County Executive Meyer announces 2022 department of Public Works disparity study

September 16, 2021

New Castle, DE – New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced a study to analyze whether there are disparities in the utilization of diverse firms in County construction contracts and in the local marketplace.

“I want to ensure everyone is getting a fair and equitable opportunity to do business with New Castle County,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “We’ve hired Keen to take a hard look at what we’re doing right, and where we need to improve. I look forward to hearing their recommendations.”

The County engaged Keen Independent Research to conduct the 2022 Public Works Disparity Study. The disparity study will provide data about marketplace conditions and any disparities in County public works contracting, as well as insights from business owners and other groups. It will be completed in early 2022.

Keen Independent Research is a national economic consulting firm that has performed similar disparity studies for state and local governments across the country.

The study includes a survey of area businesses to identify companies available to work on specific types of County construction contracts and subcontracts. The survey firm Customer Research International (CRI) will be reaching out to businesses by phone in September and early October 2021.

In addition, local study team member Hook PR & Marketing will be conducting in-depth interviews with local businesses and trade associations as well.

For more information on the study visit www.keenindependent.com/newcastlecountydisparitystudy [keenindependent.com].