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Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
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Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program

The Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program is similar to the DBE Program. ACDBE is designed to level the playing field for small businesses wanting to do business with Alaska DOT&PF and other agencies receiving federal funds through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and wish to participate in contracting and concession opportunities at airports.

Establishment: The ACDBE Program was established by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) in 1987 through regulations issued under the authority of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982.

Objectives: The primary objective of the ACDBE Program is to ensure that small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals have a fair opportunity to participate in concession contracts at airports.

Eligibility: To be eligible for certification as an ACDBE, a business must be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. These individuals may include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Indigenous/Native American, Asian-Pacific Americans, and other minorities.

Participation Requirements: Airports that receive federal financial assistance through the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and have over $250,000 in annual revenue from concessions are required to have an ACDBE program. These airports must establish goals for ACDBE participation in concessions contracts and make good faith efforts to meet those goals.

Types of Concessions: The ACDBE Program covers a wide range of concession opportunities at airports, including food and beverage, retail, car rentals, advertising, and other services.

Contracting Opportunities: The ACDBE Program provides eligible businesses with access to contracting opportunities at airports across the United States, which can help them grow their businesses and compete more effectively in the marketplace.

Overall, the ACDBE Program plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry by providing opportunities for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to participate in airport concession contracts.

ACDBE Program Documents:

ACDBE Goal Methodologies:

Authority:

Resources:

State of Alaska Airports: