0
To amend the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and title 49, United States Code, with respect to disadvantaged business enterprises, and for other purposes.
12/15/2023, 3:56 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2507
The bill seeks to enhance opportunities for DBEs, which are businesses owned and operated by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. These businesses often face barriers to competing for government contracts, and the bill aims to address these challenges.
Specifically, the bill includes provisions to improve the certification process for DBEs, increase transparency and accountability in the DBE program, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure that DBEs are given fair opportunities to compete for federal contracts. Additionally, the bill includes measures to promote the participation of DBEs in federally funded transportation projects, such as airports and highways. This is intended to help level the playing field for DBEs and ensure that they have equal access to government contracts. Overall, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Improvement Act is designed to support and empower DBEs, promote diversity and inclusion in government contracting, and foster economic growth and opportunity for disadvantaged individuals and communities.
Congressional Summary of HR 2507
This bill revises Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program requirements for the Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The Airport DBE program seeks to offer small disadvantaged businesses (i.e., certified as owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals) a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded contracts related to airports.
The Department of Transportation must develop a training program for FAA employees who provide guidance and training to entities that certify whether a small business qualifies for the Airport DBE program.
This bill also revises application requirements for certain airports to impose passenger facility charges, including by requiring such airports that participate in the Airport DBE program to include a detailed description of good faith efforts to contract with disadvantaged businesses and to ensure that all small businesses fairly compete for work funded with passenger facility charges.
Further, the bill requires large- and medium-hub airports that participate in the Airport DBE program to report annually to the FAA on the number of new disadvantaged businesses that were awarded a contract or concession during the previous fiscal year.
