Howard County Maryland Disparity Study
Howard County Maryland Disparity Study
WELCOME
Howard County, Maryland (County) is conducting a comprehensive Disparity Study (Study), led by MGT Consulting Group (MGT). The overall purpose of the Disparity Study is to understand the effects of race, ethnicity, and gender on businesses’ ability to do business in the County’s marketplace – both public and private sectors, acquire capital, and win contracts or subcontracts in the markets in which Howard County does business.
As part of that process, the County will collect data regarding the availability of minority-owned, woman-owned and disabled-owned businesses, and the utilization of these firms as contractors and subcontractors in the County’s marketplace. In addition to analyses of quantitative data, the Disparity Study will also examine qualitative data regarding discriminatory barriers or behaviors (to the extent that it exists) provided by business owners, professional organizations, and other marketplace stakeholders.
We encourage ALL business owners to provide information about their experiences, particularly concerning discrimination while doing business or attempting to do business with the County and other public or private entities in the County’s market area. We hope that all firms, not just certified firms, will participate. For ways to get involved, please see the “Business Owner Engagement” page below.
Business Owner Engagement
Upcoming Events
Take the Vendor Survey Today
We encourage ALL business owners to participate in an online vendor questionnaire to provide information about your experiences in doing business or attempting to do business with Howard County Government and other public or private entities in the County’ market area.
24/7 Email and Website Comment Form
Business owners may submit their comments, regarding their experiences doing business, or attempting to do business, in the County marketplace via:
- email at howardcountymddisparitystudy@mgt.us
- submit comments using the Disparity Study Contact Form (See Contact Us page below)
Business Engagement Meetings, One-on-One Discussions, & Surveys
Howard County, Maryland area businesses can participate in the disparity study in one of several ways:
- Virtual Business Engagement Meeting
- Focus groups
- 1:1 Interview
- Direct Email
- Business Survey
Business Engagement Meeting: MGT Consulting Group will host one virtual business engagement meeting to introduce the study objectives and listen to businesses’ experiences of doing business or attempting to do business in the County marketplace. Businesses are encouraged to attend the meeting:
| Virtual Business Engagement Meetings | Date/ Time | Registration Required |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 6:00pm -7:30pm | Register Now! |
| Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | 9:00am –10:30am | Register Now! |
One-on-One Interview: Businesses have more latitude for additional information on their experiences. You can sign up for an interview at howardcountymddisparitystudy@mgt.us or you may be contacted by Chrysalis Collaborations if your business is in the random selection. Don’t take that chance, sign up today.
Business Survey: Businesses can complete an online or over-the-phone survey as part of the Study. Further details will be provided at a later date.
Input submitted via email or the website is directed to the MGT team only. Responses are considered confidential except to the extent disclosure is required by law.
Contact Us
Disparity Study Contact Form – ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DIRECTED TO MGT CONSULTING TEAM ONLY. Comments are considered confidential except to the extent disclosure is required by law.
You may use this form to submit written comments about your experiences with Howard County, MD. Please provide details of your experiences doing business, or attempting to do business, with the County or in the marketplace. Please be specific in your comments regarding the entities involved, as well as the date and location for the experiences that you share.