Section 3 Business Certifications: A Step-by-Step Guide for Contractors
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3 program aims to create economic opportunities for low-income individuals and businesses in communities receiving HUD funding. Becoming a certified Section 3 Business Concern can significantly enhance a contractor’s ability to win HUD-funded projects. Here’s an in-depth guide to achieving certification, its benefits, and the […]
DOL’s Expanded Megaprojects Program: What Prime Contractors Need to Know
On December 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced an expanded Megaprojects Program to foster equitable employment opportunities on federally funded construction projects valued at $35 million or more and lasting at least a year. This initiative aims to support diversity in hiring and remove barriers for underrepresented workers, creating a more inclusive […]
Mastering Compliance in Federally-Funded Construction: Avoid the Pitfalls in Davis-Bacon, Section 3, and EEO Requirements
Prime contractors working on federal projects face a complex regulatory landscape that includes the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA), HUD Section 3 compliance, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements. Meeting these obligations simultaneously can be challenging, and missteps can result in penalties, project delays, or even debarment. This guide explores the most common compliance pitfalls and offers […]
HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program: A $1.4B Milestone in Affordable Housing and Climate Resilience
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced the culmination of its Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), delivering over $1.43 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This historic investment, the largest of its kind, spans 42 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Through 12 funding rounds […]
What Happens When Wage Determinations Are Revised? Staying Compliant Under Davis-Bacon
The Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) play a crucial role in ensuring fair wages for workers on federally funded construction projects. One of the most dynamic aspects of DBRA compliance is navigating changes to wage determinations, which can significantly impact payroll, budgeting, and project timelines. This article will guide prime contractors through what happens when […]
Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship (PWA) Requirements Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
The Department of the Treasury and the IRS recently issued final regulations regarding the Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship (PWA) requirements, which impact clean energy incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These regulations allow taxpayers to significantly increase their tax credits or deductions—up to five times the base amount—by meeting specific labor and apprenticeship standards. […]
Understanding Section 3 of the HUD Act: What It Is and What Triggers Compliance
Since its inception in 1968, Section 3 of the HUD Act has played a pivotal role in creating job opportunities and economic advancement for low- and very-low-income individuals. This provision has supported generations of workers, particularly in public works, community development, and housing construction and rehabilitation projects. However, compliance is key—and it’s triggered whenever HUD […]
Michigan Prevailing Wage Act Reinstated: Key Updates for Contractors and Subcontractors in 2024
The Michigan Prevailing Wage Act, which has been reinstated as of February 13, 2024, brings significant changes for contractors and subcontractors involved in state-funded construction projects. Originally repealed in 2018, the return of this Act aims to ensure workers receive fair wages and benefits consistent with local industry standards. This article will outline the critical […]
Cross-Withholding and Debarment: Understanding the Davis-Bacon Final Rule’s Impact on Contractors
Overview of Cross-Withholding in Davis-Bacon Enforcement Cross-withholding is a critical enforcement mechanism introduced in the recent updates to the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) regulations. This tool empowers the Department of Labor (DOL) to withhold payments from federal contracts held by the same prime contractor, even if the violations occur on a different project. It […]
USDOL’s Final Rule Changes to Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA): What You Need to Know
On August 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) issued a Final Rule that brings the most significant updates to the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) in nearly 40 years. These updates went into effect on October 23, 2023, and mark critical changes in prevailing wage regulations for federally funded construction projects. Below are […]