Small Business Networking – DBEs and Involvement with the Allegheny County Airport Authority

DBE & Workforce Goals

As a system of airports, we have connected our people and our communities to the world for nearly 70 years – we appreciate and value the differences of culture, people and perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are not just words; they are core principles, driven into every action we take and decision we make.

We are setting out to change the paradigm of how we connect with our businesses, contractors, and partners. We are building linkages with our community to ensure contracting, bidding and hiring processes at ACAA are driven by equity-based principles and processes. We know the barriers to entry for small businesses, women and people of color are many. And, we plan to break them down. We are moving past words and into actions. We are setting not just DBE goals; we are setting workforce goals. We want to see the people and the diversity of cultures of this region when we see the people who work for and at the airport.

For more information on our DBE and Workforce goals please contact Virginia Culbreath, DBE Program Administrator at vculbreath@flypittsburgh.com, (412)-472-3779.

What is a DBE?

DBE stands for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. It is defined as a small business owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual.

Why is the DBE program important?

The DBE Program was created in 1983 to eliminate discrimination in federally funded projects. Federal Regulations 49 CFR Part 26 sets forth the guidelines and requirements of the federal DBE Program for the airport.

The program ensures non-discrimination in awarding airport contracts and promotes use of DBE’s in all federally-assisted contracts.

DBE Goals for the Terminal Modernization Program

Some 15 percent of the construction contracts have been awarded to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises; however, that percentage is the floor, not the ceiling and the Airport Authority is taking the initiative to do business with as many local companies and DBEs as possible.

There have been four Industry Days conducted at Pittsburgh International Airport which specifically targeted local DBE’s interested in working at the airport on the TMP project and other ongoing projects. Hundreds attended each event.

Our first-ever Vendor Product Pitch Fair held August 27, 2019 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center was a great success! Thanks to the 130 companies who attended to pitch their products for possible use in the new terminal and multi-modal complex.

Upcoming Opportunities

You’re invited to a reception and networking event 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023, to learn about opportunities for local businesses on the Terminal Modernization Program at Pittsburgh International Airport.

More than $50 million in bid packages will be awarded this fall for the $1.4 billion project to build a new airport terminal, parking garage, and roadway system. Nearly 90% of construction services and materials have been purchased from local companies, and 14% of contracts have been awarded to disadvantaged business enterprises.

The event is free and takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Building, 650 Ridge Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP or learn more, email TMPinfo@Flypittsburgh.com.

To see DBEs currently working on the program, view the full list of subcontractors. SUBCONTRACTORS >

Past DBE Events

DBE Bonding Series – 6pm-8pm on Wednesdays, October 5 – November 16, 2022  LEARN MORE >

Meet the Primes Presentation – July 25, 2019

Small Business Networking – Aug. 8, 2019

2019 DBE Bonding Series: Capacity Building Program – October 15-November 19, 2019

Are you Ready to do Business with the Airport Authority? – October 24, 2019

2021 DBE Bonding Series: Capacity Building Program – October 6-November 17, 2021

Meet the Primes Presentation – September 14, 2022

Virtual Informational Session about the TMP Landscaping Package – October 18, 2022