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Diversity gap in contracts may lessen

A study shows that Tampa falls short on hiring black, Hispanic and female contractors, so the city crafts an ordinance requiring more diversity.

By JANET ZINK
Published May 5, 2006

TAMPA - City officials said Thursday they will take steps to improve the number of contracts that go to minority and women business owners.

The move comes on the heels of a study that showed the city falls short on hiring black, Hispanic and female contractors for major projects.

The City Council voted to created an ordinance requiring more diversity, based on recommendations from a task force.

An executive order currently dictates business contracting practices.

The order hasn't been enforced and activities haven't been monitored, said Council member Kevin White.

"It's just a blatant slap in the face that no one has taken charge," he said.

Mason Tillman Associates, a California company, looked at contracts awarded between Oct. 1, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2004, in five categories, including construction, professional services and purchasing of material, equipment and supplies.

The results of the 18-month study commissioned by the city show that minority- and women-owned businesses are adequately represented in construction and construction-related subcontracts.

But the company found statistically significant differences between potential local candidates for major contracts and the work they received.

For example, minority- and women-owned businesses make up 49 percent of those that could handle professional services contracts worth $25,000 to $500,000, but received only 7 percent of the available city dollars. They comprise 46 percent of the pool for construction projects worth less than $25,000; they received 14 percent.

White males own 51 percent of the businesses that could handle contracts worth $25,000 to $500,000 but receive 93 percent of the work.

"This proves we have been discriminated against," said Joe Robinson, a black man who owns a Tampa engineering firm and is a candidate for City Council.

Black-owned businesses fare particularly poorly, according to the study. In one category, black-owned businesses make up 12 percent of the available market but receive less than 1 percent of the work.

Robinson said his company is qualified to do engineering for the city but hasn't had a contract in 10 years. He blamed the problem on staff members who aren't bound by rules to give work to minority- and women-owned businesses.

"They don't like us. It shouldn't be about like," he said.

Purchasing director Greg Spearman said Mayor Pam Iorio will appoint a task force to determine which of the consultant's suggestions for improvement are feasible.

Among other things, Mason Tillman recommended weighting the bids of major contractors that are part of the underused groups, expediting payment to minority contractors, requiring all city departments to comply with minority contracting requirements and separating large purchases into smaller contracts to open the door for small businesses.

--Janet Zink can be reached at 813 226-3401 or jzink@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 5, 2006, 02:30:26]