Frequently Asked Questions
The DGS Disparity Study (Study) is an evaluation of the California State’s utilization subject businesses – minority, women, LGBTQ, and certified small and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises on state of California contracts from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2023.
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The Study is being conducted to analyze state contracting practices to determine if all businesses, including but not limited to those owned by minorities, women, LGBTQ, and certified small and disabled veteran-owned businesses, have equal access to contracting opportunities with the State. It was mandated by Assembly Bill (AB) 2019 signed on September 29, 2022.
The Study aims to assess the percentage of contracting dollars received by the subject businesses, identify barriers to their participation, and provide recommendations to promote equal access to state contracts.
The industries being studied are architectural engineering and professional services, IT (Goods and Services), non-IT goods, and construction.
The Study will be guided by the United States Supreme Court’s 1989 decision in City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co., 488 U.S. 469 (1989) and its progeny.
The Department of General Services (DGS), Procurement Division (PD) has contracted the consultant Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd., a national expert in conducting disparity studies, to perform the Study. Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. will review the State’s contract records, identify market area businesses, and collect anecdotal accounts from business owners. The firm is based in Oakland, California.
The Study will take a minimum of 12 months to complete. The final report is expected to be completed and posted on www.dgs.ca.gov by December 2025.
Public Participation
Yes, the Study will involve a comprehensive community engagement plan with both in-person and virtual public participation meetings designed to collect input, particularly from underrepresented communities. To identify available businesses, Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd., will conduct a broad-based business outreach program. The State contract records, certification lists, outreach meetings, and trade and professional association lists will be used to identify available businesses.
Local business owners can participate in business surveys, telephone interviews, and public outreach meetings to share their contracting and bidding experiences and/or provide membership lists from local business associations.
The contractor will conduct six in-person meetings throughout California and five virtual meetings. Out of state businesses are encouraged to participate in the virtual meetings.
The public meetings will be held in Eureka, Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego. Registration for and detailed information on time and location for each public meeting can be found at www.cadgsdisparitystudy.org
Disparity Study Benefits
The Study will:
• Provide recommendations on outreach strategies, state program development, and contracting policy improvements.
• Identify best practices to improve the State procurement and contracting process for subject businesses.
Contact Information
Additional updates and information will be posted on the www.cadgsdisparitystudy.org as the Study progresses.
Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. can be contacted by telephone at (510) 607-8353, and by email at [email protected].