Pursuit's Take
Each year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) distributes over $3 billion in Federal grants for airport projects. When they accept these grants, airports are required to establish disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and airport concession disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) programs.These programs provide small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals with opportunities to compete for construction, professional services, and concession contracts.
Between fiscal years 2012 and 2014, the number of existing DBE firms working at the 65 largest airports decreased by 31 percent, and the number of new DBE firms working at these airports decreased by 76 percent.