The Nashville International Airport (BNA) is ending its small business, minority owned business, and woman owned business programs in order to comply with federal regulations prohibiting DEI practices in awarding contracts. The policy change is intended to end contracting goals based upon race, gender, or ethnicity. The action is being taken in order to comply with Trump administration federal orders.
According to a press release from BNA, the decision follows Trump Executive Order 14173 and updated grant requirements from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, which prohibit race- or gender-based preferences in federally funded programs.
Metro Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), that operates BNA, pointed out that: “The discontinuation of the SMWBE program is a result of this federal directive — not of local choice or discretion. While compliance with EO 14173 requires ending the SMWBE program, MNAA remains committed to fostering opportunities for all small businesses.”
Under the change, MNAA will no longer enforce SMWBE contract requirements, participation goals, or race/gender reporting for current or future projects. The airport says it will launch a new Small Business Program later this fiscal year focused on equitable participation, open competition, and transparent access for all vendors. The Authority did not define how it plans to apply “equitable participation” in awarding future contracts. However, MNAA says more details on the new Small Business Program, including certification and outreach events, will be released soon.
