Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

As a recipient of grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Charleston County Aviation Authority (the “Authority”) has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with DOT regulations under 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the policy of the Authority to ensure that DBEs, as defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts. It is also our policy:

• To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts;
• To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts;
• To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
• To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;
• To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts;
• To promote the use of DBEs in all types of federally-assisted contracts and procurement activities conducted by the recipients;
• To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE program; and
• To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of Federal financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs.



Implementation of the DBE program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations of the Authority.

The Authority has designated the following DBE Liaison Officer (DBELO) to implement all aspects of the DBE Program:

Karel Givens
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer
Charleston County Aviation Authority
5500 International Blvd., #101
North Charleston, SC 29418
Phone: 843-767-7171