Disparity Study

Contacts

If you have any questions or comments regarding the 2024 MetroHealth Disparity Study, please contact:

MetroHealth Contacts

Brenda Carter  |  Supplier Equity Analyst  |  216-778-7756  |  [email protected]

Arlene Anderson, MCA, CDP  |  Director of Supplier Equity and Strategic Partnerships  |  216-778-5758  |  [email protected]

M3 Consulting Contacts

Alternatively, you can contact the M3 Consulting project team directly:

Daneilia Dwyer  |  Project Manager  |  404-827-9019  |  [email protected]

Larry Scott  |  Assistant Project Manager  |  404-827-9019  |  [email protected]

Study progress

MetroHealth will provide regular updates about M3 Consulting’s progress on the disparity study throughout its course.

Please check back periodically for those updates.

Project initiation

MetroHealth and M3 Consulting kicked off the 2024 MetroHealth Disparity Study in August 2024 with a series of virtual and in person meetings with various MetroHealth departments and representatives. M3 Consulting met with MetroHealth on-site August 26th to introduce the study, answer questions, and begin the data collection process starting with assessing and understanding contracting and vendor data that MetroHealth maintains.

Data collection

M3 Consulting began working with MetroHealth in August 2024 to collect data on contracts and procurements that MetroHealth awarded during the study period as well as information about the vendors that participated in that work.

M3 Consulting will engage in the following tasks in the coming months:

Data collection

M3 Consulting will continue to work with MetroHealth to collect data on contracts that it awarded during the study period and the vendors that participated in those contracts.

Data analysis

M3 Consulting will begin analyzing data that it collects from MetroHealth. M3 Consulting will begin assessing the subindustries that account for the majority of contracting, the geographical area that is most relevant to MetroHealth contracting, and the percentage of total contract dollars M/WBEs received on MetroHealth's prime contracts and subcontracts during the study period.

Community engagement

One-on-One interviews

The project team will conduct a series of one-on-one interviews with both non-minority and minority business owners on their experiences doing business or attempting to do business with MetroHealth.

Focus Groups

The project team will conduct a series of focus groups with both non-minority and minority business owners on specific topics related to their experiences doing business or attempting to do business with MetroHealth.

Public Hearings

The project team will conduct a public hearing. During the public hearing, the project team will present information about the disparity study, answer any questions, and solicit participants for any verbal or written testimony that they would like to share about their experiences working in the marketplace. Further details including specific dates, times, and locations of the meetings will be available soon.

Capacity surveys

In the late Fall of 2024, the project team will begin conducting capacity email and telephone surveys with businesses in the relevant geographic market area that perform work that is relevant to MetroHealth’s contracting.

If Miller3 contact your business, please participate in the community engagement and survey process to help ensure an accurate and comprehensive survey process.

The project team for the 2024 MetroHealth’s Disparity Study includes three firms that possess expertise directly relevant to conducting the study in a manner that meets the highest industry and legal standards.

• Miller3 Consulting (M3 Consulting), prime consultant and minority-owned firm based in Atlanta.
• Decision Point Consulting, a Women-owned business based in Akron
• Visibility Marketing, Inc., a MWBE headquartered in Cleveland
• Q & A Research—a Hispanic-owned firm based in California that has previously worked with M3 Consulting on disparity study efforts.

Miller3 Consulting

M3 Consulting, successor firm to D.J. Miller & Associates, Inc., is a 2nd generation, management consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. M3 Consulting specializes in inclusive policy initiatives, disparity study analysis, and Small/Minority/Women-owned business enterprise (S/M/WBE) program design and development.

Known as the “creators” of the disparity study industry, M3 Consulting conducted the very first disparity study in the United States for Hillsborough County, Florida in 1988, which correctly anticipated the direction of the U.S. Supreme Court. Since then, M3 Consulting has remained on the cutting edge conducting over 145 disparity studies across the country for government agencies including cities, states, school districts, gas companies, and transportation agencies.

The firm has conducted disparity studies in 9 of the 11 judicial circuits and engaged in litigation in 5 of the 11 judicial circuits, including the most conservative circuits: 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 11th.

The firm is proud of the fact that:

• NO M3 Consulting study has ever been overturned
• NO M3 Consulting study has been challenged since 1997

For more information about M³ Consulting, please visit www.miller3group.com.

Primary Contacts:

Daneilia Dwyer

Project Manager, Miller3 Consulting, Inc.

404-827-9019  |  [email protected]

Larry Scott

Senior consultant/Community Engagement, Miller3 Consulting, Inc.

404-827-9019  |  [email protected]

Decision Point Consulting

Decision Point Consulting, based in Northeast Ohio understands the regional nuances which cannot be overstated. Local market researchers stand at the forefront, armed with a deep understanding of the intricacies that define their communities. From subtle cultural nuances to pronounced economic disparities, these experts possess an innate ability to decode the factors influencing consumer behavior.

By delving into the fabric of local culture, our researchers uncover insights that might elude national firms. We understand the pulse of the community, from its traditions and values to its evolving socioeconomic landscape. This intimate knowledge allows us to tailor research methodologies that resonate authentically with local residents, ensuring that findings are not just accurate but also deeply reflective of the region's distinct identity.

Our ability to decipher the intricacies of local communities enables businesses to connect with consumers on a deeper level, fostering loyalty and driving growth. In a world where nuances matter, harnessing the expertise of local researchers is not just a strategic advantage—it's a prerequisite for success in today's dynamic marketplace.

Decision Point Consulting founded in 1994 we have adapted to the evolution of marketing research and strengthened our resolve with each technical change. Our foundation is the people, we adopted digital recruiting in 2009 but our market did not become fully engaged with Zoom meetings until after Covid 19 and we are a leader in the space.

Decision Point Consulting is a 100% Women Owned enterprise. All of our employees are college-educated and all bring a deep knowledge of the methodologies and precision to finding the target and digging deep to understand their motivations based on the parameters of the study.

An example of Decision Point Consulting’s relevant project experience is their work for the "Because I am a Girl" campaign, which consisted of over 1500 telephone interviews and 12 focus groups.

As part of the M3 Consulting team, Decision Point Consulting will provide support for data collection and race neutral analysis.

For more information about Decision Point Consulting, please visit www.decisionpointconsulting.com.

Visibility Marketing, Inc.

In 2020, Visibility Marketing Inc. (VMI) commemorated 20 years of "making you more visible," a slogan that symbolizes their mission. Founded by Montrie Rucker Adams, a writer and public relations practitioner, VMI initially operated as a traditional public relations firm before transforming into a marketing communications and stakeholder engagement company.

The company's primary objective is to assist clients in effectively reaching their key stakeholders with strategic messages, acting as catalysts for change by directly addressing client audiences and influencing behavior.

Clients have included The Dept. of Health and Human Services, The Ohio Department of Health, Cleveland Municipal School District, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University.

Specializing in performance-driven communication solutions that promote sustainable business practices, VMI caters to clients in the Northeast Ohio and Southeast regions, as well as in Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Recognized as one of the Council of Smaller Enterprise’s Ten Under 10 for its outstanding practices in innovation, growth/success, community and environmental value, diversity, promotion, and customer service excellence, VMI launched its "green visibility" campaign in 2011, focusing on environmental and organizational sustainability. Moreover, the SmartInclusion™ initiative was developed in response to environmental changes, including urban expansion through technology and innovation.

As part of the M3 Consulting team, Visibility Marketing will conduct the 3 focus groups, 20 one-one-one hearings, and 1 public hearing.

For more information about Visibility Marketing, please visit www.visibilitymarketing.com.

Q & A Research

Q & A Research, Inc. is a women-owned full-service quantitative and qualitative marketing research provider, but also operates Q & A Focus Suites (a chain of focus group facilities), as well as Hispanic Perspectives (a division of the company dedicated to Hispanic research). Q & A Research opened its doors in 1991 and within a few short years became among the top 100 fastest growing firms in the Bay Area twice, as reported by the San Francisco Business Times. The company now has three locations across the country and employs over 120 employees.

As part of the M3 Consulting team, Q & A Research will provide survey administration support.

For more information about Q & A Research, please visit www.qar.com.

The project team engages the community to determine the experiences of vendors attempting to do business with MetroHealth and in the marketplace.  We seek to gain insight and information from various perspectives by conducting one-on-one interviews, focus groups, public hearings and community meetings. The engagement with the community will begin late Fall 2024.

During the public hearing and community meetings, M3 Consulting will present information about the disparity study, answer any questions, and solicit participants for any verbal or written testimony that they would like to share about their experiences working in the marketplace. Further details including specific dates, times, and locations of the meetings will be available soon. Please participate and make sure your insights are included as part of the process.

What is a disparity study?

A Disparity Study determines whether a government entity, either in the past or currently, engages in exclusionary practices in the solicitation and award of contracts to minority, and women‐owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs).

What is the purpose of a disparity study?

The study is necessitated in part by the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson. The court decision imposed legal requirements on jurisdictions to establish a “compelling interest” to support the establishment of a minority and women business program. The results of this study will determine if a compelling interest exists for the basis of MetroHealth System’s diverse business program.

Why is MetroHealth conducting a disparity study?

MetroHealth System is conducting a disparity study to aid MetroHealth System in evaluating and improving its current programs and to undertake all necessary and affirmative steps to ensure that Diverse Business Enterprises are afforded opportunities to participate in MetroHealth System procurements.

When will the disparity study be completed?

December 2025

How can local business owners and community stakeholders get involved and stay informed?

The participation of stakeholders and business owners is crucial to the Disparity Study’s success. The project team will be conducting stakeholder meetings, business owner interviews, sending surveys and holding focus groups throughout the course of the Study to gather information; local business owners and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate.

The business owner meetings and focus groups will allow the project team to document anecdotal testimony from firms and/or individuals that have done business or are interested in doing business directly with MetroHealth System or indirectly through its prime contractors/lead professional consultants.

You can also share your insights about working in the local marketplace by emailing the project team directly at [email protected].

Data collected throughout the Study will be considered and incorporated into the final report.

What types of contracts are being reviewed?

The study will focus on contracts within the following procurement categories: Commodities, Construction, Franchise Haulers Services, Professional Services (CCNA), Professional Services (non-CCNA) and Trade Services.

Will the results of the disparity study be made public?

Yes, the results of the disparity study will be made public at the end of the process.

Please submit any comments that you may have about your experiences working in the local marketplace, working with MetroHealth, or about the disparity study.

Topic areas could include:

• Conditions in the local marketplace, including any potential barriers that businesses face in being successful or growing
• Contracting opportunities with MetroHealth or other local government agencies
• Business assistance programs that MetroHealth or other local agencies currently use
• Any recommendations for additional business assistance programs that MetroHealth could consider implementing

Your comments will be treated confidentially. They will be integrated as part of the project team’s analyses of local marketplace conditions without identifying you as the source

E-mail your comments directly to the project team at [email protected].