Published by Keen Independent Research

The state of Colorado seeks to ensure that there is a level playing field for historically disadvantaged businesses to compete for state contracts. The Colorado Disparity Study found that there is quantitative and qualitative information suggesting that there is not a level playing field for minority (MBE) and women-owned businesses (WBE)in the Colorado construction, construction-related professional services, other professional services, goods, other general services, and brokerage and investment industries. This includes evidence of unequal opportunities to enter and advance as employees within certain industries; start and operate businesses; and obtain financing and bonding to start, operate and expand their businesses. Business outcomes also differed for MBE/WBEs compared with majority-owned companies, including disparities in total business revenues.