Keen Independent helped Arizona Game and Fish (AZGFD) re-design and update its 2020-2021 Hunting and Fishing Regulations manual based on research gathered through focus groups with users and staff across Arizona. One Arizona hunter commented, “This is the best I have seen it in over 30 years!” 2020 – 2021 Arizona Hunting Regulations

Keen Independent Research tackles big issues with powerful ideas.
After many years leading other consulting firms, Annette Humm Keen and Dave Keen formed Keen Independent Research in 2011 to provide focused assistance to businesses, non-profits and government agencies. We now have more than 20 professionals throughout the country.
Our tools include economic and market research, statistical modeling, policy analysis and business strategy. We find the story behind the numbers. Because our work is always about people, what we learn in one assignment sparks ideas in other fields.
The firm works with small start-ups to large organizations, leading projects from $10,000 to $2 million. We craft a working relationship, budget and performance timeline that fit each client. The common thread is independent advice that combines creativity, passion and brutal honesty.
Keen Independent Research prepared the final 2020 State of Colorado Disparity Study for members of the general assembly and the executive director of the department of personnel for December 1, 2020 receipt. It is the largest and fastest successfully delivered study of its kind. State of Colorado Disparity Study | OSC
Oregon Department of Transportation reports on its DBE Program. Click on the link below to learn more. ODOT’s DBE Report
Keen Independent is helping the City of Baton Rouge, the Airport and BREC develop a joint certification for locally funded procurements. Click on the link below to learn more about our work. Mayor Broome Implements City-Parish’s First DBE Certification Program
The City of Alexandria Disparity Study Survey will be available to business owners this week. Alexandria Mayor Jeffery W. Hall is encouraging local Central Louisiana businesses to participate in Keen Independent’s 2020 disparity study. Business owners in and around the City of Alexandria should anticipate a call from Customer Research International (CRI) to collect information […]
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Letter from Birmingham City Jail, 1963. In light of current events and with what our mission is as a company, we would love to share this important quote written by Martin Luther King Jr. from his “Letter From Birmingham City Jail.” https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html
Keen Independent is excited to announce that we are presenting the 2020 ADOT Draft Disparity Study. Click on the image below to see how you can get involved.
Keen Independent recently completed the draft disparity study report for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). ADOT will use results to set new overall goals for participation of disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in its federally funded contracts.
Keen Independent recently completed the final report for the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) DBE Availability and Disparity Study. HDOT will use results to set new overall goals for participation of disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in its USDOT-funded contracts.
Dave Keen, joined by Vivien Lattibeaudiere of Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), discusses strategies for the success of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. This webinar from February 2020 will be advantageous to public entities operating Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs as well as DBE firms. The information disseminated in the webinar was based on previous research conducted by […]
The City of Waco and Creative Waco are moving forward with Keen Independent Research in their feasibility study of a new performing arts center in Downtown Waco. The upcoming open house invites members of the public to interact directly with members of the study team at Keen Independent Research.
During a 4-day visit in Waco, Keen Independent Research commenced its study of the feasibility of a multipurpose cultural facility in the Downtown Waco Cultural District. Keen Independent Research is working in tandem with Theatre Consultants Collaborative, Victor Gotesman Performing Arts Facilities Planning and Venue Cost Consultants on the study.
The findings of the Baton Rouge Disparity Study by Keen Independent Research empowers city-parish leaders to work toward structural changes. Below are links to further information about the study.
City of Kansas City Workforce Disparity Study. Click for more on the Keen Independent presentation to the Construction Workforce Board.
May Bonfils Stanton Theater Feasiblity Study is being conducted by Keen Independent to evaluate next steps for the possible re-opening of the Theater.
Denver Arts & Venues has engaged Keen Independent to conduct the 2019 Venue Market Analysis and Feasibility Study.
Download the City of New Orleans Disparity Study Summary Report.
New Orleans responds to Keen Independent Disparity Study.
More news on Keen Independent’s disparity study for the City of New Orleans.
Commissioned by work2future, Keen Independent releases the Silicon Valley Dichotomy II study assessing the impact of economic stress on individuals living in Silicon Valley. Among the most impacted are the Latino, Vietnamese and Filipino immigrant communities, the African American community, and young adults.
City of Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) commissioned Keen Independent to conduct a workforce disparity study. The study examines hiring, retention, recruitment, membership and termination practices, of KCMO Metropolitan construction contractors, labor organizations and non-labor organizations. David Keen and Annette Humm Keen, Keen Independent Principals, are leading this assignment. They are joined by LMG Professional Services, […]
Keen Independent is conducting the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) DBE Availability and Disparity Study. This study examines HDOT’s contracting and subcontracting policies, procedures and practices relative to the solicitation of, and participation by DBEs in USDOT funded contracts. David Keen and Annette Humm Keen, Keen Independent Principals, are leading this assignment. They are joined […]
Annette Humm Keen and Dave Keen presented the Draft 2018 City of New Orleans Disparity Study results at the Mayor’s Conversation on Economic Equity in New Orleans. Landrieu-Minority businesses in New Orleans still face obstacles
In the News … Keen Independent releases one of the nation’s largest disparity studies ever conducted! Draft disparity study reports are posted for nine participating entities in Minnesota including: State of Minnesota Department of Administration, MnDOT, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Hennepin County, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Metropolitan Council […]
Keen Independent is working with the Transportation Research Board, Federal Highway Administration and state departments of transportation to learn more about the most successful and competitive Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and what state DOTs have done to help them. The results of this research may be published and made available to USDOT, state DOTs and […]
In September 2017, David Keen and Annette Humm Keen presented research results to the work2future board of directors from Keen Independent’s study on issues of poverty and workforce development in a county where the dichotomy in incomes and opportunity are extreme. As part of this study, Keen Independent examined paths to emerging from economic distress […]
Nine state and local government agencies in Minnesota have come together to analyze whether there is a level playing field for minority- and woman-owned firms in the local marketplace. Participating entities include the State of Minnesota, City of Minneapolis, City of St. Paul, Hennepin County and the local transit and airport authorities. The study launched […]
Louisiana Weekly reports on Keen Independent Disparity Study. Read the article here.

Keen Independent believes in practicing what we preach. We offer exceptional students and recent graduates with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to participate in our Diversity Scholar Internship program. We provide opportunities to develop quantitative and qualitative research skills through real world experience. Keen Independent also hones our Interns' writing skills. It is a paid internship. Students work flexible schedules, typically remotely, as part of larger teams.
Examples of past Diversity Scholar interns include Chi Huynh, honor student at University of Wisconsin; Nicole Lang, a University of Wisconsin Psychology and Political Science student; and Michelle Vered, an Arizona State University honors graduate in Economics and Political Science. For information on our Diversity Scholar Internship contact: info@keenindependent.com.