Understanding DBE / ACDBE

The Wayne County Airport Authority (Airport Authority) receives federal funds for airport improvement projects. As such, the Airport Authority is mandated to have a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which includes Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs). It is the Airport Authority’s policy that DBEs shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of construction and professional service contracts, and that ACDBEs shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of concession and management services contracts. The rules and regulations governing the DBE and ACDBE Program are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 23 and 26. All contractors performing work for the Airport Authority under federal grant programs are required to take all necessary and reasonable steps, as defined in 49 CFR, Parts 23 and 26, for DBEs and ACDBEs to participate on contracts without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin or sex.

The Airport Authority reviews overall goals each year for DBE and ACDBE participation in construction, professional services, concessions and management services contracts. DBE and ACDBE, per 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26, are defined as follows:

• A DBE is a for-profit small business owned and controlled by individuals that are both socially and economically disadvantaged
• An ACDBE is a for-profit concession owned and controlled by individuals that are both socially and economically disadvantaged