House Passes Continuing Resolution as Shutdown Looms

• The House passed a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through Sept. 30, with a vote of 217-213, largely along party lines.

• The bill cuts $13 billion from nondefense spending, including reductions to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects and transportation safety programs, while increasing defense spending by $6 billion.

• The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it needs bipartisan support to pass and avoid a government shutdown.

• Critics, like Sen. Patty Murray, argue the bill gives undue control to President Trump and Elon Musk while prioritizing tax cuts for billionaires. Murray proposed an alternative short-term funding bill to extend the deadline by a month, allowing more time for lawmakers to finalize a full-year budget.

• Some senators, including Democrats and Republicans, expressed differing stances on the bill, highlighting efforts to prevent a government shutdown.

Construction Industry Remains Optimistic Despite Falling Backlog 

• Associated Builders and Contractors’ Construction Backlog Indicator decreased in February to 8.3 from January’s 8.4. However, there has been a 0.2 uptick from February 2024, with larger contractors driving the increase.

• Contractors with less than $100 million in annual revenue saw a decline in backlog, while those exceeding $100 million experienced significant growth.

• The Construction Confidence Index showed improved staffing expectations, stable sales, and declining profit margins, all remaining above 50, signaling growth optimism.

• Nearly 60% of contractors plan to increase staffing in the next six months, reflecting optimism despite broader economic concerns and a slowdown in residential employment.  

March 6, 2025 

Rimkus Consulting Group (Rimkus), a Texas-based provider of engineering, technical consulting, and life sciences services, backed by HGGC, has acquired Human Factors Consulting Services, Incorporated (HFCSI), a California-based firm specializing in proactive human factors services and medical device consulting. The acquisition strengthens Rimkus's position as a leader in the human factors consulting industry, expanding its technical expertise and enhancing its client offerings." Charles Burhans, SVP of Special Services at Rimkus, commented, "HFCSI's deep specialization in human factors engineering and medical device consulting complements our own expertise and enhances our ability to deliver holistic solutions to clients worldwide. The synergies between Rimkus and HFCSI will drive continued success as we work together to solve complex challenges."

March 6, 2025  

Willdan Group, Inc. (Willdan), a California-based provider of professional, technical, and consulting services to utilities, government agencies, and private industry, has acquired Alternative Power Generation, Inc. (APG), an Illinois-based electrical engineering and construction management firm. The acquisition adds significant expertise in data center substation design and construction management, microgrids, EV charging stations, and renewable energy projects for the commercial sectors. Mike Bieber, Willdan CEO, commented, "APG's deep electrical engineering expertise and commercial relationships will bolster our existing capabilities. Together, we are expanding our solutions to data centers and other commercial electric loads, enhancing our ability to serve the evolving energy landscape." 

March 7, 2025 

Dillon Consulting Limited (Dillon), a Canada-based engineering, planning, management, and environmental services firm, has entered into a partnership with FBM, a Canada-based architecture, interior design, and planning firm. The two proudly Canadian, employee-owned and operated firms are excited to join forces to support the needs of clients. The FBM team includes architects, planners, interior designers, technologists, and sustainability experts who are actively engaged in creating collaborative spaces. FBM will continue to operate separately from Dillon Consulting as FBM Architecture Ltd. Sean Hanlon, CEO of Dillon, commented, "With a combined history of nearly two centuries, both Dillon and FBM have proven our dedication to resilience, adaptation, innovation, and sustainability. These are not just concepts, but core principals that guide our work."  

March 11, 2025 

Egis, a France-based provider of architecture, consulting, engineering, and mobility services, backed by Tikehau Capital, has acquired Engeny, an Australia-based water management, engineering, and environmental consulting firm. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies, enhancing their combined capabilities and expanding their service offerings across Australia and New Zealand. Alex Yee, CEO of Egis in ANZ, commented, "Egis has rapidly expanded its footprint in Australia and New Zealand to over 1,000 staff in line with our strategic ambition to deliver more efficient, resilient and livable cities. Engeny’s skills in water and environmental management are central to our global purpose to lead the way on climate transition. We are excited to welcome the Engeny team to the Egis family, and our growing scale and market exposure enables Egis to solve today's infrastructure and societal challenges in different ways through our unique end-to-end engineering, investment and operational solutions."

March 12, 2025 

NV5, a Florida-based provider of technology, certification, and consulting services, has acquired Herman Cx, an Arizona-based provider of commissioning and conformity assessment services for hyperscale data centers. Herman Cx supports data center infrastructure for U.S. technology companies, the financial services sectors, and co-location data centers across the U.S. Ben Heraud, CEO of NV5, commented, "The acquisition of Herman Cx is another positive step in the growth of NV5's domestic data center business, expanding our commissioning capabilities for hyperscale data centers. Mission critical commissioning provides cross-selling opportunities for our MEP-technology design, fire protection, and power delivery services, and it delivers a recurring revenue stream long after the design and construction of data center facilities."

Employees at OHM Advisors, including the firm’s president Jon Kramer, recently participated in the Portage Lake Polar Bear Jump, an event dedicated to raising funds for Akron’s Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio. This polar plunge brought together participants who collectively raised an impressive $175,000 for these worthy causes. The team at OHM Advisors takes pride in being part of a company that values and actively supports giving back to their local communities.

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.