Small Business & DBE Programs
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
As a recipient of grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA) has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with DOT regulations under 49 CFR Part 26.
DBE Liaison Officer:
The CRAA has designated the following DBE Liaison Officer (DBELO) to implement all aspects of the DBE Program:
Karel Givens
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer
Charleston Regional Aviation Authority
5500 International Blvd., #101
North Charleston, SC 29418
Phone: (843) 767-7171
Policies, Goals, and Methodologies:
Policy, Goals, and Methodologies of the Airport Concessions Disadvantage Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program
View our ACDBE Policy Statement.
It is the policy of CRAA 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 CRAA.
MWSBA
The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Association (MWSBA) office provides outreach, business development, and technical assistance so that minority and women-owned small businesses can learn about and successfully compete for contracting opportunities with the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority (CRAA).
For more information about the Aviation Authority’s MWSB Program, call (843) 767-7000 or email [email protected].
GOALS
- Ensure that small, minority-, and women-owned businesses get a fair and equitable chance to participate in business opportunities with the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority business opportunities.
- Create opportunities for firms to develop increased capacity and compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the MWSB Program.
- Ensure that the MWSB Program is tailored according to applicable law.
The MWSB office provides the following services:
- Outreach to MWSBs and community organizations
- Information and assistance in preparing bids and obtaining bonding and insurance
- Training for MWSB firms
- Education on contracting procedures and opportunities
- Helping MWSBs overcome barriers in the procurement process, such as inability to obtain financing or technical assistance
- Listing of certified Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs)
To be listed as a registered vendor, view opportunities, and receive notices of work available, please visit our Diversity Compliance system webpage.
