State of Maryland
Disparity Study
State of Maryland Disparity Study
WELCOME
The State of Maryland (“State”) is conducting a comprehensive Utilization and Availability Study (the “Disparity Study”), led by MGT Consulting Group (“MGT”). The overall purpose of the Disparity Study is to determine whether there is racial and/or gender business discrimination in the markets in which the State does business – both public and private sectors.
As part of that process, the State will collect data regarding the availability of firms owned by minorities and women, and the utilization of these firms as contractors and subcontractors in the Maryland marketplace. In addition to analyses of quantitative data, the Disparity Study will also examine qualitative data about business discrimination (to the extent that it exists) provided by business owners, trade associations, business organizations, and other stakeholders.
We encourage ALL business owners to provide information about their experiences, particularly with respect to discrimination, while doing business or attempting to do business with the State of Maryland and other public or private entities in Maryland’s market area. We hope that all firms, not just certified firms, will participate. For ways to get involved, please see the “Business Owner Engagement” page below.
Professional Organization Focus Group
Professional Organization Focus Groups:
Business organizations and trade associations’ participation and input to the State’s disparity study are critical to understanding your insight on discriminatory barriers faced by your constituents or members is an invaluable part of determining how discrimination has affected your constituents or members’ ability to conduct business in the State of Maryland’s marketplace.
If your professional organization would like to participate, please register below and complete the following Questionnaire
| Industry | Date | Time | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| MWBE Construction | May 22, 2024 | 9:00am-11:00am | Registration |
| Subcontractors | May 22, 2024 | 5:00pm-7:00pm | Registration |
| All Other | May 23, 2024 | 2:00pm-4:00pm | Registration |
Subcontract Data Collection: Firms that hold or had a contract with State of MD Agencies may be contacted by MGT or Armand Resource Group to submit subcontract information for MBE and non-MBE firms. If you are contacted, please promptly respond. If you want to submit your subcontractor data, you can email stateofmddisparitystudy@mgtconsulting.com.
Qualitative input from businesses owners is coming soon. If you are interested in participating in an in-depth interview or focus group, please email MGT at stateofmddisparitystudy@mgtconsulting.com.
24/7 Email, Voicemail, and Website Comment Form
Input submitted via email, voicemail, or the website is directed to the MGT team only. Responses are considered confidential except to the extent disclosure is required by law.
Business owners may submit their comments regarding their experiences doing business, or attempting to do business, with the State via:
- email to StateofMDdisparitystudy@mgtconsulting.com
- call 301-658-3440. An operator will answer your call Monday – Thursday 9 am to 4 pm and Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. After hours calls will be answered within 24 to 48 business hours.
- submit comments using the Disparity Study Contact Form (See Contact Us page below)
Meetings & Surveys
MGT Consulting Group will host meetings and conduct surveys as part of the Study. Further details will be provided as they become available. ASL and other language translations will be made available upon advance request.
| Industry | Date | Time | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor Focus Groups for All Industries | April 30, 2024 - May 30, 2024 | TBD | Sign Up |
Disparity Study Contact Form – ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DIRECTED TO THE MGT PROJECT TEAM ONLY. Comments are considered confidential except to the extent disclosure is required by law.
You may use this form to submit written comments about your experiences with the State of Maryland. Please provide details of your experiences doing business, or attempting to do business, with the State or in Maryland’s marketplace. Please be specific in your comments regarding the entities involved, as well as the date and location for the experiences that you share.