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Welcome to AMACG’s Monday Morning Brief, a weekly roundup of consequential developments gathered from government agencies, regulators, funders, and other credible sources. This week’s developments affect transportation contractors, Georgia organizations with fuel and transportation expenses, workforce-development organizations, training providers, and small employers.
Status: Final rule; effective September 25, 2026
What changed: The U.S. Department of Transportation finalized revisions to its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs.
The rule eliminates race and sex-based presumptions of disadvantage and requires applicants and affected certified firms to provide individualized evidence of social and economic disadvantage. This includes a personal narrative and current personal net-worth statement.
The final rule also:
DOT updated its implementation materials on October 2
Why it matters: The rule affects certified firms, applicants, prime contractors, transportation agencies, airport concessionaires, and organizations that provide contracting-readiness assistance.
Certification status, subcontracting relationships, participation goals, revenue forecasts, and active contracting opportunities may be affected. Businesses should also understand that SBA 8(a), DOT DBE and ACDBE, and state and local certifications are separate programs with different requirements.
Learn more: Review the DOT final rule | Access DOT’s implementation resources
Status: Confirmed temporary measure
What changed: Georgia suspended collection of the state motor-fuel excise tax from September 29 through October 29, 2026, citing global market volatility and petroleum-supply disruptions. The executive order also temporarily suspends certain state weight limits for commercial vehicles.
The tax suspension covers ordinarily taxable fuels such as gasoline, clear diesel, aviation gasoline, propane, gasohol, ethanol, liquefied natural gas, and compressed natural gas. Prepaid local sales taxes and other applicable local taxes remain in effect.
Licensed fuel distributors must continue reporting covered transactions even though the state excise tax is not remitted during the suspension period.
Why it matters: Georgia businesses and nonprofits with transportation, delivery, mobile-service, construction, event, or distribution costs may experience temporary relief. However, the suspension does not eliminate exposure to broader fuel-price volatility, and the tax is scheduled to return after October 29 unless the suspension is extended.
Learn more: Review Georgia’s motor-fuel-tax guidance
Status: Confirmed awards; not a new open funding opportunity
What changed: On October 1, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced approximately $10.2 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants for 67 organizations.
The grants support instructor-led education for workers and employers, with an emphasis on small businesses and industries with high injury, illness, and fatality rates. Funded activities include hazard-awareness training, prevention and control education, and the development of classroom-ready safety materials.
Why it matters: Although this award round is complete, the grants may expand access to safety education for small employers and workers. The selected organizations may also become useful training providers, referral resources, or potential partners for workforce and community-based organizations.
The awards reflect the importance of documented training needs, accessible learning materials, employer engagement, and measurable outcomes within workforce-development programs.
Learn more: Susan Harwood Training Grant Program
Status: Confirmed awards; Georgia was not selected
What changed: The U.S. Department of Labor awarded $43 million to seven states for employer-driven training in areas that include advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, nuclear energy, construction, cybersecurity, healthcare, information technology, and other critical industries.
The funding will flow through state workforce agencies using outcome-based reimbursements for employers that provide responsive skills training. Georgia was not among the seven recipient states.
Why it matters: The awards reinforce the federal emphasis on measurable, employer-connected training that responds to demonstrated workforce demand.
Although the announcement does not create a direct Georgia funding opportunity, similar approaches may influence future workforce programs and funding expectations. Workforce-development organizations may increasingly be expected to demonstrate employer involvement, credential alignment, completion rates, employment outcomes, and cost effectiveness.
Learn more: Review the Department of Labor announcement
This brief is provided for general educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, investment, or financial advice. Organizations should review the official sources and consult professionals when determining how a development applies to their specific circumstances.
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