JEFFERSON CITY - The State of Missouri Office of Administration (OA) has announced that a series of group business owner and stakeholder interviews will be held between March 31 and April 10, 2014 as part of its State of Missouri Disparity Study for the minority and women owned business enterprise (M/WBE) program. As part of the disparity study process, business owners, stakeholders, organizations and other interested persons are invited to the group interview sessions. The interviews will last approximately two hours.
The interviews will allow for the gathering of input from businesses, community organizations and individuals regarding their experiences in doing business or attempting to do business with the state and its M/WBE program, and with any barriers to the full and fair inclusion of all firms in state contracting opportunities.
Interviews will be conducted in Kansas City, Springfield, Jefferson City, St. Louis and Cape Girardeau. Seating is limited and persons wishing to participate must register to attend. To reserve your place, please email missouri_study@mwbelaw.com or call 855-MWBELAW (855-692-3529).
The purpose of a disparity study is to compare the total number of M/WBE in Missouri to the number being used in state government contracts. The public’s insight and experiences with the State and its contracting process will help the Office of Administration to identify potential program improvements and support Missouri’s strategic objectives to increase collaboration and promote economic growth for all elements of our state.
The study is being conducted by Colette Holt & Associates, a nationally-recognized firm that specializes in disparity studies and minority and women business programs, in conjunction with local sub consultants from St. Louis and Kansas City.