NEW ORLEANS – As part of the 2017 City of New Orleans Disparity Study, Keen Independent Research is conducting two public meetings as an opportunity to collect input for the study. Rescheduled due to Hurricane Harvey, the public meetings will be held today, on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Training, Resource, and Assistive Technology Center located at Oliver St. Pe' Center, Room 101, at University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Dr.
During the public meetings, participants will have the opportunity to voice their experiences with local procurement opportunities as a part of the research component of the study. The study team is analyzing city construction, professional services, goods and other service contracts awarded from 2012 through 2016.
Those unable to attend can view the video stream that will play live during the meetings here
The City of New Orleans Disparity Study, led by Keen Independent Research alongside local consultants, aims to analyze whether there is a level playing field for minority- and women-owned firms when competing for city contracts, reps said. Disparity study results will help the city determine if its existing State and Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SLDBE) Program is effective and if additional action is needed, reps said.
This disparity study includes collection and evaluation of any evidence of disparities or other evidence of discrimination affecting minority- and women-owned businesses in the public and private sector within the local marketplace. The study will include both quantitative and qualitative information about marketplace conditions.
