Weekly Briefing: August 8, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
Week of August 4, 2025
U.S. DOT Withdraws $26M from Baltimore-Washington Train Project, Citing Delays and Budget Overruns
The U.S. Department of Transportation canceled over $26 million in grants for the Baltimore–Washington Superconducting Magnetic Levitation (SCMaglev) Project, a high-speed train system that uses magnetic forces, due to persistent delays and unresolved federal concerns.
•The project faced nearly a decade of environmental review challenges, including multiple pauses and design uncertainties, as well as community opposition, scheduling setbacks, and cost overruns.
•Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the project lacked proper planning and execution, making continued taxpayer funding unjustifiable.
•Federal funding withdrawal from the SCMaglev project, and others in the recent past, highlights the growing need for accurate timelines, precise budgeting and regulatory alignment in large-scale infrastructure planning.
St. Louis Pauses DEI Contracts for Public Projects Due to Federal Pressure
St. Louis has paused its certification programs for businesses owned by minorities and women and halted new non-emergency construction contracts tied to Minority and/or Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) goals.
•The decision stems from federal pressure from the Trump administration, which now requires grant applicants to avoid DEI programs that may violate anti-discrimination laws.
•City leaders are divided: some view the pause as strategic compliance to preserve federal funding, while others see it as a retreat from equity commitments.
•The city has hired a public policy law firm to help draft new legislation that aligns with federal guidance while preserving support for minority and women contractors.
August 1, 2025
LJA Engineering (LJA), a Texas-based employee-owned, full-service, and multi-disciplinary engineering and consulting firm, has acquired G&R Surveying (G&R), a Texas-based land and civil construction surveying services firm. This acquisition enhances both LJA’s surveying capabilities and its presence in Texas. James Ross, President and CEO of LJA, commented, “For more than two decades, G&R has grown by doing right by their clients and their team—and that aligns perfectly with who we are at LJA. We’re thrilled to welcome G&R to the LJA family. Their experience, values, and strong presence in Texas will only enhance our ability to serve clients across the country.”
August 4, 2025
Corgan, a Texas-based architecture and design firm, has acquired Dyer Brown & Associates (Dyer Brown), a Massachusetts-based architecture and design firm. This strategic move strengthens Corgan’s presence on the East Coast and provides a national platform for Dyer Brown to capitalize on new opportunities. “This partnership was driven by more than just strategy—it’s about cultural and creative alignment,” stated Scott Ruch, CEO of Corgan. “Both firms share a belief in the power of design, a commitment to client relationships, and a people-first culture. We’re excited about what we’ll accomplish together.”
August 4, 2025
Ampirical Solutions (Ampirical), a Louisiana-based engineering and software services firm serving the power industry, backed by SkyKnight Capital, has acquired Cappstone Energy Group (Cappstone), a Georgia-based utility engineering firm with expertise in distribution system planning, GIS development, and line design. This acquisition expands Ampirical’s capabilities and maintains a shared commitment to helping utilities plan, build, and maintain reliable, future-ready infrastructure. Brad Capps, CEO of Cappstone, said, “With a strong cultural alignment and a complementary set of services, this partnership allows us to expand our capabilities without sacrificing our deep commitment to employees and clients. We believe the combination of resources and expertise will create a unique powerhouse that is able to deliver exceptional results in our rapidly growing industry.”
August 5, 2025
Spheros Environmental (Spheros), a Colorado-based environmental consulting services firm, backed by Union Park Capital, has acquired Four Peaks Environmental Science & Data Solutions (Four Peaks), a Washington-based environmental science and data solutions firm. This move enhances Spheros’ geographic reach in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest and expands both firms’ capabilities and service offerings. “Four Peaks represents the kind of firm we’re proud to welcome into Spheros: science-forward, regionally connected, and deeply trusted by clients and communities alike,” noted Andra Kidd, CEO of Spheros. “They bring not only technical excellence but also a shared purpose that aligns beautifully with our vision for the future of environmental consulting.”
August 5, 2025
The Vertex Companies (VERTEX), a Massachusetts-based global professional services firm delivering expert, forensic, construction project advisory, and management and regulatory consulting services, backed by Wind Point Partners, has acquired ADAMS Management Services Corporation (ADAMS), a Georgia-based provider in healthcare program and project management. This acquisition expands VERTEX’s healthcare program management capabilities and expands its national footprint. “Bringing ADAMS into VERTEX is a strategic step in our continued expansion in healthcare,” said David Tortorello, Chief Executive Officer of VERTEX. “Their nearly four decades of healthcare program management experience, deep client relationships, and strong cultural alignment make this a natural fit. Together, we are positioned to bring even greater value to clients in healthcare and beyond.”
August 6, 2025
DB Sterlin Consultants (DB Sterlin), an Illinois-based full-service transportation consulting and design firm, has acquired M Squared Engineering (M2), an Illinois-based firm known for its work in water resources, transportation engineering, and site development. The acquisition bolsters DB Sterlin’s offerings, especially in drainage and water resource management. “This is more than just an acquisition, it’s a natural partnership,” DB Sterlin’s website reads. “Their extensive local knowledge and technical expertise will help broaden our reach and strengthen our capabilities.”
Employees from GAI Consultants’ Orlando office volunteered to prepare and serve dinner to attendees at Quest Inc.’s Camp Thunderbird in Apopka, FL, with additional team members contributing food and cash donations. Quest Inc. is an organization that provides lifelong services and builds communities for individuals with developmental disabilities, and Camp Thunderbird is one of its programs, offering week-long overnight sessions. Supporting this event reflects GAI’s ongoing commitment to serving its communities and the dedication of its employees to making a direct and meaningful impact.
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.