Disparity is defined as an inequality. When there isn’t balance or equal footing, organizations, people, and ability for success is diminished. At MGT of America we work to bring our clients answers that are objective, fair, and provide a greater path to equality.
Our team of expert’s know how to appropriately guide you through the pitfalls and challenges inherent in conducting any kind of disparity analysis. Our professionals are experienced senior level staff who have conducted hundreds of studies across the United States and in doing so have helped many clients navigate the complexities and challenges involved in producing a legally defensible, accurate, and valid disparity assessment.
WHAT WE DO
Availability Studies
When conducting an availability study, MGT’s team of experts examine vendor and census estimates of prime availability. There are many valid resources to determine availability and it’s important, when choosing the basis of the study, that the correct data is reviewed. If there are no vendor or bidder lists, for example, census data can be an acceptable source.
This information combined with a known utilization is critical information to determine whether hiring goals are being met.
Benchmark Studies
You have to know your current state of operation to fully recognize the success of where you want to go. A benchmark serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged. It is a snapshot of their organization and allows a comparison of their current state of operation with other similar organizations and / or with set federal, state, and local guidelines.
At MGT of America we have conducted literally hundreds of benchmark studies and have the expertise to show our clients exactly where they are in regard to compliance. Our professionals provide data that is legally defensible, accurate, and valid.
Capacity Analysis
Organizations change. Simple economics causes change to any organizations on a regular basis. That change trickles down to the concept of capacity, or for our clients in regard to disparity, analysis of their capacity in regard to both prime and subcontracting limitations.
Our experts separate disparity ratios at the prime contractor and subcontractor levels. We also employ various forms of econometric analyses to control for capacity and use statistical and econometric methods to separate the influence of race/gender factors on disparities. By using this approach, disparity can be examined over a set of contracts, but excludes contracts too large to be performed by small firms.
In the end we employ a rigorous analysis to assess the extent to which capacity is a sufficient explanation of disparity. The result for our clients is a clear explanation of the state of equality in their organization.
Disparity Study Research
A disparity study fact-based technique used to provide evidence, in accordance with current case law, to determine how well an organization has involved small and minority owned businesses and to what extent, remedial programs for racial or gender discrimination are appropriate.
Our experts use a tested methodology of analysis that includes analysis of:
- Organizational policy and procedures review
- Legal Status
- Race and gender-neutral efforts
- Utilization
- Availability and statistical disparity
- Anecdotal research
- Private sector status
- Development of race- and gender-neutral and race- and gender-based remedies
Our nationally recognized team of experts have the experience that is critical in helping our client through the disparity study process.
Goal Setting for MBE, WBE, SBE, DBE Programs
Some clients already have the information as to where they are. That information is as important as knowing exactly where they want to go. At MGT, we help our clients define their target goals.
Our experts employ a goal setting methodology that is consistent with narrow tailoring requirements as presented in court rulings. If there is a strong basis in evidence justifying the adoption of MBE, WBE, DBE, or ACDBE goals, MGT specializes in the development of goal setting methodologies.
MGT provides recommendations for goals at both the prime contractor and subcontractor levels that incorporate race and gender-neutral alternatives prior to or in conjunction with race and gender-specific goals. These goal setting methodologies factor in both the availability of firms as well as the use of firms by an entity.
Litigation Support
MGT of America has an impressive set of credentials and experience that makes us well-qualified to conduct objective, legally defensible disparity studies. Of MGT’s completed disparity studies, none of the MBE programs, where the client followed MGT’s recommendations, have been suspended or challenged. This is a testimony to the quality and thorough detail MGT professionals provide to their clients.
Our experts have a crucial understanding of how to structure a truly defensible study by providing litigation support and expert witness testimony of minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprise programs around the country. We have an experienced litigation support team that includes credentialed expert witnesses with numerous peer-reviewed publications in econometrics, economics, and minority business as well as substantial litigation experience.
Very few disparity research firms have MGT's level of experience providing litigation support around the country and it continues to be an important and relevant factor to our clients.
MBE, WBE, SBE, DBE Program Evaluation and Review
The breadth of services we offer stretches to include process and procedures review. Many clients already have a well defined program in place but need to determine if, in fact, it is truly as effective as they believe. Our professionals can review current programs and make recommendations as to their effectiveness and legal validity. Also, MGT can provide solutions that allow for improvement in regard to not only the process, but also the best method for reporting. All of these factors are important to ensuring overall compliance for our clients.
Program Development and Implementation
MGT will assist clients with developing program policies, program definitions, communication plans, and ordinances for existing programs or as a result of factual evidence derived from a recent disparity study.
Because our experts have conducted multiple studies with a wider variety of clients, they can also train internal staff on data gathering, reporting, and outreach efforts, so important to the success of any program.
Contact us today to find out how our experts can help define the level of disparity and/or your organization’s compliance with regulations.