Serving as Corporate Diversity Officer for ERMC at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), my mandate was straightforward yet rigorous: convert contractual diversity requirements into actual, high-performing operational partnerships.

40%
Minority Subcontractor Participation
Multi-Year
Sustained Execution
DFW
International Hub

The Operational Strategy

Reaching and maintaining a 40% participation rate in a 24/7 mission-critical airport environment required dismantling three major operational friction points:

1. Direct Capability Audits: Rather than relying on paper certifications, our team met with prospective subcontractors on their active jobsites. We verified equipment capacity, workforce staffing reliability, and safety records firsthand.

2. Segmented Work Scopes: Large airport scopes were divided into manageable facility zones. This allowed subcontractors to staff appropriately without overextending cash reserves or bonding limits.

3. Institutional Alignment with Airport Authority: Regular joint reviews between ERMC leadership and DFW Airport procurement officers ensured total transparency on contractor performance and compliance.

“When minority contractors are prepared, mentored, and treated as true operational partners, quality and performance rise to standard across the board.”
Harvey L. Phelps

Harvey L. Phelps

Executive advisor, author, and former Corporate Diversity Officer at DFW International Airport.

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