Q: Can you tell me why the Federal Aviation Administration is involved with the procedures involved in the awarding of contracts to businesses for the operation of concessions at the new international terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport? I was under the impression that the FAA was responsible for matters concerning actual aviation, not in food, beverage, clothing, magazine, books and newspaper vending.
-- John Anderson, Oakwood
A: The FAA is not involved in awarding airport concession contracts. As part of its regulatory oversight, the FAA ensures that airports follow federal laws that require them to give fair chances for contracting opportunities to socially and economically disadvantaged firms, called Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Airports that accept federal grants must comply with these laws. The state is required to certify that firms are qualified as DBEs. The FAA recently conducted a review of certification records for Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, identifying four firms that did not meet the requirements.
Q: Is it true that if the U.S. were to come under attack, that only military vehicles would be allowed on the interstates?
-- Hollis Askew, Arlington
A: The interstate highway system was not created with this purpose, a spokesperson with the Federal Highway Association told Q&A on the News. As supreme commander of the allied forces in Europe in World War II, President Dwight D. Eisenhower understood the military value of the interstates and their use for possible evacuations, according to the FHA's website. But civilian use is why Eisenhower supported the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which established the funding and building of the interstate system.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? Our researchers will try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city). Sorry, individual responses are not possible.
