Disadvantaged Businesses

 

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM

 

In accordance with United States Department of Transportation regulations, the Authority has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program pertaining to airport construction projects (49 CFR Part 26) and a separate Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program pertaining to for-profit businesses operating on airport property (49 CFR Part 23). These programs seek to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of federally assisted construction contracts as well as the concession contracts at SRQ. The programs establish goals for participation in airport contracts by certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs), each as defined by the referenced regulations, based on the relative availability of such firms in the marketplace.

DBE and ACDBE certification in Florida is overseen by the Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP) administered by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The UCP maintains a directory of all currently certified DBE and ACDBE firms. Firms apply for certification with FDOT or with one of the other certifying members of the UCP. The Authority is a non-certifying member of the UCP.

The Authority has designated Donald M. Farr as its DBE Liaison Officer, responsible for the administration of the DBE and ACDBE programs. Mr. Farr may be contacted at 6000 Airport Circle Sarasota, FL 34243; 941-359-2770 ext 4214; [email protected]