Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport Little Rock

Airport Business

Business Diversity Program

The Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission, which governs Clinton National Airport, has long advocated for Small and Diverse Business inclusion within the local economy and has set firm goals to ensure it remains a leader in the region's economic development.

The Commission achieves these goals by implementing two key concepts:

  • Creating an environment that welcomes new ideas, builds partnerships, and cultivates innovation from our partners.
  • By leveling the playing field in accessing business opportunities for all who have the capability and desire to participate.

This program focuses on offering opportunities that may not be given otherwise to disadvantaged and diverse businesses. The Commission strives to ensure that companies who do business with and on our behalf understand the importance of the Business Diversity Program.

 

Our Goals

The Commission is committed to increasing opportunities for diverse companies by including participation goals in all contractual relationships. Our current goals are as follows:

  • Federally funded projects: 12% participation goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) for the 2024-2026 cycle. (Click here for details)
  • Concession Contracts: 21% participation goal for Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE) and 2% participation goal for ACDBE- Rental Car for 2022-2024 cycle. (Click here for details)
  • Locally funded capital projects & professional services: 18% participation goal for Diverse Companies. (Click here for details)

 

Current Programs

There are four major components to the Airport Business Diversity Program. Each is tied to a separate funding source and has its own participation goal, as listed above. The goals are based on anticipated projects, the available pool of qualified Diverse Companies, and the prior period’s Diverse Business participation performance.

 

 

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program

The DBE Program applies to our federally funded construction projects. It is funded by the United States Department of Transportation and administered by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) per Code of Federal Regulation 49, Part 26. The program seeks to eliminate discrimination in awarding federally assisted contracts and help develop businesses that can compete in the marketplace outside of the DBE program.

Only companies that are certified with ARDOT as DBEs will be eligible to count on federally funded project participation.

Click the link below to see the qualifications for a DBE.

 

Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program

The ACDBE Program applies to the food & beverages, retail, and advertising sold inside the airport as well as any other goods and services sold to the traveling public, following the Code of Federal Regulation 49, Part 23 for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Only companies that are certified with ARDOT as ACDBEs will be eligible to count on concession contract participation.

Click the link below to see the qualifications for an ACDBE.

 

Locally Funded Capital Projects and Professional Services

The Commission funds these projects with self-generated funds, allowing us to accept a broader range of certifications. While this category is not federally mandated, the Commission strives to achieve this goal.

All Certified Diverse Companies, as defined by the Commission, can participate in this program.

This category includes projects typically funded by our capital budget and any professional services contract solicitations the Commission may outsource to offer these services for federally funded capital projects. Some examples of these services include but are not limited to legal services, website administration, marketing, waste removal, janitorial services, construction management, engineering, architectural services, auditing, lobbying, vending machines, security services, curbside service, valet parking, etc. This program accepts DBE, ACDBE, and any other certification the Commission approves.

 

What is a Diverse Company?

Generally speaking, certification as a diverse company means that the majority owner(s) (51% or greater ownership and a decision-maker) of the business are of a specific socioeconomic background, gender, race, ethnicity, or disability, depending on the certification. Several organizations certify diverse firms, and some are listed on this page. While many Diverse Businesses do meet the qualifications for a Small Business certification, not all small businesses will qualify as a Diverse Company. The Commission will consider requests for inclusion at its sole discretion.

The Commission defines a Diverse Company or business as any Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concession Disadvantage Business Enterprise (ACDBE), Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), or Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) that is certified through the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), or an airport approved certification agency. This definition also includes the Small Business Administration (SBA)'s HUBZone, 8(a), WOSB, VSOB, and SDVOSB programs.

The Commission recognizes current participation in the following certification programs:

 

Certification Agencies

The Commission is not a certifying agency, nor does it have the authority to dispute or override certification decisions. Click on the links below to learn more about the certifying agencies and certification requirements.

The Commission understands that the list provided above does not include all certifying agencies. We reserve the right to approve or reject certifications from other states or certifying agencies. Commission staff will also assist companies in their efforts to become certified. For more information, contact Kim Hubbard, the Business Diversity Program Coordinator, by email or at 501-372-3439.

 

Assistance with Finding Certified Diverse Firms

The Commission has partnered with various organizations to streamline access for those seeking certified firms as partners in upcoming projects. Below are links to directories of certified diverse firms:

Business Diversity Program documents are available for review during the Commission’s normal business hours.  Comments regarding the program may be directed to:

Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission

Attn: DBE and Contract Compliance

1 Airport Road, Little Rock, AR 72202

Email or Phone: (501) 372-3439

All comments will be reviewed and taken into consideration for the future growth of the program.