The Aviation Department works closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to encourage use of Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) for airport concessions. To qualify as an ACDBE, a firm must first become certified.

Federal Regulation, 49 CFR Part 23 provides for the certification and eligibility of ACDBEs. The City applies the procedures and standards of Part 26 26.61-91 for certification of ACDBEs to participate in our concessions program. The ACDBE Program incorporates and provides that certification decisions for ACDBEs will be made by the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP). Under the regulation, Section 26.81 mandates that each state must implement a "one stop" certification process for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). Five agencies have agreed to perform the certification of ACDBEs within the State of Texas under the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP). The five agencies are: City of Houston, Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA), South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA), and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Each certifying entity will maintain and process all DBE applications in their designated area throughout the state. The TUCP requires each member entity to recognize all DBEs and ACDBEs certified throughout the entire State of Texas.

To apply for ACDBE certification, please contact the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) at (210) 227-4722.

•  DBE Program