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The City of Madison is overseeing a Public Works Contracting Disparity Study to analyze whether there is a level playing field for minority- and women-owned firms when competing for City public works contracts and subcontracts. If there are disadvantages for minority- and women-owned businesses, the study will assess what the City might do to increase opportunities. This research will help the City determine if its Small Business Enterprise Program is effective for including minority- and women-owned businesses or whether other measures are needed.

The study will be completed by May 2015. Keen Independent Research LLC and a team of local and national experts are directing this study for the City Department of Civil Rights. Keen Independent Research conducts disparity studies throughout the country. It has offices in Denver, Madison, and Arizona.
The public will have many opportunities to provide input as part of the study.
 

  • The study team will conduct personal interviews with business owners, trade associations and other groups.
  • The study team will also perform telephone interviews with hundreds of area businesses.
  • The City will provide study results for public review and comment in early 2015.
  • The City will hold public forums in early 2015 to receive additional input.
  • Throughout the study, the public can provide input to the study team through the study website www.cityofmadison.com/madisoncontractingstudy, a telephone hotline (608-441-5110) and email address: contractingdisparitystudy@cityofmadison.com.

The final report will include analysis of this public input.

Contacts

  • Norman Davis - Department of Civil Rights, 608-267-8759