Broward County Invites Business Owners to Shape DBE Goals!

Broward County, Florida, USA - Broward County is rolling out the red carpet for local businesses with its updated initiative on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals. This community effort aims to bolster participation in federally funded airport and transit projects by seeking input from the local business community. With the online DBE Public Comment Survey open until July 18, 2025, everyone from certified DBE firms to industry groups and contractors is encouraged to lend their voices to this important dialogue.

The feedback gathered is crucial as the County navigates its triennial goal-setting process. According to Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD), it’s not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring that small and disadvantaged enterprises get a fair shot at participating in vital federal projects. The U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that grant recipients like Broward submit their DBE participation goals every three years, with the upcoming goals applying from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028.

Community Engagement Matters

OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald is keen on maximizing community engagement, urging business owners to make their voices heard in the survey. “It’s a golden opportunity to learn about doing business with Broward County and influence the landscape for future federal projects,” he noted. To make things easier, the County has held two public stakeholder meetings, and recordings of those gatherings are available online for anyone who missed them. Interested parties can also review the proposed DBE goals and methodologies at the OESBD office in Fort Lauderdale.

But that’s not all on the agenda. Broward County is also seeking comments on the triennial Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) goal-setting process, which opened its public comment period through an online ACDBE Goal Public Comment Survey until September 19, 2023. The proposed goals for non-car rental concessions at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) stand at 23.30%, which includes a significant component from race-conscious participation.

What This Means for Local Businesses

For the aviation car rental concessions, the proposed goal is set at 2.00%. Here, the anticipated contributions are 1.45% from race-neutral means and 0.55% from race-conscious efforts. These figures not only set the stage for what businesses can expect but also highlight Broward County’s commitment to a more inclusive business environment. The OESBD plays a pivotal role by certifying firms under the DBE program, designed to increase opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses in local procurement.

While navigating these opportunities, it’s worth noting that the OESBD also provides the necessary certification and maintains an electronic directory of certified firms. This is especially crucial for those interested in pursuing contracts pertaining to aviation and transit projects. Interested businesses can apply for certification through the State of Florida’s Unified Certification Program, managed by the Florida Department of Transportation. Detailed eligibility requirements ensure that the focus remains on fostering the growth of local, small businesses.

In short, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Broward County’s initiatives offer pathways to not only thrive but also shape the local economy. Engaging in these surveys and being part of this process can truly make a difference in how the County approaches future federal project contracts. Don’t miss out—check out the links and lend your voice!