AMAC Celebrates Significant Victory for U.S. Small and Minority Businesses in Federal Contracting: FAR Part 19 “Rule of Two” Provision Preserved
Washington, DC (December 10, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) celebrates a significant victory for America’s small and minority businesses in federal contracting. After months of uncertainty, the recently released rewrite to the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council (FAR Council) Part 19 confirms that the Rule of Two provision has been preserved.
The Rule of Two is a statutory requirement that mandates set-asides for small businesses when at least two responsible small business concerns are expected to submit offers at fair market prices. The rule of two remains firmly in place, as required by statute for contracts between the micro-purchase threshold (MPT) and the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT).
- Without this safeguard, small, minority and disadvantaged businesses risked losing fair access to billions of dollars in contracting opportunities.
- This statutory foundation ensures that small businesses continue to have meaningful access to federal contracting opportunities in this range.
Resources:
- FAR Part 19 Update: https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-19
- AMAC Advocacy Actions: https://www.amac-org.com/advocacy
AMAC remains 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 continues to advocate for contracting policies that advance economic growth, fairness, innovation and access to the robust opportunities across the aviation and aerospace industries. AMAC will continue to hold decision-makers accountable and help safeguard opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses across the aviation sector.
About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit amac-org.com.
Media Contact:
info@amac-org.com
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 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)
Resources:
- USDOT DBE & ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule: transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-09/DBE%20IFR.Signed.9-30-2025.pdf
- AMAC FAQs on USDOT DBE & ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule: amac-org.com/2025/10/03/amac-faqs-dot-ifr-september-2025
- AMAC Advocacy Actions: amac-org.com/advocacy
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.
- Register: https://www.amac-org.com/events/amac-webinar-maintaining-and-expanding-dbe-acdbe-certifications
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.
- Register: amac-org.com/events/amac-webinar-reviewing-personal-narratives-for-dbe-acdbe-certifications
We encourage all stakeholders to attend these sessions, review the FAQ, and stay engaged as AMAC leads its members through this new chapter.
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, strategic partnerships, and business development across the nonprofit and association sectors. She combines vision, execution, and heart in every initiative she leads.
Most recently, Tia was Executive Director of AEC Unites, where she oversaw the launch of a national nonprofit dedicated to creating intentional opportunities for Black talent and Black-owned businesses in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Prior to that, she held several leadership roles at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), where she championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, advised senior leadership, and spearheaded efforts that increased diverse membership recruitment by 8% and generated over $2 million in non-dues revenue.
Tia began her career at the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), where she consistently grew membership, implemented data-driven engagement strategies, and launched innovative programs, including the Young Executive Networking Mixers across six states.
She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Old Dominion University and was named a 2020 Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) Scholar by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Based in Northern Virginia, Tia enjoys mentoring youth and coaching youth basketball and treasures time with her husband and two children.
Welcome Aboard: Introducing the New AMAC Houston Chapter
Washington, DC (August 13, 2025)—We are proud to announce the launch of the AMAC Houston Chapter. This new Chapter provides tailored programming, professional connections, and a powerful platform in one of the nation’s top airport hubs. Become an AMAC National member and join the Houston Chapter today!
Meet the Chapter Officers
- President: Tamika Dickerson of HNTB
- Vice President of Finance: Raquel Olivier of Olivier, Inc.
- Vice President of Aviation: Michael Martin of AECOM
- Vice President of Public Relations: Thalia Andre-Noel of McKnight International
- Vice President of Corporate Relations: Rhonda Arnold of the Houston Airport System
- Vice President of Programs: Shanita Pettway of Fronza & Francis
- Vice President of Membership: Jerry Bustamante of RS&H
- Secretary: James Dean of the Walsh Group.
How to Get Involved
- Join Nationally – AMAC National membership is required to participate at the Chapter level and includes full member benefits.
- Opt Into Houston Chapter – Just $50/year, offering access to events, mentorship, committees, and local networking.
- Engage Actively – Attend orientation sessions (online and in-person), volunteer for committees, and participate in events.
Results of the 2025 AMAC Board of Directors Elections
New Orleans, LA (July 2, 2025)—Check out the results of the 2025 AMAC Board of Directors Elections!
- Treasurer: William “Bill” Swift, Owner & President, Business Traveler Services, Inc.
- Secretary: Siobhan Higgins, Managing Director, Ten Thirty Media
- Northeast Regional Director: Indhira Figuereo Blaney, Senior Vice President, National Aviation / Market Leader, WSP USA
- Central Regional Director: Shelia Hudson, Principal & CEO, Hudson and Associates
- Northwest Regional Director: Jeannie Killebrew, President, Killebrew | Killebrew, Inc
- At-Large Director: Lauryn Mangum Reed, Executive Vice President, TMG Hospitality USA
Minority and Women-Owned Business Groups Oppose Proposed Agreement that Threatens Landmark Remedial Program
AMAC continues its role as part of a coalition vigorously defending the constitutionality of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE), ensuring its continued role in advancing economic opportunity and fairness in federally funded contracting.
“The DBE Program isn’t just a policy—it’s a pathway for diverse businesses to contribute meaningfully to infrastructure, innovation, and job creation,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC). “This rushed and unfair consent order would gut that progress, threaten the economic vitality, and undermine the growth of opportunities in local communities across the country. We will not be sidelined.”
Press Release: https://democracyforward.org/updates/mamco-opposition
Filings:
AMAC Selects 8 Outstanding Small Businesses from the Inaugural Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions Across the Country to Compete at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference
Washington, DC (June 11, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) proudly announces the Round 1 winners of its newly launched Runway to Success program that recently hosted two supplier pitch competitions in Baton Rouge, LA and St. Louis, MO. These “Shark-Tank” tournament-style pitch competitions offered suppliers an opportunity to expand their business into the airport food and retail industry.
“Each Runway to Success event offered participants invaluable opportunities for mentorship, exposure and funding as they presented their business models and innovations tailored to the aviation industry. The winners demonstrated remarkable potential, creativity and readiness to scale their impact across airports, said Ricky D. Smith, Chair, AMAC Board of Directors / General Manager & CEO, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
2025 RUNWAY TO SUCCESS PITCH ROUND 1 COMPETITION WINNERS
ST. LOUIS, MO COMPETITION WINNERS
[St. Louis, MO] Kay Wells of Posie Pots- Posie Pots is perfectly tailored for those with busy lifestyles, offering a minimal-maintenance solution that keeps plant care simple and easy.
- TeaVoila is a patented compostable cup with tea already built at the bottom of the cup, just add hot water and enjoy .
- Bitoy’s Sweet Treats is a Chicago-based brand offering a premium line of handcrafted popcorn and artisan brownies that bring modern indulgence to traditional favorites.
- Good Boy Goodies is an all-natural dog treat brand that offers high-quality, wholesome snacks that keep tails wagging and pet parents happy.
BATON ROUGE, LA COMPETITION WINNERS
[Addis, LA] Tyrone and Jeanetta Taylor of You Fork’n Right- You Fork’n Right embodies the culinary value and quality of authentic Louisiana cuisine. It’s simple, tasty and reasonably priced. Packaged well and small enough for a carry-on.
- Charcuterie On The Fly is a beautifully crafted, individually packaged charcuterie box that provides travelers a sophisticated, convenient dining option before or between flights.
- Rejuvenation offers plant-based energy drinks and functional beverages, including sparkling okra water, crafted with natural ingredients to promote wellness and provide clean, long-lasting energy.
- Vacaciones Vodka Seltzers is a premium, vodka-based hard seltzer brand created for travelers who crave bold flavor and high-quality ingredients.
Round 1 winners will compete at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference in New Orleans, LA. They will also receive national recognition, mentorship from industry leaders and opportunities to further engage with airport authorities and major contractors nationwide.
“AMAC is committed to fostering opportunities for exposure while igniting meaningful business development connections for small businesses aspiring to enter the aviation industry. These dynamic events spotlighted rising entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to pitch their products to industry leaders and airport executives – a potential game-changing opportunity to open doors to a space traditionally difficult to access,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, AMAC.
“As Chair of the AMAC Supplier Access and Opportunity Initiative, I am proud to congratulate the exceptional suppliers advancing to the Elite Eight round of Runway to Success. These visionary businesses represent the innovation, resilience, and excellence required to thrive in today’s aviation industry. Their advancement reflects the growing momentum for meaningful supplier inclusion across the nation’s airports. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to our remarkable hosts—St. Louis Lambert International Airport; Francois Lyles-Wiggins and her dedicated team at the Office of Business Diversity Development (BDD); Baton Rouge Councilman Cleve Dunn, Jr.; and the leadership at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). Their unwavering support and partnership transformed this regional event into a national platform, paving the way for diverse suppliers to grow, compete, and lead. Together, we are redefining what access and opportunity look like in aviation.”—Shelia Hudson, President & CEO, Hudson and Associates; Central Regional Director, AMAC Board of Directors
“We were so honored to be one of two cities that hosted the first Runway to Success Pitch Competition. The amount of talent and product variety we had from our 14 participants was amazing, and this event was a great way to celebrate and hopefully elevate their businesses!”—Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Director, St. Louis Lambert International Airport
“The Baton Rouge Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition featured 21 vendors presenting products, services, and ideas to top aviation industry players like SSP America, Hudson by Avolta, SP+, and Paradies Lagardère —leaders in airport retail, concessions, and operations worldwide. Entrepreneurs gained exposure, made key connections, and learned how to tailor scalable offerings for aviation retail, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer markets. As an entrepreneur, I aim to empower suppliers with tools, knowledge, and opportunities for lasting wealth and stability in the industry. Congrats to all participants, especially the Elite Eight for moving on to showcase their concepts at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference in New Orleans this June.”– Cleve Dunn Jr., Council Member, Baton Rouge, LA (District 6), Commissioner, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport; Member, AMAC Foundation Board of Directors
AMAC extends congratulations to all the winners and participants for their inspiring contributions to the future of airport commerce, innovation and community impact.
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About Runway to Success
AMAC Runway to Success is a “Shark Tank-style” four-round progressive supplier pitch competition to spotlight suppliers of goods and services with the potential to support and enhance the airport concessions industry. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com/rtswww.amac-org.com/rts.
About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit amac-org.com.
Media Contact:
Ramon Lo, Director of Membership & Industry Engagement, AMAC
rlo@amac-org.com
AMAC Statement on the Mid-America Milling Company v. U.S. Department of Transportation Case
WASHINGTON, DC (May 30, 2025) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) issued the following statement:
On May 21, 2025, in a decisive victory for equity in public contracting, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky granted AMAC, and our coalition partners (DBE-Intervenors) the right to intervene in Mid-America Milling Company v. USDOT, ensuring that our voices and those of the businesses we represent, will be heard.
Just days later, on May 28, the Department of Justice and the Plaintiffs filed a joint motion proposing a consent order that would dismantle the DBE Program, authorized by Congress in 1983 without consulting or notifying the DBE-Intervenors.
In response, on May 29, the newly admitted party in this case, DBE-Intervenors filed a formal Notice of Intent to oppose the motion. We will not stand by while others attempt to quietly unravel decades of progress.
We are in this fight, we have a voice, and we will be heard!
Eboni Wimbush, Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) President & CEO
AMAC Kicks Off the 2025 Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum in Washington, DC to Advance Opportunities in Aviation
WASHINGTON, DC (March 26, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) alongside Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) is proud to host the 2025 AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum, taking place March 24–26, 2025, at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center. This annual event brings together key aviation industry leaders, government officials, policymakers and business professionals for a powerful exchange of ideas, strategies and partnerships aimed at advancing opportunities for small businesses across the aviation sector.
The forum’s robust agenda features a lineup of distinguished speakers, panel discussions and workshops focusing on current legislative and policy initiatives impacting airport concessions, construction, and professional services. Highlights include sessions on the FAA’s Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program, infrastructure investment, workforce development and federal funding opportunities.
Senator Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate (D-MD), Congressman Rick Larsen, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-WA) and Congressman Greg Stanton, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-AZ), will give congressional remarks. Michael Steele, Former RNC Chairman and Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, current Political Analyst for MSNBC and Host of The Michael Steele Podcast, will provide the keynote address.
AMAC members will also participate in Capitol Hill advocacy visits, engaging directly with lawmakers to support minority business participation in aviation-related projects and initiatives.
“This forum serves as a critical platform for advancing economic opportunities and addressing policy issues essential to small businesses, especially minority and women-owned businesses in aviation,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO of AMAC. “We are excited to unite industry stakeholders and decision-makers committed to a fair and prosperous aviation community.”
About AMAC
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com.
Media Contact:
info@amac-org.com
Ricky Smith AMAC Board of Directors Chair Appointed to General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
WASHINGTON, DC (February 27, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) congratulates Ricky Smith, AMAC Board of Directors Chair, on his appointment to General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Read the full press release.
“Congratulations to AMAC’s esteemed Board Chair Ricky Smith on this well-deserved recognition! Your leadership and commitment to excellence continue to set the standard in the aviation industry. Your dedication to innovation, expanding opportunities for small businesses and facilitating partnerships is truly inspiring. I look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work in your new role. Wishing you continued success,” said Eboni Wimbush, AMAC President & CEO.
Ricky has led several initiatives as Chair of the AMAC Board of Directors since 2020, including:
- Launch of AMAC Chapters in several cities across the United States (Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA and Portland, OR)
- Development of the 2024–2027 AMAC Strategic Plan
- Participation in the 2024 Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) Pledge Signing during the AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum
- Implementation of the “One AMAC” organizational brand identity and structure
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About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com.
Media Contact:
Ramon Lo, AMAC
rlo@amac-org.com