Section 3 Business Certifications: A Step-by-Step Guide for Contractors

group of multiethnic construction workers with folded arms

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 […]

Mastering Compliance in Federally-Funded Construction: Avoid the Pitfalls in Davis-Bacon, Section 3, and EEO Requirements

Site engineer on a construction site

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 […]

What Happens When Wage Determinations Are Revised? Staying Compliant Under Davis-Bacon

Shot of an unrecognisable builder filling out paperwork at a construction site

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)

Apprentice engineer and engineer meeting on whiteboard.

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

Aerial view of unfinished wooden frames of affordable houses under construction.

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 […]