Intensive training for USDOT grant recipients and practitioners in implementing and managing various small business programs. This training focuses on how key representatives of airports, transit, and highway authorities implement small business programs under current USDOT regulations and on possible evolving practices.
Target Audience: DBELOs/ACDBELOs, Procurement, Legal, Project Management, Internal Audit & Financial Representatives
DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Trainings are NOT included in the conference registration fee. You can add to your registration or only participate in the training.
Day 1 | Wednesday, June 10 | 7:30 am–5:30 pm
DBEs/ACDBEs & SBEs: Now and In the Future
Recent regulatory changes to the DBE and ACDBE programs have reshaped how certifications are administered and how programs are implemented across airports and agencies. This session examines the evolving role of Unified Certification Programs, their interactions with certifying and non-certifying stakeholders, and their influence on DBE and ACDBE goal-setting. Participants will gain insight into today’s regulatory landscape, effective practices for reevaluations, interstate certifications and new applications, along with a practical look at content and financial evaluations, including personal narratives and personal net worth statements. The discussion will also explore how historical data, annual reports, emerging regulatory shifts and future grant and lease projections inform program strategy and long-term implementation.
Day 2 | Thursday, June 11 | 7:30 am–5:30 pm
Leveling the Playing Field, Reducing Barriers & Developing Businesses
Since 1999, the DBE and ACDBE programs have been guided by three core objectives: leveling the playing field, reducing barriers to competition and developing small businesses to succeed beyond the program. This session explores the procurement, administrative, financial, and development practices in place, as well as emerging practices essential to sustaining a competitive, fair and resilient environment for all airport businesses.
Denise Bailey
Bailey White Solutions
Ms. Bailey’s experience spans over 35 years, starting as a construction inspector at the Philadelphia International Airport during her cooperative education assignments at Drexel University. She focuses on funding, efficiency, and compliance in the transportation and governmental sectors. It includes expertise in procurement, grants and project management and oversight, civil rights, accessibility, agreement negotiation, contract compliance, training, and construction management.
After graduating with a BS in Commerce and Engineering from Drexel University, Ms. Bailey worked for five years in the construction management division of a regional engineering firm, followed by 30 years leading the government consulting department of a minority-owned Philadelphia firm and two years as the Vice President of Diversity and Accessibility at the Philadelphia International Airport.
In 2024, Ms. Bailey joined her former colleague at Bailey White Solutions, LLC. She currently serves on the board of the Airport Minority Advisory Council. She has previously served as the Philadelphia Chapter President of the Women’s Transportation Seminar and Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee of the Fairmont Park Conservancy.
