Arlington County Virginia Disparity Study
Arlington County Virginia Disparity Study
WELCOME
Arlington County (Arlington) is conducting a comprehensive Disparity Study (Study), led by MGT Consulting Group (MGT). The overall purpose of the Disparity Study is to understand the effects of race, ethnicity, and gender on businesses’ ability to do business in Arlington’s marketplace – both public and private sectors, acquire capital and win contracts or subcontracts in the markets in which Arlington does business. This study focuses on small, women-owned, minority-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned (SWaMDV) businesses who conduct business within the Arlington region.
As part of that process, Arlington will collect data regarding the availability of firms owned by minorities, women, small, physically disabled, and disadvantaged persons, and the utilization of these firms as contractors and subcontractors in Arlington’s marketplace. In addition to analyses of quantitative data, the Disparity Study will also examine qualitative data regarding discriminatory barriers or behaviors (to the extent that it exists) provided by business owners, professional organizations, and other marketplace stakeholders.
We encourage ALL business owners to provide information about their experiences, particularly concerning discrimination while doing business or attempting to do business with Arlington and other public or private entities in Arlington’s market area. We hope that all firms, not just certified firms, will participate. For ways to get involved, please see the “Business Owner Engagement” page below.
Business Owner Engagement
Arlington County area businesses are invited to join an informational session to learn more about the study and participate in one of the several engagement opportunities:
Phase One:
- Live Informational Session
- Business Information Session (Virtual & In-Person)
- Introduces the study objectives and listen to businesses’ experiences of doing business or attempting to do business in Arlington’s marketplace.
- Businesses are encouraged to attend an information session as well as register for one of the engagement opportunities available within Phases Two and Three.
- Business Information Session (Virtual & In-Person)
Phase Two:
- Live Conversational Engagement
- Industry-specific Virtual Focus Group
- Industry-specific groups where participants of the same industry provide their experiences in a small group discussion.
- 1:1 Virtual Interview
- Allows businesses more latitude for additional information on their experiences.
- Industry-specific Virtual Focus Group
Phase Three:
- Traditional Survey Engagement
- Business Survey (Online or Phone)
- Businesses will be invited to complete a questionnaire online or over the phone designed to gather specifics about discrimination they may have faced doing business or attempting to do business in Arlington’s marketplace.
Throughout the engagement, businesses are also invited to contact us via email at arlingtoncountyvadisparitystudy@mgt.us or complete the Contact Form.
Reasonable ADA accommodations or Spanish translation will be made available upon a 3-day advance notice received by MGT. Additional languages may be provided if requested within a 3-day advance notice to MGT.
To learn more about the study, provide feedback, and participate in one of the Information Sessions as well as one of the Engagements, see further details below with specific registration links.
Industry-Specific Focus Groups: Businesses can choose to participate in one of the five industry-specific focus groups to provide their experiences. Focus groups are small group discussions with the same industry participants. To participate, please RSVP HERE or see further details below.
One-on-One Virtual Interview
Businesses have more latitude for additional information on their experiences. You can sign up for an interview via Small Planet Works – Calendly or you may be contacted by Small Planet Works if your business is in the random selection. Don’t take that chance, sign up today.
Business Survey Is Now Open
What are your experiences winning or bidding on contracts or subcontracts in Arlington County? The County looks to understand the effects of race, ethnicity, and gender on businesses’ ability to do business, acquire capital, or bonding in Arlington. MGT is currently conducting a business survey where businesses can let their voice be heard! Businesses can complete the survey online. If you run a business in Arlington County, weigh in today!
- Complete the business survey online by clicking the link Arlington County Business Survey or scanning the QR Code below
- To complete the business survey over the phone you can schedule time with Greensboro Staffing Consultants online via their link Arlington County Phone Business Survey or by phone at (571) 350-0894.
Input submitted via email, or the website is directed to the MGT team only. Responses are shared anonymously in the aggregate and do not disclose any personal information.
For More Information about the Study (24/7)
Business owners may submit their comments, regarding their experiences doing business, or attempting to do business, in Arlington’s marketplace via the Disparity Study Contact Form.
Business Informational Sessions
Although the Business Informational Sessions have commenced, you can still participate in the study by registering for a One-on-One Virtual Interview with Small Planet Works via Small Planet Works – Calendly. Or you can share your experiences through completing the online Arlington County Business Survey.
Industry-Specific Focus Groups
MGT held five industry-specific focus groups where participants with the same industry background shared their experiences winning or bidding on contracts or subcontracts in Arlington County in a small group discussion.
| Industry | Date |
|---|---|
| Other Services and Goods | November 8, 2023 |
| Non-Profits | November 9, 2023 |
| Construction Primes | December 5, 2023 |
| Construction-Related Professional Services | December 6, 2023 |
| Construction Subcontractors | January 23, 2024 |
Missed your Focus Group Session?
You can still participate in the study by registering for a One-on-One Virtual Interview with Small Planet Works via Small Planet Works – Calendly. Or you can share your experiences through completing the online Arlington County Business Survey.
Contact Us
Disparity Study Contact Form – ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DIRECTED TO MGT CONSULTING TEAM ONLY AND SENT TO arlingtoncountyvadisparitystudy@mgt.us. Responses are shared anonymously in the aggregate and do not disclose any personal information.
You may use this form to submit written comments about your experiences with Arlington County. Please provide details of your experiences doing business, or attempting to do business, with Arlington or in the marketplace. Please be specific in your comments regarding the entities involved, as well as the date and location for the experiences that you share.