SESSION SUMMARIES

Government & Industry Perspective and Challenges Dialogue.  This session provides an open forum for industry and government to discuss key issues influencing federal contracting and program execution. Panelists will address major topics including the FAR 2.0 rewrite, the use of Other Transaction Authority (OTAs), emerging alternative construction methodologies, and the evolving landscape of small business set-asides and related impacts. The discussion will also cover regulatory changes affecting both industry and agencies, with a focus on potential cost implications for each. Additionally, the session will examine the newly enacted Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements and clarify how agencies define and manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). 

Program and Procurement Dialogue Sessions.  (See the agenda for specific dates/times)

  • US Army (Garrison/MICC/DPW) 
  • Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Mid-Atlantic and Marine Corps Installations East 
  • Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southeast 
  • Department of Veterans Affairs and General Services Administration 
  • Defense Health Agency and Federal Agencies 
  • US Air Force and US Coast Guard  
  • US Army Corps of Engineers (Charleston, Jacksonville, Mobile and Caribbean Districts) & (Baltimore, Norfolk, Wilmington, and Savannah Districts) 

Representatives will deliver briefings and engage in an interactive discussion with businesses about their programs, upcoming projects, and priority issues for FY 2026 and beyond. Panelists will outline planned acquisition and execution processes and provide insight into how industry can effectively engage throughout the program lifecycle. Audience participation is strongly encouraged to foster meaningful dialogue and address real-time questions. 

Topics will include: 

  • Installation/agency growth plans and facilities utilization strategies for FY 2026 and beyond 
  • Major military construction (MILCON) projects planned for FY 2026 and future years 
  • Sustainment, restoration, and modernization (SRM) construction efforts for FY 2025 and beyond 
  • Civil works projects projected for FY 2026 and beyond 
  • Energy programs and infrastructure initiatives planned for FY 2026 and beyond 
  • Environmental programs, compliance efforts, and remediation projects for FY 2026 and beyond 
  • Horizontal infrastructure construction plans for FY 2026 and beyond 
  • Non-appropriated fund major construction and SRM projects for FY 2026 and beyond 
  • Current and upcoming architectural and engineering services acquisitions 
  • Current and future service contract requirements 
  • Use of public-private partnerships to deliver infrastructure and services 
  • Processes for teaming, subcontracting, and supporting PPP initiatives 
  • Impacts of budget constraints on FY 2026 and future programs 
  • Anticipated acquisition strategies for FY 2026 projects 
  • Agency use of MATOCs, MACCs, IDIQs, BPAs, BOAs, and other acquisition tools (e.g., Sourcewell, OTAs, GSA BIC, Mandatory Sources, MAS) 
  • Small business set-asides, sole-source authorities, and related procurement tools 
  • Ways industry can support federal agencies in executing growing workloads and delivering innovative solutions 

Lessons Learned from Emergency Response Contracting Efforts: Hurricane Helene and Florence. This session will examine the preparation and execution of disaster relief contracting efforts during Hurricanes Helene and Florence, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of FEMA, state agencies, and the federal government. Attendees will explore key lessons learned on procedural processes, including how both government and industry partners can effectively coordinate and respond. The session will cover best practices, common pitfalls, and practical guidance on the “Do’s and Don’ts” of disaster response contracting. Insights from FEMA, state, and federal agencies will provide participants with actionable strategies to improve future emergency preparedness and response efforts.  

Building the Future: Workforce Development for Federal Energy and Construction. The Workforce Development Panel on Federal Energy and Construction will explore the evolving demands of the energy and construction sectors, focusing on how the federal government, academia, and industry can collaborate to build a skilled workforce. The panel will highlight current trends, challenges, and opportunities for workforce development in these critical areas. Discussion will include: 

  • Skills Gaps and Emerging Technologies 
  • Role of Apprenticeships and Training Programs 
  • Government and Private Sector Collaboration 
  • Future Workforce Needs 
  • Utilizing Title II contracts that would supplement Federal workforce gaps 

Policy and Regulation Updates for Small Businesses. This session will provide an overview of recent FAR 2.0 rewrite changes and their implications for small businesses, including updated thresholds and broader impacts on industry. Attendees will gain insights into how these changes affect mandatory sourcing programs, such as Best-In-Class contracts, GSA contract consolidations, and the tools agencies plan to use to implement them. Key topics will include updates to OASIS+, MAS, GSA and FSS Schedules, 8(a) program adjustments, sole-source requirements, and considerations for Tribal and ANC businesses, the Hawaiian Native Owned (HNO) process, as well as other regulatory changes affecting acquisition rules, procedures and processes.  Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape and practical guidance for navigating these evolving requirements in federal contracting. 

Alternative Construction Methodologies and Other Strategies to Accelerate Acquisition and Delivery of Federal Infrastructure Projects.  Federal agencies face increasing pressure to deliver resilient, mission-ready infrastructure faster than traditional approaches allow. This session explores alternative construction methodologies—such as progressive design-build, integrated project delivery, modular/offsite construction, and public-private partnerships—that can accelerate project schedules while maintaining compliance and quality. Participants will examine procurement strategies, contract structures, and policy tools that enable early contractor involvement, concurrent design and construction, and better risk management. Real-world case studies will highlight lessons learned, cost and time savings, and practical tactics for overcoming common barriers. Emerging technologies, including BIM, offsite fabrication, and digital scheduling tools, will be discussed as enablers of faster and more efficient delivery. Attendees will engage in an interactive workshop to apply these strategies to a hypothetical federal project, designing accelerated acquisition and delivery plans. By the end of the session, participants will gain actionable frameworks, metrics, and templates to pilot alternative methodologies within their agencies. The breakout equips federal leaders, contractors, and program managers with the tools and insights needed to modernize project delivery and achieve mission-critical outcomes faster.  

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The NC Military Business Center, the NC Community College System, and the State of North Carolina do not officially endorse events. These items are posted strictly for the information and convenience of NCMBC customers.