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As the U.S. House of Representatives considers a suite of bills to spur action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ������Ƶ and industry allies urged policymakers to rely on the science and support the federal agencies in their efforts to research and set protective risk-based standards. PFAS are a large and diverse group of chemicals and a one-size-fits-all approach would not be appropriate.

Employers Must Now Submit Openings for Advertising on DOL Website

The agenda for ������Ƶ of America’s 2020 Annual Convention includes three sessions specifically for union contractors. The convention will run from March 9-12 in Las Vegas, NV, co-located with the CONEXPO-CON/AGG industry trade show. Registration is now open at https://convention.agc.org/.

On Nov. 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized an ������Ƶ-supported rule expanding the universal waste regulations to include aerosol cans and streamlining the management of this waste. It should help construction firms maintain a lower-tier generator category, because aerosol cans are often the only hazardous waste stream produced on a construction site. The also rule promotes safe puncturing practices and recycling. EPA estimates it will reduce the regulatory cost between $5.3 million to $47.8 million annually.

Check out ������Ƶ’s new jobsite tour brochure that will assist you in hosting state and local elected officials on tours of construction jobsites. This brochure provides information on how to successfully plan and execute a successful jobsite visit with an elected official from the invitation to the thank you notes. As you may know, one of ������Ƶ’s advocacy goals this year has been to help member companies host job site tours for members of Congress to provide a hands-on learning experience of the construction industry. These events have been successful in discussing workforce development, infrastructure funding, federal regulations, and other issues critical to our members with those who have legislative authority over our industry. While ������Ƶ will continue to complete jobsite tours with members of Congress, we hope you will use this resource to host state and local elected officials on your construction jobsites.

On Nov. 8, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published a proposed rule that makes significant revisions to its mentor-protégé program (MPP). This proposed rule marks the most significant revision of the program since its inception in 2016. The mission of the MPP is to help build a broad base of emerging business enterprises capable of performing high quality construction at competitive prices. The proposed rule would have significant implications for the government contracting community.

On Nov. 8, the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OSD) released part of Version 0.6 of the draft Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This version includes CMMC Levels 1-3, but not Levels 4-5. According to OSD, “CMMC Levels 4-5 are not included in this release because public comments are still being addressed.” Updates to Levels 4-5 are expected to be provided in the next public release. According to OSD, the CMMC model will continue to be improved with the finalization of Version 1.0 in January 2020. The Department of Defense (DOD) will begin including the final CMMC model as “go/no go” in all solicitations starting in Fall 2020.

������Ƶ’s Lean Construction Forum is focused on growing the implementation of lean practices in the construction industry by providing educational opportunities and developing a community where anyone with an interest in lean construction can come together to engage in a dialog on best practices, share information, and participate in a broad, coordinated effort to promote and define the use of lean concepts and processes within the construction industry.

The ������Ƶ Business Development Forum brings together Business Development professionals in one place, for one purpose – creating business opportunities by sharing the latest techniques and tools of Business Development, following and reporting on trends in the construction market and connecting a network of professionals invested in building better businesses. ������Ƶ’s BD Forum members include project managers, C-Suite executives, specialty contractors, marketing professionals and more - ������Ƶ’s BD Forum is for everyone because everyone is involved in BD!