Weekly Briefing: May 23, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- May 23
- 5 min read
House Passes “Big Beautiful Bill” by One Vote
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by a 215-214 vote. The legislation includes broad budget cuts and tax reductions across a wide range of sectors, from contractor tax deductions to cuts in health care and food benefit programs. The bill is expected to increase deficits by $2.3 trillion over 10 years.
Among its provisions, the bill introduces several tax breaks impacting the construction industry, including permanent tax cuts for pass-through businesses, increased estate and alternative minimum tax exemptions, and a temporary reduction in taxes on overtime. It also supports workforce development by expanding Pell Grants and 529 tax-deferred savings accounts to help fund skilled trade and training programs.
There will also be significant impacts on the environment and energy industries, rolling back Biden-era environmental policies, streamlining fossil fuel permitting, compensating owners of fossil fuel and nuclear projects for any project delays, removing clean energy tax credits, placing fees on electric vehicles, and opens access for mining in Alaska.
There are concerns that this strong shift in renewable energy policy could lead to manufacturing plant closures, rising business costs, and reduced access to electricity at a time when demand is surging.
OpenAI Plans to Build New AI Complex in United Arab Emirates
A new OpenAI deal, launched in partnership with G42, an Emirati artificial intelligence firm, Oracle, Nvidia, SoftBank, and Cisco, advances the company’s initiative to expand AI infrastructure. The first of several data centers in the UAE complex is expected to be operational next year.
As part of the agreement, G42 has committed to matching every dollar OpenAI invests in the Emirates with an equivalent investment in U.S. data centers. Given the scale of the complex, the total investment is expected to reach tens of billions of dollars.
The plan aligns with a prior agreement between the United States and the United Arab Emirates to develop AI infrastructure that would require 5 gigawatts of electrical power, which is the same amount needed to supply all the homes in Minnesota.
OpenAI aims to build 5 to 10 data center campuses in the U.S. that each require 1.2 gigawatts of power. While construction has already begun on one of these campuses in Abilene, Texas, the focus is not limited to the US, as AI firms continue to seek opportunities wherever there is sufficient money and electrical power.
May 19, 2025
McKim & Creed, a North Carolina-based engineering, planning, and geospatial services firm, has announced its intent to acquire Landmark Science & Engineering, a Delaware-based consulting firm that specializes in civil engineering, surveying, and natural environmental services. This acquisition advances McKim & Creed on its growth trajectory by expanding the firm’s geographic reach, while also enhancing Landmark’s service offerings. Street Lee, CEO of McKim & Creed, commented, “By joining forces, we will be positioned to serve clients across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland with the same commitment to quality, innovation, and care, while delivering enhanced resources, expertise, and technology-driven solutions to Landmark’s clients.”
May 19, 2025
Ardurra Group (Ardurra), a Florida-based engineering, consulting, and design services firm, backed by Littlejohn & Co., has acquired Cannon & Cannon, Inc. (CCI), a Tennessee-based civil engineering firm with expertise in water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation systems. By combining the expertise of both firms and leveraging Ardurra’s resources, this partnership will strengthen the solutions provided and broaden capabilities to better meet their clients’ needs. Ernesto Aguilar, President and CEO of Ardurra, stated, "[CCI’s] expertise in utility infrastructure strengthens our presence in Tennessee, one of the fastest-growing markets in the South. We were especially impressed by their strong client relationships throughout the region and their commitment to quality. We're looking forward to the combined strengths our teams will bring to communities we serve.”
May 20, 2025
EIS Holdings (EIS), a Texas-based firm providing mission-critical environmental and infrastructure services, backed by Sun Capital Partners, has acquired Tierra Consulting Group (Tierra), a Florida-based environmental engineering firm. This acquisition strengthens EIS’ presence and capabilities in the Southeast, while leveraging Tierra’s extensive service offerings to support EIS’ growth strategy and deliver comprehensive environmental solutions nationwide. “Tierra brings an extremely knowledgeable team with decades of experience in environmental consulting, dewatering, and remediation,” said B.J. Stephan, CEO of EIS. “This acquisition allows us to further expand our services into high-volume groundwater treatment, remediation, and dewatering by integrating exceptional talent and technology into the EIS family.”
May 20, 2025
Shermco Industries (Shermco), a Texas-based electrical testing, engineering, maintenance, and repair services firm, backed by Gryphon Investors, has acquired R3L Engineering (R3L), an Alabama-based firm specializing in engineering design, installation, upgrade, and maintenance of power delivery systems. This acquisition enhances Shermco’s presence in the Southeast and expands the firm’s technical services and engineering expertise, supporting the firm’s continued growth. Phil Petrocelli, CEO of Shermco, stated, "R3L brings a highly skilled team with decades of industry experience and a proven track record of delivering engineered solutions across all voltage and vintage ranges. This partnership supports our continued commitment to providing best-in-class expertise and reliability for critical power systems."
May 21, 2025
RTM Engineering Consultants (RTM), an Illinois-based mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), civil, and structural engineering consulting firm, has joined forces with Engineering Building Systems (EBS), a Kentucky-based full-service MEP engineering design firm. This strategic move strengthens both firms’ ability to deliver high-value solutions on more complex projects by combining their expertise and resources. “Joining the RTM and EBS teams reflects our commitment to building relationships that drive shared success,” expressed Tony Mirchandani, CEO of RTM. “EBS has built a strong reputation rooted in client trust, technical excellence, and collaboration – all values we deeply respect. We’re thrilled to welcome them to RTM.”
Members of the Woodard & Curran Connecticut team, alongside their friends, families, and pets, joined together to participate in the Annual National MS Society Walk in Cheshire, CT. Marking their 25th consecutive year, the Connecticut team has made this a firm tradition. The walk raises critical funds in support of the National MS Society’s mission to find a cure for multiple sclerosis, while also increasing awareness. Woodard & Curran was proud to sponsor this meaningful event that supports the MS community.
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.