Federal DBE Spend Requirements: A General Guide for DEI Officers and Airport Operations Professionals

Introduction

This guide provides essential information for airport DEI Officers, Operations Managers and Directors, and Procurement professionals on the federal requirements for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) spend.

It offers guidance on finding and vetting DBE partners and outlines best practices for collecting and reporting metrics to fulfill local, state, and federal government requirements. Additionally, it discusses how a robust portfolio of diversity partners can help achieve sustainability goals.

Federal Requirements For DBE Spend

Understanding and complying with federal requirements for DBE spend is crucial for airport operations. This section provides an overview of the key federal programs and their requirements.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in highway, transit, and airport programs. The program requires recipients of federal funding, including airports, to set and meet goals for DBE participation (Metropolitan Airports Commission).

Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) Program

Under 49 CFR Part 23, airports receiving federal funding must establish annual goals for DBE participation in concession and construction contracts. These goals are based on the availability of certified DBEs and market conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviews and approves these goals annually (FAA).