Bonus Episode of Design-Build Delivers Podcast Examines Federal Changes and Impact on Design-Build
While design-build continues to gain ground at the state level, recent federal actions could reshape how public projects are delivered across the country.
In this new bonus episode of Design-Build Delivers, DBIA’s Richard Thomas and Vince Campanella discuss what we know so far — and what we still have to watch — as new federal policies impact pricing, workforce stability, and project timelines.
Here’s What’s Happening:
- PLAs: A recent executive order has rolled back policies encouraging Project Labor Agreements, and a federal court ruling has found PLA mandates unlawful on certain contracts. These decisions could significantly reduce PLA usage on federally funded projects.
- Tariffs: New tariffs on steel, aluminum and lumber could raise development costs by as much as 10%, particularly for steel-heavy projects like high-rises and infrastructure. Retaliatory tariffs from key trade partners add to supply chain uncertainty.
- Labor: Nearly 30% of the U.S. construction workforce is made up of immigrants, and increased enforcement is affecting jobsite attendance and project staffing.
Richard and Vince explain what these changes could mean for design-build teams and why we’re still in a “wait and see” moment as these federal moves take shape. They also share how design-build’s collaborative, adaptable nature positions it to navigate uncertainty better than most delivery methods.
BONUS CONTENT: Federal Shifts, Design-Build Impacts
Resources
Want to learn more? Check out these resources mentioned in the episode:
- DBIA Pending State Legislation: See what design-build legislation is moving in your state, including new bills, expansions, challenges and DBIA’s position on proposed legislation –– including the bills discussed in this episode.
- 2025 State Statute Report: A state-by-state breakdown of design-build authority, highlighting where legislation stands across the country.
- DBIA’s Guide for Enactment of Design-Build Legislation: A step-by-step resource for policymakers and advocates working to expand or refine design-build authority in their states.
- Model Legislation Addendum: Sample model legislative language for Best Value Selection and Progressive Design-Build, which can be used as drafted or modified to meet the specific requirements of the state government or legislators.
- DBIA Committees: Get involved with DBIA’s Legislative and other industry-focused committees that help shape policy, best practices and advocacy efforts.
- Contact DBIA’s Advocacy Team: Get connected with DBIA’s advocacy team and get involved in shaping the future of design-build legislation
The Design-Build Delivers Podcast is sponsored by U.S. CAD, An ARKANCE Company. Learn more at uscad.com/dbia.
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