Lone Star College Disparity Study
Lone Star College has engaged Griffin & Strong, P.C (GSPC) to conduct a Disparity Study (“Study”). The purpose of this Study is determine whether all qualified firms have the maximum practicable opportunity to compete for and participate in Lone Star College’s procurement process on prime contracts and associated subcontracts, and if indicated by the evidence, to utilize strategies to ensure such opportunity. GSPC will be conducting surveys, public hearings, webinars and other public engagement meetings to serve this purpose. If your firm is contacted to provide input, we thank you for your participation. You may also email us any comments or questions at LoneStarCollegeStudy@gspclaw.com.
ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE COLLECTION
Local Organizations
GSPC also desires the feedback of organizations that speak for the local business community. Local business, civic, and trade organizations may be contacted to participate. If you desire to meet with GSPC to discuss your organization’s perspective or relevant experience(s) working with Lone Star College, contact us at LoneStarCollegeStudy@gspclaw.com.
Anecdotal Interviews
The Disparity Study will provide an opportunity for feedback from business owners about experiences, both positive and negative, contracting with Lone Star College. Anecdotal interviews are one-on-one interviews with business owners to discuss their experiences doing business with Lone Star College or navigating business development in the region.
This testimony can play a critical role in improving current programs. Beginning with our Informational meetings in the Winter, the Disparity Study anecdotal process will involve the completion of anecdotal interviews, public hearings and focus groups. We estimate that anecdotal interviews will begin in January 2024.
If contacted, we encourage your honest and transparent feedback.
Survey of Business Owners
GSPC will be conducting a Survey of Business Owners to understand the experiences of firms in Lone Star College’s marketplace in doing business with the Lone Star College. All firms in the marketplace are invited to take the survey which will be sent out in February 2024. If you do not receive a survey directly, it will be posted on the website and you will be able to access it here:
Email Comments
For those who are not contacted to participate in an interview or focus group, are unavailable, or are generally uncomfortable providing public testimony, you may email us anytime with anecdotal comments or questions at LoneStarCollegeStudy@gspclaw.com.
EVENTS
Informational Meeting
To learn more about this Study, how to be involved, or to address any questions or concerns, please attend our community informational meeting in December of 2023.
| DATE | TIME | VENUE |
|---|---|---|
| December 14th, 2023 | 5:30PM CST | View PDF Presentation |
Public Hearings
The public hearings are an opportunity for businesses and other community members to go on the record with their comments about doing business with Lone Star College, or its marketplace. All comments will become part of the public record and will be included in the Study analysis. The public hearings will be held in February 2024.
| DATE | TIME | VENUE |
|---|---|---|
| March 5th, 2024 | Completed | |
| April 18th, 2024 | Completed | View Recording |
Focus Groups
GSPC invites a small group of diverse firms to provide their view of doing business with Lone Star College, attempting to do business with the Lone Star College, or explaining why they have not attempted to do business with the Lone Star College, in a discussion setting. Firms are chosen at random from each ethnicity and gender group of the Study.
Focus Groups are by invitation only.
Social Media
For information about scheduled events and Study updates, feel free to follow Griffin & Strong, P.C. on Facebook, or LinkedIn. You may also provide commentary regarding the Study via social media, regardless of whether you are selected for a random interview. If you wish to provide a comment regarding your experiences, whether positive or negative, in doing business in or with Lone Star College, please reach us on social media.
