Disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program

Regulatory changes

Recent regulatory changes by the U.S. Department of Transportation affecting DBE and ACDBE have impacted the Oregon Unified Certification Program, as well as the Port's ACDBE/DBE programs. Under the new regulation, certifying entities must re-evaluate all existing DBEs to determine qualification. For more information about the regulation changes, visit the Department of Transportation.    

The Port of Portland has an established Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations of 49 CFR Part 26.

The Port receives federal financial assistance from the USDOT through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) primarily for airport improvement projects. As a condition of that financial assistance, the Port must ensure that DBE-certified businesses have an opportunity to compete fairly for and perform work on FAA-funded Port contracts.

FAA grants require the Port to establish DBE plans for its three airports and set regular DBE participation goals for airport projects and concessions; and to submit annual reports to the FAA detailing actual DBE participation.

To qualify as a DBE, a business must meet the definition in  49 CFR § 26.5.

DBE certification

The Port of Portland is signatory to the Oregon Unified Certification Program (Oregon UCP). The State of Oregon’s Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) makes certification decisions on behalf of the Oregon UCP. For more information about certification and to access the application and online directory of certified firms visit the COBID website.


PDX DBE participation goal -- federal fiscal years 2023-2025

In accordance with 49 CFR Part 26, the Port ‘s DBE participation triennial overall goal for Portland International Airport (PDX) federal fiscal years (FFY) 2023 through 2025 was 9.62% for FAA-funded contracts. The public comment period for this goal has closed.

Notice of the Port’s proposed DBE participation goals for the next triennial period (FFY 2026 through 2028) will be posted in accordance with 49 CFR § 26.45 and applicable agency guidance. DBE participation goals will be updated after the Oregon UCP has completed the re-evaluation process required by USDOT regulations.

DBE program contacts


Port of Portland

John Cárdenas
Manager, Inclusive Contracting
7200 NE Airport Way
Portland, OR 97218
503-415-6587
John.Cardenas@portofportland.com

FAA

Office of Civil Rights
Sonia Cruz
sonia.cruz@faa.gov

Contacts

More Information