3 Oct 2025

AMAC Statement on DOT’s Interim Final Rule (September 30, 2025)

Statement from Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC), on DOT’s Interim Final Rule (September 30, 2025)

 “The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Interim Final Rule (IFR) marks the most significant change to the DBE and ACDBE programs in more than four decades. These programs have long served as a gateway for minority- and women-owned businesses to access airport opportunities. The removal of the rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage based on race and gender fundamentally alters how certification is determined.

This is a pivotal moment. Despite the challenges embedded in the IFR, the DBE and ACDBE programs remain essential to equity and opportunity in airport contracting. This IFR introduces significant uncertainty and administrative burden, placing minority and women-owned firms at risk of disruption during recertification.

While the challenges are real, so is our resolve. AMAC is committed to transforming disruption into opportunity—reaffirming the value of inclusion and ensuring that small, local businesses continue to thrive within the aviation ecosystem.

We remain unwavering in our mission to advance the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries.

AMAC is actively developing resources, advocating for our stakeholders, and providing clarity to our members and partners.”

—Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)

 

Call to Action: AMAC Urges DBEs, ACDBEs, Airports and Partners to Remain Engaged

To support our community in understanding and navigating these changes, AMAC has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource to address many questions our members have raised. These FAQs will be updated regularly as additional guidance and clarity become available.

Additionally, AMAC is hosting two webinars to help stakeholders deepen their understanding and enhance their approach to certification under the IFR.

October 7, 2025 | 11:30 am ET
AMAC Webinar: Maintaining and Expanding DBE/ACDBE Certifications
Focused on helping business owners understand current regulations for demonstrating social disadvantage through personal narratives, this session will offer practical tips for navigating potential process changes. Target Audience: AMAC members who are Business Owners.

 

October 30, 2025 | 11:30 am ET
AMAC Webinar: Reviewing Personal Narratives for DBE/ACDBE Certifications
Designed for those involved in certification review, this webinar will explore how to interpret and assess personal narratives under the updated non-presumptive eligibility framework. Target Audience: This webinar is exclusively for Airport Representatives and DBE/ACDBE Certifying Bodies.

 

We encourage all stakeholders to attend these sessions, review the FAQ, and stay engaged as AMAC leads its members through this new chapter.

Resources: