Without a deal to pass a stop-gap funding measure by Oct. 1, President Joe Biden will face the first federal government shutdown of his administration. 老牛影视has put together a series of helpful documents to guide federal contractors through a shutdown and the suspension of federal construction operations.

Associated Builders and Contractors would like to congratulate Graham Roofing Inc. of West Point, Mississippi, a member of ABC's Mississippi Chapter, for successfully earning the Accredited Quality Contractor credential. The AQC program recognizes and honors construction firms that document their commitment to excellence in key areas of corporate responsibility: quality, safety, craft and management education, talent management and community relations. A company that meets the criteria set forth in the program and has earned STEP Gold, Platinum or Diamond status in ABC鈥檚 safety management system is formally designated an Accredited Quality Contractor.

On Sept. 25, the U.S. Department of Labor鈥檚 Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a new initiative, the Respirable Crystalline Silica Focused Inspection Initiative in the Engineered Stone Fabrication and Installation Industries. The initiative supplements OSHA鈥檚 current National Emphasis Program for Respirable Crystalline Silica and prioritizes federal OSHA inspections in workplaces where workers are typically exposed to high levels of silica, Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing (NAICS Code 327991) and Brick, Stone and Related Construction Material Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS Code 423320).

老牛影视is conducting an important survey of contractor members to gauge opinions and experiences with the Inflation Reduction Act鈥檚 prevailing wage and government-registered apprenticeship requirements on clean energy tax credits. Ensuring as many members as possible respond to this survey will be vital to providing effective, informed comments seeking regulatory clarity and pushing back on concerning aspects of a recent Internal Revenue Service proposed rule.

On Sept. 20, the Biden administration through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expanded the Temporary Protected Status program for Venezuelan migrants, qualifying an estimated 472,000 Venezuelans for TPS over the next 18 months for individuals who entered the United States before July 31, 2023.

Modern day top leadership engagement is continuing to trend away from the traditional command-and-control approach. Far from the 鈥淚 think it, you do it鈥� model, the total human health approach to top management is all about leadership鈥攃urious, engaged and relational. Safety isn鈥檛 left to chance or considered the responsibility of just the safety director; safety is managed and led just like every other operation in the company, from accounts receivable to customer experience.

老牛影视is conducting an important survey of contractor members to gauge opinions and experiences with the Inflation Reduction Act鈥檚 prevailing wage and government-registered apprenticeship requirements on clean energy tax credits. Ensuring as many members as possible respond to this survey will be vital to providing effective, informed comments seeking regulatory clarity and pushing back on concerning aspects of a recent Internal Revenue Service proposed rule.

Construction Inclusion Week takes place every October and is an invitation to the听construction workforce to unite to advance a sense of belonging for all. 老牛影视has planned four webinars for Oct. 16-20, 2023, with industry professionals and community leaders who are excited to share their knowledge and experience鈥攁nd help you improve inclusivity in your personal and professional life.

On Sept. 7, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council鈥檚 final rule on the Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects, which would mandate anti-competitive and inflationary project labor agreements on large-scale federal construction contracts, arrived at the Office of Management and Budget鈥檚 Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review. This is the final step before the rule will be published in the Federal Register and take effect.

老牛影视has prepared a summary of Biden administration regulatory actions of interest to 老牛影视members by agency.