On August 13, a federal prohibition on the use of certain telecommunications components took effect. The new Interim Final Rule (IFR), often referred to as “Section 889 Part B,” prohibits federal agencies from entering into, extending, or renewing a contract with a contractor that uses any equipment, system, or service that utilizes certain Chinese companies’ telecommunications equipment or services as a component or critical technology of any system, unless an exception applies or a waiver is granted. The Department of Defense issued a memo on this measure, explaining that federal contractors should expect change orders or other required affirmations of a contractor’s compliance with this prohibition. On July 1 and July 15, AGC, along with a coalition of stakeholders, called on Congress to extend the date of implementation and to make key changes to the rule.
On July 8, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs began to consider funding legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2021. The bill provides a total of $10.1 billion for military construction projects, roughly $1.5 billion below the FY 2020 enacted levels. The VA portion of the bill funded major and minor construction within the VA at $1.8 billion, an increase of $139 million above the FY 2020. This amount includes $1.4 billion for Major Construction and $400 million for Minor Construction. House Democratic leadership has stated that it wants all twelve funding bills to be passed by the end of July. The Senate has yet to pass any of its appropriations bills. AGC strongly supports increased investment in our nation’s military programs and veterans’ facilities and will continue to advocate for increased funding as the bill moves to the Senate for additional consideration. The full text of the measure can be viewed here.
Chris has worked in the construction industry for over 25 years in various marketing, business development and public relations positions.
In 2008, Chris founded Atlas Marketing to tell stories for people who build things. The agency, based in Pittsburgh, specializes in marketing, social media, digital development, crisis communications, public relations and marketing strategy. Since inception, the agency has worked hard to simplify the complex stories of labor organizations, government agencies, general contractors, specialty contractors and statewide industry associations. In addition to being a member of the AGC BD Forum, Chris is co-host of the Building PA Podcast, a podcast that showcases the construction industry throughout Pennsylvania and a frequent speaker on the topics of crisis communications and telling stories for the construction industry.
On July 1, the House Armed Services Committee overwhelmingly passed (56-0) H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. In addition, on July 2, the Senate is set to vote on it’s version of the FY2021 NDAA (S.4049). AGC has provided feedback to both chambers on provisions important to federal construction contractors.
Billions of Dollars for Military Construction Projects
AGC is currently seeking questions and topics for discussion at the Virtual Federal Contractors Conference (FedCon) to be held June 8-12, 2020. Attendees have the unique opportunity to lead the meeting agenda and directly interact with and pose questions to construction leaders in a wide array of federal agencies. These robust discussions offer contractors the opportunity to learn about the latest projects and policies and address problems the industry may face when working directly with a federal agency.
Construction Firms Are Already Taking Steps to Protect Employees, Most of Whom Already Wear Protective Equipment, While Halting Work Will Undermine Efforts to Add Hospital Capacity
For the second year in a row, AGC of America’s Business Development Forum, partnered with The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), to offer free one-on-one BD “Check-Ups” for AGC Convention attendees to review and offer guidance on their BD and marketing related efforts. Subject matter experts from across the nation were paired with attendees to answer questions and challenges relating to BD planning, sales, proposals, client presentations, branding, brochures, websites, social media, and more.
Mauricio Henderson, 37, is the President of Perseverance in Denver, Colorado. Mauricio joined AGC's Business Development Forum for access to a peer network to get other peoples perspectives on industry challenges and share information that can add value to other organizations. Mauricio states that the "BD Forum is beneficial because we all have blind spots and it gives us a platform to help member organizations grow and become more effective." Mauricio is a tremendous advocate for the construction industry by engaging the youth in the construction workforce and helping the construction business community.“I have been given a unique talent to connect others to amazing construction employment opportunities and information. I continue to make a tremendous impact in diverse communities that surround all of us. My passion is connecting someone to an employment opportunity or providing valuable information and them just smiling and saying thank you. I hope we all can succeed together." A graduate of the Tidewater Building Association Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Mauricio started his career as an electrical helper. After working in the trade for a year, he began his electrical apprenticeship at Tidewater Community College. During this time, he had the opportunity to work on numerous construction projects such as residential, commercial, maritime, and industrial. After working in the electrical trade for over ten years, he started his own construction workforce company called Perseverance. With his passion to help others, he knows that true leadership is not about how far you advance but how far you help others advance.