The City and County of Denver is assessing whether there is a level playing field for small and diverse businesses in public contracts and in the local marketplace. The City engaged Keen Independent Research to conduct this assessment. The study team will perform a disparity study to examine participation of small, minority- and woman-owned firms in City contracts as well as conditions for businesses in the local marketplace.
Study team member Customer Research International (CRI) will survey firms in the region to identify companies available for contracts with the City. The study team will also interview businesses and trade associations about conditions in the marketplace and any barriers to business opportunity. The City has a long-standing commitment to equity in its contracting and procurement through the Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO). Keen Independent Research will be evaluating the success of current City programs.
Keen Independent Research is a national economic consulting firm specializing in disparity studies for local governments. Principal David Keen and Senior Consultant Joseph Broad are leading this assignment. The study team includes local outreach and communications specialist Combs Communication Partners, national survey firm Customer Research International and the national law firm Holland & Knight.
The disparity study is anticipated to be completed and available on denvergov.org in late 2025.
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