Advocacy Connection Series: Small Firms-Advocacy Connection: Small Firms Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript covers an ACEC Small Firms Advocacy Connection session designed to gather small-firm input and align it with ACEC’s federal advocacy strategy. Logan Achey opens by outlining key pressures on small firms: difficulty accessing federally funded transportation work when DBE participation requirements limit non-DBE opportunities; rising costs and liability tied to model-based digital delivery; escalating engineering software costs; workforce constraints potentially worsened by H-1B visa changes; and burdens from the rapid International Building Code (IBC) update cycle.<br /><br />Steve Hall provides a Washington update: Congress is back with a crowded, politically tense agenda, yet aims to advance surface transportation reauthorization (expiring Sept. 30) plus water legislation and permitting/NEPA reforms. He highlights ACEC’s concerns with proposed H-1B policies (large fees and higher prevailing wage requirements) and ongoing efforts to seek relief and raise the visa cap.<br /><br />On DBE changes, Matt Riper notes uneven state implementation of recertification and upcoming disparity studies, with ACEC tracking state guidance on a public resource page. Discussion includes expanding race-neutral small business programs as a compliance approach. For digital delivery, ACEC is engaged with FHWA/AASHTO and urges open standards and attention to small-firm startup costs.<br /><br />Members flag the IBC’s three-year cycle as misaligned with referenced standards, driving unnecessary updates and confusion across jurisdictions. Software pricing (e.g., Bentley/Autodesk) is described as a major, sometimes payroll-threatening cost; increased competition and avoiding state-mandated software monopolies are suggested. The session ends with plans for follow-up and action items ahead of ACEC’s May fly-in.

Keywords

ACEC Small Firms Advocacy Connection

federal advocacy strategy

DBE participation requirements

surface transportation reauthorization

H-1B visa policy changes

digital delivery and open standards

International Building Code update cycle

engineering software cost escalation