Salem, OR – Today, the Department of Administrative Services, alongside BBC Research & Consulting, published the 2023 State of Oregon Disparity Study Report. 

The study was commissioned by BBC Research & Consulting to evaluate whether businesses owned by persons of color, women, and service-disabled veterans face barriers as part of Oregon state government’s contract and procurement processes. The report will help the state better understand outcomes in its contracting and procurement processes and help identify next steps to address any substantial disparities. 

In the study, BBC analyzed $3.1 billion of worth of contracts and procurements Executive Branch agencies awarded over the course of five years – from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022. The report provides details about the methodology and results of each analysis, along with recommended actions for the state.   

In the coming weeks, the Office of Procurement Equity will conduct regional engagement sessions throughout the state. Anyone who has contracted with state government, has an interest in state contracting, or who wants to learn more about the study is welcome to attend any of the following in-person or virtual sessions:

Central Valley Presentation: In-Person, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023  

• Host: Salem Capitol Connections  
• Location: Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry, 626 High Street NE, 1st Floor, Salem, OR 97301 
• Time: 7:30 – 9 a.m. 

Eastern Oregon Presentation: Virtual, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 

• Host: BBC Research & Consulting 
• Location: TBD, visit the disparity study website for event details 
• Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon 

Southern Coast Presentation: Virtual, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023  

• Host: BBC Research & Consulting 
• Location: TBD, visit the disparity study website for event details 
• Time: TBD, visit the disparity study website for event details 

Northern Coast Presentation: In-Person, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023  

• Host: DAS Office of Procurement Equity 
• Location: Seaside Civic & Convention Center, 415 First Avenue, Seaside, OR 97138    
• Time: 10 a.m. – noon 

Southern Oregon Presentation: In-Person, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 

• Host: Rouge Community College/Higher Education Center, SBDC 
• Location: Rouge Community College, 101 S Bartlett St, Medford, OR 97501  
• Time: 1 – 3 p.m. 

Central Oregon Presentation: In-Person, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023  

• Host: City of Bend, Equity Office  
• Location: TBD, visit the disparity study website for event details 
• Time: 10 a.m. – noon  

Portland Metro Presentation: In-Person, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 

• Host: City of Portland, Port of Portland  
• Location: City of Portland, 1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 108, Portland, OR 97204    
• Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. 

For more information about the 2023 State of Oregon Disparity Study Report and upcoming engagement meetings, please visit the study webpage at https://oregon.gov/das/pages/disparity-study.aspx or email or.disparitydata@DAS.oregon.gov.  

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