DBE

The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

The Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA), owner of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is committed to diversity and ensuring that all persons have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in Airport contracts. We demonstrate this commitment in leveling the playing field for all businesses interested in contracting opportunities with The Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA), through the implementation and operation of its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, 49 CFR Part 26, and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program, 49 CFR Part 23. In 2012, the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program was implemented as an element of the DBE Program.

It is the policy of the BAA that Disadvantaged Business Enterprises as defined in 49 CFR Part 26 shall have the maximum opportunity to compete and perform on all contracts here at the Airport.

Review our Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Program

Review our Airport Concession Disadvantage Business Enterprises Program

DBE/ACDBE Public Notices

The approved three (3) year goals for The Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) are below. If you have any questions or comments on these documents, please contact:
Purchasing Department (DBE)
Birmingham Airport Authority
5900 Messer Airport Highway,
Birmingham, Al. 35212
Email: rveney@flybirmingham.com

The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport Goals

Triannual DBE Goal effective (2024-2026)

Triannual Non-Car Rental Goal (2025-2027)

Triannual Car Rental Goal (2025-2027)

Proposed Triannual (DBE) Goal Effective (2024-2026)

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

DBEs acronym for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. DBEs are for-profit small business where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations.

ACDBE is an acronym for Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The ACDBE Program is similar to the DBE program in that it is a Department of Transportation (DOT) program designed to level the playing field for small businesses who wish to participate in concessions opportunities at airports.

An airport concession is a business engaged in the sale of goods and/or services to public or a business that provides goods and services to those businesses located at the Airport. The intent of the Program is to eliminate barriers for women and minorities participating in contracting opportunities. The program is not a quota or set aside program; it is goal-based and requiring good faith efforts to meet contract goals.

DBE Compliance

The DBE Program ensures all program participant compliance with federal requirements pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26. DBE compliance is to ensure that scheduled work is actually being performed, managed, and controlled by the DBE Company contracted to perform on the contract.

The Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) engages in the following activities in its efforts to monitor contracts:

  • Performs audits to determine actual DBE participation level for each project
  • Conducts on-site readiness and compliance visits
  • Monitors prime contractor’s payments to subcontractors and suppliers for payment
  • Reviews change orders for their effect on DBE contract valuesAttends project progress meetings

DBE Contract Compliance

Firms must be DBE-certified prior to bid submission to be considered for participation toward any DBE contract goal. Post-bid certification concerns must be addressed and approved by the DBELO.

To view a list of DBE-certified firms, visit the Alabama Unified Certification Program site: https://cpmsapps2.dot.state.al.us/alucp/home -> UCP Directory Search.

DBE/ACDBE Certification Eligibility Requirements

In order for small disadvantaged firms, including those owned by minorities and women, to participate as a DBE or ACDBE in federally-assisted contracts, they must apply for and receive certification. Before being certified as a DBE/ACDBE, a company must meet these requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT):

  • In general, to be eligible for the DBE program, persons must own 51% or more of a “small business,” establish that they are socially and economically disadvantaged within the meaning of DOT regulations (49 C.F.R. Part 26), and prove they control their business.
  • The DOT presumes certain groups are disadvantaged, including women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian-Pacific Americans, or other minorities found to be disadvantaged by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
  • Persons who are not members of one of the above groups and own and control their business may also be eligible if they establish their “social” and “economic” disadvantage. The Department notes, for example, that people with disabilities have disproportionately low incomes and high rates of unemployment, and that many may be socially and economically disadvantaged. A determination of whether an individual with a disability meets DBE eligibility criteria is made on a case-by-case basis.
  • An applicant company (including its affiliates) must demonstrate it is a “small business,” as

defined by Small Business Administration standards. In general, companies cannot have annual

gross receipts of more than $23.98 million in the previous three fiscal years (or $56.42 million for airport concessionaires, with some exceptions).

  • The personal net worth of an applicant company’s owner(s) cannot exceed $1.32 million. A person’s ownership interest in the applicant company and equity interest in their primary residence are excluded from the net worth calculation.
  • Entities that are owned and operated by a member of a disadvantaged class within Alabama are eligible to apply for DBE and ACDBE Certification through the Alabama Department of Transportation. To apply for Alabama Department of Transportation DBE and ACDBE Certification in Alabama you must fill out the Unified Certification Program (UCP) Application.

Small Business Enterprise/Element (SBE) Program

The SBE Program, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26 Section 26.39, is open to all business owners regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.

New/Renew Certification

If your firm is seeking certification with BAA and would like to complete a certification application, please follow the instruction below:
Create an account on B2GNOW PLEASE – REGISTER HERE

Click Apply for / Renew Certification.
1.) Click Create Account
2.) Complete Registration Form
3.) Click Next to complete the registration process

Once you have created and completed your vendor account you will be able to apply for certification.

Resources Links

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
• Office of Small and Disadvantage Business Utilization (OSDBU) Technical Assistance Brochure
• Alabama Department of Transportation
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Transportation