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Request for proposals released for City of Boston disparity study

The disparity study will serve as the foundation for future equity-based policies, building on Mayor Walsh's 2016 Inclusion and Equity Agenda.

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Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston has released a request for proposals (RFP) to provide technical and administrative support for the development of a citywide disparity study. The RFP seeks a consultant to work with the Mayor's Office of Economic Development to design and conduct a disparity study in an effort to identify and address gaps, and ultimately strengthen the City's procurement practices across all departments and provide an enhanced platform for future equity-based policies.

The consultant will design and conduct a study to examine the extent to which disparities exists in the City's utilization of qualified minority and women-owned enterprises (MWBEs) as contractors and subcontractors, through departmental procurement practices, and of qualified female and minority workers and their work on City construction projects and on large City-assisted construction projects. Once complete, the study will give City leaders a more formal understanding of the marketplace of companies eligible to provide goods and services and who can contract with the City.

This study will build on progress made through the City's Economic Inclusion and Equity Agenda, which helps policymakers strengthen or adjust current policy to further remedy disparities, and implement strategies outlined in Imagine Boston 2030, the first City-wide plan in over 50 years. The study will also complement current initiatives the City is taking to provide pathways to quality careers and strengthen wealth-building policies, notably cross-certification  to streamline certification for minority and women owned businesses with the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, increased targets for the Boston Residents Job Policy, and small business technical assistance and lending programs.

  • Last updated:
  • RFP timeline:

    A Proposers' Conference to answer any questions will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 2:30 p.m, in the BPDA Board Room on the 9th Floor of City Hall. Responses will be due no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2017.

    • Disparity study RFP

    Disparity Study: Mayor's Office of Economic Development

    REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES AND/OR SUPPLIES: Requesting proposals from a qualified consultant or team of consultants to provide technical and administrative support for the development of a Disparity Study for the City of Boston. The specifics are more particularly described in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

    The City of Boston Office of Economic Development is seeking a consultant to assist the City in designing and conducting a Disparity Study. The requested services shall be completed across two project phases, described in the RFP. If the City decides to proceed with the second phase of the Disparity Study, the requested services will include extensive data analysis and the completion of a final and complete Disparity Study report.

    The Request for Proposal (RFP) will be made available on Monday, October 9, 2017, on the City’s Procurement website, and will be available until the proposal deadline.

    Written questions shall be received no later than 12:00 P.M. (noon) on Monday, October 16. Answers to written questions will be provided on Thursday, October 19, 2017.

    A Proposers’ Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 25, at 2:30 P.M. in the BPDA Board Room on the 9th floor of Boston City Hall. All interested parties may attend the Proposers’ Conference. Completed proposals must be submitted no later than 12:00 P.M. (noon) Friday, November 3, 2017. All applicants will be notified of funding decisions by Friday, November 17, 2017, for Phase I start-up Monday, November 27, 2017.

    The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or any part or parts thereof, and to issue a contract as the Official deems to be in the best interests of the City. This contract/ award shall be subject to the availability of an appropriation therefore. If sufficient funds are not appropriated for the contract/award in any fiscal year, the Official may cancel the contract.

    The issuing of this contract/award shall be subject to the approval of the Mayor of Boston. Please contact Krista Zalatores, Chief of Staff at 617-635-5723 or via email krista.zalatores@boston.gov for further information. The City of Boston is an EO/AA Employer. The City of Boston affirmatively ensures that Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Veteran Owned Small Business Enterprise (VOSBE) firms shall be afforded full opportunity to submit qualifications in response to this and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, transgender status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation or religion in any consideration leading to the award of contract. No qualified disabled person shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any consideration leading to the award of a contract.

    Related documents:

    About Economic Development

    The Economic Development Cabinet's mission is to make Boston an appealing and accessible place for working families, entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors to innovate, grow, and thrive in a way that fosters inclusion, broadens opportunity, and shares prosperity, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all Bostonians and the experience for all visitors.

    • Last updated:
  • RFP timeline:

    A Proposers' Conference to answer any questions will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 2:30 p.m, in the BPDA Board Room on the 9th Floor of City Hall. Responses will be due no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2017.

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