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Summary

Each year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) distributes more than $3 billion in Federal grants for airport projects. In accepting these grants, airports are required to establish disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and airport concession DBE (ACDBE) programs. These programs provide small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals with opportunities to compete for construction, professional services, and concession contracts. 

In the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Congress directed our office to report annually for 3 years on new DBE participation at the Nation’s largest airports. This audit is the third and final review on airport DBE programs and will build upon our two prior reviews. Our objectives will be to (1) determine the number of new and existing DBE/ACDBE firms receiving contracts or leases at the Nation’s largest airports in fiscal year 2014 and (2) assess certification factors that aided or hampered new DBE/ACDBE firms that pursued contracts or leases at these airports.