Weekly Briefing: October 10, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
Week of October 6, 2025
This week, EFCG distributed the results of the 2025 Non-Executive / Professionals Compensation Survey and 2026 Compensation Increase Pulse Survey. A record number of firms participated in each survey, resulting in our most comprehensive compensation and forecast datasets. All survey participants received a copy of the aggregated results report.
For more information on obtaining a copy of either report, or for a more targeted benchmark assessment, please reach out to Dimitri Milionis (dmilionis@efcg.com).
U.S. Department of Transportation Eliminates Race and Sex from DBE Qualifications
The Department of Transportation (DOT) published a rule that removes sex- and race-based presumptions from the disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program’s definition of a “socially and economically disadvantaged individual”.
The rule, which fundamentally changes the decades-old DBE program, took effect immediately, without the typical steps of first publishing a proposed rule or holding a public comment period.
To qualify for the DBE program under the new rule, owners must demonstrate “individualized” social and economic disadvantage, without pointing to race or sex. State programs must reevaluate every firm that has been DBE certified and provide clarity on the requirements, although some state officials have reported needing further explanation.
The DOT froze $18 billion in funding for projects in New York City and $2.1 billion in Chicago until DBE practices are reviewed, with no clear timeline for when these reviews will be completed.
U.S. Department of Energy Backtracks $7.56 Billion in Funding for Energy Projects
The Department of Energy (DOE) pulled $7.56 billion in funding, impacting 223 energy projects that were awarded for clean energy and manufacturing.
The funds were canceled due to claims from the DOE that the awarded projects were not benefiting the American energy demand and would not be a good use of taxpayer money.
Intended recipients of the funding have 30 days to appeal the terminations, though these delays could significantly increase project costs.
Democratic members of Congress are saying the cancellations are disproportionately impacting Democratic districts—108 Democratic districts versus 28 Republican House districts—and raise concerns that this will lead to higher energy prices.
October 8, 2025
EFCG is pleased to announce that our client, Consertus, a Florida-based global capital program management and advisory firm that integrates digital innovation, expert consulting, and full project delivery services, backed by Round Table Capital Partners (RTC Partners), has acquired Kal Krishnan Consulting Services (KKCS), a California-based full-service program controls and project management firm, and The Wells Partnership (TWP), a Colorado-based specialist in integrated project delivery consulting services. The acquisitions bring expanded service offerings and sector coverage to Consertus, enabling them to better serve their clients.
“We’re building a new kind of firm—one that moves beyond outdated models,” highlighted Roy Block, CEO of Consertus. “By combining modern technology, expert advisory, and seamless delivery within an integrated structure, we’re delivering outcomes clients once thought impossible—on time, on budget, and with greater value.”
EFCG served as the financial advisor to Consertus.
October 6, 2025
Erthwrks, a Texas-based environmental firm specializing in air emissions testing, engineering studies, and compliance consulting for industrial clients across the oil and gas, chemical, power, and manufacturing sectors, backed by Beartown Holdings, has acquired B.enviroSafe (BAIR), a Texas-based air quality consulting and services firm with experience in the oil & gas, industrial, petrochemical, and industrial markets. This acquisition strengthens Erthwrks’ environmental platform by broadening service offerings, expanding geographic coverage, and aligning with a shared culture and growth strategy. Trey Chapman, CEO and Co-Founder of Erthwrks, said, “At Erthwrks, we set out with one goal: to become the most trusted compliance partner and employer in the industry. Welcoming BAIR into the family supercharges our ability to deliver on that promise. Together, we’re not just growing, we’re shaping the future of environmental compliance by raising the bar on quality, innovation, and opportunity nationwide.”
October 6, 2025
Bowman Consulting Group (Bowman), a Virginia-based professional services firm specializing in engineering, planning, surveying, environmental consulting, and construction management for infrastructure and land development projects, has acquired the assets of Sierra Overhead Analytics (SOA), a California-based technology-based civil design, precision mapping, and hydrology services firm. This acquisition allows Bowman to extend its energy practice while simultaneously expanding its digital services portfolio and capabilities. “The acquisition reflects our continuing commitment to technology-enabled growth focused on lifecycle engineering,” commented Gary Bowman, founder and CEO of Bowman. “Adding these new customers, digital offerings and optimization tools enhances our value proposition and positions Bowman for accelerated organic growth in markets where technology and sustainability are driving increasing demand.”
October 8, 2025
Verdantas, a Florida-based integrated environmental science, engineering, and consulting firm that leverages digital innovation and sustainable design to serve industrial, energy, government, and infrastructure markets, backed by Sterling Investment Partners, has acquired Colibri Ecological Consulting (Colibri), a California-based firm that specializes in ecological planning, regulatory permitting, and field surveys. This acquisition advances Verdantas' reach in the ecological planning and compliance sectors with additional expertise provided by Colibri in serving public agencies, private entities, and utility companies throughout California. Jesse Kropelnicki, CEO of Verdantas, noted, “Welcoming Colibri to Verdantas is a decisive step in our mission to deliver full service and best-in-class environmental solutions nationwide. Colibri’s expert team, niche regional insight, and established industry relationships make them an invaluable partner.”
October 9, 2025
CHA Consulting (CHA), a New York-based full-service engineering, design, consulting, and PM/CM firm, has acquired Steger & Bizzell Engineering (Steger Bizzell), a Texas-based civil engineering firm that offers water and wastewater, land development, and surveying services. The acquisition enables CHA to leverage Steger Bizzell’s regional and technical expertise in the Texas infrastructure space. Phil Stevens, CHA Infrastructure Sector President, said, “Communities across Texas are facing increasingly complex challenges related to water and wastewater, including an aging water infrastructure and a sharp rise in population. Our combined team is now uniquely positioned to deliver forward-thinking solutions that not only address the immediate needs but also provide a sustainable, enduring approach for growth across the state.”
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.