City of Little Rock 311

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a disparity study?

A disparity study examines whether there are differences between:

  • The percentage of dollars small and diverse businesses received on an organization’s prime contracts and subcontracts during a particular time period (utilization); and
  • The percentage of dollars one would expect an organization to award to small and diverse businesses based on their availability to perform on the organization’s contracts and procurements (availability).

The comparison between the utilization and availability of small and diverse businesses in an organization’s work is referred to as a disparity analysis. In addition to utilization, availability, and disparity analyses, disparity studies typically examine other information about:

  • Legal considerations surrounding the implementation of small and diverse business programs;
  • Conditions in the relevant geographic market area for individuals and businesses;
  • Contracting practices and business assistance programs organizations currently have in place; and
  • Potential program measures for consideration as part of organizations’ procurement policies

When will the disparity study be completed?

The study will be completed in May 2025. For the study schedule, click here.

What types of contracts and procurements are being studied?

The disparity study will examine prime contracts and subcontracts the City of Little Rock (the City) awarded between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2023. The study will examine construction, professional services, and non-professional services and supplies contracts and procurements.

What will the City do with information from the disparity study?

Information from the disparity study will help inform the City’s contracting and procurement practices and inform any supplier diversity programs the City may consider implementing. Among other information, the disparity study will provide:

  • An independent, objective review of the participation of small businesses, person of color (POC)-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-, and disabled-owned businesses (small and diverse businesses) in Little Rock’s prime contracts and subcontracts; and
  • Insights about how the City might improve contracting and procurement processes for Little Rock businesses and how it could better encourage the participation of small and diverse businesses in its work.

Will the results of the disparity study be made public?

Yes, the results of the disparity study will be made public at the end of the process.

How can I participate in the disparity study process?

There are several ways in which you can participate in the 2025 City of Little Rock Disparity Study:

  • Share your experiences. Share your experiences working in Little Rock or with City agencies by emailing the project team directly at LittleRockDisparityStudy@bbcresearch.com.
  • Join us for a public meeting. Join us for a public meeting where you can learn more about the disparity study process, ask questions, and share insights about your experiences working in the marketplace. For details about public meetings, click here.
  • Respond to our requests to complete a business survey. If you represent a business located in the Little Rock area, you may be contacted as a part of the survey process. If you are contacted, please help the project team by participating!
  • Respond to our requests to complete an in-depth interview. If you represent a business located in the Little Rock area, you may be contacted as a part of the interview process. If you are contacted, please help the project team by participating and sharing your experiences working in Little Rock.
  • Call us. Reach out if you have any unanswered questions about the study. For our contact information, click here.

The City will provide access to relevant disparity study notes, presentations, and reports below. Please check back periodically for updated documents throughout the course of the study.