The Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s (MDAD) Small Business Engagement Division is responsible for ensuring that Small and Disadvantaged Businesses are provided the maximum opportunity to participate in airport contracts. Contracting opportunities include construction, architect and engineering, goods and services, retail, food and beverage, car rental, management consulting, and procurement services. The Small Business Engagement Division acts as a Liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration Civil Rights Office and other local small business participation programs.

 

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) DBE regulations require state and local transportation agencies that receive DOT financial assistance to establish a DBE program. MDAD has established a DBE program, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26, designed to ensure nondiscrimination and a level playing field for small and disadvantaged businesses to compete and participate in DOT assisted contracting opportunities. Our policy is to ensure that the DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law and eligibility standards are implemented consistent with 49 CFR Part 26.

DBE Program Policy Statement


Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) DBE regulations require airports that receive DOT financial assistance for airport development to establish an ACDBE program. MDAD has established an ACDBE program, pursuant to 49 CFR part 23, designed to ensure nondiscrimination and a level playing field for small and disadvantaged businesses to compete and participate in car rental or non-car rental airport concessions. It is also our policy to ensure that the ACDBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law and eligibility standards are implemented consistent with 49 CFR Part 23.

ACDBE Program Policy Statement

Review DBE guidelines here.

DBE Eligibility Criteria ACDBE Eligibility Criteria

 

DBE firms working on FAA-assisted projects must meet the size standard(s) appropriate to the type(s) of work based solely on the applicable NAICS code(s) size standard(s). 

Average gross receipts over a five-year period not to exceed $56.42 million

 
Personal Net Worth (less than $2.047 million)   Personal Net Worth (less than $2.047 million)   

 

A for-profit small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and managed by one or more individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged and who meet the criteria below:

Each qualifying owner must submit a Personal Narrative and supporting evidence showing:

  • Specific experiences of disadvantage/barriers in education, employment, or business
  • How these impediments caused economic harm
  • Comparisons to similarly situated persons who are not disadvantaged.

 

A for-profit small business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and managed by one or more individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged and who meet the criteria below:

Each qualifying owner must submit a Personal Narrative and supporting evidence showing:

  • Specific experiences of disadvantage/barriers in education, employment, or business
  • How these impediments caused economic harm
  • Comparisons to similarly situated persons who are not disadvantaged

 

SPD Strategic Procurement Department
Miami-Dade County Strategic Procurement Department is responsible for the administration of the County's Small Business Enterprise, Wage and Workforce Programs, including but not limited to:

• Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Architect/Engineering
• Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Construction
• Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Goods and Services
• Local Developing Business (LDB)

Certification
The certification process is the starting point for firms to participate in airport business opportunities. To participate as a DBE or ACDBE, firms must be certified by the Unified Certification Program (UCP) for the State of Florida. SPD is a certifying member of the Florida UCP and can also be contacted for ACDBE/DBE certification.

To participate as a SBE in the areas of Construction, Architecture/Engineering, Goods and Services, or LDB, firms must also be certified with SPD.

For more information on how to become certified as an SBE, LDB, and/or DBE/ACDBE, contact SPD at 305-375-3111.

 

 

Pre-Bid/Proposal Conference(s)
Prior to submission of a bid/proposal, a pre-bid/proposal conference is scheduled to answer questions concerning bid/proposal solicitation process. The conference will allow small, disadvantaged firms and primes an opportunity to network for possible joint venture and other subcontracting opportunities.

The Small Business Engagement Division encourages small businesses interested in current or future opportunities at the airport to participate in pre-bid/proposal conferences.

Outreach
The Small Business Engagement Division, hosts a monthly outreach meeting with the business community to present upcoming opportunities from MDAD and various county departments. Information on legal, financial, human resource assistance, and current economic conditions is provided. This meeting also provides an opportunity for businesses to network for possible future partnerships.

If you have any questions about Small Business Programs at MDAD, contact Andre Ragin (DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer) in the Small Business Engagement Division at (305) 876-7221 / fax (305) 876-0382.

 

 

Program Update

The U.S. DOT issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR), effective October 3, 2025, that removes the race-and gender-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage in the DBE/ACDBE program. DBE Interim Final Rule Federal Register

Events

2025 Monthly Outreach Meeting Dates

Resources