The Southeast Region Federal Construction, Infrastructure & Environmental Summit, hosted by the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the Offices of U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, successfully concluded three days of high-value dialogue, strategic insight, and collaboration at the Wilmington Convention Center.  With over 800 general and specialty contractors, designers, suppliers and government officials attending, the annual Summit once again demonstrated its importance as a premier forum connecting federal agencies, military installations and private-sector partners across the Southeast region. 

A Strong Opening with Senior Federal Leadership. The Summit opened with welcome remarks from Colonel Brad A. Morgan, Wilmington District Commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who underscored the region’s growing infrastructure demands and the importance of early industry engagement. April 15th’s keynote address from Rear Admiral Jeffrey J. “Jeff” Kilian, Commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command and Chief of Civil Engineers, highlighted the Navy’s long-term infrastructure priorities, workforce modernization, and the need for resilient, mission-ready facilities across the region. 

Lunchtime remarks on April 15 expanded the leadership perspective with insights from Brigadier General Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., Commanding General of Marine Corps Installations East and Lieutenant General Stephen G. Smith, Deputy Commanding General of US Army Western Hemisphere Command. Their remarks emphasized installation readiness, inter-service coordination, and the growing role of industry in supporting operational resilience. 

Keynotes Reinforce Strategic Direction. On April 16, keynote addresses from Mr. Denver S. Heath, Director of Contracting at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters, and Dr. Larry D. McCallister, Director of Programs for the USACE South Atlantic Division, provided attendees with a forward-looking view of contracting strategy, acquisition planning, and program execution expectations for FY 2026 and beyond. Special guest remarks from Mr. Tyler Teresa, Southeast Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, reinforced federal commitments to small business participation, access to capital, and subcontracting opportunities within federal construction and environmental programs. 

Insightful Sessions Drive Meaningful Dialogue.  A central feature of the Summit was its in-depth session programming, designed to foster candid dialogue between government and industry. The Summit’s opening session “Government & Industry Perspective and Challenges Dialogue” addressed critical issues shaping the federal marketplace, including the FAR 2.0 rewrite, use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), alternative construction methodologies, evolving small business set-asides, and changes surrounding Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Panelists from USACE, NAVFAC, AGC, ACEC, and industry partners shared practical perspectives on regulatory and cost impacts affecting both contractors and agencies. 

The Program and Procurement Dialogue sessions offered agency-specific briefings from the US Army, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, Marine Corps Installations East, the Department of Veterans Affairs, General Services Administration, US Air Force, eight USACE districts (Baltimore, Norfolk, Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, Jacksonville and Caribbean) and several federal agencies including the US Forest Service. These sessions outlined upcoming military construction, SRM (sustainment, restoration and modernization), civil works, energy, environmental, and horizontal infrastructure projects, while also clarifying acquisition strategies, contract vehicles and opportunities for teaming and subcontracting.  

Lessons Learned and Real-World Application.  Another highlighted session explored “Lessons Learned from Emergency Response Contracting”, focusing on disaster response efforts during Hurricanes Helene and Florence. Representatives from USACE, NAVFAC, NCDOT, US Forest Service and prime contractor Bering Straits Native Corporation shared best practices, coordination challenges, and “do’s and don’ts” for emergency contracting - providing actionable guidance that resonated strongly with both government and industry participants. 

Building Connections Beyond the Classroom. Beyond the formal sessions, the Summit provided extensive opportunities for networking through a robust exhibitor floor with 117 exhibitors, structured engagement opportunities, and social events that encouraged relationship-building among attendees. As noted in the official Summit recap, NCMBC expressed appreciation to sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, and venue partners whose support made the event a success, signaling strong momentum heading into future Summits. 

Looking Ahead. As the region faces expanding federal construction, infrastructure, energy, and environmental demands, the 2026 Summit reinforced the importance of early engagement, transparent communication and collaboration. With agencies sharing clear program outlooks and industry gaining direct access to decision-makers, the event once again achieved its mission of strengthening the federal marketplace across the Southeast.

Save the date April 20-22, 2027 in Wilmington, North Carolina for the next Summit, continuing NCMBC’s role as a vital connector between government and industry partners working to grow the economy, create jobs, and enhance mission readiness throughout North Carolina and the broader Southeast region.

Summit information can be found online at: https://summit.ncmbc.us/.  For more information or to connect with the NCMBC visit: https://www.ncmbc.us/.