Black IT employment tops 616,000, but falls in some sectors

SAN FRANCISCO — African-American employment in the computer manufacturing industry fell to its lowest number since 2003 during 2008, while overall black information technology workers increased above 600,000, according to Silicon Ceiling 9: Equal Opportunity and High Technology.
The ninth report in an annual series analyzed Current Population Survey data which reported that an annual average of 82,152 blacks  worked in computer and electronic products manufacturing in 2008, compared to 84,641 in 2003.  The high water mark was 103,569 in 2005.

source: Silicon Ceiling 9 from Current Population Survey

Computers and electronic products African-American Employees 2003-2008

Number
Year
Percentage

84,641
2003
5.3%

89,490
2004
5.7%

103,569
2005
6.9%

91,822
2006
6.2%

90,707
2007
6.1%

82,152
2008
5.6%

John William Templeton, author, said, “There is a growing interest in cutting edge careers as black workers adjust to transformations in the global economy, however, some industries are falling short of their equal opportunity responsibilities.”
In 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was an annual average of 616,564 African-American employees in 13 high technology industry sectors, 7.6 percent of 8.1 million total workers.
That overall black high technology employment figure grew from 539,537 in 2003, 7.1 percent of 7.6 million total IT workers.
Templeton, executive editor of blackmoney. com,  said, “The growth is occurring in newer industry sectors which spotlights the importance of public policy to promote diversity through massive new investments in cutting edge fields.”
Wired telecommunications employment from African-Americans fell from 175,912 in 2003, 15.6 percent of the total; to 143,708 in 2008, 14.5 percent of the total.
Growth fields included computer systems design which saw growtn from 112,070 annual average in 2003 to 124,480 in 2008; and management, scientific and technical consulting which rose from 54,395 in 2003 to 78,952 in 2008.
“Many policy makers do not realize the vigor of the interest in cutting edge careers among African-Americans,” said Templeton.  “The tenth annual 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology demonstrates the depth and range of talent playing critical roles throughout the economy.”
The state of the African-American IT workforce is one of the topics to be covered during Innovation and Equity: 10th annual symposium of the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology, on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 at Pier One, Port of San Francisco.

Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Progam

 288.706  Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Program.–

(1)  The Legislature finds that it is in the interest of the public welfare to meaningfully assist minority business enterprises that are vital to the overall economy of this state. It is the intent of the Legislature to promote diversity in state contracting by eliminating barriers to minority business enterprises providing goods and services to this state. Finally, the Legislature recognizes the contribution of minority business enterprises to employment opportunities in this state.

(2)  The Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Program is created to promote the development of minority business enterprises, as defined in s. 288.703(2), increase the ability of minority business enterprises to compete for state contracts, and sustain the economic growth of minority business enterprises in this state. The goal of the program is to assist minority business enterprises by facilitating working capital loans to minority business enterprises that are vendors on state agency contracts. The Department of Management Services shall administer the program.

(3)  Notwithstanding ss. 215.422(14) and 216.181(16), and pursuant to s. 216.351, under the Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Program, a state agency may disburse up to 10 percent of the base contract award amount to assist a minority business enterprise vendor that is awarded a state agency contract for goods or services in obtaining working capital financing as provided in subsection (5).

(4)  Notwithstanding ss. 215.422(14) and 216.181(16), and pursuant to s. 216.351, in lieu of applying for participation in the Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Program, a minority business enterprise vendor awarded a state agency contract for the performance of professional services may apply with that contracting state agency for up to 5 percent of the base contract award amount. The contracting state agency may award such advance in order to facilitate the performance of that contract.

(5)  The following Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Program procedures apply to minority business enterprise vendors for contracts awarded by a state agency for construction or professional services or for the provision of goods or services:

(a)  Upon receipt of an award of a prime contract or subcontract, a minority business enterprise vendor may seek to obtain working capital financing from a participating financial institution. The minority business enterprise vendor shall complete all the necessary requirements of the participating financial institution in order to obtain a working capital agreement. A minority business enterprise vendor shall only be entitled to participate in the program if a working capital agreement is established with a participating financial institution.

(b)  The working capital agreement may provide for a line of credit that is no less than 125 percent and no more than 200 percent of the designated loan mobilization payment described in paragraph (c).

(c)  The designated loan mobilization payment is that portion of the base contract award amount that is to be disbursed by the agency under this section. The actual amount of the designated loan mobilization payment shall be no less than $5,000 and no greater than $250,000. The amount of the designated loan mobilization payment shall be:

1.  No less than 5 percent and no more than 10 percent of the base contract award amount between the minority business enterprise prime contract vendor and the contracting state agency; or

2.  No less than 5 percent and no more than 10 percent of the base contract award amount between a minority business enterprise subcontract vendor and a minority business enterprise or nonminority business enterprise prime contract vendor.

(d)  The designated loan mobilization payment shall be disbursed pursuant to the working capital agreement and this subsection and shall be made payable by the contracting state agency to the minority business enterprise prime contract vendor and the participating financial institution using the tax identification number of the minority business enterprise vendor that is the debtor under the working capital agreement.

(e)  The following procedures shall apply when the minority business enterprise is the prime contract vendor to the contracting state agency:

1.  Pursuant to s. 216.351, the provisions of ss. 215.422(14) and 216.181(16) do not apply to this paragraph.

2.  For construction contracts, the designated loan mobilization payment shall be disbursed when:

a.  The minority business enterprise prime contract vendor requests disbursement in the first application for payment.

b.  The contracting state agency has issued a notice to proceed and has approved the first application for payment.

3.  For contracts other than construction contracts, the designated loan mobilization payment shall be disbursed when:

a.  The minority business enterprise prime contract vendor requests disbursement by letter delivered to the contracting state agency after the execution of the contract but prior to the commencement of work.

b.  The contracting state agency has approved the minority business enterprise prime contract vendor’s letter of request.

4.  The designated loan mobilization payment may be paid by the contracting state agency prior to the commencement of work. In order to ensure that the contract time provisions do not commence until the minority business enterprise prime contract vendor has adequate working capital, the contract documents may provide that the contract shall commence at such time as the contracting state agency releases the designated loan mobilization payment to the minority business enterprise prime contract vendor and participating financial institution pursuant to the working capital agreement.

(f)  The following procedures shall apply when the minority business enterprise is the subcontract vendor:

1.  For purposes of this paragraph, the term “minority business enterprise subcontract vendor” is limited to subcontractors and suppliers to prime contract vendors that contract with a state agency.

2.  A designated loan mobilization payment for a minority business enterprise subcontract vendor shall be made:

a.  Upon approval by the contracting state agency of a letter from the minority business enterprise subcontract vendor and prime contract vendor that requests the designated loan mobilization payment and that indicates that the prime contract vendor is on notice of the request.

b.  Payable to the prime contract vendor and the participating financial institution, which shall pay these funds to the minority business enterprise subcontract vendor within 10 business days after the receipt of the funds from the state.

3.  No prime contract vendor shall retain more than 5 percent of the amount earned by a minority business enterprise subcontract vendor participating in this program, except that if the prime contract vendor is also participating in this program, the amount the prime contract vendor retains shall be subject to the provisions governing prime contract vendors.

(6)  All prime contract vendors shall be required to incorporate the designated loan mobilization payment procedures in subcontract agreements or purchase orders with minority business enterprise vendors participating in this program and to cooperate in the release of designated loan mobilization payments to achieve the objective of providing working capital for minority business enterprise subcontract vendors.

(7)  The contracting state agency shall encourage prime contract vendors to make weekly or biweekly payments to minority business enterprise subcontract vendors participating in this program.

(8)  The contracting state agency shall monitor compliance with this section. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit the contracting state agency’s right to insist upon strict compliance with the requirements of the contract documents.

(9)  The contracting state agency shall not be a party to a working capital agreement between a participating financial institution and a participating minority business enterprise vendor. The participating financial institution shall notify the contracting state agency head of vendor program applications received by such institution.

(10)  The Department of Management Services may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section.

(11)  The Department of Management Services shall maintain a listing of financial institutions willing to participate in the Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Program. This list of financial institutions shall not be exclusive. A minority business enterprise vendor who has a working relationship with a financial institution is encouraged to request that the financial institution apply to participate as a financial institution for the program.

(12)  The Department of Management Services shall collaborate with the Florida Black Business Investment Board, Inc., and the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to assist in the development and enhancement of black business enterprises.

History.–s. 1, ch. 2002-303; s. 1, ch. 2003-268; s. 4, ch. 2007-157.

Let’s try a real black Friday

On Tuesday, a coalition of civil rights groups plans to ask President Obama what he plans to do about the high unemployment in African-American communities.

Although the national rate is above 10 percent, most of the pain has been distributed among African-American workers, including 80,000 highly skilled information technology workers who do not have jobs in 2009 that they had in 2008, according to Silicon Ceiling 9: Equal Opportunity and High Technology.

Economists say the overall jobs picture will improve in the next quarter, just as the Gross Domestic Product moved into positive territory in the last quarter.

Beset with passing health care and tough decisions on Afghanistan and Iran, it is not likely that the President will choose to spend his political capital on a significant effort to boost black employment.  Hate to burst the bubble of the folks wearing Obama T-shirts, which I haven’t seen a lot of lately, but that’s just the reality of the situation.

There is more promise in the efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus to insist that financial regulation provide tough accountability on fair lending to businesses and homeowners, thereby bringing more liquidity into our communities.

However, the solution is not going to come from Washington.  Between now and Thursday, we will travel to gather with our relatives and loved ones to share a meal of Thanksgiving.  That day, we understand the importance of sharing and supporting each other.

I’m suggesting that we carry that spirit over to Friday morning.  Instead of rushing to the nearest department store early in the morning and buying something made overseas, sleep in late, or go to work and take the time to find an African-American business that you can make significant purchases from during the holiday season.  If you can’t find anything else, join the NAACP to support their advocacy on our behalf or make an extra offering to your church or community group so that they can help the needy this winter.

In Oakland, CA, James Moore has made that simple with his 25th annual Kwanzaa Gift Show, which aggregates hundreds of vendors.

The spirit of National Black Business Month has encouraged groups around the country to organize buying clubs.

There’s only one sure way to reduce black unemployment. That is to increase the number and scale of African-American owned businesses.

Despite our rough times, African-American income in this country is larger than the entire American Reinvestment and Recovery Act budget.    We need to definitely give thanks for the 30-fold increase from the $30 billion black income in 1968.

But if we really want to make the 30 million who perished in the Middle Passage smile, we’ll individually launch our own stimulus reinvestment in our own communities.   You don’t need to overcome a Senate filibuster or have hearings in the House.

Remember that scene in New York last year, when people died trying to be first in line at a store.

Instead, you can leisurely take the time to enjoy or begin a relationship with a vendor whom you can be proud of, and continue to patronize all year.  And whatever you buy, whether it be in person or online, will have a place of honor in your home or workplace.

In any event, this will be a buyer’s season and whatever discounts you might see on Friday will get even better as the holidays approach.

Let’s try a real black Friday.

Transforming the business landscape

Jumpstart sponsors this forum on Dec. 3

http://blog.jumpstartinc.org/index.php/archives/131

Tenth annual 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology announced Nov. 9

The first gathering to recognize the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology was a special moment for the family of Ronald Lee Jones.

There we were in the California African-American Museum in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, where just 15 years earlier, Jones had been standing on the sidewalk, hawking Olympic merchandise.

It was 1999, the year Prince had pointed to, and we had lots to party about.  Jones had been recognized as the inventor of the decade by Micro-Computer News for creating the Raster Image Processor to generate large format graphics from personal computers.  We gave him a special award for innovation with  lots of nieces and nephews and other family members, plus White House aides Jena Roscoe and Lori Perine looking on.

Mike Beasley, CEO of Icing Software, an IBM intrapreneural venture, was our Pinnacle Award winner.  He not only was a software management impresario, but we were moved by his service as the chairman of the MESA program for the University of California system, giving thousands of young people the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.

After the event, Mike and other 50 Most selectees joined us once a week at the Computer Academy at San Francisco’s Thurgood Marshall High School to motivate a class of special education students to create a business plan to start their own software company.

Roy Clay Sr., the man who had helped greenlight Intel, Compaq and Tandem, reviewed their submission and was quite impressed.

As we announce the 10th annual list of the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology on Monday, Nov. 9, I’m filled with memories of the legions of overlooked overachievers who presaged the change in the national climate by demonstrating that business excellence and community impact were not mutually exclusive.

When a young man named Obama emerged from the ranks of Illinois’ legislature with a pedigree of achievement and organizing, I remember thinking, he’s just like the folks who’ve been on the 50 Most list.

After being prompted by Clay and Dr. Frank Greene, his fellow member of the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame, to record the technical accomplishments of black computer professionals in an exhibition at the Tech Museum of Innovation in 1998, we cast the net nationally to find folks like Philip Emeagwali, who maintained an ongoing conversation with more than 150,000 school children on his website.

Every year since, there have been new landmarks to innovation and equity.  Dr. Greene could have rested on his laurels several decades ago, but even today presents his VRE Leadership Model classes in settings ranging from corporate board rooms to elementary classrooms.

Earlier this year, Earl Stafford stepped out of obscurity to give thousands an opportunity to enjoy the inauguration of Obama in his People’s Inaugural Ball, thanks to his success with Unitech.

Our reason for seeking out these incredible people is that there are many more like them waiting for an opportunity to show their dynamic creative spark.  We continue to insist that the ranks of African-American computer professionals should double to at least one million.

If Prince George’s County, MD can attract 14,000 African-American computer workers, then there’s no reason other locales can not aggregate the training, education and recruitment to reach those heights.

Our annual report, Silicon Ceiling 9, will show how few areas are making that effort, when we release it on Monday.  Billions of federal tax dollars are pouring into universities which can not find a dozen black engineering students and companies which do not even file required equal opportunity reports.

But it is the grace, fortitude and determination of the people who have made up the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology that demonstrate the business case for the same diversity in technology which has revitalized sports leagues in the past 50 years.

In our documentary Freedom Riders of the Cutting Edge, Roy Clay remarks that he was a pretty good third baseman and could have been brought into major league baseball at about the same time as Jackie Robinson.

Instead he got a degree in mathematics and became the Jackie Robinson of high tech, programming the first computer for a company which had told him there were “no jobs for professional Negroes” years before.

Clay and Greene and Jerry Lawson opened the doors for the schoolkids like Ron Jones or Mike Beasley to aspire to jobs in Silicon Valley.   We reflected on the legacy Ron Jones left during our ninth observance at Palo Alto City Hall earlier this year as his former attorney Ron Katz recalled what made the late Jones so special.  Another of our perennial 50 Most selectees, Chuck Smith of AT&T, also grew up as a kid with a learning disability in south Los Angeles.

The thoughts were tempered by the fact that we have and had made the effort to recognize the many African-Americans who have overcome doubters, nay-sayers and bigots to operate in the most highly technical fields with the same style they’ve brought to golf courses, tennis courts and football fields.

Any child who picks up The Black Students Internet Guide can see dozens of folks who look just like them, running some of the most advanced companies in the world.

I’ve always been impressed by the humility and shyness of these standouts, who have rarely sought the limelight.  But give them an opportunity to reach out to youth, and their glow will illuminate a stadium.

Ron Jones once covered the Minnesota Metrodome with posters to prove anything was possible.

The tenth annual 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology list will also make the exact same point.

Selectees will join us Jan. 15, 2010 at Pier One, Port of San Francisco for a symposium on innovation and equity from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Obama plus 1: innovation and equity

The one -year anniversary of the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States of America coincides with the announcement that the economy has returned to positive growth after the worst financial crisis of our generation.

In the process, the term “black business” has scarcely been heard from the Chief Executive, but the improving outlook still has bright signs for African-American entrepreneurs.

As passengers on the ship of state, we have an interest in it remaining afloat, particularly since we’ve been consigned to the lower decks of the economy.

Recently, there were concerns raised that the President waited nine months to visit New Orleans, one of the sore spots of economic equity after Hurricane Katrina, but a realistic look indicates that it is far more important that he nominated a native of the Ninth Ward to head the Environmental Protection Agency and has repeatedly sent teams of Cabinet secretaries to the area to cut through the bureaucracy.

In general, black businesses and the black community are not going to get a lot of theatrics.   There was hardly any announcement of a letter directing that 23 percent of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding go to small and minority-owned businesses.

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and a talented new director of the Minority Business Development Agency have joined with a resurgent Small Business Administration to take up that agency.

Our challenge is to monitor the implementation of these directives, to engage policymakers with input about what is most effective and to propose ideas for improvements.

The old ways of going through the motions of supplier diversity are about to give way to a new sense of possibility for real transformation.  However, black businesses have not been given a gilded path, but instead an open door.  That’s all we need.

Financial regulation and health insurance reform have the potential to improve the environment for community-based entrepreneurship by allocating resources to much more productive pursuits, rather than leaking out of the country.

An array of science and technology leaders offer the role models to pursue the cutting edge industries of the future.

The policy ideas in the State of Black Business series will be helpful as the administration begins to address the specific sectors of the economy which continue to lag behind the national outlook.

Detroit entrepreneur building new plant

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5418154n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

Here is a link to Carla Walker-Miller of Walker-Miller Energy Services.

http://www.wmenergy.com/index.shtml

Compete for $10,000 in prizes by Oct. 31 in Florida

The number one issue which has emerged during six annual State of Black Business reports is lack of access to capital.

Florida has been a leader among the eight states which currently tackle that problem head on by providing direct loan programs geared to black-owned businesses.

In Walls Come Tumbling Down; State of Black Business, sixth edition, we describe the eight factors for black business success as policy initiatives which combine the same kinds of finance, training and infrastructure supports which major corporations have come to expect as entitlements.

While those big firms take the incentives and move jobs overseas, there is a much greater job creation potential from the community-based, neighborhood companies which can attract support through programs like the Black Business Loan Program in Florida.

Access Florida Financial Corp. is sponsoring a business plan competition to attract innovative business ventures which can apply for the loans.

This contest aims to generate the best ideas from the best universities and to integrate business students into one of the many small business resources available in Florida, the Black Business Loan Program (BBLP).

The submission deadline for a practical and usable complete business plan covering all aspects of the business is October 31, 2009. In November, 2009, finalists must also make a presentation lasting no longer than fifteen (15) minutes in front of an independent judging panel with the goal of selling the plan. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three plans. Total prize money will be $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third. An equal award will be made to the sponsor, if one exists. Additionally, all entries will be reviewed for possible funding within the BBLP.  Access Florida is limiting participation in this contest to business plans eligible for financing under the BBLP (Florida Statutes Chapter 288.7102-3).

Real estate prices sparking investment

As the first time home buyer tax credit comes to a close, savvy real estate investors are beginning to look at the low prices for homes in predominately black neighborhoods as a way to gain higher returns than equally low interest rates.

One investor who paid $75,000 cash for a house in Oakland, CA notes that he would have only generated less than $1,000 in interest on the same money.   He hopes to generate instead $15,000 per year in rent.

It has been more than 20 years since one could buy a house for so little anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, perennially one of the highest cost markets in the nation.

Even better deals can be found in other cities.   A blog called http://www.urbandetroitonline.com has drawn worldwide interest to the opportunities to buy houses for as little as $5,000 in Detroit, MI.

There is often a disconnect between those who have the available cash to purchase and those who need housing.

Yet these prices offer the opportunity for non-profits, investment clubs and individuals to make a substantial profit while meeting the need for affordable housing.

Fixing up such properties also creates a business opportunity and jobs.

The flip side of the subprime mortgage crisis, which saw thousands flood into the Cow Palace outside San Francisco for mortgage adjustments for the past week, is that prices are coming down to normal.

With new assistance from the Obama administration to state housing finance agencies announced this week and the last few weeks of the first time home buyer tax credit, everyone should look at acquiring some real estate.

For families and individuals who have not begun saving for retirement, this offers an opportunity to jump start a nest egg for later living.

MBDA director testifies to Congress

WRITTEN TESTIMONY OF DAVID A. HINSON, NATIONAL DIRECTOR MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection The Minority Business Development Agency: Enhancing the Prospects for Success October 15, 2009 1:00 p.m. Chairman Rush, Ranking Member Radanovich, and Members of the Subcommittee: Thank you for inviting the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) here today to discuss how MBDA and the Department of Commerce is helping create wealth and jobs in the minority business community and the global economy. My name is David A. Hinson and I am the National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, which is an operating bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.  I was appointed as the MBDA National Director by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on July, 15, 2009 and, prior to joining MBDA, I was President and CEO of a multi-million dollar independent, financial advisory boutique. Joining me today are Edith McCloud, Associate Director for Management, and Efrain Gonzalez, Chief of the Office of Business Development.  They play integral roles in implementing our programs and are both experts in the field of minority business development. My testimony is organized around three major discussion points.  First, I will provide an overview of MBDA and its accomplishments in assisting the minority business community.  Second, I will briefly address the barriers faced by minority-owned businesses.  Third, I will discuss why MBDA is an important catalyst in building a stronger minority business community. I. Overview of MBDA and Its Accomplishments MBDA History and Mission MBDA has been in existence for over forty years.  The Agency was originally established as the Office of Minority Business Enterprise by President Nixon on March 5, 1969, pursuant to Executive Order 11458.  By establishing a federal agency dedicated exclusively to minority business enterprise, President Nixon recognized the impact of minority businesses on the nation’s economy and on the general welfare of the country. On October 13, 1971, President Nixon issued Executive Order 11625, which clarified the Agency’s authority and expanded the scope of its operations.  The Agency continues to be authorized by Executive Order 11625, as amended, and receives annual appropriations from Congress. Under Executive Order 11625, MBDA is responsible for: • Coordinating the plans, programs and operations of federal agencies to strengthen minority business enterprises (MBEs); • Promoting the mobilization of activities and resources of state and local governments, businesses and trade associations, universities, foundations, professional organizations towards the growth of MBEs; • Establishing a center for the development, collection, summarization and dissemination of information for and about minority businesses; and • Providing financial assistance to public and private organizations so they may render technical and management assistance to MBEs. MBDA’s vision is economic prosperity for all American business enterprises and the Agency’s mission is to foster the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. businesses that are minority-owned.  MBDA is the only federal agency created specifically to facilitate equal economic opportunity for the nation’s minority-owned businesses. Eliminating discriminatory barriers and thereby creating financial opportunity in communities of color is the most effective means to secure personal and family well-being and to reduce dependence on government services. Wealth creation provides an opportunity for more citizens to make philanthropic investments, engage in civic activities and to increase savings.  It is my mission that each Member of Congress comes to understand the positive economic contributions that MBDA makes both in their local communities and to the entire nation. Delivery of Services MBDA’s service delivery program was developed in collaboration with the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.  Through this collaboration, the Agency’s service delivery model follows a systems-integrated approach and is supported by the following key components: • Strategy – plans for achieving sustainable competitive advantage and creating customer value; • Processes – efficiencies and effective ways of manufacturing products or delivery of services; • Architecture – organizational and value chain structure to implement the strategy and key processes; • Resources – the acquisition and management of financial, human, and technical assets; • Systems – mechanisms for control and communication, including, but not limited to, management information systems (MIS); and • Employee Empowerment – delegation in a way that encourages staff to pursue strategic initiatives and continuous improvement. Based upon the needs of the client, MBDA provides the following business consulting services through its nationwide network of minority business centers: • Business consulting; • Procurement matching; • Private equity and venture capital sourcing; • Bonding assistance and loan packaging; • Strategic partnering (e.g., business-to-business, teaming, joint ventures, etc.); and • Market promotion of clients to prime contractors and other buyers. MBDA provides services to minority businesses of all sizes, but places an emphasis on those firms with $1M or more in annual revenue.  Through its strategic growth initiative, MBDA aims to create a new generation of businesses with $100M in annual revenue, which in turn will generate more jobs and provide a substantial increase to the nation’s tax base.  MBDA further targets growth industries, such as, but not limited to, clean energy, green technology and healthcare information technology, and follows a low-volume/high-margin business model. MBDA is sometimes confused with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  In fact, MBDA works with SBA on several initiatives, but our programs and primary focuses are different.  The nature of the confusion usually lies with the assumption that minority businesses are small businesses.  While the majority of minority businesses are small, MBDA maximizes taxpayer dollars by focusing on those firms that generate the greatest economic impact and job creation.  Therefore, MBDA often works with minority firms that exceed SBA size standards. Research and Information Dissemination The MBDA Office of Knowledge Management is the research arm of MBDA and manages the Agency’s institutional knowledge.  This unit administers and disseminates cutting-edge research studies, reports and MBE fact sheets to a broad constituency and serves a key role in educating government and external stakeholders with respect to policies and programs impacting the MBE community.  MBDA maintains a comprehensive library of reports and other publications, which are available to the public and accessible through the MBDA Internet website at: http://www.mbda.gov under the “Publications” tab. MBDA Nationwide Network of Minority Business Centers MBDA funds a nationwide network of 46 business centers across the following three MBDA programs:  Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC); Native American Business Enterprise Center (NABEC); and Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC), all of which are operated as public/private partnerships.  The business centers provide MBEs with a diverse range of individually customized business consulting services, including, but not limited to, assistance in formulating strategic growth plans, marketing campaigns, management and technical assistance and financial planning.  The centers are staffed by professional business consultants who have the knowledge and practical experience necessary to operate successful and profitable businesses.  Clients of the centers include business owned or controlled by Native Americans, Hasidic Jewish Americans, Native Hawaiians, Asian Americans, Alaska Natives, Pacific Islanders, Hispanic Americans and African Americans. The Economic Impact of an MBDA Center It is important to stress that this country needs strong minority businesses to achieve maximum economic growth.  This point is further supported by the U.S. Census data (discussed below), which indicates that by the year 2050 the population of this country will be majority-minority (people of color).  The positive economic impacts generated by MBDA centers are substantial and contribute importantly to the nation’s economic recovery and future growth.  On an annual basis, each MBDA center helps to secure an average of $23.5 million worth of contracts for minority firms and our high performing centers help to secure more than $100 million in contracts.  Each MBDA center also helps to generate an average of $24.8 million worth of financial investment in minority firms and our high performing centers secure more than $100 million in financial investments per year.  These contracts and investments directly support increased economic activity within the local community and throughout the region. MBDA centers provide management and technical assistance to minority owned businesses that result in additional contracts and financings that create jobs.  The creation of these jobs results in new taxes and spending in the minority communities where these businesses conduct their transactions.  Each MBDA center helps create an average of 121 new jobs per year with an annual average salary of $30,000.  As a result of the new jobs, 121 people in that community are shopping at local stores, expanding the economic and tax bases and providing services to others in their community.  An effective MBDA center can reduce unemployment, build stronger businesses, expand the tax base, create wealth, foster economic investments and bring global businesses to local and regional communities. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) MBDA must play a vital role in the successful implementation of the Recovery Act, which is a high priority of President Obama and is critical to the federal government’s efforts to jumpstart and to build the national economy.  The current economic environment presents a heightened challenge to the millions of minority business throughout the United States and the jobs that they create in local communities.  Many of these businesses rely on federal, state and local government contracting opportunities as a primary source of business. Specifically, Vice President Biden has asked Commerce Secretary Locke and SBA Administrator Mills to develop and to implement strategies to increase the participation of small and minority businesses in the Recovery Act.  Secretary Locke has directed MBDA to assume a lead role in achieving this important goal. To this end, MBDA has redirected $900K of its general FY 2009 appropriation (MBDA did not receive Recovery Act funds) to several of its business centers to focus specifically on Recovery Act opportunities for MBEs and is actively assisting its entire nationwide network of business centers and strategic partners in securing such opportunities for MBEs.  MBDA has also conducted and participated in national, regional and local meetings, forums, workshops, conferences and web seminars to disseminate Recovery Act information and to provide technical and management assistance to minority businesses.  MBDA has expanded its database of minority businesses and is able to provide this information to Recovery Act (and to other) procurement representatives upon request.  Importantly, MBDA is developing tracking systems so that it may monitor, evaluate and provide on-going recommendations with respect to the inclusion of MBEs in Recovery Act opportunities. MBDA’s Performance Accomplishments MBDA’s performance is evaluated primarily based on the annual number of new jobs created, and based on the total dollar value of contract awards and the total annual dollar value of financing transactions (e.g., equity financings, loans and other capital infusions) generated by the Agency. In FY 2008, MBDA and its nationwide network of business centers helped generate $1.034 billion in contracts and $1.090 billion in financial transactions for MBEs.  In FY 2008, MBDA also helped generate 5,316 new jobs and served 3,974 new clients.  In FY 2009, based on MBDA’s preliminary estimates, the Agency helped generate $2 billion in contracts and $729 million in financial transactions for MBEs.  In FY 2009, MBDA also estimates that the Agency helped generate 2,362 new jobs and served 3,045 new clients.  These performance accomplishments are noteworthy, especially in light of the nation’s economic environment during this period. While the numbers clearly illustrate MBDA’s tremendous value to the minority business community, as well as to the nation’s overall economy, the Agency’s impact is localized and perhaps more tangible through its many success stories.  For example, in Chicago, Illinois, an MBDA center provided an IT consulting firm with a comprehensive needs assessment, customized business consulting services, and with contract acquisition matching and bid assistance.  These services directly led to a $1.2 million increase in sales for the firm and created 8 new jobs in Chicago. II. Barriers and Challenges Faced by Minority Businesses Congress has conducted numerous hearings, and has received numerous reports, that demonstrate the persistence of discriminatory barriers that continue to limit contracting opportunities for minority businesses.  Evidence shows that these businesses (as well as women-owned businesses) face, among other barriers, discrimination in lending and access to capital; exclusion from business networks; and discrimination by prime contractors who reject participation on projects by minority subcontractors.  The evidence further demonstrates that the government must undertake efforts to level the playing field for minority business (and for women-owned businesses) to avoid becoming, in Justice O’Connor’s words, “a ‘passive participant’ in a system of racial [or gender] exclusion practiced by elements of the local * * * industry.”  City of Richmond v. Croson, 488 U.S. 469, 492 (1989) (opinion of O’Connor, J.). Unless these barriers are eliminated, minority businesses will continue to lag behind their non-minority counterparts undermining the ability of the nation to quickly regain its economic footing and to build a sustainable economy.  As part of my written testimony, I am submitting the materials contained in Appendix A and B.  Specifically, Appendix A provides a list of hearings and materials that have been presented to Congress and Appendix B provides a list of state and local government disparity studies. Studies conducted by MBDA over the last 10 years have cited other challenges faced by minority businesses.  These obstacles include: an underutilization of technology solutions; lower levels of education and business experience; and a narrow portfolio of products, services and customers.  Consequently, MBDA partnered with the private sector to design services to meet these challenges.  For example, MBDA worked with Microsoft and the Information Technology Association of America to conduct a series of technology workshops focused on e-business solutions.  To address the issue of business experience and education, MBDA partnered with the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College to provide executive education to minority entrepreneurs.  Through this partnership, numerous minority business owners went through a week long program that enhanced their strategic thinking and business planning capabilities.  Finally, to address the challenge of limited customers, MBDA has created opportunities for minority entrepreneurs to partner with major corporations through Business-to-Business matchmaking events and to expand globally by leveraging federal resources offered through the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, the Export-Import Bank, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.  In spite of these efforts, more needs to done to reach the more than four million minority business enterprises struggling in today economic climate. III. Why MBDA is an Important Catalyst in Building a Stronger Minority Business Community Projected Growth of the Minority Population and the Benefits of Economic Parity Based on U.S. Census data, minorities currently represent approximately 33 percent of the U.S. population and it is estimated that minorities will represent 54 percent of total U.S. population in the year 2050. Minority businesses make a substantial contribution to the U.S. economy, generating $661 billion in total gross receipts in 2002 and employing approximately 4.7 million people with an annual payroll totaling $115 billion.   However, this represented only 7.5 percent of the total gross receipts generated by all U.S. businesses (excluding publicly-held firms), notwithstanding that in 2002 the adult minority population represented 29 percent of the total U.S. adult population.  These disparities underscore the opportunity gap that still exists in the U.S. economy. MBDA’s long-term strategic goal is to eliminate discriminatory barriers so that MBEs may achieve economic parity.  If minority businesses were to generate total gross receipts in relation to the minority population, the U.S. economy would benefit from an additional $1.8 trillion in annual gross receipts, 11.4 million new jobs and an additional tax base exceeding $100 billion per year.   Moreover, minority firms have the potential to contribute significantly to the balance of trade as they are twice as likely to generate sales through exports compared to non-minority firms.   It is clear that the nation needs strong minority businesses to achieve maximum and sustainable economic growth, and that MBDA is a catalyst in growing minority businesses to size, scale and capacity. A more comprehensive discussion regarding economic parity for MBEs and on the business characteristics of MBEs is available in the following two MBDA publications:  The State of Minority Business Enterprises, An Overview of the 2002 Survey of Business Owners, Number of Firms, Gross Receipts, and Paid Employees; and the Characteristics of Minority Businesses and Entrepreneurs, An Analysis of the 2002 Survey of Business Owners.  These reports contain and examine in detail the empirical data summarized in my testimony and are also accessible to the public through the MBDA website at:  http://www.mbda.gov (publications tab).  In addition, I have provided these two reports to the Subcommittee’s staff and respectfully request that Chairman include both reports into the official hearing record. Obstacles to the Growth and Competitiveness of Minority Businesses and MBDA Strategic Priorities There is a continued need to implement programs that address the needs of minority businesses and to help them grow, particularly in annual sales and employment, and to close the economic parity gap.  Challenges in developing capacity, including lack of capital, increased contract bundling and intensified supply chain competition, among others factors, are adversely affecting the growth and competitiveness of minority businesses.  Programs tailored to minority firms with $1M or more in annual revenue, such as those at MBDA, are increasing access to marketplaces and capital for minority businesses. In order to build a stronger minority business community, MBDA has identified the following three strategic priorities and is implementing programs to achieve these goals: • Improve marketplace access and opportunities for minority businesses; • Improve access to traditional and non-traditional sources of capital for minority business; and • Continue to serve as a knowledge center and valuable resource for minority businesses and for other stakeholders. IV. Conclusion I would again like to thank Chairman Rush, Ranking Member Radanovich and the entire Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection for allowing me to testify before you today.  The Department of Commerce and MBDA are very encouraged by this opportunity and look forward to working with you to create an environment where minority firms have an equal opportunity to participate in the marketplace.  I respectfully request that my written testimony, including the appendix and the two MBDA reports referenced in Section III, be included in the official hearing record. I welcome your questions. V. Appendix Appendix A: Evidence of the Impact of Discrimination and its Lingering Effects on the Public Procurement Market:  Recent Congressional Hearings Addressing Public Procurement and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises Appendix B: State and Local Government Disparity Studies APPENDIX A Evidence of the Impact of Discrimination and its Lingering Effects on the Public Procurement Market Recent Congressional Hearings Addressing Public Procurement and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises 1. Reauthorization of Small Business Administration Financing and Entrepreneurial Development Programs Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 109th Cong. (April 26, 2006) 2.  Diversity: The GAO Perspective Before the H. Subcomm. on Oversight and Investigations of the H. Comm. on Financial Services, 109th Cong. (July 12, 2006) 3.  Strengthening Participation of Small Businesses in Federal Contracting and Innovation Research Programs Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 109th Cong. (July 12, 2006) 4.  Full Comm. Field Hearing on Participation of Small Business in Hurricane Katrina Recovery Contracts Before the H. Comm. on Small Business, 110th Cong. (April 12, 2007) 5.  Minority Entrepreneurship: Assessing the Effectiveness of SBA’s Programs for the Minority Business Community Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 110th Cong. (May 22, 2007) 6.  Full Comm. Hearing on the Small Business Administration’s Microloan Program Before the H. Comm. on Small Business, 110th Cong. (June 14, 2007) 7.  Increasing Government Accountability and Ensuring Fairness in Small Business Contracting Before the S. Comm. on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, 110th Cong. (July 18, 2007) 8.  Diversifying Native Economies Oversight Hearing Before the H. Comm. on Natural Resources, 110th Cong. (September 19, 2007) 9.  Expanding Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs: The Future of Women’s Small Business Programs Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 110th Cong. (September 20, 2007) 10.  Federal Contracting: Removing Hurdles for Minority-Owned Small Businesses Before the H. Subcomm. on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement of the H. Comm. on Oversight and Government Reform, 110th Cong. (September 26, 2007) 11.  Full Comm. Hearing to Consider Legislation Updating and Improving the SBA’s Contracting Programs Before the H. Comm. on Small Business, 110th Cong. (October 4, 2007) 12.  Mortgage Lending Discrimination Before the H. Comm. on Financial Services, 110th Cong. (October 15, 2007) 13.  Access to Federal Contracts: How to Level the Playing Field Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 110th Cong. (October 29, 2007) 14.  Preserving and Expanding Minority Banks Before the H. Subcomm. on Oversight and Investigations of the H. Comm. on Financial Services, 110th Cong. (October 30, 2007) 15.  Full Comm. Hearing on SBA’s Progress in Implementing the Women’s Procurement Program Before the H. Comm. on Small Business, 110th Cong., (January 16, 2008) 16.  Holding the Small Business Administration Accountable: Women’s Contracting and Lender Oversight Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 110th Cong. (January 30, 2008) 17.  Diversity in the Financial Services Sector Before the H. Subcomm. on Oversight and Investigations of the H. Comm. on Financial Services, 110th Cong. (February 7, 2008) 18.  Military Base Realignment: Contracting Opportunities for Impacted Communities Before the H. Subcomm. on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement of the H. Comm. on Oversight and Government Reform, 110th Cong. (February 8, 2008) 19.  Community Reinvestment Act: Thirty Years of Accomplishments, But Challenges Remain Before the H. Comm. on Financial Services, 110th Cong. (February 13, 2008) 20.  Doing Business with the Government: The Record and Goals for Small, Minority, and Disadvantaged Businesses Before the H. Subcomm. on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management of the H. Comm. on Transportation and Infrastructure, 110th Cong. (March 6, 2008) 21.  Subcomm. Hearing on Oversight of the Entrepreneurial Development Programs Implemented by the Small Business Administration and National Veterans Business Development Corporation Before the H. Subcomm. on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship of the H. Comm. on Small Business, 110th Cong. (March 12, 2008) 22.  Women in Business: Leveling the Playing Field Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 110th Cong. (March 19, 2008) 23.  Subcomm. Hearing on Minority and Hispanic Participation in the Federal Workforce and the Impact on the Small Business Community Before the H. Subcomm. on Regulations, Health Care, and Trade of the H. Comm. on Small Business, 110th Cong. (April 23, 2008) 24.  Opportunities and Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs on the 20th Anniversary of the Women’s Business Ownership Act Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 110th Cong. (September 9, 2008) 25.  Business Start-Up Hurdles in Underserved Communities: Access to Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship Training Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 110th Cong. (September 11, 2008) 26.  How Information Policy Affects Competitive Viability in Minority Contracting Before the Subcomm. on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives of the H. Comm. on Oversight and Government Reform, 110th Cong. (September 24, 2008) 27.  Infrastructure Investment: Ensuring an Effective Economic Recovery Package Before the H. Comm. on Transportation and Infrastructure, 111th Cong. (January 22, 2009) 28.  FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 Before the H. Subcomm. on Aviation of the H. Comm. on Transportation and Infrastructure, 111th Cong. (February 11, 2009) 29.  Full Comm. Hearing on the State of the SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs and Their Role in Promoting an Economic Recovery Before the H. Comm. on Small Business, 111th Cong. (February 11, 2009) 30.  Full Comm. Hearing on Oversight of the Small Business Administration and its Programs Before the H. Comm. on Small Business, 111th Cong. (March 25, 2009) 31.  DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Programs Before the H. Comm. on Transportation and Infrastructure, 111th Cong. (March 26, 2009) 32.  Recovery Act Contracting and Role of Small Business Before the S. Comm. on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 111th Cong. (May 21, 2009) 33.  Minority Broadcast Ownership Before the H. Judiciary Comm., 111th Cong. (July 9, 2009) 34.  Roundtable on Heathcare Reform: Small Business Concerns and Priorities, 111th Cong. (July 9, 2009) 35.  Doing Business with the Government: The Record and Goals for Small, Minority and Disadvantaged Businesses, H. Transp. Comm., 111th Cong.  (September 17, 2009).  Available at: http://transportation.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1003 36.  Senate Roundtable on Minority Entrepreneurship: Evaluating Small Business Resources and Programs, Sen. Comm. on Small Bus. & Entrepreneurship, 111th Cong. (September 24, 2009), Serial No. 111-. Available at: http://sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Hearings&ContentRecord_id=f364697c-1f0a-4499-a37b-fc7b86859585&ContentType_id=14f995b9-dfa5-407a-9d35-56cc7152a7ed&Group_id=43eb5e02-e987-4077-b9a7-1e5a9cf28964 Other Congressional Evidence A. 2006 37.  Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions, 152 Cong. Rec. S3213-01 (April 6, 2006). Available at: 2006 WL 890535. 38.  H. Small Business Comm., SCORECARD VII: FAULTY ACCOUNTING BY ADMINISTRATION RESULTS IN MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES (July 26, 2006).  Available at: www.house.gov/smbiz/Reports/ScoreCardVIIFINAL.pdf. 39.  Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions, 152 Cong. Rec. S8612 (August 2, 2006).  Available at: 2006 WL 2163661. 40.  Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions, 152 Cong. Rec. S10289 (September 27, 2006).  Available at: 2006 WL 2771447. 41.  Report on the Activity of the Committee on Financial Services for the 109th Congress, H.R. Rep. 109-742 (January 2, 2007).  Available at:109 H. Rpt. 742 (Lexis). B. 2007 42.  Introduction of Minority Entrepreneurship, 153 Cong. Rec. E828-01 (April 23, 2007).  Available at: 2007 WL 1188161. 43.  Debate on Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2007, 153 Cong. Rec. H4108 (April 25, 2007).  Available at: 2007 WL 1217464. 44.  Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions, 153 Cong. Rec. S8064 (June 20, 2007).  Available at: 2007 WL 1773921. 45.  Report from H. Comm. on Financial Services, H.R. Rep. No. 110-278 (July 30, 2007).  Available at: 110 H. Rpt. 278 (Lexis). 46.  Report on Small Business Lending Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2007, S. Rep. No. 110-154 (September 12, 2007).  Available at: 110 S. Rpt. 154 (Lexis). 47.  House Report of FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, H.R. Rep. No. 110-331 (September 17, 2007). Available at: 110 H. Rpt. 331 (Lexis). 48.  Report on the Small Business Venture Capital Act of 2007, S. Rep. 110-199 (October 16, 2007).  Available at 110 S. Rpt. 199 (Lexis). 49.  Report on Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act, H.R. Rep. No. 110-400 (October 22, 2007).  Available at: 110 H. Rpt. 400 (Lexis). 50.  HREuQuant, INCREASING THE CAPACITY OF THE NATION’S SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES (SDBS) (October 16, 2007).  Available at: informationpolicy.oversight.house.gov/…/20080924161641.pdf. 51.  Debate on Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act, 153 Cong. Rec. H12170 (October 30, 2007).  Available at: 2007 WL 3170798. 52.  Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions, 153 Cong. Rec. S13686 (November 1, 2007).  Available at: 2007 WL 3226074. C. 2008 53.  Government Accountability Office, MEDIA OWNERSHIP: ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCE THE NUMBER OF MEDIA OUTLETS IN LOCAL MARKETS, WHILE OWNERSHIP BY MINORITIES AND WOMEN APPEARS LIMITED AND IS DIFFICULT TO ASSESS (March 2008).  Available at: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-08-383. 54.  SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act Before the House Committee on Small Business, H.R. Rep. No. 110-595, pt. 1, (April 18, 2008).  Available at: 110 H. Rpt. 595 (Lexis). 55.  Committee on Homeland Security Majority Staff, SMALL, MINORITY, AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY– SELECTED ASPECTS, FY07 (May 2008).  Available at: 56.  Report to the U.S. Congress on Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development, Associate Administrator, Government Contracting and Business Development, Small Business Administration, 154 Cong. Rec. S9201-05.  Available at: 2008 WL 4299178. 57.  Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2008, Part II, 154 Cong. Rec. S9338-01, (September 23, 2008).  Available at:  2008 WL 4329851. 58.  Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2008, Part II, 154 Cong. Rec. H8588-02, (September 23, 2008).  Available at: 2008 WL 4329680. 59.  Extension of Remarks on the Disadvantaged Business Program, 154 Cong. Rec. E2174 (September 30, 2008).  Available at: 2008 WL 4411976. D. 2009 60.  Report on the Activities of the Comm. on Oversight and Government Reform, H.R. Rep. No. 110-930 (January 2, 2009).  Available at: http://web.lexis-nexis.com/congcomp/document?_m=f01934f39c0be6a8caa16fb3b9568e35&_docnum=1&wchp=dGLbVlb-zSkSA&_md5=5ea445d0c8e9b3f2b0ef295c389581e2 61.  Report on Summary of Legislative and Oversight Activities During the 110th Congress, S. Rep. No. 111-2 (January 9, 2009).  Available at: 111 S. Rpt. 2 (Lexis). 62.  Debate on Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009, 155 Cong. Rec. H7757 (July 8, 2009).  Available at: 2009 WL 1953905. APPENDIX B State and Local Government Disparity Studies 1. Measuring Business Opportunity: A Disparity Study of NCDOT’s State and Federal Programs, prepared by Equant for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (July 27, 2009) 2. City of Davenport Disparity Study Regarding Minority and Women Participation in Contracting, prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the Davenport, Iowa (June 2009) 3. San Antonio Regional Business Disparity Causation Analysis Study, prepared by MGT of America for the City of San Antonio, Texas (April 6, 2009) 4. Availability Analysis and Disparity Study for the Arizona Department of Transportation: Final Report, prepared by MGT of America for the Arizona Department of Transportation (March 26, 2009) 5. Consortium Disparity Study Update, prepared by BBC Research & Consulting for the City of Albany, Georgia; Dougherty County, Georgia; Dougherty County School System; Albany Water, Gas & Light Commission; and Albany Tomorrow, Inc. (August 20, 2008) 6. A Disparity Study for the City of Saint Paul and the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Saint Paul, Minnesota, prepared by MGT of America for the City of Saint Paul and the Redevelopment Authority of Saint Paul (August 4, 2008) 7. Measuring Minority  and Woman Owned Construction and Professional Service Firm Availability and Utilization, prepared by CRA International for the San Mateo County Transit District and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (April 14, 2008) 8. Race, Sex, and Business Enterprise: Evidence from the City of Austin, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the City of Austin, TX (May, 2008) 9. Alaska Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Study – Availability and Disparity, prepared by D. Wilson Consulting Group, LLC for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (June 6, 2008) 10. A Second Generation Disparity Study, prepared by MGT of America, Inc. for the City of Dayton, Ohio (August 8, 2008) 11. Race, Sex, and Business Enterprise: Evidence from Memphis, Tennessee, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority (December 18, 2008) 12. Quantitative Analysis of the Availability of Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses and their Utilization by the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, prepared by Jim Lee, Ph.D. for the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (November 2007) 13. City of Birmingham: Disparity Study Report, prepared by Pendleton, Friedberg, Wilson & Hennessey, P.C. for the City of Birmingham, Alabama (September 28, 2007) 14. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services: Disparity Study in Building Construction and Building Design, prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services (August 2007) 15. City of Philadelphia Fiscal Year 2006 Annual Disparity Study, prepared by Econosult Corporation for the City of Philadelphia Department of Finance (May 30, 2007) 16. Measuring Minority- and Woman-Owned Construction and Professional Service Firm Availability and Utilization, prepared by CRA International for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (December 14, 2007) 17. State of Tennessee Department of Transportation, prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (December 11, 2007) 18. Final Report for Development and Revision of Small, Minority and Women Enterprise Program, Nashville International Airport, prepared by Griffin & Strong, P.C. for the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (September 19, 2007) 19. A Study to Determine DBE Availability and Analyze Disparity in the Transportation Contracting Industry in Idaho, prepared by BBC Research & Consulting for the Idaho Transportation Department (2007) 20. Availability and Disparity Study for the California Department of Transportation, prepared by BBC Research & Consulting for the California Department of Transportation (2007) 21. Availability and Disparity Study for the Nevada Department of Transportation, prepared by BBC Research & Consulting for the Nevada Department of Transportation (2007) 22. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Disparity Study, prepared by MGT of America, Inc. for the Oregon Department of Transportation (2007) 23. The Prince George’s County Government: Disparity Study Final Report, prepared by D.J. Miller & Associates, Inc. for the Prince George’s County Government (November 15, 2006) 24. State of New Jersey Construction Services: Disparity Study 2003-2004, prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the New Jersey Disparity Study Commission (June 2006) 25. Minority Business Shares of Prime Contracts Approved by the Board of Pittsburgh Public Schools, January-September 2005, prepared by the University of Pittsburgh Center on Race and Social Problems (June 2006) 26. Multi-Jurisdictional Disparity Study Consultant Services: Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and City of Tampa, prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Office and City of Tampa, Florida (April 2006) 27. Race, Sex and Business Enterprise: Evidence from the State of Maryland, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the Maryland Department of Transportation (State Highway Administration, Maryland Aviation Administration, and Maryland Transit Administration) (2006) 28. Race, Sex, and Business Enterprise: Evidence from Denver, Colorado, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the City and County of Denver, Colorado (2006) 29. City of Atlanta Disparity Study, prepared by Griffin and Strong for the City of Atlanta (2006).  Race, Sex and Business Enterprise: Evidence from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Vol. I, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (2006) 30. Analysis of Essex County Procurement and Contracting: Final Report, prepared by the University of Minnesota Disparity Study Research Team for the County of Essex Disparity Study Commission (October 31, 2005) 31. Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission 2005 Disparity Study: Summary and Recommendations, prepared by BBC Research & Consulting for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (June 24, 2005) 32. Race, Sex and Business Enterprise: Evidence from the State of Washington, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the Washington State Department of Transportation (October 20, 2005) 33. Race, Sex and Business Enterprise: Evidence from the State of Minnesota, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the Minnesota State Department of Transportation (October 20, 2005) 34. State of New Jersey Disparity Study of Procurement in Professional Services, other Services, and Goods and Commodities, prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the New Jersey Department of State (2005) 35. The City of Phoenix Minority-, Women-Owned, and Small Business Enterprise Program Update Study, prepared by MGT of America, Inc. for the City of Phoenix (2005) 36. Georgia Department of Transportation Disparity Study, prepared by Boston Research Group for the State of Georgia (2005) 37. The City of Bridgeport Disparity Study Regarding Minority Participation in Contracting, presented by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the City of Bridgeport Connecticut (August 2005) 38. The City of New York Disparity Study, presented by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the City of New York (2005) 39. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County: Disparity Study Final Report, prepared by Griffin and Strong for Nashville and Davidson County (December 15, 2004) 40. Alameda County Availability Study, prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. for the County of Alameda (October 2004) 41. Disparity Study for the City of Peoria, prepared by Kevin O’Brien, Ph.D. for the City of Peoria (July 2004) 42. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Availability Study, for the Missouri Department of Transportation, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the Missouri State Department of Transportation (2004) 43. A Procurement Disparity Study of the Commonwealth of Virginia, prepared by MGT of America, Inc. for the Commonwealth of Virginia (2004) 44. A Procurement Disparity Study of the State of North Carolina, prepared by MGT of America, Inc. for the State of North Carolina (2004) 45. Race, Sex, and Business Enterprise: Evidence from the State of Illinois and the Chicago Metropolitan Area, prepared by NERA Economic Consulting for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (2004) 46. Colorado Department of Transportation Disparity Study Update, prepared by MGT of America for the Colorado Department of Transportation (April 6, 2001) 47. Broward County Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SDBE) Study, prepared by MGT of America for the Broward County Board of Commissioners (2001) 48. Kansas Department of Transportation Availability and Goal Setting Study, prepared by MGT of America for the Kansas Department of Transportation (2001) 49. Disparity Study for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, prepared by Griffin and Strong for the Commonwealth of Kentucky (2000)