SESSION SUMMARIES

Selling to the Federal Government & Tools for Success in the Federal Marketplace. Representatives from the Small Business Administration, Small Business Center Network, Government Contracting Assistance Program and NC Military Business Center session will focus on infrastructure-related steps to enter the federal marketplace and resources available for support. 

Program and Procurement Dialogue Sessions
Note: Check the agenda for date/time/location for specific government and military organization session. Sessions include US Army; US Corps of Engineers (two sessions with several different district representation); General Services Administration; Department of Veterans Affairs; Naval Facilities Engineering Command (Mid-Atlantic and Southeast); Several Federal Agencies; Department of State; National Guard; Marine Corps Installations East; US Air Force; Federal Aviation Administration; and US Coast Guard. 

Representatives will present and engage in interactive discussion with businesses about their programs, projects related issues for FY2025 and beyond.  Representatives will address acquisition and execution processes for projects in the program of work. Audience participation throughout the session is strongly encouraged.

Topics to be addressed include:

• Installation/agency growth and facilities utilization plans, FY2025 and beyond
• Installation/agency major military construction (MILCON) projects, FY2025 and beyond
• Installation/agency sustainment, restoration, and modernization (SRM) construction, FY2025 and beyond
• Installation/agency civil works projects, FY2025 and beyond
• Installation/agency energy programs and projects, FY2025 and beyond
• Installation/agency environmental programs and projects, FY2025 and beyond
• Installation/agency horizontal infrastructure construction, FY2025 and beyond
• Installation/agency non-appropriated fund major/SRM construction, FY2025 and beyond
• Installation/agency architectural and engineering services, currently in place and future acquisitions
• Installation/agency service contracts, currently in place and future acquisitions
• Installation/agency use of public private partnerships to provide infrastructure and services
• Process for teaming, subcontracting, or supplying installation public private partnerships
• Impact of budget constraints on FY2025 and future programs and projects
• Anticipated acquisition strategies for projects in the FY2025 program (primary emphasis)
• Agency use of and business access to Multiple Award Task Orders Contracts (MATOC)
• Multiple Award Construction Contracts (MACC), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA), Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA) and other acquisition tools
• Agency use of various small business set=asides, sole source awards and other acquisition tools
• Government expectations, concerns and current issues (with contractors) in acquisition and execution of construction and engineering projects.

Building the Future: Workforce Development for Federal Energy and Construction. During this session, panelists 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

Responding to Emergency and Natural Disasters as a Contractor. In the past decade, the United States and North Carolina experienced several major hurricanes: Hurricane Florence affecting Eastern NC and Hurricane Helen affected Western NC).  This session will discuss the processes for responding to a natural disaster and/or emergency effort as a contractor.  Speakers will explain the role of the State ranging from statewide efforts to federal programs and how businesses can assist within those processes. 

Government & Industry Perspective Challenges Dialogue and Networking with Government Officials. Join this open dialogue between industry and the government on issues affecting industry and federal agencies.  Topics will address supply chain resiliency, inflation, labor workforce issues and what efforts are being made to streamline the acquisition process, rules and regulations affecting industry and the potential cost impact to industry and to the government. Participants will hear lessons learned from the implementation of Project Labor Agreements (PLA), how the government and contractors are meeting small business goals under a PLA, and impact of the newly passed regulations concerning CMMC and Davis Bacon Wage increases. 

Emerging Technology and Installation Modernization. During this session, senior government experts and industry innovators will explore current and future government innovations and programs to modernize and enhance the strategic readiness of our military installations. Discussions will focus on cutting-edge advancements, including the defense innovation ecosystem in the Southeast, next-generation DoD asset management tools, and the transformative impact of modern and digital construction bidding. The panel will also delve into integrating artificial intelligence in construction processes, fostering efficiency and adaptability, and highlighting pioneering new energy initiatives aimed at sustainability and resilience. This session will provide actionable insights into how these innovations drive smarter, greener, and more connected military installations.

Department of Defense Small Business Specialist Panel. This session will provide a brief overview of the Small Business Specialist roles within several government agencies – including when capability reviews are scheduled and with whom, specific agency client support, small business goal attainment and specific products and services the agency procures.

Policy and Regulatory Updates for Small Business. The Small Business Administration and Smith Anderson Law Firm will provide an overview on recent small business rules and regulations affecting small businesses and an overview of the recent legislative changes and how they impact federal contracting and all contractors.

Capital Improvement Programs at North Carolina Installations The purpose of this session is to discuss factors driving infrastructure for North Carolina installation programs. This session will not cover workload but a higher view of what is taking place within each of the military bases.