With a desire to aid local commerce and to promote economic development and job creation, Port Houston has commissioned a disparity study to evaluate equal opportunity and fairness in its procurement and contracting process. A public meeting was held Oct. 22.

Port Houston has partnered with Griffin & Strong, a law and public policy consulting firm, to complete this study. The study will gather information necessary to determine whether all qualified firms have the maximum practicable opportunity to compete for and participate in Port Houston’s procurement of prime contracts and associated subcontracts and, if indicated by the evidence, will support the use of strategies to ensure such opportunity.

At the October port commission meeting, Port Chairman Ric Campo expressed his enthusiasm and support for the process and welcomed the opportunities the study will present.

Gilda Ramirez, who oversees Port Houston’s small business program, lauded Griffin & Strong’s involvement.

“We are happy to have Griffin & Strong on board to help us ensure that we are reaching minority audiences and the public when it comes to our procurement and contract opportunities,” Ramirez said.