OREANDA-NEWS. For the second year in a row, Denver International Airport (DIA) has surpassed its goal approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the percentage of work on airport runway pavement and rehabilitation construction projects performed by companies owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Because DIA receives funds from the FAA, the airport is required to participate in the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE). The program provides opportunities for DBE-certified companies to bid on, and be involved as subcontractors, in airport construction projects. DIA's Commerce Hub plays a critical role in connecting small, minority-and women-owned companies with business opportunities at the airport to help achieve these goals.

While the FY 2014 FAA-approved goal for DIA was set at 13.25 percent, the airport achieved a DBE participation rate of 17.38 percent. Goals are measured as a percentage of contract dollars. In 2014, DIA received USD 14,081,620 from the FAA to pay for runway pavement rehabilitation and improvements. Of that amount, USD 2,448,146 was committed to certified DBE companies working on those projects. Denver's Division of Small Business Opportunity, which administers the federal DBE program, reported the airport's results to the FAA today.

"This is the second year in a row that Denver International Airport has exceeded its goals for women- and minority-owned firm participation in airfield projects," said Denver International Airport CEO Kim Day. "This achievement demonstrates our continued commitment to embracing inclusivity and providing meaningful opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses in all airport projects and programs."