Business Relations Division
The Business Relations Division (BRD) of the Equal Opportunity Department is responsible for administering the City’s small business certification programs and monitoring of city contracts that utilize small businesses as primes, subcontractors, and vendors.
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Commitment to Small and Local Businesses
Phoenix is one of the fastest growing, multicultural cities in the country and has shown a historical commitment to creation and advancement of small and local businesses. The City’s small business programs aim to foster economic growth by ensuring small businesses owned and controlled by socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals have fair opportunities to compete for local and federally funded contracts, while supporting business development and job creation.
Programs
Small Business Enterprise Program
The City of Phoenix Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program available for certified SBE firms includes a contracting program for providers of goods and general services, and a subcontracting goals program for construction contractors.
The city defines SBE firms as certified small business at least 51% owned by an economically disadvantaged individual.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
As recipients of US Department of Transportation (USDOT) grant funding, the City of Phoenix is required to operate a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
The DBE program was implemented to remedy discrimination in contracting and procurement opportunities for disadvantaged businesses. It serves to create equal opportunity for DBE firms doing business with the City of Phoenix on projects receiving federal funds.
A DBE is a for-profit small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged.
Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
As recipients of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funding, the Airport is required to operate an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program for Concessionaires operating at the Airport.
An ACDBE is a for-profit small business concern that owns, operates, or provides goods or services in direct support of the traveling public. Examples of ACDBE concessionaire opportunities include food and beverage, retail operations, display advertising, duty free and car rentals
An ACDBE is a for-profit small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged.
Updates to DBE Program
New Rules Now in Effect
Key Changes Implemented May 9, 2024 - What You Need to Know
- Update of personal net worth and program size thresholds for inflation.
- Modernization of rules for counting material suppliers.
- Formalization of Onsite flexibilities.
- Addition of new program elements to increase usage of DBE/ACDBEs with proactive monitoring.
- Update of certification provisions to give certifiers more flexibility in determining elegibility.
DBE Final Rule
For comprehensive information on the new DBE and ACDBE Final Rule, including guidance documents, implementation details, and upcoming training events, visit the official U.S. Department of Transportation DBE Final Rule page.
AZUCP Agreement
The Arizona Unified Certification Program (AZUCP) Agreement establishes a "one-stop shop" for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification throughout Arizona. This agreement allows businesses to apply once for DBE certification, which is then recognized by all participating agencies in the state. The AZUCP streamlines the certification process, eliminates the need for multiple applications, and provides reciprocity within Arizona.
Contact Information
For more information, please call the Certification team at 602-262-6790 or the Compliance team at 602-495-0887