The City of Austin’s Small and Minority Business Resources (SMBR) Department is a member of the Texas United Certification Program (TUCP).
As a TUCP member, SMBR reviews applications and certifies qualifying small businesses that are owned, managed, and controlled by both socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and/or Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) in compliance with Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR Part 26 and Part 23).
DBEs and ACDBEs are qualified for participation in federally-funded Department of Transportation airport, highway, and public transit contracting projects across the State of Texas.
Notice to All DBE and ACDBE Firms
Effective September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that immediately changes how the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs operate nationwide.
What This Means
- All DBE and ACDBE certifications will be reevaluated under new federal eligibility standards.
- The rule removes race- and gender-based presumptions from certification.
- All business owners must now individually demonstrate social and economic disadvantage through a personal narrative and financial documentation.
- Until reevaluations are complete, existing DBE and ACDBE certifications cannot be used for contracting goals or participation credit on federally funded projects.
Next Steps for DBE and ACDBE Firms
- You will be contacted by your certifying agency with instructions on how to complete recertification under the new standards.
- Be prepared to provide:
- A personal narrative describing barriers faced in education, employment, or business; and
- A new Personal Net Worth (PNW) statement and supporting financial information.
- Please do not submit new certification applications or changes to existing certifications until further guidance is issued.