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QUESTION
Council Member Won Revisits Disparity Reports and MWBE Utilization Tracking
2:14:53
ยท
3 min
Council Member Julie Won revisits revisiting the topic of disparity reports and MWBE utilization tracking. Michael Garner announces the imminent start of a new disparity study with CUNY, emphasizing efforts to enhance data collection for more accurate MWBE tracking. Garner hints at potential technological solutions for tracking MWBE contract awards and payments, though specifics remain under discussion. The conversation also touches on updates to methodology for conducting disparity analyses and potential changes to MWBE goals in administrative codes.
Speaker 2
2:14:53
And just to wrap up, we're gonna wrap up this hearing, but I wanna go back to the Disparity report, we're very, very happy to hear that you have a contractor you have a contract with CUNY, and we're expecting in November.
2:15:07
Has your office conducted any interim analysis on more recent contract data to track how and WWE utilization rates have changed?
2:15:14
Since 2015 when the last report was made, while we're waiting, if not, why not?
2:15:19
And should in progress be tracked more regularly even without a full disparity study?
Speaker 5
2:15:25
So with regard to the the the Sperity study, the opening meeting is scheduled for, like, right now, so my staff person's engaged.
2:15:34
There are final negotiations on the assignment that's taking place.
2:15:39
With with with respect to data, we're we're getting data more frequently, so we can use data as a tool to move forward in a way where we can correct of deficiencies.
2:15:51
And so the short answer is yes.
2:15:54
But we, as I indicated before, we are having conversations about investing into an information technology too, which will allow us not only to track MWD contract awards, but more importantly, to track MWA payments.
Speaker 2
2:16:11
What technology are you referring to?
Speaker 5
2:16:13
We we are we are we are still having having those conversations right now.
2:16:17
There there is something that we are looking at, but it would be a premature for me to talk about the exact product.
2:16:26
But in a very short period of time, we will be circling back around.
Speaker 2
2:16:31
For your new contract with Q And A for the disparity study, has your methodology for conducting fairity analysis or establishing availability benchmarks changed in any way since the 2018 study?
Speaker 5
2:16:44
Is is it what I I couldn't hear you?
Speaker 2
2:16:47
Has your methodology for conducting disparity analyses and establishing availability benchmarks changed in any significant way since the 2018 study for the year?
Speaker 5
2:16:57
Yes.
2:16:57
So in the scope of services, we are going to include THE NAMARO AGENCIES AND THEIR SPEND ALSO AS Well FOR THE FIRST TIME.
2:17:08
Reporter:
Speaker 2
2:17:10
AND ONCE THE NEW REPORT IS PRODUCED, how long until you update the MWD Eagles and the administrative code?
Speaker 5
2:17:17
It it will be soon shortly after that, but I would defer that to Charles.
Speaker 6
2:17:23
Yes.
2:17:23
Of course, we the city does not have the ability to change the definition of code ourselves that require local action.
2:17:30
So it would, of course, require more than just the display of the disparity setting itself.
Speaker 2
2:17:35
Okay.
2:17:35
Because the last time the administrative administration put the onus on the council to update the numbers, but it's it's within the administration's authority to update them.
Speaker 6
2:17:47
So I know that those numbers and I'll speak to those who or I'll defer those who actually set those numbers.
2:17:51
There's an ability to set the numbers, but if you're asking about changing local law 1 or as be closely called our 6129, which was your question, then that, of course, you know, if we're changing 6129, of course, we would need to partner with the city council.
Speaker 2
2:18:06
Okay.