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06/12/2025
Answers to Common Questions About Project Labor Agreements
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) can feel like a complex web of requirements, especially for contractors, suppliers, and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) that are new to them. While these agreements are designed to create consistency, stability, and opportunity on public works projects, they also introduce specific expectations—particularly when union labor is involved. Below, we’ve broken down […]
Read More...05/14/2025
Navigating Compliance on Multistate Public Works Projects
As federal infrastructure funding ramps up, large-scale public works projects spanning state lines—highways, rail expansions, utility corridors, broadband, and renewable energy installations—are becoming more common. For contractors, this growth brings opportunity but also more complexity, especially when navigating prevailing wage laws. Why Multistate Projects Add Complexity Multistate projects often combine federal and state funding, each […]
Read More...04/16/2025
The Hidden Value of Apprenticeships
For contractors working on public works projects, apprenticeship requirements can often be viewed as just another line item on a checklist—a box to tick for compliance purposes. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that these requirements are more than just a formality. When managed effectively, they can generate real, measurable returns for […]
Read More...03/12/2025
Building A Career in Construction: A Q&A with Kelsey Sparks
Kelsey Sparks, Project Coordinator at Turner Construction Company, values hard work, integrity, and a positive mindset. With expertise in Project Labor Agreements (PLA) and Community Workforce Agreements (CWA), she focuses on clear communication, strong relationships, and expanding opportunities for all. In the wake of Women in Construction Week earlier this month, we felt it was […]
Read More...03/12/2025
6 Communication Methods for Stakeholders in Public Works Construction
Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful public works construction projects. With multiple stakeholders involved—including government agencies, contractors, labor unions, community members—ensuring clear and consistent communication is important for project efficiency, compliance, and community trust. Below are key strategies for effective stakeholder communication in public works construction projects. 1. Define Roles and Responsibilities Each stakeholder […]
Read More...02/19/2025
The Cost of Non-Compliance in Public Works Construction
Construction is a highly regulated industry, with strict labor laws and compliance requirements—especially for government-funded projects. Even though meeting these regulations can feel like a burden, the cost of non-compliance is much worse. Contractors who fail to adhere to prevailing wage laws, certified payroll reporting, and workforce requirements can face serious financial and reputational consequences. […]
Read More...01/21/2025
The All-Agency Memorandums Impacting Public Works Construction
Under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), All-Agency Memorandums (AAMs) serve as critical tools for ensuring consistent application of prevailing wage laws. Issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, these memorandums provide essential guidance on interpreting and applying regulations across federal and federally assisted construction projects. Their purpose is to clarify ambiguities, address emerging challenges, […]
Read More...01/21/2025
Navigating Contract Compliance and Supplier Diversity in Construction
Anyone that has read a blog or two on this site is probably well aware that we tend to focus on the big, bad world of Davis-Bacon and prevailing wage here. But chances are, if you’ve ever played a role in a public works project – whether as a contractor or government agency – you’ve […]
Read More...12/18/2024
The What, Why, When, Where and How of Contractor Conformance Requests
Construction projects often involve specialized work that doesn’t align with the classifications listed in the prevailing wage determination. When this happens, a conformance request is the solution. By addressing these gaps, contractors can maintain compliance, protect workers’ rights, and avoid project delays. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the process effectively. What is […]
Read More...10/17/2024
How the Inflation Reduction Act Supports Local Economies Through Prevailing Wages
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a landmark policy designed to address economic and environmental challenges by supporting local economies through proper wage standards. A key feature of the IRA is its prevailing wage provisions, including those from the Davis-Bacon Act, which play a crucial role in driving economic growth. As the clean energy sector […]
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