- Connecticut agencies to pursue independent review of state’s contracting practices
- Study will identify whether any disparities exist in how contracts are awarded
- Goal of addressing any equity issues while providing businesses with information on potential opportunities
Summary by Dirk Langeveld
Connecticut is pursuing an independent study to review state contracting practices, seeking to identify and address any inequities in how contracts are awarded.
The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, in consultation with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, has been charged with this task. It has issued a request for proposals for independent firms to conduct the study, and proposals must be submitted by July 2.
- The study will determine if businesses owned by women or minorities are underutilized in state contracting
- It will also identify any “unintentional institutional, procedural, or financial barriers” preventing smaller contractors from participating, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities
- Governor Ned Lamont says regular disparity reviews can identify any equity issues and help state agencies connect businesses with networking, mentoring, and training activities to make them aware of opportunities and how to take advantage of them
