FAQs

DFW Airport uses a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to award most of the concession locations at the Airport. The Airport determines the best use of a space and then seeks proposals from experienced operators for each location.

The Airport works with airlines and other stakeholders to determine available concession space.

Next, the Airport uses multiple resources (market research, consultants, passenger interviews and surveys) to identify the optimum for each space and to anticipate highly desired passenger trends and preferences. Also:

1. Space is allocated based on passenger projections for 2020.
2. The Airport targets 8 to 10 square feet of concession space per 1,000 enplaned (departing) passengers.
3. The concessions mix generally targets 60% for food and 40% for retail.

Concessionaires pay the Airport a percentage of their gross sales each month, usually subject to one-twelfth of a pre-determined Minimum Annual Guarantee (MAG).

DFW uses a Selection Committee made up of executives from five Airport departments, plus a review by the Finance and Business Diversity & Development Departments. Committee members review each proposal and sometimes invite proposers in for interviews in cases where two or more proposals are close in scoring.
The Selection Committee makes a recomendation to the Airport Board, which either accepts or rejects the Committee's recommendation.

Each RFP might be unique, but generally the Selection Committee assigns a series of points to categories such as concept, experience, design, proposed percentage rent, and other factors.

No, however there is a required deposit, usually $10,000 per proposal. The deposits for unsuccessful proposals are fully refunded. The deposits for successful proposals are held as a security/performance deposit (more details are provided within each RFP).

Generally about 9 months. Proposers will be notified by email as to whether their proposal is successful or not.

Certainly! After each location has been awarded, proposers may request a debriefing with Airport staff to discuss why their proposal was (or was not) successful and how their future proposals might be improved.

All opportunities in the Concessions RFP process are offered as "packages." A package could include a single location or multiple locations.

First, make sure you have experience in operating the type of concept you wish to propose.

Next, look for opportunities to partner with other companies. Most of the concession operations at DFW are partnerships.

Be sure to register with the DFW Partnership Database here so you can stay informed about opportunities and outreach events. You will also see other companies listed who might be looking for partners, and they can see your information as well.

The ACDBE and M/WBE certifications are not required to do business with DFW, however, if a proposer is seeking ACDBE or M/WBE credit to meet an ACDBE or M/WBE goal, the ACDBE or M/WBE firms must be certified through one of the approved certification entities at the time of proposal submission. Certification certificates must be included with the proposal submission.

An Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is a for-profit small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation where at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

A Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise is a for-profit business concern which is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more minority person(s) or female(s), or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more minorities or women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the minority individuals or women who own it.