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To express the Council's acceptance of the findings of the MGT Performance, City of Richmond, Virginia Minority Business Enterprise, 2023 Disparity Study and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Office of Minority Business Development to (i) develop and implement a comprehensive plan of action based on the recommendations of such disparity study to promote equity in the City's procurement practices and (ii) conduct a comprehensive minority business enterprise disparity study every five years beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
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WHEREAS, the City of Richmond retained MGT of America Consulting, LLC to conduct a comprehensive minority business enterprise disparity study (hereinafter "the disparity study,") to assess whether minority-owned businesses face disparities in City procurement opportunities and whether those disparities are reflective of broader market discrimination or systemic barriers; and
WHEREAS, the disparity study examined procurement activities from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2021, across construction, architecture and engineering, professional services, other services, and goods; and
WHEREAS, the disparity study employed quantitative data analysis, qualitative interviews, and legal frameworks consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements to determine the presence and extent of disparities and potential discriminatory impacts in City procurement practices; and
WHEREAS, the findings of the disparity study concluded that disparities exist between the availability of qualified minority business enterprises and actual utilization in City contracting, suggesting the presence of barriers that impede full and fair participation by minority business enterprises in City contracting opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the disparity study establishes a compelling governmental interest and a legal basis for continuing and strengthening the City's minority business enterprise program in accor...
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