RFP-26095 - MWBE Disparity Study

Baltimore City Public Schools has issued RFP-26095 to secure a qualified entity to conduct a comprehensive and legally supportable MWBE Disparity Study. The primary objective is to assess the existence, extent, and impact of discrimination against Minority and Women Business Enterprises within the public and private sectors of the Baltimore region, specifically regarding procurement opportunities with City Schools. The selected contractor will perform a market analysis of the Maryland economy, review procurement data across four key categories—construction and maintenance, construction-related professional services, other professional and general services, and commodities, supplies and equipment—and conduct interviews with 100 to 150 firms to gather anecdotal evidence of discrimination. The project will culminate in a draft report due by March 1, 2027, and a final report by April 30, 2027, providing remedial recommendations and best practices for MWBE programming. This is a fixed-price contract with an expected performance period of 18 months from the Notice to Proceed. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage portal by September 17, 2026, and must be divided into three volumes: a technical proposal, a financial proposal, and MWBE commitment forms. Evaluation is based on best value, with a maximum of 130 points awarded across criteria including financial volume, work plan, timeline, and personnel experience. The procurement includes specific goals for MBE (15%), African American MBE (15%), and women-owned MBE (10%). The awarded entity must comply with strict legal and constitutional parameters, including federal debarment regulations, Maryland state privacy laws, and various non-discrimination policies.