Disparity Study Commends Airport Authority Programs, Recommends Enhancements

NASHVILLE ─ The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) today released results of its comprehensive, independently conducted disparity study that measures the effectiveness of the Authority’s Small, Minority and Woman-owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs in relation to the diversity of the region’s business market since the last study was released in 2007.

Conducted by independent research firm Colette Holt & Associates, the disparity study cites the success of MNAA’s efforts and recommends continuation and expansion of these programs to further reduce any disparities in access to airport contracting opportunities based on race and gender.

MNAA’s SMWBE and DBE programs provide historically underrepresented businesses with certification assistance, education programs and skill development so they can pursue and compete for procurement opportunities. Since 2007, MNAA has certified 385 SMWBEs and invested $76 million in contracts for concessions, construction and professional services, with more than $6.5 million in contracts in the previous fiscal year.

“Nashville and Middle Tennessee are unique and diverse communities, and we’re committed to representing that diversity in everything we do at Nashville International and John C. Tune airports,” Rob Wigington, MNAA president and CEO, said. “This disparity study measures the effectiveness of our efforts to-date and will help us address any disparities in access to contracting opportunities based on race and gender at our airports. It also provides recommendations on how we can further enhance and grow our programs as our airports and region continue to grow. We are proud to have one the strongest business diversity programs in the country.”

Disparity studies evaluate contracting data to measure the participation of available small, minority and woman-owned business enterprises within public entities. Disparities exist when these firms are found to be underutilized in comparison to the proportion of available and capable firms in the region. MNAA’s last disparity study was conducted in 2007.

Colette Holt & Associates analyzed MNAA contract data from 2008 to 2012 using extensive focus groups and anecdotal evidence. Both disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged firms expressed satisfaction in MNAA’s programs and believed they were effective in providing access to procurement opportunities. Overall, the results suggest that MNAA’s programs have been successful in reducing barriers to participation and recommends those efforts be continued and expanded.

For an executive summary of the disparity study, visit https://flynashville.com/business-diversity-development/Documents/ExecutiveSummaryFINAL.pdf.

For more information on MNAA’s Business Diversity Development program, visit www.flynashville.com/business-diversity-development/.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) was established in 1970, and owns and operates Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN). MNAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit www.flynashville.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NashvilleInternationalAirport and follow us on Twitter: @Fly_Nashville.

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