Social Equity Study

Background
The City of Detroit Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) is seeking proposals for a Social Equity and Cannabis Industry Study. This initiative aims to analyze and enhance the City’s Homegrown Program, which supports social equity in the cannabis market by providing opportunities for individuals from disproportionately impacted communities. The program includes mentoring, business education, and grants for those who have resided in Detroit for at least 10 years.

The study will focus on understanding the barriers and facilitators to establishing social equity businesses within this context.

Work Details
The contractor will perform the following services:
1. Conduct a discourse analysis of legal, policy, and community debates regarding cannabis and social equity in Detroit, including reviewing municipal ordinances from 2008 to present.
2. Perform participant observation at relevant events and conduct qualitative interviews with 30 stakeholders involved in social equity programs.
3. Organize a stakeholder forum to disseminate findings and gather feedback.
4. Develop study materials and obtain necessary approvals for human subjects research from the University of Michigan’s Institutional Review Board.
5. Draft reports summarizing key findings from the research.

Period of Performance
The contract will be effective for two years following approval by the Detroit City Council.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed within the City of Detroit.

Bidder Requirements
Proposals will only be accepted from firms with a minimum of five years of experience in providing similar services and experience working with large municipalities.