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Dallas, Texas (June 15, 2001) - In June 2001, Dallas
Area Rapid Transit (DART) contracted Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd.,
to conduct a disparity study update based upon a three year period extending
from Mason Tillman’s last disparity study for DART in 1998 until 2000.
The updated study will apply the U.S. Supreme Court’s clarifications
of the Croson standard to assess DART’s Disadvantaged/Minority/Women
Business Enterprise Program for construction; professional and support
services; and supplies and equipment contracts.
To advise the public with accurate
information regarding the purpose, scope, and benefits of the disparity
study, Mason Tillman will coordinate project meetings with business
owners within the market area. The disparity study will then explore
DART’s role as either an active or passive participant in the discriminatory
marketplace by analyzing DART’s contracting records and conducting 50
in-depth anecdotal interviews with local business owners.
Established in 1978, Mason Tillman
has conducted 63 legally defensible disparity studies over the past
11 years. Four current key staff of Mason Tillman were members
of the team that conducted the 1998 disparity study for DART.
By using selected data pertaining to DART from the 1998 disparity study,
Mason Tillman will pass significant cost savings on to DART. Eleanor
Mason Ramsey, Ph.D., President of Mason Tillman, will lead the disparity
study update.
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