Statewide Disparity Study

The State of Oregon, Department of Administrative Services, Procurement Services (DAS PS) is seeking a consultant to conduct a comprehensive Statewide Disparity Study across Executive Branch Agencies, with a focus on jurisdictions including Marion County and the City of Salem. The study aims to identify potential disparities in public contracting and purchasing activities, providing recommendations to achieve parity in contracting practices. Proposers must demonstrate experience conducting at least five previous disparity studies within the last ten years, including two large City, County, or Statewide studies. The study will examine contracting and procurement practices for goods and services, construction, public improvement, and trade services over the period of July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021, covering approximately 105 executive branch agencies. Key deliverables include a detailed analysis of utilization, relevant markets, availability, disparity, anecdotal data, and economy-wide factors, with the expectation of 5-10 presentations on the study findings. The proposal was due by June 21, 2022, with the state anticipating contract completion by June 30, 2023, or within 12 months of contract execution.

The procurement encourages participation from small businesses certified by the Oregon Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID), though there are no specific set-aside requirements or mandatory goals for minority-owned, women-owned, or disadvantaged business enterprises. Proposers are required to submit a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan, detailing potential subcontracting opportunities and their approach to engaging certified businesses. The estimated budget for the consultant contract is $1.3 million, with an initial contract term of one year and options for renewal. While no incumbent vendor is specified, the state noted that data availability will vary by agency, with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) likely having the most comprehensive electronic records. The procurement process requires proposers to complete various certification documents, including a Responsibility Inquiry, Proposer Information and Certification Sheet, and Disclosure Exemption Certification. Proposers must also comply with state and federal laws, including requirements related to taxes, pay equity, and non-discrimination.