Disparity study finds minority businesses far underrepresented in Newport News city contracts
Newport News finishing up five-year analysis to identify barriers facing minority and woman-owned businesses
Minority-owned and white woman-owned businesses received a small share of Newport News’ contracting dollars over a five-year period compared with their availability in the market, according to a disparity study presented to the Newport News City Council during a work session on June 23, 2026. The presentation was delivered jointly by a representative of a professional firm and Sheila White, the city’s director of finance.
The study evaluated city contracting worth over $814 million over a five year period to determine participation, availability and disparity indices for minority and white woman-owned businesses. It was initiated to understand participation, availability and resulting disparities for minority- and woman-owned businesses, with the stated aim of helping address barriers those businesses might face in the larger marketplace.
A representative of the firm told council members that a disparity index of 80 cents or less indicates a business group is substantially underutilized on city work and can serve as an inference of discrimination. Overall, white woman-owned businesses received 3.4% of total contracting dollars during the study period against an estimated availability of 10.4%, for a disparity index of 0.33. Minority-owned businesses overall received 1.8% against an estimated availability of 14.9%, for a disparity index of 0.12.
By group, participation versus estimated availability broke down as follows:
Black-owned businesses: 1.0% participation vs. 5.2% availability
Hispanic-owned businesses: 0.5% participation vs. 2.8% availability
Asian-Pacific-owned businesses: 0.2% participation vs. 4.6% availability
Middle Eastern/North African-owned businesses: 0.0% participation vs. 1.2% availability
Native American-owned businesses: 0.0% participation vs. 0.8% availability
Subcontinent Asian-owned businesses: 0.0% participation vs. 0.3% availability
The administration plans to implement the recommendations through a program referred to as Bridgeforward. In the first two months, a work group including staff from finance, purchasing, the city attorney’s office and economic development would convene to set program policies, define roles and establish an accountability dashboard. Early actions in the first six months would focus on establishing the contracting program, setting aspirational goals and starting self-certification data collection. Mid-range actions in months four through nine would include unbundling large contracts to open more opportunities and setting subcontracting goals. Later actions in months six through twelve would include bringing online a tiered small business enterprise program, a mentor-protégé program, and identifying staffing and software needs.
The proposed small business enterprise program features a tiered certification framework distinguishing micro businesses making up to $3 million a year, medium small businesses making between $3 million and $10 million, and other small businesses making between $10 million and $45 million.
Future actions requested of the council include adopting a resolution authorizing the program, authorizing funding for new staffing and positions, and appropriating funding for software. No vote or formal action was taken on these items during the June 23 work session; the requested action for the item was listed as none. Not confirmed: whether or when the council will take up a resolution or funding requests related to the program.
Featured Sponsor
Dog Street Press LLC is an independent media company based in Williamsburg, VA, and the publisher of Newport News Daily and the Williamsburg Independent. Our publications cover the stories that shape everyday life in our communities, including budget analysis, taxes, and government spending, real estate and business development, public school issues, local industry activity, charitable organizations, and community events. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering accurate, trustworthy news using official sources and AI-assisted tools.
Local newsrooms across the country have been cutting coverage or closing altogether, leaving communities without reliable reporting on the issues that affect them most. Dog Street Press is part of a growing movement of independent local news organizations stepping in to fill that void, bringing dedicated, community-focused journalism back to the places that need it most.
As big media continues to consolidate and retreat from local markets, this shift creates a unique opportunity for businesses and organizations to market through smaller, niche outlets like Newport News Daily, where readership is focused, loyal, and growing. We deliver targeted local coverage to residents, business owners, and community leaders across the city.
Whether you are a local business, nonprofit, or service provider, advertising with us puts your message in front of an audience that is actively invested in the topics that matter most, including economic development, local business activity, public schools, and community events. To learn more about advertising opportunities, contact us at newportnewsdaily@gmail.com.