GCA Construction News Bulletin February 2026 by Guam Contrators Association

THE MARK OF A CHAMPION

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THE DIRECTORS THE EDITORIALS

PRESIDENT

Desiree Lizama Guam Contractors’ Association

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

Joe Roberto East Island Tinting

CHAIRMAN

Matthew Hunter Dylan Mechanical Construction Services

VICE-CHAIRMAN

Kathleen David Paciﬁc Rim Constructors

SECRETARY / TREASURER

Soraya Vongjalorn Vertex Guam

CONTRACTOR DIRECTORS:

Dean Bates Black Construction Corporation

Nadia Holm ECC

John Limtiaco Paciﬁc Unlimited

AJ Perez Hawaiian Rock Products

Randolf Salas Proferre

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS:

Mark Cruz Mid Pac Far East

Jose Garcia

First Hawaiian Bank

Geraldine Leon Guerrero

Adztech Advertising and PR

Camilo Lorenzo Matson Navigation

JOIN ONE OF OUR MANY COMMITTEES!

Guam Contractor’s Association (GCA) in conjunction with Adztech and Public Relations, Inc. publishes the Construction News Bulletin (CNB) monthly. Reproduction of materials appearing in this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission by GCA.

While we always strive for accuracy, we will from time to time overlook mistakes. In order to help us improve the quality and accuracy of this publication, we ask that you take the time to look at the information provided and notify GCA or Adztech of any corrections as needed. Opinions and editorial content of this publication may not necessarily be those of the publisher, production team, sta , GCA members, GCA Board of Directors and advertisers

For more information about advertising in the GCA Construction News Bulletin contact the advertising department at (671) 477-1239/2239 or email at adztech@teleguam.net.

Distributed to GCA members or can be obtained by stopping by the Guam Contractors’ Association o ce located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913

To ﬁnd out more about how you can become a GCA member contact Guam Contractors’ Association at Tel: (671) 647-4840/41 or Email: info@guamcontractors.org www.guamcontractors.org

Postmaster: Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913

THETEAM

PUBLISHER: Desiree Lizama

PRODUCTION TEAM

LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero

AD SALES: Alyssa Roces

PRODUCTION: Jason Davis

Alyssa Roces

Christopher “Taco” Rowland

Paradis Fejerang

PHOTOGRAPHY: Alyssa Roces

EDITOR: Adztech

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Francine Taitague

Rodney “RJ” Ricarte

Maelani Taisacan

Topasna

Patti L. Diego

GCA STAFF:

Francine Taitague

Trevor Cruz

Rosielyn Holgado

Peter Finona

COVER:

We honor Mark Mamzcarz, 2025 GCA Champion and former B

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

By Desiree Lizama President Guam Contractors Association

Maximize Your GCA Membership

As President of the Guam Contractors Association, I am proud to lead an organization that is truly member-driven. The GCA is not simply an association you belong to—it is an association that belongs to you.

Our strength, our influence, and our success depend entirely on the actions and participation of our members.

That is why today I have a simple but important message: get involved by joining a committee.

Committee participation is one of the most valuable ways to maximize your GCA membership. It offers unparalleled opportunities to network with fellow contractors, gain deeper insight into the construction industry in Guam, and help shape the future of our industry.

When you serve on a committee, you are not just a member—you are a leader.

The GCA offers a variety of committees designed to address every aspect of our industry and community:

Activities, Professional and Community Affairs … plans and coordinates our social and professional events, including subcommittees for the annual golf tournament, picnic, and awards banquet. If you enjoy bringing people together, this is your committee.

Membership … helps plan the monthly luncheons and the recruitment of new members to ensure we continue growing and providing value. Your business acumen can make a real difference here.

Small Business … plans the networking events and conducts outreach to ensure our smaller member firms have their voices heard and their needs addressed. Every member matters at GCA.

Government, Military and Labor Relations … keeps members informed on legislation affecting our industry, represents us in hearings, and monitors labor practices. This committee is vital to protecting our interests.

Safety … develops partnerships and sponsors training to promote safe working conditions across our industry. Nothing is more important than bringing our workers home safely every day.

Education and Training … sponsors our apprenticeship programs through the GCA Trades Academy, building the skilled workforce our industry needs.

Emerging Leaders … engages members under 40 to encourage youth participation in GCA programs—ensuring our industry's future remains bright.

No matter your expertise or interest, there is a place for you. Your participation strengthens not only your own business but our entire industry.

I encourage you to take the next step and join a committee today.

Get involved in the GCA in 2026. If you would like more information, please call or email the GCA office at (671) 647-4840 and info@guamcontractors.org.

Together, we build Guam.

APPRENTICESHIP CORNER

By Francine Taitague Education Director Guam Contractors Association

Fall Head Over Hard Hat: Why Your Apprenticeship Program Deserves a Love Story

Valentine's Day reminds us to cherish what matters most. While chocolates and roses capture headlines, there's another relationship worth celebrating – the one between your construction company and its apprenticeship program.

This partnership needs more than casual attention to thrive. It demands the same dedication you'd give any meaningful relationship: consistent care, genuine investment, and unwavering commitment.

Build Your Cupid Squad of Mentors

Every great love story needs matchmakers. In apprenticeship programs, mentors play Cupid, connecting eager learners with industry expertise. The magic happens when you select these guides thoughtfully.

Outstanding mentors do more than demonstrate proper technique. They build trust. They spark confidence. They create safe spaces where mistakes become learning opportunities rather than sources of shame.

Recognition programs celebrating exceptional mentors work wonders. Clear mentorship guidelines provide structure. Ongoing support ensures these crucial team members feel valued as they shape tomorrow's workforce.

Cultivate a Culture That Cares

Love flourishes in supportive environments. Your apprenticeship program needs the same nurturing atmosphere.

Regular check-ins show apprentices they matter. Feedback sessions provide direction and encouragement. Achievement celebrations build momentum and pride. This foundation supports entire careers, not just initial training periods.

Plan for Long-Term Romance

True love thinks beyond today. Strategic planning demonstrates your program's lasting commitment.

Consider expansion opportunities. Add specialized skill tracks. Create clear advancement pathways to leadership roles. These investments signal serious intentions about your program's future.

Track Your Program's Pulse

Healthy relationships require honest assessment. Establish performance metrics that matter. Conduct regular evaluations with all participants. Gather feedback from apprentices, mentors, and supervisors.

Address concerns promptly before they become major problems.

This Valentine's season, examine your apprenticeship program relationship honestly. Does it receive adequate attention and resources? Are you creating conditions where mentors and apprentices both flourish?

Together, we can build a stronger future for our industry, one apprentice at a time. The GCA keeps track of hours worked and the education progress of the apprentices in your program. We can guide your company through the whole process.

Join the list of companies that have, or are, in the process of, creating an apprenticeship program to enhance the skills of its workforce.

I can help you! Interested in learning more? Please contact me at (671) 647-4841 or francine.taitague@guamcontractors.org.

Together, we're shaping Guam's construction future—one skilled professional at a time.

A Guide to O -Island Referral

By Rodney “RJ” Ricarte

Your TakeCare GCA Employee Health Plan provides access to off-island medical care when specialized services aren't available on-island. Understanding this process can prevent unnecessary delays and ensure you receive timely care.

Get Your Documents Together

The foundation of a successful off-island referral begins with proper documentation. Many delays occur due to incomplete submissions. You'll need:

• a completed Off-Island Referral Form from your primary care provider; and

• supporting documents specific to your condition (medical records, lab results, imaging reports, etc.)

Each specialist you need to see requires their own set of pertinent records. Without complete documentation, specialists at your destination may be unable to provide treatment, causing frustration after you've already traveled.

Avoid purchasing airline tickets before securing approval. While special fares are tempting, this approach can lead to disappointment if your referral requires additional documentation or isn't approved in time.

The Review Process

Once TakeCare receives your complete documentation, our clinical team begins the review process. With all necessary information in place, this typically takes five business days. Urgent cases receive expedited handling—if you've recently been hospitalized or have a time-sensitive condition, please ensure this is clearly indicated.

The thoroughness of your documentation directly impacts TakeCare’s ability to process your referral quickly. Incomplete submissions will extend the timeline as we work with your provider to gather missing information.

Coordinating Your Care

After approval, the TakeCare team will contact you to discuss:

• your preferred travel dates,

• your facility of choice, and

• any specific needs regarding your off-island care.

We then begin appointment coordination with the off-island facility, ensuring your medical needs align with your travel plans whenever possible.

Always Follow-Up

Before leaving the off-island facility:

• obtain all your medical records and treatment recommendations,

• hand-carry these documents back to Guam; and

• schedule a follow-up with your referring physician.

This final step ensures continuity of care. Your provider needs to be informed about your treatment to update your records and provide appropriate follow-up care. In some cases, your medical provider may recommend a return visit, which would require a new referral through the same process.

By understanding these steps, you can help ensure your off-island treatment proceeds smoothly. The TakeCare team is committed to supporting your healthcare needs and guiding you through this process every step of the way.

Rodney “RJ” Ricarte is the TakeCare account executive for GCA. He can be contacted at (671) 487-7121 or rodney.ricarte@takecareasia.com.

Quality Providers for Your Health Care Needs

Choose from our off-island network in the US & Asia

CONTINENTAL US

§Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center

§Keck Medicine of USC

§Cedars Sinai Hospital*

§Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles*

§PIH Health Downey Hospital

§PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital

§PIH Whittier Hospital

§PIH Urgent Care (7 clinics)

§Mayo Clinic Health System*

§MD Anderson Cancer Centers*

§Paciﬁc Cardiovascular Associates

§UCLA Medical Center

§UCSF Medical Group & Physician Services

§Western Medical Center Santa Ana

HAWAII

§Adventist Health Castle*

§Shriners Hospital for Children

§The Queen’s Medical Center*

§Wahiawa General Hospital*

US PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER (PBM)

§ Elixir Solutions––>Now:

1,000s of pharmacies nationwide

ASIA

§Bumrungrad Hospital, Thailand

§China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan

§Kang Dong Orthopedic Hospital, Korea

§Rafﬂes Hospital, Singapore

§Sime Darby Healthcare, Malaysia

§Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Taiwan

Choose from our off-island network in the Philippines

Count on TakeCare to deliver comprehensive, Accredited insurance coverage and quality health care when and where you need it. Choose TakeCare.

ON GUARD

By Maelani Taisacan Topasna

Strength Through Speech Empowering the Courage to Communicate

This article is Part 3 and the ﬁnal installment of the Triple-S Leadership Series – a leadership framework focused on creating environments where people can rise, think, and inﬂuence.

Leadership Begins in the Heart, but It Lives in the Voice Leadership is more than position, authority, or decision-making. Leadership is presence. It is courage. And it is the ability to speak with clarity, stand with confidence, and communicate with purpose. As leaders, we can create space for people to rise, and we can provide structure for them to think — but it is through speech that leadership fully comes alive.

Leadership Begins in the Heart, but It Lives in the Voice

Leadership is more than position, authority, or decision-making. Leadership is presence. It is courage. And it is the ability to speak with clarity, stand with confidence, and communicate with purpose. As leaders, we can create space for people to rise, and we can provide structure for them to think — but it is through speech that leadership fully comes alive.

Strength Through Speech is about recognizing the power of your voice in leadership. It is about the moments when you choose not to remain silent. It is when courage meets purpose. It is when confidence meets responsibility. And it is when you understand that communication is not simply an administrative function — it is an expression of strength and leadership maturity.

As leaders, Speech is not about speaking louder than everyone else. It is about speaking wiser. It is about communicating thoughtfully, respectfully, and courageously. It is understanding that what you say, how you say it, and when you choose to say it shapes culture, influences confidence, and strengthens relationships. Strength Through Speech is knowing when your voice needs to reassure, when it needs to guide, when it needs to correct, and when it needs to steady the team with clarity, confidence, and direction.

The Courage to Use Your Voice

There are moments in leadership when speaking up requires courage. There are moments when difficult conversations must be had. There are times when silence may feel safer — but leadership calls you higher.

The Final Step of Empowerment

In this leadership journey, we began with Strength Through Space — being intentional about giving our people room to grow, mature, and develop. Then we built upon that with Strength Through Structure — empowering them with disciplined ways to think, evaluate, and lead through the 1-3-1 approach.

Strength Through Speech builds on both. When people are trusted, they grow. When they are structured, they think. When they are encouraged to speak… they lead.

Strength Through Speech is choosing honesty over avoidance, respect over reaction, and courage over hesitation. It is addressing challenges with clarity, guiding teams with purpose, supporting industry partners with transparency, and standing firm in integrity even when conversations feel uncomfortable. Speech becomes leadership when it carries truth, accountability, and conviction.

Creating Space for Speech Starts with Us

For me, Strength Through Speech is deeply personal because I live it every single day with my team. Every morning, before we get lost in emails, deadlines, meetings, and mission demands, I intentionally pause and ask the same questions:

Strength Through Speech builds on both. When people are trusted, they grow. When they are structured, they think. When they are encouraged to speak… they lead.

“Is there anything that requires my immediate attention? Is there anything I can help you with today?”

I don’t ask this of routine or politeness. I ask it because I want them to know that their voice matters — not when something has already gone wrong, not when stress has built up, not when it is too late — but now, while we still have time to support, guide, or adjust. That simple act is my way of saying, You do not have to carry burdens alone. You do not have to be afraid to speak. I am here, and I am listening.

I don’t ask this out of routine or politeness. I ask it because I want them to know that their voice matters — not when something has already gone wrong, not when stress has built up, not when it is too late — but now, while we still have time to support, guide, or adjust. That simple act is my way of saying, You do not have to carry burdens alone. You do not have to be afraid to speak. I am here, and I am listening.

Over time, something powerful happens. People start to share sooner. They communicate with more confidence. They don’t wait until concerns become crises. They ask questions. They clarify. They trust. And the atmosphere shifts from silence and hesitation…to openness, teamwork, and courage.

space to grow. Continue to provide them the structure to think. But also, empower them through speech. Invite their perspective. Encourage dialogue. Listen with intention. Speak with courage, humility, and strength. Lead in a way that makes others feel safe to use their voice as well. Because when your people feel safe to speak, they do not simply stand behind you — they stand beside you and lead with you.

This culture of communication also carries forward into the way many federal and military teams close meetings and discussions. After decisions are made and actions are outlined, we often pause and ask, “Any alibis?” The phrase has its roots in military drawn from the legal concept of providing an “alibi” — an explanation or statement that needs to be heard before a decision stands. In practice, it has become a powerful leadership habit: a final invitation to speak. It tells everyone, If there is something we missed, something we did not address, or something that still needs to be said — your voice still matters. Many times, that last invitation is where the critical point surfaces, the clarification is made, or the risk is identified. That is Strength Through Speech in action — deliberately creating space for communication before moving forward.

Final Thought

Strength Through Speech reminds us that leadership is not only about what we know or what we decide. Leadership is also defined by what we communicate, how we communicate it, and the courage we demonstrate when we use our voice with purpose, respect, and conviction.

This culture of communication also carries forward into the way many federal and military teams close meetings and discussions. After decisions are made and actions are outlined, we often pause and ask, “Any alibis?” The phrase has its roots in military culture, drawn from the legal concept of providing an “alibi” — an explanation or statement that needs to be heard before a decision stands. In practice, it has become a powerful leadership habit: a final invitation to speak. It tells everyone, If there is something we missed, something we did not address, or something that still needs to be said — your voice still matters. Many times, that last invitation is where the critical point surfaces, the clarification is made, or the risk is identified. That is Strength Through Speech in action — deliberately creating space for communication before moving forward.

That is Strength Through Speech in real life. It is not loud, dramatic, or complicated. It is leadership choosing to make room for people to speak — every single day.

When we create space, we build trust.

When we provide structure, we build thinkers. And when we empower speech… we create leaders of influence.

When we provide structure, we build thinkers. And when we empower speech…

we create leaders of influence.

That is Strength Through Speech in real life. It is not loud, dramatic, or complicated. It is leadership choosing to make room for people to speak — every single day.

Voice Builds Trust

When leaders choose to communicate with honesty, respect, and courage, something meaningful happens — the people around them feel safe, valued, and seen. Your voice as a leader sets the tone. It reassures your teams. It strengthens your partnerships. And it reminds everyone connected to you that they matter and that they are part of something significant.

When you invite real conversation, when you encourage others to speak, and when you lead with communication grounded in courage and compassion, you build trust no policy can replicate. That kind of leadership communication does more than inform — it unites people, strengthens commitment, and gives others the confidence to think boldly, contribute fully, and stand beside you as true partners in purpose.

A Leadership Call to Action

To my fellow leaders — continue to give your people

MARK J. MAMCZARZ,

2025 GCA CHAMPION

e Steady Hand Behind the Numbers

By Patti L. Diego

At its November 2025 Gala awards event, the Guam Contractors Association (GCA) recognized Mark J. Mamczarz, Vice President of Finance, Secretary, and Treasurer of Black Construction Corporation, as the 2025 GCA Champion, an honor reserved not for projects completed or contracts won, but for individuals whose long-term service has quietly strengthened the Association and the industry it represents.

While the award was presented last fall, its significance continues to resonate across Guam’s construction community. Mamczarz recognition serves as a reminder that behind every successful organization are individuals who consistently give their time, knowledge, and judgment, often without fanfare, to help others navigate complex issues and make sound decisions.

In presenting the award, GCA emphasized that the Champion Award distinction is rooted in

unselfish service. Mamczarz’s decades-long involvement in GCA committees, industry discussions, and policy-related conversations has helped the Association remain informed, credible, and effective as federal regulations, labor issues, and military requirements have grown more complex.

For more than four decades, Mamczarz has also served as a key financial steward behind Black Construction Corporation, one of the Western Pacific’s most established construction firms. He has overseen all financial and administrative functions across the Black Group of Companies since 1986, following earlier work beginning in 1981 as an external auditor.

A Certified Public Accountant specializing in banking and construction, Mamczarz spent much of his early career auditing large-scale projects throughout the Western Pacific. Promoted to Vice

President in 1988, he has remained a central figure in the company’s executive leadership for nearly four decades.

As Black Construction Corporation marks its 65th anniversary in 2026, the company’s longevity reflects disciplined financial management alongside technical expertise and workforce strength. Today, Black Construction employs more than 1,000 skilled construction professionals and maintains long-standing partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense, regional subcontractors, and its parent company, Tutor Perini Corporation.

Although the applause has faded since last November, the meaning of the 2025 GCA Champion Award endures. Mamczarz’s recognition highlights a form of leadership rooted in consistency, institutional memory, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Why the GCA Champion Award Matters

The GCA Champion Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional, long-term contributions to the Guam Contractors Association through active participation, leadership, and service. Unlike awards that focus on projects or companies, the Champion Award honors the people who strengthen the Association from within, those who share their expertise, support fellow members, and help ensure GCA remains a proactive, community-minded organization.

While GCA takes pride in hosting programs and events that celebrate corporate excellence in construction, safety, and social responsibility, the success of the Association is driven by dedicated individuals who give their time and energy through committee work and event support. Their commitment reflects the spirit of collaboration that defines GCA and highlights the value of member companies that invest in leadership, engagement, and service to the industry.

“East Island Tinting made it easy for me when I needed some tint for Meskla, my restaurant. On top of the options that they gave me, they were fast, friendly, informative, and the quality of their work is excellent! The best part is that they guarantee their work! It was a pleasure doing business with them.”

Peter Duenas Owner

East Hagåtña 477-TINT (8468) / 472-TINT eastislandtinting@guam.net

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

GCA January Luncheon January 21st, 2026 The Westin Resort Guam

GCA Committees February Meetings

C.O. R .E.

CONTACTS

• OPPORTUNITIES • RESOURCES • EDUCATION

First Hawaiian Bank, a proud Guam Contractors’ Association (GCA) member since 1991, recently presented its GCA C.O.R.E. Sponsorship check to GCA President Desiree Lizama and GCA Education Director Francine Taitague.

A long-standing supporter of Guam’s construction industry, First Hawaiian Bank has been a dedicated GCA C.O.R.E. Sponsor since the program’s inception in 2019. Their continued commitment reﬂects a strong partnership focused on strengthening the industry through Contacts, Opportunities, Resources, and Education (C.O.R.E.).

GCA extends its sincere appreciation to First Hawaiian Bank for its ongoing support and investment in the growth, development, and success of Guam’s construction community.

MONTHLY RECAP

GCA January 2026 General Membership Luncheon Recap

By Patricia “Patti” L. Diego

The Guam Contractors Association (GCA) rang in the new year by convening its General Membership Luncheon on January 21, 2026, at the Westin Resort Guam, drawing 88 contractors, project managers, industry partners, and stakeholders to a nearly packed room. The strong turnout reflected both the industry’s momentum and a shared commitment to setting the tone for a productive and successful 2026 for Guam’s construction community.

Following opening formalities, New Year well-wishes for member businesses, and the introduction of GCA leadership and guests, Salvador Construction was formally welcomed as GCA’s newest member, continuing the Association’s steady growth and broadening representation across the trades. Project Manager Edmond Salvador shared that Salvador Construction is a family-owned firm providing residential and commercial construction services across multiple trades.

A highlight of the luncheon was the recognition of apprentice completions, underscoring GCA’s long-standing commitment to workforce development. Congratulations were extended to Evan Martinez, Heavy Equipment Operator with Hawaiian Rock Products, and Jeffrey Tomelan, HVAC Technician with JWS, for successfully completing their apprenticeship programs. Their achievements reflect the value of structured training pathways and employer investment in building skilled, job-ready talent for Guam’s future.

In advance of the guest speaker presentations, Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, Chair of the Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs of the 38th Guam Legislature, presented legislative certificates recognizing the achievements of Guam’s 2025 top contractors: Black Construction Corporation, recipient of the Top Overall 2025 GCA Excellence in Construction Award, and Pacific Rim Constructors, Inc., named Contractor of the Year.

Guest speaker Margarita Olivares, Senior Project Manager with Black Construction Corporation, shared

lessons learned from the company’s First Place Overall Project award entry, which featured the PF735 Machine Gun Range project. Her remarks highlighted disciplined project management, strong cross-team coordination, and a focus on execution that enabled Black Construction to complete the project 2.5 months ahead of schedule. She also expressed the company’s appreciation to project partners and stakeholders, whose collaboration was instrumental in meeting client expectations and industry standards.

Joining her was Keith Stewart, President and CEO of Pacific Rim Constructors, Inc., the 2025 Contractor of the Year. Stewart emphasized the importance of a strong company team, a culture of safety excellence, and active community involvement as central to Pacific Rim’s success. He noted that being good stewards in the community, while delivering quality work and navigating the realities of Guam’s construction environment, has been key to the company’s performance, and he closed by thanking GCA for the recognition.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that GCA’s strength lies in active participation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to safety, quality, and professional excellence. Members were also reminded of several upcoming activities and opportunities to stay engaged, including membership application renewals in February, Meet the Generals scheduled for March, and Pizza Pop & Power Tools, also planned for March.

As Guam’s construction industry moves into 2026, GCA continues to provide a forum where contractors can learn from one another, recognize achievement, and stay informed on issues shaping Guam’s construction landscape. Members are encouraged to attend the next luncheon and remain engaged as GCA, and its members work together to build Guam’s future.

NE WS LINE

DOL Launches Labor Law Compliance Tools for Employers

On Jan. 26, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division announced1 the launch of several compliance assistance resources designed to encourage proactive compliance and help employers understand federal labor laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act.

According to the DOL’s news release, “The Wage and Hour Division is here to help employers make informed decisions about compliance so they can focus on running their businesses,” said Wage and Hour Administrator Andrew Rogers. “We know that most employers want to follow the law and do right by their employees, so we are eager to offer these new resources to help them understand their obligations. We encourage American businesses and workers to take advantage of the new toolkits and FMLA videos, which are easy to use and available on our website.”

WHD’s resources include:

• A compliance assistance webpage2 (this webpage includes fact sheets, posters and other guidance organized by topic and resource type);

• A video series on the Family and Medical Leave Act3; and

• Revamped compliance assistance toolkits4 for various industries, including construction5

1. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20260126

2. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/compliance-assistance

WHD also offers the Payroll Audit Independent Determination6 program to enable employers to self-identify and resolve minimum wage, overtime and leave violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act7 and Family and Medical Leave Act8 .

Visit the DOL’s WHD webpage9 to learn more or call the division with questions and requests for compliance assistance through the agency’s helpline at (866) 4US-WAGE (487-9243).

Additionally, ABC National offers several compliance resources for members, which include:

• Regulatory Roundup10

• Regulatory Resource Hub on Final Rules11

• Immigration Update and Employer Resources12

• Archived ABC Academy Webinars13 (login required)

• Rapid Response Toolkit for Dealing With Union Organizing14 (login required)

3. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY-LCLcsLXVFbB9OsVIiW2t5R9tyvIorx

4. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/compliance-assistance/toolkits

5. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/compliance-assistance/toolkits/construction

6. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/paid

7. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa

8. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

9. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd

10. https://www.abc.org/Politics-Policy/Regulatory-Roundup

11. https://www.abc.org/Politics-Policy/Regulatory-Resource-Hub-on-Final-Rules

12. https://www.abc.org/Politics-Policy/Immigration-Update-and-Employer-Resources

13. https://www.abc.org/academy

14. https://www.abc.org/Academy/Rapid-Response-Toolkit-for-Dealing-With-Union-Organizing

DOT Ends Race and Gender Presumptions for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

On Nov. 13, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., reintroduced the Affordable Housing Expansion Act, which streamlines outdated federal regulations under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts and helps expand affordable housing nationwide.

“The Affordable Housing Expansion Act removes unnecessary barriers to construction and improves taxpayer value,” said Kristen Swearingen, ABC vice president of government affairs. “By modernizing the Davis-Bacon wage determination process and reducing compliance burdens, this bill provides contractors, workers and taxpayers with accurate and clearly defined rates. ABC commends Sen. Moran for his leadership and urges Congress to advance this commonsense proposal.”

The bill improves the wage determination process by allowing wage surveys to use broader geographic groupings. In addition, it orders the U.S. Department of Labor to review and update how it collects wage data within one year to ensure that surveys are more reliable, generate higher participation rates and achieve a better balance between union and nonunion employers.

By cutting red tape and ensuring fair competition, the Affordable Housing Expansion Act empowers contractors to focus resources on building more homes and revitalizing communities across the country.

For more information on the bill, see ABC’s letter of support.

Background

The DBRA requires contractors to pay administratively determined minimum wage rates, or “prevailing wages,” for construction labor on projects exceeding just $2,000 in cost to the federal government. The DOL determines prevailing wages for construction projects through incomplete, inconsistent and unrepresentative surveys that often reflect union rates, as unionized contractors are more likely to report uniform wage data.

This can result in standardized union-level wages being applied across projects, regardless of whether contractors are unionized. As a result, the DBRA functions as a multibillion-dollar taxpayer subsidy for unionized construction contractors and, as the Congressional Budget Office estimates, will cost the federal government $24.3 billion through 2032.

DOL Rescinds ABC-Opposed Federal Contractor Hiring Restriction

On Dec. 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor rescinded an ABC-opposed rule on Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts, effective immediately.

This rescission was issued in accordance with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14148, Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.

The rule, issued in December 2023, required contractors and subcontractors that work on covered federal service contracts, which include most contracts valued at or above $250,000 covered by the Service Contract

Act, to offer service employees employed under the predecessor contract a right of first refusal of employment on the successor contract in good faith.

With the rule no longer in effect, previously covered contractors are no longer required to offer positions to incumbent workers before hiring new employees.

On Aug. 15, 2022, ABC submitted comments opposing the proposed regulation, asserting that it conflicted with the plain language of the SCA and would create inefficiencies in the procurement process by restricting the ability of contractors to freely hire their workforce.

$11,964.39 $1,099.70 $472.20 $19,753.44 $2,962.58 $5,186.71 $29,992.47 $0 $12,820.50 $1,297.88 $0 $0 $240.75 $0 $573.08 $0 $1,534.81

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