Boulder County and the City of Boulder, Colorado, are assessing whether there is a level playing field for small and diverse businesses in public contracts and in the local marketplace. The County and the City engaged Keen Independent Research to conduct this assessment. The study team will perform a disparity study to examine participation of small, minority- and woman-owned firms in County and City contracts as well as conditions for businesses in the local marketplace.
Racial equity is a strategic priority for both Boulder County and the City of Boulder. The disparity study will provide data about marketplace conditions and any disparities in County and City contracts, which may support the need for local procurement reform.
Study team member Customer Research International (CRI) will survey firms in the region to identify companies available for contracts with Boulder County and the City of Boulder. The study team will also interview businesses and trade associations about conditions in the marketplace.
Keen Independent Research is a national economic consulting firm specializing in disparity studies for local governments. The firm has offices in Denver and Phoenix. Principals David Keen and Annette Humm Keen are leading this assignment.
The study team includes local subconsultant Combs Communication Partners, Customer Research International and the national law firm Holland & Knight.
The disparity study will be completed in summer 2024.
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