1. What is a Disparity Study?
A Disparity Study determines whether a government entity, either in the past or currently, engages in exclusionary practices in the solicitation and award of contracts to minority, and women‐owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs).
2. What is the Purpose of a Disparity Study?
The study is necessitated in part by the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson. The court decision imposed legal requirements on jurisdictions to establish a “compelling interest” to support the establishment of a minority and women business program. The results of this study will determine if a compelling interest exists for the City to have a M/WBE program.
3. Why is the City of Knoxville Conducting a Disparity Study?
The City is conducting a disparity study to aid the City in evaluating and improving its current programs and to undertake all necessary and affirmative steps to ensure that Diverse Business Enterprises are afforded opportunities to participate in City procurements.
4. When Will the Disparity Study be Completed?
February 2023
5. How Can Local Business Owners and Community Stakeholders Get Involved and Stay Informed?
The participation of stakeholders and business owners is crucial to the Disparity Study’s success. The project team will be conducting stakeholder meetings, business owner interviews, sending surveys and holding focus groups throughout the course of the Study to gather information; local business owners and stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
The business owner meetings and focus groups will allow the project team to document anecdotal testimony from firms and/or individuals that have done business, or are interested in doing business directly with the City or indirectly through its prime contractors/lead professional consultants.
You can also share your insights about working in the local marketplace by emailing the project team directly at
[email protected] Data collected throughout the Study will be considered and incorporated into the final report.
6. What Types of Contracts Are Being Reviewed?
The study will focus on M/W/S/SDV/PDBE’s in the procurement categories of goods and services, professional services and construction from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2021 (FY 2017-FY 2021).
7. Will the Results of the Disparity Study Be Made Public?
Yes, the results of the disparity study will be made public at the end of the process.