Weekly Briefing: December 19, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- Dec 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Week of December 15, 2025
Power Availability Now Drives Data Center Project Viability
Grid access has overtaken land availability as the primary constraint on data center construction, with utilities and regulators tightening interconnection rules and requiring major power infrastructure upgrades as a condition of project approval.
Electricity demand from data centers is growing rapidly, driven by cloud services and AI workloads, leading to multiyear queues for grid connection studies and upgrades and challenging traditional assumptions in grid planning.
As a result of added infrastructure becoming a requirement for projects, developers are now integrating power solutions into early project planning, including on-site generation, battery storage, and grid-interactive substations.
The expanded role of power infrastructure increases costs and extends timelines, with required grid upgrades and new generation assets adding tens of millions of dollars and potentially more than a year to preconstruction phases.
Former FEMA Leaders Seek Direction as Review Council Report Is Delayed
With billions of dollars in funding at stake, a federal court ordered FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program reinstated, but uncertainty remains after the White House abruptly canceled a scheduled vote to release the FEMA Review Council’s draft report that was expected to clarify the future of the agency.
Ex-FEMA administrators Deanne Criswell and Pete Gaynor said the delayed report leaves uncertainty about FEMA’s direction and hampers planning for state, local, and federal budgets and operations.
Lawmakers are advancing bipartisan legislation to make FEMA an independent agency, while former officials differ on that approach. Connecting the council’s report and legislative efforts will be critical for future agency reform.
Changes to FEMA's independence and structure increase uncertainty for AEC firms by delaying clear federal guidance on FEMA’s future disaster policy and funding priorities, complicating planning for resilience, mitigation, and disaster-related design/construction work.
December 10, 2025
Baxter & Woodman, an Illinois-based infrastructure planning, design, and construction services firm, has acquired McCranie & Associates (M&A), a Florida-based consulting engineering, planning, and post-design services firm. This strategic move expands M&A’s service offerings while strengthening both firms’ ability to deliver solutions and pursue new opportunities across Florida. Lou Haussmann, President of Baxter & Woodman, commented, “Baxter & Woodman and M&A share a deep commitment to transforming ideas into real-world solutions that make a difference in our communities. This partnership expands our capabilities and strengthens how we serve the growing and evolving needs of Florida communities.”
December 15, 2025
Apex Companies (Apex), a Maryland-based multidisciplinary consulting and engineering services firm, backed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, has acquired AquaWorks DBO, a Colorado-based civil and environmental engineering firm focused on small-scale water and wastewater treatment systems. This acquisition enhances Apex’s existing water services, while also allowing AquaWorks DBO to deliver solutions across Apex’s client base. “Adding AquaWorks DBO to the Apex platform is a unique step in the growth of our wastewater infrastructure practice,” stated Shawn Doherty, CEO of Apex. “Their strong funding, permitting, and engineering expertise in modular wastewater treatment adds a solution set for smaller towns, utility districts, and remote sites for commercial clients. Adam Sommers [President of AquaWorks DBO] and his team are incredibly innovative in the way they provide cost-effective engineering solutions to rural settings.”
December 16, 2025
Salas O’Brien, a California-based employee-owned engineering and facility planning firm, backed by Blackstone, has merged with Ross Bryan Associates (Ross Bryan), a Tennessee-based structural engineering firm. This merger unites Salas O’Brien’s extensive resources and services and Ross Bryan’s structural expertise, enabling them to deliver increased value across the North American built environment. Darin Anderson, Chairman and CEO of Salas O’Brien, said, “Welcoming Ross Bryan Associates is a significant step in our journey to build the most respected engineering firm in the world. Their structural expertise and long-standing reputation elevate our combined team in meaningful ways. Together, we are creating new opportunities to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
December 16, 2025
Accenture, an Ireland-based global digital, cloud, and security services firm, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in DLB Associates (DLB), a New Jersey-based AI data center engineering and consulting firm. By leveraging DLB’s experience in data center site selection, due diligence, design engineering, commissioning, construction quality management, and energy optimization services, Accenture is able to enhance its end-to-end data center services. “As AI-driven demand for data center capacity accelerates, our clients increasingly face infrastructure constraints that impact their core value chains,” commented Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture. “Along with DLB's deep expertise, Accenture will offer an end-to-end capability from the earliest stages of conceptual design and strategic site development through to advanced engineering, rapid deployment, and operational performance. This approach will ensure our clients can meet the ever-increasing demands of AI with speed, scale and reliability.”
December 17, 2025
Geosyntec, a Florida-based environmental engineering and consulting firm, backed by Blackstone Energy Transition Partners, has acquired Longenecker & Associates (L&A), a Nevada-based solutions provider with expertise in supporting the Department of Energy’s efforts around national security, environmental remediation, nuclear power, and scientific discovery. This acquisition bolsters Geosyntec’s ability to work with the federal sector, while the integration of L&A’s capabilities in project delivery, mission and regulatory assurance, and operations enhances the combined firm’s overall service offerings. Majdi Othman, President and CEO of Geosyntec, stated, “L&A has built an exceptional reputation as a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal government and the private sector, particularly in areas of national security, environmental remediation and clean energy. This acquisition strengthens our ability to support complex energy and environmental challenges across the United States and internationally.”
Members of the Erdman Anthony Pittsburgh office took part in the 2025 Annual Holiday Food Drive hosted by PennDOT Engineering District 11, contributing both food items and monetary donations. The effort supported local families during the holiday season and reflected the team’s commitment to community engagement. Erdman Anthony expressed appreciation to all participants whose generosity helped make the initiative successful.
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.