Business owners invited to weigh in on federal contract access through DBE program survey
Broward County, Florida – Business owners, contractors, and community members across Broward County now have the opportunity to weigh in on the next phase of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. On June 5, the county formally started its Triennial DBE Goal Public Comment Survey, providing the public an opportunity to help determine future participation goals connected to federally financed airport and transit projects.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires this survey as part of a regular three-year evaluation. During this period, recipients of federal transportation grants must reassess and submit new DBE participation targets. These goals indicate the share of work that should be reasonably expected to go to small, disadvantaged businesses.
The next targets for Broward County will apply to aviation and transit contracts that are paid for using federal grants from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028. Individuals will be able to fill out the survey until Friday, July 18, 2025.
Both DBE-certified enterprises and those not yet certified are welcomed to participate, as are trade groups, prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and any other interested parties. The county’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) has already held two public stakeholder meetings to talk about the proposed goals and methods. Now they want more feedback through the survey and public comment period.
“Our goal-setting process involves multiple stakeholder meetings and a public comment period providing the best opportunity for OESBD to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs as we continue our mission to create opportunities for small businesses,” said OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald.
“I encourage business owners to participate by taking the survey and providing feedback, and also by learning more about how to do business with Broward County.”
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Supporting documentation explaining the goal-setting methodology are available for public review through July 5, 2025, at the OESBD office located at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room A-680 in Fort Lauderdale. Visitors may review materials in person Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. You can also send written comments by mail or email to Donna-Ann Knapp, Small Business Development Manager, at [email protected].
The OESBD continues to encourage inclusive growth, delivering help in workforce training, business expansion, and global market preparation. This triennial DBE assessment procedure represents another effort to promote fair access and opportunities for underrepresented businesses within the county’s major infrastructure projects.
