Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

The Connecticut Disparity Study was meant to provide an analysis of existing statistical data concerning the state’s current set-aside program, to determine whether its current form achieves the goal of facilitating the participation in state contracts of small contractors and minority business enterprises. Phase 1 of the study was on Connecticut’s set-aside program review and analysis, legal issues, and stakeholder anecdotal information/analysis. The primary conclusion indicated the state’s current program was intended to achieve this objective (i.e., eliminate discrimination in state contracting), but it was not designed as a narrowly tailored program and does not meet the strict scrutiny judicial standard for justifying a raced-based program.