The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (Alaska DOT&PF) has adopted the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Final Rule to promote small business participation by implementing the Small Business Element Concession (SBEC) Program. The goal of the SBEC Program is to create equitable opportunities for small businesses in the airport concession market. By recognizing and supporting the capabilities of these businesses, the program aims to foster a diverse and competitive concession landscape. Through proactive strategies and adherence to established requirements, Alaska primary airports can enhance small business participation and contribute to a thriving economic environment.
The Alaska primary airports are dedicated to ensuring that small businesses are given equitable opportunities to participate in the airport concession program's contracting and procurement processes. The SBEC Program Plans for these airports, are applicable to airport concessions as defined by 49 CFR Part 23.
Importantly, the SBEC Program does not replace or serve as a substitute for the ACDBE Program; rather, it functions as a race- and gender-neutral tool that supports small businesses, including ACDBEs, in fully engaging with these airport's concession opportunities.
The active implementation of these program elements is essential and constitutes a good faith effort under the ACDBE program. The primary airports will engage with stakeholders, provide resources, and promote awareness of the SBEC Program to ensure its effectiveness.