31 Oct 2025

AMAC FAQs (Round 2) — USDOT DBE & ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule

We published additional questions and answers (Round 2 FAQs) for the USDOT DBE/ACDBE Program IFR, based on submissions received from members during the AMAC Members-Only Webinar, “Maintaining and Expanding DBE/ACDBE Certifications,” held on October 7, 2025. These resources are available in the AMAC Member Resource Library. To access the AMAC Member Resource Library, log in to your AMAC Member Profile. If you need assistance logging in, please contact us at info@amac-org.com.   AMAC FAQs Question Submission: USDOT DBE & ACDBE … Read More

3 Oct 2025

AMAC Statement on the USDOT DBE & ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule

Statement   “The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) 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 … Read More
3 Oct 2025

AMAC FAQs — USDOT DBE & ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule

On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that fundamentally changes the operation of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs. This IFR was published in the Federal Register and became effective October 3, 2025. For more than four decades, the DBE and subsequently, the ACDBE programs have been a gateway for minority- and women-owned firms to access airport opportunities. The programs include a rebuttable presumption … Read More
3 Oct 2025

Archives: AMAC Connections Newsletters

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2 Oct 2025

Meet The Man Who Leads The World’s Busiest Airport: Ricky Smith (AMAC Board Chair & ATL Airport GM)

Ricky Smith, Chair of the AMAC Board of Directors and General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, joins ForbesBLK Senior Writer Jabari Young on The Enterprise Zone at the Nasdaq MarketSite. During the discussion, Smith outlines the business behind the airport; its $66.7 billion economic impact, growing up in Baltimore before rising to CEO and future careers in aviation.    
25 Sep 2025

Recap: 2nd Annual AMAC She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit

The 2nd Annual She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit, held September 18–19, 2025, at the Atlanta Marriott Airport Gateway, offered a richly layered program designed to empower women across the aviation sector. Over the course of two dynamic days, nearly 400 participants immersed themselves in energizing breakfasts, a compelling keynote address focused on choosing self-confidence & finding your superpower, and hands-on sessions such as She Sets the Agenda, Designing Your Career Journey with Purpose and You’ve Got the Mic! Real Talk with Aviation Executives. Movement … Read More
11 Sep 2025

AMAC Submits Letter for Record – House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure Holds Hearing on Expanding Opportunities for Small Business Contractors

On September 10, 2025, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure held the hearing titled “Leveling the Playing Field: Fostering Opportunities for Small Business Contractors.”  On September 11, 2025, AMAC sent a letter to the committee, highlighting the importance of preserving the DBE program and its role in advancing three vital national interests: economic growth, equity and fairness, and innovation and resilience. The letter also expressed concern about recent policies that have created significant barriers, threatening the survival … Read More
8 Sep 2025

AMAC Submits Comments on RFI – Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal That Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs

On July 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of the Secretary published a Request for Information (RFI): Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal That Focuses on America’s Most Fundamental Infrastructure Needs to the Federal Register in preparation for the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. DOT invited public input on the next surface transportation authorizing legislation, with comments accepted through the RFI that closed September 8, 2025 (extended from August 20).   On September 8, 2025, AMAC submitted comments urging … Read More
14 Aug 2025

A Celebration of Legacy and Lift-Off: 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference Recap

  The 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference took off in New Orleans with energy and purpose, celebrating 40 years of promoting equity in the aviation industry. Hosted by the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the conference combined history, innovation and lively cultural energy into an engaging, multi-day event. Themed “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future,” this milestone gathering brought together over 1,500 aviation professionals, businesses, policymakers and emerging leaders to celebrate achievements and plan a bold future. The … Read More
14 Aug 2025

AMAC National Office Welcomes Tia Perry to the Team

Please join us in welcoming the newest member to the AMAC National Office! Tia Perry serves as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Membership at AMAC, where she leads the Membership and Sponsorship teams. With nearly two decades of experience in the construction and transportation association industries, she is dedicated to advancing engagement strategies and building impactful partnerships that drive organizational growth. An accomplished and award-winning association executive, Tia has more than 18 years of success in membership growth, … Read More

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Judges

Each Runway to Success Competition will feature a judging panel composed of industry executives and business owners with expertise across the airport, aviation and transportation sectors, including operations, procurement and supplier management.

The final pitch competition, held at the AMAC Airport Business Conference, will feature a VIP panel of leaders from the largest airport food and retail operators in North America who possess the authority to extend a business offer.

Suppliers

Supplier applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Suppliers of Goods and Services Positioned to Support Growth, Innovation or Customer Experience in the Aviation Industry

  • Suppliers Offering Strategic, Innovative or Scalable Solutions

  • Must Be Registered as a Legal Business Entity and in Good Standing

  • At Least 51% Minority- or Woman-Owned

  • Able to Clearly Articulate the Value of Their Product or Service in a Short Pitch Format

  • Must Be Available to Attend the Live Pitch Event

  • Must Not Currently Have or Be In the Process of Establishing an Agreement With Any Operators or Airport Concessionaires

APPLY

HOSTS

AMAC is accepting applications from partners to host one of the eight (8) first-round Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions.

Hosting a first-round competition is critical to the overall Runway to Success Supplier Competition. Each host site serves as a gateway for local and regional entrepreneurs, small businesses and ACDBEs to access AMAC’s national platform and connect to contracting and partnership opportunities.

APPLY