Attendees Learn about Vision 2040, Upcoming Capital Improvement Projects, Diversity and Inclusion at RDU

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority hosted a business opportunity workshop Sept. 10 that convened more than 300 companies from across the country interested in doing business with RDU. The workshop served as the pre-proposal meeting for on-call consultant opportunities.

The overarching theme of the day was RDU’s commitment to educate and inform the consultant and contracting community (i.e., architects, engineers, planners, environmental specialists, general and sub-contractors) about upcoming capital improvement projects at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

President and CEO Michael Landguth opened the workshop with a presentation on the state of RDU, the airport’s Vision 2040 master plan and expectations of airport business partners. Chief Operating Officer Bill Sandifer followed with more detailed information on Vision 2040 projects and the desire for business partners to share RDU’s core values. Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentations.

The airport has a nearly $2 billion budget shortfall for Vision 2040 capital improvement projects. The funding shortfall could impact the airport’s ability to pursue certain capital projects and therefore limit subsequent opportunities for businesses. Participants were eager to learn more about the upcoming business opportunities and the challenges RDU faces in realizing Vision 2040.

RDU values inclusivity and recognizes the diverse community it serves. The workshop highlighted RDU Small Business Programs including the RDU Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Program (MWSB), Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) as well as the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). RDU staff detailed the unique ways small and large businesses can collaborate on capital projects and partner with the airport.

Click here to learn more about RDU Current Business Opportunities.