DBE Program
DBE Overview
The Columbus Airport has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26 (Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs) and CFR Part 23 (Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Airport Concessions).
It is the policy of the Columbus Airport Commission to ensure that DBEs as defined in Part 26 and ACDBEs as defined in Part 23 have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in USDOT-assisted contracts. It is also our policy:
- To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of USDOT-assisted contracts
- To create a level playing field on which DBEs/ACDBEs can compete fairly for USDOT-assisted contracts
- To ensure that the DBE/ACDBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law
- To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 and CFR Part 23 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs/ACDBEs
- To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs/ACDBEs in USDOT-assisted contracts
- To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE/ACDBE Program
Mrs. Sonya Overton has been delegated as the DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer. In that capacity, Mrs. Overton is responsible for implementing all aspects of the DBE/ACDBE program. Implementation of the DBE/ACDBE program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by the Columbus Airport Commission in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.
DBE Eligibility
Ownership
Your business must be 51% owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s). Disadvantaged – The DOT presumes certain groups and 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.
Business Size Determination
A firm (including its affiliates) must be a small business as defined by SBA standards.
Personal Net Worth – Economic disadvantage is defined as a personal net worth of less than $1.32 million.
Independence and Control – The business must not be tied to another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control of business decisions. A disadvantaged owner seeking certification must possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the firm. The owner must also have an overall understanding of, and managerial and technical competence and experience directly related to, the type of business in which the firm is engaged.
Burden of Proof Allocation
Applicants carry the initial burden of proof regarding their eligibility and must demonstrate that they meet all requirements concerning group membership or individual disadvantage, business size, ownership, and control.
Outreach
The Airport conducts an annual outreach program which includes an overview of the program. Additionally, the outreach program provides an in-depth tutorial on how to become certified, how to comply with the Airport’s DBE program, and where to find services at local small business development centers.
DBE Goals
DBE Goal
The Columbus Airport Commission hereby publishes an overall goal for its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for FY 2022 through FY 2024. The overall goal is 9.09% for all FAA-AIP funded projects in FY 2022 through FY 2024.
ACDBE Goal
The Columbus Airport Commission hereby publishes an overall car rental goal for its Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program for FY 2022 through FY 2025 – Rental Car 1.00 % to be accomplished through 0.74% RC and 0.26% RN
No goal is required for non-car rental concessionaires as the monetary threshold of $200,000 gross receipts over a 3- year period was not accomplished.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification Application & Renewal forms
Firms must be certified by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) under the Uniform Certification Program (UCP) to compete for and/or perform work as a DBE on any U.S. DOT funded projects (including non-federal projects) originated by the Columbus Airport Commission. Certifications must be dated prior to bid opening.
To apply to become a certified DBE firm, please print and submit the application on the GDOT website at: http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Business/DBE
The DBE/Bidders Directory is available on the Georgia Department of Transportation website.
The methodology used in developing the Commission’s overall goal and specific goals for proposed projects is available for review and comment.
For additional information and questions, please contact Sonya Overton at 706.324.2449, ext. 1422 during normal business hours, or, at soverton@flycolumbusga.com
Current Opportunities
The Airport advertises business opportunities through its website and the legal section of the Ledger-Enquirer. Individuals and firms interested in doing business at the Airport are encouraged to visit our website at (https://www.flycolumbusga.com/business-info/request-for-bids-request-for-proposals/) monitor the newspaper (https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/)
For more information contact:
Sonya Overton, DBE/ACDBELO
Director of Marketing & Air Service Development/PIO
Columbus Airport