Business Opportunities

The Oklahoma City Airport Trust (OCAT), or Trust (OKC Will Rogers International Airport, Wiley Post Airport, and Clarence E. Page Airport), has established both an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), 49 CFR Part 23 and 49 CFR Part 26.

The Oklahoma City Airport Trust stands firmly behind its commitment to strengthening small businesses owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Through this commitment, the Trust diligently works to level the playing field, ensuring that these businesses are not only given fair chances but are actively encouraged to vie for contracts and concessions within the airport.

OCAT receives federal financial assistance from DOT and is administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. In return for this funding, OCAT has made assurances to follow federal regulations. These assurances include ensuring that businesses classified as Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) have fair and equal chances to receive and take part in contracts that are supported by USDOT.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) are businesses that are socially and economically disadvantaged. These could include minority-owned, women-owned, or small businesses. DBEs participate in a wide range of contracts related to airport development and construction, such as construction projects, professional services (like engineering or architecture), and supply contracts.

Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) are subsets of DBEs that specifically operate in the concessions sector of airports. These concessions can include retail shops, restaurants, car rental services, and other amenities within airport terminals. ACDBEs provide goods and services directly to passengers and visitors at the airport.
Read the full policy statement here.

What if an ACDBE doesn’t office at the airport?

Not having a physical office at the airport doesn’t necessarily exclude an ACDBE from participating in concession programs. ACDBEs can engage in advertising opportunities, operate businesses that primarily function online or through electronic platforms, or an ACDBE can provide goods and services to other concessionaires operating within the airport.

The Oklahoma City Airport Trust encourages qualified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to bid or to partner with a bidding contractor on all our construction contracts or equipment purchases, especially those receiving federal assistance. DBEs are also encouraged to attend pre-bid or pre-solicitation meetings and to partner with a prime contractor if not bidding directly on a project. A qualified DBE could provide services, materials, or equipment directly or indirectly. A small business which is not certified as a DBE, but which may qualify for DBE status, is encouraged to contact the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Civil Rights Division for information and assistance on becoming certified. Contact the ODOT Civil Rights Division via their website or by phone: 405-521-6046 or 800-788-4539.

The Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program promotes the inclusion of disadvantaged businesses in airport concessions, offering them a fair chance to compete for and secure contracts. Being part of an ACDBE joint venture allows businesses to operate their own small enterprises within the airport, with ownership percentages and participation goals typically set during the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Through partnerships like those with Paradies Lagardère, which sources products from Women-Owned (WBE), Minority-Owned (MBE), and Women/Minority-Owned (W/MBE) businesses, the program also creates opportunities for diverse suppliers. This collaboration not only supports economic growth for minority- and women-owned businesses, but also enriches the airport retail environment with a diverse range of products, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Joint Venture with Paradies Lagardère
Subtenant/Joint Venture – Business Developer – [email protected]

Product Sourcing – Director of Merchandising – [email protected]