Advocacy Connection Series: Geoprofessionals-Advocacy Connection Series: Geoprofessionals Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

ACEC hosted an Advocacy Connection Zoom session for its Geoprofessionals Coalition to gather firm-level input on policy priorities and emerging issues. Logan Achey opened by outlining key concerns raised by coalition leadership: growing liability and risk exposure (tort reform, certificates of merit, and problematic contract clauses), compliance burdens tied to DBE/SWAM documentation and False Claims Act risk, workforce pressures including potential H-1B changes, and rising engineering software costs.  <br /><br />Steve Hall framed the broader federal advocacy landscape. After major tax wins in 2024 protecting pass-through deductions, C-corp rates, ESOPs, and restoring R&D expensing, ACEC’s 2025 focus shifts to infrastructure reauthorizations—especially the surface transportation program expiring Sept. 30 and a major water package (WRDA plus broader water/wastewater programs). Despite political tension, ACEC is working with a bipartisan infrastructure coalition to advance these bills.  <br /><br />On DBE/MWBE, Hall described significant legal and regulatory flux following the Supreme Court’s Harvard decision. USDOT has begun moving DBE definitions toward economic criteria, but implementation and recertification impacts remain uncertain across agencies and levels of government. An executive order affecting federal contractors’ DEI-related contract language was also flagged.  <br /><br />On liability, Hall highlighted a new ACEC Research Institute effort to document harmful contract terms (indemnification, duty to defend, consequential damages) and support state-level reforms, potentially including certificates of merit. Members offered to provide subject-matter experts and university connections.  <br /><br />Catherine Motley reviewed restrictive immigration actions affecting the engineering talent pipeline: student visa scrutiny, a $100,000 H-1B fee for some petitions, a new lottery favoring higher-paid roles, and a proposed rule raising prevailing wages. ACEC is continuing engagement and comment letters, though the administration disputes the severity of workforce shortages.  <br /><br />Software cost escalation was acknowledged as unresolved but a continuing cross-coalition issue. The session concluded with plans for ongoing coalition-advocacy discussions.

Keywords

ACEC Advocacy Connection

Geoprofessionals Coalition

infrastructure reauthorization

surface transportation program

WRDA water resources legislation

DBE MWBE compliance

Supreme Court Harvard decision impact

engineering liability and tort reform

H-1B visa policy changes

engineering software cost escalation