Local and state governments across America utilize disparity studies to better understand how their contracts and projects can be improved to provide equal opportunity.

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) has sent an invitation to the owners of Small Businesses (SB), Small Diverse Businesses (SDB), Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE), and Disadvantaged Businesses (DB) to participate in their four virtual public comment sessions being held as part of the 2023 Commonwealth Disparity Study to share their experiences with Pennsylvania's government contracting system.

Four public comment sessions will be held on Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 20. The comment meetings will allow the participants to ask questions about the study, learn more about the disparity study, and share their opinions about the government contracting process.

In accordance with the US supreme court's guidelines, the statewide disparity study guarantees that DGS's contracting programs adhere to the severe legal scrutiny and constitutional requirements. 

The study will look at various internal and external issues while examining the Commonwealth's procurement, policies, and procedures to identify areas where discrepancies may exist for small businesses and how the processes might be improved. The study's findings will help determine the level of discrimination small businesses and DBEs experience in state procurement. 

The Shapiro-Davis Administration is dedicated to making advancements and expanding opportunities in state contracting by undertaking this disparity study.

To join specific sessions, use the below-mentioned links:

• Wednesday, July 12, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/3BVLwcV
• Wednesday, July 12, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. https://bit.ly/3WvPVgh
• Thursday, July 20, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/3qfdWw4
• Thursday, July 20, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. https://bit.ly/3BY4CiK