What’s the Purpose of a Disparity Study?
Public and private institutions that are interested in fulfilling legislative and legal requirements for contractor and subcontractor diversity have trusted Mason Tillman to lead their disparity studies for over 30 years. If you are interested in creating a fair and equitable system for awarding contracts to minority businesses in your market area — contact us today!
Popular Uses for Disparity Studies
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Public Outreach and Marketing Campaigns
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Supplier Diversity Program Training
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Creating Uniform Procurement Materials
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Revising Bid Processes
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Developing Inclusive Staffing Methods
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Creating Advisory Councils and Watchdog Groups
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Enhancing Financial Management Systems
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Implementing a Sheltered Market Program
Our Experience
Since 1990, the experts at Mason Tillman have served as the prime consultants for disparity studies across the government, commercial and nonprofit sectors.
As a women-owned and minority-owned business, our consultants are experts in helping organizations expand their diversity and inclusion and small business opportunities.
Sectors Served
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Government — Federal, State, and Local
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Transportation Agencies
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Utility Providers
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Educational Institutions — Public and Private
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Housing Agencies
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Redevelopment Agencies
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Businesses — corporations, small and medium-sized businesses
Constitutionally Sound and Court-Tested
Did you know that none of our disparity studies has been successfully challenged in court?
Mason Tillman will construct a sound statistical study, utilizing cutting-edge data analysis, statistical methodology, and anecdotal research to deliver legally-sound results that stand the test of time. Let our population and performance accountability experts help your organization create a clear action plan to combat disparity in the workforce.
Some of our clients have hired diversity consultant firms in the past, without measurable results.
Our award-winning, data-driven process ensures that your study garners results that are meaningful and sustainable. To date, Mason Tillman has conducted over 140 disparity studies across the United States.
The United States Supreme Court ruling in the City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co. (Croson) and related case law provide the legal framework for conducting the Disparity Study. Specifically, Croson set the standard by which federal courts review both local and state government minority business enterprise programs.
The Court affirmed the longstanding legal precedent that programs employing racial classification would be subject to “strict scrutiny,” which is the highest legal standard.
Government agencies such as the City, under Croson, may adopt race-conscious programs only as a remedy for discrimination identified as statistically significant, and the remedy must impose a minimal burden upon unprotected classes.
The Court held that an inference of discrimination can be made prima facie if the disparity is statistically significant.
What Statistical Significance Means
If either the available prime contractors or the available subcontractors are underutilized, a statistical test is conducted to calculate the probability of observing the empirical disparity ratio or any less probable event. Thus, a test is performed to determine if a finding of underutilization is statistically significant
How A Disparity Study Works
Mason Tillman's personnel have a breadth of experience in performing disparity studies and setting overall diversity and inclusion goals. Each staff member serves across a variety of roles as needed, including technical support and research.
Each disparity study at Mason Tillman is developed along the following guidelines:
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Compelling Interest: The latest statistical models are applied to your data. Using a strong basis in evidence, statistically-significant trends are identified to reveal possible areas of discrimination in your organization.
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Narrowly Tailored: Mason Tillman will then work collaboratively with you to remedy the documented discrimination — including policies and procedures, as well as personalized training modules.
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Data-Driven: With the power of open data, in-person consultation, and online community engagement — you will find yourself in a position to present your study findings to a diverse audience.