Wayne County Airport Authority Has $750 Million in Airport Contracts for Contractors, Small Businesses

February 11, 2026

The Wayne County Airport Authority is hosting a major outreach event on February 23rd in Novi to connect contractors and business owners with approximately $750 million worth of construction and concession opportunities at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport over the next two years. The day-long event features separate morning and afternoon sessions covering construction projects and concession programs, along with detailed procurement guidance including bidding and contract management procedures. The initiative particularly emphasizes opportunities for Black-owned and disadvantaged businesses through DBE and ACDBE certification programs, which have previously helped Michigan companies like Rowe Trucking and Value Engineering expand significantly through public contracts.

Who is affected

Contractors and small business owners across Michigan
Local and national construction contractors and subcontractors
Concession owners
Black-owned businesses, particularly those certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) or Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE)
Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA)
Engineering firms, consultants, vendors, and small business enterprises
Travelers and users of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and Willow Run Airport

What action is being taken

The Wayne County Airport Authority is hosting a construction and concessions outreach event on February 23rd at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi
Registration is currently open and will remain available through February 19th
The morning session (9 a.m. to noon) is introducing construction opportunities on the 2026-27 project calendar
The afternoon session (1-4 p.m.) is highlighting the concessions program
Both sessions are offering detailed guidance on procurement, solicitation, bidding, award procedures, and contract management

Why it matters

This event represents a significant economic opportunity for businesses in the region, with approximately $750 million in major contracting opportunities expected to be bid over the next two years. For Black-owned and disadvantaged businesses specifically, this outreach could be transformational by providing access to knowledge, networking opportunities, and pathways to compete for multimillion-dollar contracts that have historically been difficult to access. Understanding procurement processes and building relationships with prime contractors can determine whether businesses remain marginalized or become key players in major infrastructure projects. The scale and variety of work available through WCAA represents one of the most significant openings in the region's business landscape for enterprises ready to expand beyond smaller local projects.

What's next

Registration deadline is Thursday, February 19th
The outreach event will take place on Monday, February 23rd at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi
Attendees will learn how to compete for work that will be bid across the airport authority's portfolio over the next two years
Businesses can register at https://wcaaoutreachdayfeb2026.rsvpify.com/

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle