The U.S. Department of Transportation administers programs that directly and indirectly benefit Texas businesses in transportation, logistics, construction, and related industries. Texas receives more federal transportation funding than almost any other state due to its size, interstate highway system, ports, and freight volume.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
The DOT DBE program is one of the most significant federal contracting programs for Texas small businesses. Any state or local agency receiving DOT financial assistance must establish goals for DBE participation in federally funded contracts.
- Certification: Small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals can apply for DBE certification through TxDOT
- Contract opportunities: DBE-certified firms receive consideration on billions of dollars in federally funded highway, transit, and airport contracts in Texas
- Supportive services: TxDOT provides training, bonding assistance, and business development support for DBE-certified firms
RAISE Grants (Rebuilding American Infrastructure)
RAISE grants fund transportation infrastructure projects that benefit communities. While grants go to public entities, they create significant contracting and subcontracting opportunities for Texas businesses in construction, engineering, planning, and related services.
INFRA Grants
Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grants fund large freight and highway projects. Texas — with the largest freight network in the country — regularly competes for INFRA grants. These projects generate contracting opportunities for transportation-related businesses.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Programs
- Capital investment grants: Funding for new transit systems and expansions, creating opportunities for construction, engineering, and technology firms
- Bus and bus facilities grants: Funding for transit vehicle purchases and facility construction
- Transit-oriented development planning: Grants for planning around transit stations, benefiting real estate and development firms
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Programs
- Airport Improvement Program (AIP): Grants for airport development and safety improvements. Texas has 25 commercial airports and hundreds of general aviation airports receiving AIP funding.
- Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE): A separate DBE program specifically for airport concessions — food service, retail, and other concession businesses at federally funded airports
Maritime Administration (MARAD) Programs
- Port Infrastructure Development Program: Grants for port improvements, relevant to businesses at Texas Gulf Coast ports including Houston, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, and others
- Marine Highway Program: Support for waterborne freight transportation as an alternative to highway congestion
FHWA Technology and Safety Programs
- SBIR program: DOT operates its own SBIR program funding research in transportation safety, efficiency, and innovation
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Funding for technology solutions in traffic management, freight tracking, and transportation safety
How Texas Businesses Access DOT Programs
- Get DBE certified: If you qualify, DBE certification opens access to federally funded transportation contracts throughout Texas. Apply through TxDOT.
- Monitor contract opportunities: TxDOT, transit agencies, and airport authorities post contracting opportunities on their procurement portals
- Register on SAM.gov: Federal contracting requires SAM registration. Complete this before pursuing any DOT-related contracts.
- Contact your PTAC: Procurement Technical Assistance Centers help Texas businesses navigate federal transportation contracting
Bottom Line
DOT programs create massive contracting and business development opportunities in Texas. Between DBE certification, RAISE and INFRA infrastructure grants, transit and airport programs, and DOT SBIR research funding, Texas businesses in transportation- related industries have multiple federal pathways to explore.
Our screening report identifies which DOT and other government programs may apply to your Texas business. Start your free screening →