Economic and Fiscal Impacts of DFW International Airport's Disadvantaged, Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise: Detailed Findings and Updates Page: 22

                                
resumes, and improving the overall quality of companies. The staff of the DMWBE
program receives high praise and has been helpful in facilitating new business
relationships both at DFW Airport and elsewhere. The staff is also found to be easily
accessible and knowledgeable about small business operations. In sum, relationships with
DFW Airport and its DMWBE program have been a great source of opportunity and
training for participating minority businesses.
Respondents suggested several ways to improve the DMWBE program. While
networking is already fostered, some businesses felt the networking process could be
more formalized. One respondent offered the idea of having a "mixer" or social event at
DFW Airport wherein DMWBE participants could meet and network.
When focusing on obtaining contracts outside of the DMWBE network, a desire
for the DMWBE program to write letters of recommendation was voiced. Concern was
also expressed about whether future DFW Airport Boards would be supportive of the
program. At the same time, several respondents worry that the public benefits from the
airport's DMWBE program are not well understood.
One of the key features of the Business Diversity and Development program at
DFW Airport is to have smaller value contracts available that are within the bonding and
operations capabilities of smaller DMWBE. Still, some participants feel that more could
be done in this area. Specific mention was made regarding the requirements for a $10
million dollar liability umbrella policy as a barrier to entry for some small businesses
wanting to contract with DFW Airport.

22