Business Diversity Programs

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (LANOIA) is committed to creating opportunity for socially- and economically-disadvantaged businesses to compete equitably for business opportunities and achieve economic success, contributing to MSY’s overall mission of expanding horizons.

It is the Airport’s stated commitment to remove any barriers which may impede small business participation, and to assist in the development of small business certified firms to compete successfully, ensuring that the diversity programs are tailored in accordance with applicable laws, and consistently implementing small business eligibility standards.

To be eligible for diversity program certifications, a business must be for-profit, have at least 51% ownership by a U.S. citizen or lawfully permanent resident of the U.S. who is socially- and economically-disadvantaged, meets the size criteria defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA): www.sba.gov/content/table-small-business-size-standards, and must not exceed the personal net worth cap or annual gross receipts cap (per applicable program) in the three, previous fiscal years. Each individual must supply evidence of both historic and continuing economic and social disadvantage.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison Officer (DBELO) is responsible for monitoring diversity program project goals from pre-award to completion, ensuring that all diversity goals are met. This includes reviewing the diversity goal for contract awards, monitoring monthly or quarterly payments to SL/(AC)DBEs, performing commercially useful function reviews, resolving conflicts and complaints, and reviewing project files upon completion for compliance with the SL/(AC)DBE program requirements.

The Programs are summarized, below, but, please, visit the links to the left or title links, below, to learn more. Firms must be certified in the business diversity program of the set contract goal prior to bid submission to be considered for participation toward meeting any diversity contract goal. Post-bid certification concerns must be addressed and approved by the DBELO.

The DBE Program, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26, includes all contracts for construction, professional services, and procurement, which are funded in whole or in part by federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The NOAB adheres to nondiscriminatory practices in the award and administration of all DOT-assisted contracts.

Until further notice, the Airport’s DBE Program is on-hold pending updates to the federal code and re-evaluation of currently certified firms. New certifications are paused. Refer to the US DOT’s website for current information: https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise.

The ACDBE Program, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 23, includes certain concessions operations at the Airport.

Until further notice, the Airport’s ACDBE Program is on-hold pending updates to the federal code and re-evaluation of currently certified firms. New certifications are paused. Refer to the US DOT’s website for current information: https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise.

In order to comply with regulatory mandates, the NOAB has collectively joined with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD), the LADOTD New Orleans DBE Office and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority to develop and implement uniform procedures for DBE certification. This program eliminates the necessity for DBE firms to complete multiple applications, as certification decisions are reciprocally accepted throughout the UCP membership in Louisiana.

Until further notice, the LAUCP is on-hold pending updates to the federal code and re-evaluation of currently certified firms. Refer to the US DOT’s website for current information: https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise.

For further information on the UCP, please go to: www.LAUCP.org.

The SBE Program, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26 Section 26.39, is open to all business owners regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.

Click here to view the Airport’s SBE Program Plan.

Only the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LA DOTD) are processing SBE certification applications, at this time. Visit NORTA’s small business program website for more information and application documents: www.norta.com -> Business Center -> Small Business and DBE. Visit LADOTD’s SBE Program page at: www.dotd.la.gov -> Doing Business -> Disadvantaged Business Enterprise – Small Business Element -> Small Business Element.

The SLDBE Program is open to all business owners regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. In this program, an overall participation goal of 35% of all public works projects funded by state and local dollars was established for SLDBE-certified firms. For information on the SLDBE Program and revisions to City of New Orleans Policy Memorandum 46R, please see the Creating Pathways to Prosperity for the People of New Orleans presentation.

The Office of Supplier Diversity for the City of New Orleans is, now, the custodial owner of all SLDBE-certified firms, their certification files, and any future certification applications: http://www.nola.gov/economic-development/supplier-diversity/. SLDBE Certification by the City of New Orleans is reciprocal for the SLDBE programs administered by the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, Caesars New Orleans | Harrah’s Jazz Casino, and the New Orleans International Airport.

To apply for certification or view a list of SLDBE-certified firms, via the City of New Orleans’ Office of Supplier Diversity, visit: neworleans.dbesystem.com/.

Hours

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is open 24 hours daily, including holidays.

Administrative office hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (M-F)