Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking public comment from Small Business (SB), Small Diverse Business (SDB), Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE), and Disadvantaged Business (DB) owners on their experiences with Pennsylvania's government contracting system during four virtual public comment sessions being held as part of the 2023 Commonwealth Disparity Study.
The four public comment sessions will be held on Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 20. The comment sessions will provide a forum for SBs, SDBs, VBEs, and DBs to learn more about the Disparity Study process from the study consultant; ask questions about the study; and provide feedback on their experiences working in the state government contracting system.
The statewide disparity study ensures DGS meets the strict legal scrutiny and constitutional standards for its contracting programs as set forth by the US Supreme Court (City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Company). The study will examine the Commonwealth's procurement, policies, and procedures by looking at a variety of internal and external factors to determine areas where disparities may exist for small businesses and how the processes can be improved. In particular, the results of the study will serve as an empirical basis for determining the extent to which small diverse businesses/disadvantaged businesses face discrimination in state contracting. The Commonwealth's first ever comprehensive disparity study was released in 2018.
DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil recently outlined in an op-ed to the Philadelphia Tribune how the Shapiro-Davis Administration is taking action to improve opportunities for, small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses in the Commonwealth's contracting system. This disparity study is another step in the Shapiro-Davis Administration's commitment to continuing to make improvements and to expand opportunities in state contracting.
Please use the links below to join the specific session you'd like to attend:
- Wednesday, July 12, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/3BVLwcV
- Wednesday, July 12, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. https://bit.ly/3WvPVgh
- Thursday, July 20, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/3qfdWw4
- Thursday, July 20, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. https://bit.ly/3BY4CiK
Individuals unable to attend a comment session can visit the 2023 Commonwealth Disparity Study Website to learn more and submit comments or questions. All information provided is confidential.
MEDIA CONTACT: Troy Thompson, DGS, ra-gsdgspressoffice@pa.gov
# # #