Policies and Programs

The Aviation Authority (Authority) policies and programs ensure that Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), and Small Business Enterprise Concessionaire (SBEC) firms will have full and fair opportunities to compete for and participate in the performance of airport contracts. The Authority will recognize and encourage Small and Disadvantaged Businesses to participate in various contract opportunities, including construction, architectural and engineering services, professional services, procurement of goods and services, and concession-related contracts.

 

SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM

In this program, SBEs participate in Authority-funded contracts or in the purchase of goods and services procured by the Authority. This program also applies to certain federally funded contracts and expenditures within the Small Business Element of the DBE program. The SBE program will use procedures that promote inclusion and opportunity while maintaining race- and gender-neutral measures in its operations.

2026 Small Business Enterprise Policy & Program 

    • DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE), AIRPORT CONCESSIONS DBE (ACDBE) & SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CONCESSIONAIRE (SBEC) PROGRAMS.

    In accordance with Federal Law, the Aviation Authority maintains DBE & ACDBE programs to ensure non-discrimination in the award of USDOT-assisted contracts and create a level playing field in which DBEs and ACDBEs can compete for those contracts. 

    The SBEC Program is the Small Business Element within the ACDBE policy. The SBEC applies to airport concessions as defined by 49CFR part 23. This program does not replace the ACDBE Program or otherwise operate as a substitute for the ACDBE Program. It operates as a race- and sex-neutral tool that may assist small businesses, including ACDBEs, to participate more fully in the Authority's concession opportunities. 

     

    CERTIFICATIONS

    SBE and SBEC CERTIFICATION PORTAL

    To become certified as an SBE or SBEC with the Aviation Authority, a firm must meet all certification eligibility standards. Detailed certification processes may be found in the Tampa International Airport Business Management System certification portal below. 

    Fast-track option is available exclusively to DBE/ACDBE firms that have been recertified under the new certification standards.

    Important Program Update

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)  issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR), effective October 3, 2025, requiring immediate changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) programs. These changes are significant and will impact DBE and ACDBE certification, reporting, and compliance processes nationwide.

    View the update letter

    DBE & ACDBE REEVALUATIONS 

    Current Reevaluation Window: July 2026 - Present

    Initial Reevaluation Window: May 1 to June 30, 2026

    DBE and ACDBE REEVALUATIONS PORTAL