Nassau County Executive Laura Curran says that the New York state county is planning its first disparity study in 16 year studys. The goal is to identify issues with regards to the lack of contracts for minority- and women-owned businesses. Minority and women contractors across the county have for years felt they've received a lack of county contracts.

Margo Cargill, a certified MWBE vendor on the Nassau County controller's steering committee, told Newsday that “We have to have the data in order to justify the legislation...and without that data, if we don't have the numbers, we can't advocate for this on behalf of the businesses."  Contracting goals have never been implemented in Nassau.

Meanwhile, in nearby Suffolk County a disparity study has never even been conducted. The county though is now preparing to conduct its own disparity study.

The results of the forthcoming studies will help to improve contracting requirements so that underrepresented firms are not left behind. The goal is to create a fair playing field for minority- and women-owned businesses and to increase contracts for MWBE’s. Various programs also exist in the state to benefit small businesses in general and veteran and disabled owned veteran businesses.

For more see: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/minority-contracts-nassau-1.50107671