Queens Public Library Announces Business Disparity Study To Ensure Equitable Access And Inclusion In Contracting With Minority, Women And Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses
All Businesses Are Encouraged to Complete Online Form and Attend Upcoming Virtual Meeting to Share Their Experiences Doing Business or Attempting to Do Business with QPL and Other Entities
QUEENS, N.Y. _ Queens Public Library today announced a study to evaluate the Library’s use of businesses owned by minorities, women, and service-disabled veterans and the availability of these firms in the market – generally the Tri-State region -- where QPL buys its goods and services.
The disparity study, led by MGT of America Consulting, also will examine whether race, ethnicity, gender and service-disabled veteran status have a role in decisions to award contracts and subcontracts to vendors in this area. Founded 48 years ago, MGT of America has conducted hundreds of disparity studies for municipalities and nonprofit organizations across the country.
“We commissioned this study as part of our broader work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Queens Public Library, and to make sure we are a place of opportunity for all, including individuals and entities we are doing or attempting to do business with,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are looking for as many businesses as possible, regardless of whether they are M/WBEs or are owned by service-disabled veterans, to participate in this important effort.”
“MGT will focus on the Library’s utilization of vendors from underrepresented communities across its entire vendor community, and analyze if there is equal access to its contracting opportunities and best practices,” said MGT Director and Project Manager Vernetta Mitchell. “The results will help the MGT team provide recommendations to Queens Public Library that, when implemented, will aim to improve equity among contracting and purchasing processes.”
In the coming weeks and months, MGT will be in direct contact with M/WBEs and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, as well as other area businesses, for their feedback and has created a website -- accessible through the QPL website -- where they can provide information about their experiences with QPL and other businesses. In addition, MGT will hold virtual meetings for business owners, the first of which will be Thursday, May 25 at 9:30 a.m., and will reach out to trade associations and business groups to urge their members to participate. MGT will be collecting this qualitative data through August 31, 2023.
About MGT Consulting
MGT is a national public sector management consulting and technology services firm that delivers diverse consulting services to a wide range of state, local, and education clients across the U.S. and abroad. Leveraging a 48-year track record and reputation, MGT’s industry subject matter experts partner with thousands of public agencies to provide trusted solutions that improve government performance and help communities thrive. Visit MGT at www.mgtconsulting.com or on social media.
About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 200 languages, technology and digital resources. Prior to the start of the pandemic in 2020, the Library hosted more than 87,500 educational, cultural, and civic programs annually, and welcomed 11.4 million visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology center located in the nation’s largest public housing complex, two teen centers, two bookmobiles, and a book bicycle.
Media Contacts
Elisabeth de Bourbon
Queens Public Library
edebourbon@queenslibrary.org, 917-650-3815
Tiffanie Reynolds
MGT Media Relations
treynolds@mgtconsulting.com, 813-480-9749