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Cincinnati publishes MBE, WBE study, adopts recommendations

The City of Cincinnati has released the findings of a minority- (MBE) and women-business enterprise (WBE) disparity study, which found that the city could do more to include these businesses in the public contracting process.

According to the report, only 2.7 percent of the city's contracts were spent with African American-owned firms and 6.2 percent with WBEs since 2013.

"These numbers come nowhere near representing the diverse population of the city. While this is disturbing, we now have a basis to implement specific remedies to improve and ensure everyone is given the opportunity to compete for public dollars," said City Manager Harry Black.

To improve these numbers, the report recommend that the city establish MBE and WBE participation goals on contracts valued over $50,000. The percentages are:

• 17 percent to African American-owned companies for construction work
• 10 percent to white women-owned companies for construction work
• 14 percent to African American-owned companies for professional services
• 16 percent to white women-owned companies for professional services

The City Council unanimously approved these goals.

In addition to the goals, the Council adopted another piece of legislation that will make it easier for city agencies break up large contracts to make it easier for MBEs and WBEs to bid on them, as well as another measure that gives bids from prime contractors additional consideration if the provide training to entry-level minority employees.

For more information on the study, visit www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityofcincinnati/news/mayor-city-council-unveil-results-of-disparity-study.