Prepared by The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering for the Connecticut General Assembly and the Government Administration and Elections Commission
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.