"Working with Briljent on the 2010 Indiana disparity study was an absolute pleasure. They completed all of their tasks thoroughly, accurately, and on time. Briljent was responsive and exhibited a high level of professionalism throughout the project. They were a true partner to us during the course of the study, and we will not hesitate to partner with Briljent in the future." - Client Testimonial

The Business Challenge

Denver-based firm BBC Research & Consulting desired strong local partners to assist in conducting the State of Indiana disparity study. The study was being implemented to gather more information about the availability and utilization of minority business enterprises (MBE) and women business enterprises (WBE) throughout the state. The study would be relied on by the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Commission to help inform annual goals for utilizing minority and women businesses.  These goals were put in place to help disadvantaged businesses thrive in the marketplace. 

Briljent’s expertise in technical research, data collection, analysis, and community outreach made our team an exceptional partner on this project. Our ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders within the scope of this project was regarded as a valuable component to the successful outcome of the study.

The Briljent Solution

Briljent’s extensive experience with state-level projects has allowed us to develop valuable relationships with many of the partners involved in this project. Our collective synergy facilitated a project execution exemplifying responsive communication and seamless coordination of our respective roles.

Briljent’s primary task within the scope of this project was to conduct in-person executive anecdotal interviews with MBEs, WBEs, and majority-owned firms who either attempt or currently conduct business with the state. Briljent also conducted interviews with trade associations that represent relevant industries throughout the state. These interactions were designed to yield accurate feedback to support the results of the disparity study.

To assure successful interview techniques, BBC arranged for Briljent staff members to participate in a training session with law firm Holland & Knight, LLC.  Our team worked with the firm to review methods of accurately and impartially attaining and documenting anecdotal information to achieve accurate results, as is often required by a disparity study.

Following this session, Briljent began the process of making contact with the companies targeted by BBC. Our team’s expert communication skills were fundamental in this portion of the task; with interviews scheduled to last 1.5-2 hours, securing business owners who were willing to allocate the time to participate was a distinct challenge; Briljent’s exceptional organizational skills were utilized to maintain records of all call attempts and company conversations. Utilizing a robust network of resources, Briljent secured and conducted more than 30 interviews for the study.

Interviews were conducted statewide to obtain the various opinions and perceptions of doing business with both the State and state educational institutions (SEIs).  Our team also collected information regarding the knowledge and understanding of neutral and race/gender-based measures performed by the state—addressing procurement laws, marketplace conditions, possible entry barriers and perceived discrimination issues. Our expertise in effective communication resulted in relevant information that was procured quickly and efficiently.

Once interviews were conducted, Briljent summarized the acquired information rapidly to capture the most accurate information. Our reports included direct quotes from participants, offering our client empirical feedback. Briljent’s timeliness in conducting interviews and providing summaries of each of those interactions was greatly valued by BBC.

A secondary task on the project for Briljent was to assist with data collection and data entry efforts with various agencies and universities involved in this project. Briljent’s local resources were able to coordinate visits with state personnel in a timely and cost effective manner to access and collect the data required for the project.

Brilliant Results

Briljent’s performance on this project has yielded a successful outcome. Our goal was to offer responsiveness, timeliness, and expertise to help our client achieve a brilliant result. The feedback we received demonstrated that we achieved those goals, and we look forward to future opportunities with all of the partners we had the pleasure of collaborating with on this project.