Southeast Region Federal Construction, Infrastructure & Environmental Summit

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)

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: 

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: 

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.  

Energy and Environmental “Hot Topics.” Federal energy and environmental requirements are evolving quickly, driven by new regulations, installation readiness demands, and accelerating climate and resilience risks. In this panel, representatives from government and industry will explore the most pressing “hot topics” facing the federal government—highlighting emerging issues such as PFAS, microgrids, and broader resiliency needs across facilities and mission spaces. Panelists will discuss current budgets, near-term priorities, and program direction for energy and environmental initiatives, including how agencies are balancing compliance, cost, schedule, and mission assurance. The session will conclude with a practical dialogue on how industry can best support federal goals, from remediation and monitoring services to resilient infrastructure solutions, data/analytics, and innovative project delivery models that help mitigate risk and meet evolving requirements.