City of Alexandria Virginia
Disparity Study
City of Alexandria Virginia
Disparity Study
Welcome
The City of Alexandria (City) 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 City’s marketplace – both public and private sectors, acquire capital and win contracts or subcontracts in the markets in which the City of Alexandria does business.
As part of that process, the City will collect data regarding the utilization of small businesses and firms owned by minorities, women, small, physically disabled, and disadvantaged persons, and the utilization of these firms as contractors and subcontractors in the City’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 City and other public or private entities in the City’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
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.
Upcoming Events
Alexandria City area businesses can participate in the disparity study in one of several ways. ASL and other language translations will be made available upon advance request.
Business Information Sessions, Focus Groups, One-on-One Discussions & Surveys
City of Alexandria area businesses can participate in the disparity study in one of several ways:
- Business Information Session
- One-on-one Interview
- Industry-specific Focus Groups
- Direct Email
- Business Survey
ASL and other language translations will be made available upon advance request.
Business Information Session: MGT Consulting Group will host a business information session to introduce the study objectives and listen to businesses owners’ experiences regarding doing business or attempting to do business in the City marketplace. Businesses are encouraged to attend this meeting:
Virtual Business Information Session
| Virtual Business Information Session | Date/ Time | Registration Required |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday January 16, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:30pm EST | Register Here |
Industry-Specific Focus Groups: Businesses can choose to participate in one of the four industry-specific focus groups to provide their experiences. Focus groups are small group discussions with the participants conducting business within the same industry.
Focus Group Sessions - Businesses
| Industry | Date | Time | Registration Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Primes | Wednesday February 12, 2025 | 9:00am EST | Register Here |
| A&E and Professional Other Services | Wednesday February 12, 2025 | 2:00pm EST | Register Here |
| Goods & Supplies | Wednesday February 19, 2025 | 10:00am EST | Register Here |
| Construction Subcontractors | Wednesday February 19, 2025 | 5:00pm EST | Register Here |
One-on-One Interview: Businesses have more latitude for additional information on their experiences. You can sign up for an interview by emailing us at [email protected] or you may be contacted by Small Planet Works if your business is in the random selection. Don’t take the chance to be randomly selected, 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.
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 City marketplace via:
Email at [email protected]
- Submit comments using the Disparity Study Contact Form (See Contact Us page below)
Contact Us
Disparity Study Contact Form – ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DIRECTED TO MGT CONSULTING TEAM ONLY. Responses are shared anonymously in the aggregate and do not disclose any personal information.
You may use this form to submit written comments about your experiences with the City of Alexandria, VA. Please provide details of your experiences doing business, or attempting to do business, with the City 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.