studies. The first was completed in August of 1999 and covered a time span of July 1, 1992 through June 30, 1996. This study was conducted by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. of Oakland, California. The second study was completed in December of 2004 and covered a time span of July 1, 1998 through June 30, 2003. This study was conducted by Griffin & Strong, PC of Atlanta, Georgia.