CCSD launches study on equity in contracting

Posted at 11:19h in Clark County School District, Community, Press Release by Cassandra T

The Clark County School District (CCSD) launched a study to ensure equity of opportunity for small, minority, and women-owned businesses in bidding for construction projects, products, services, and supplies.

“We want to ensure that qualified businesses have equitable opportunities to compete and contract with CCSD for providing goods and services,” said Board President Irene Cepeda. “Our women-owned, small, and minority-owned businesses must have a level playing field when it comes to providing for our schools and students.”

CCSD contracted with Keen Independent Research for a study to analyze District contracts and marketplace conditions to determine if any disparities exist in the utilization of diverse firms.

“The results of this study will inform us if CCSD procurement opportunities are available to all businesses and how we can ensure fair outcomes for small, minority, and women-owned businesses,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara. “I look forward to reviewing the study’s findings and ensuring that District practices align with our values.”

The 2023 Disparity Study will provide data about marketplace conditions and any disparities in District contracting, as well as insights from business owners and other groups. It will be completed in spring 2023. 

Keen Independent Research is a national economic consulting firm. Team members have performed more than 200 similar disparity studies, including for NDOT, the City of Las Vegas, Clark County, and the University of Nevada Las Vegas, as well as other school districts in other states. 

Ericka Aviles Consulting and SW Marketing and Consulting will interview local businesses and trade associations. In fall 2022, Customer Research International (CRI) will be surveying businesses by phone to identify companies interested in CCSD contracts.

For more information on the study, visit www.keenindependent.com/ccsddisparitystudy2023. Business owners and other interested individuals can give input via: