Building Capacity for the Lynden & Sumas LPOE Modernization Projects - Federal Regulatory Compliance

With a price tag of $350 - $400M, the Lynden & Sumas Land Ports of Entry Modernization Projects represent a once-in-a-generation investment in Whatcom County infrastructure. This is the first in a series of sessions for local construction contractors and suppliers to prepare and compete for work on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) led project.

This session covers Federal Regulatory Compliance - Project Labor Agreements and Cybersecurity.Federal construction projects involve rigorous regulatory requirements that differ significantly from state or private work. Understanding Project Labor Agreements and GSA’s cybersecurity obligations will be essential for performing on the project. Confirmed presenters: Valkyrie Consulting and AGC of Washington will cover Prevailing Wage; Aprio Technologies will explain new GSA cybersecurity guidelines. Location TBD.

Project Timeline To-Date

The GSA released a call for prime contractor qualifications late last year.

• Phase 1: Prime contractors submitted qualifications January 23.
• Phase 2: The GSA will shortlist three prime contractors, likely in March or April.
• Engagement Window: Once shortlisted, prime contractors will begin actively seeking subcontractors and suppliers — making this the most strategic time for local firms to engage.
• Award: The project award is currently expected this fall.

With primes preparing Phase 2 proposals this spring, the coming months represent an important window for subcontractors and suppliers to build relationships and align their capabilities with project needs.

Additional series topics are listed below. Session dates, time and location will be confirmed soon.

• Capacity Building for a Federal Contract – Licensing, Bonding & Financing:Federal construction projects demand financial and operational capacity that may exceed typical local work. This session focuses on federal licensing requirements, bonding capacity and strategies to increase it, insurance considerations, and working capital and project financing.
• Subcontract Management:Strong subcontract management practices are critical in federal projects, where compliance responsibilities extend throughout the contract chain. Firms will learn how to protect themselves while building strong, compliant partnerships. Confirmed presneters: American Subcontractors Association of WA
• Prime Contractor Outreach (Tentative):APEX will invite the shortlisted primes to an outreach event allowing interested subcontractors and suppliers to learn what primes expect of them, preferred qualifications and experience, anticipated subcontracting needs, and procurement opportunities and timelines.

About the Workshops

The Lynden & Sumas Land Ports of Entry Readiness Program is being led by APEX in partnership with the Western Washington University Small Business Development Center (WWU SBDC). The program will include:

• A multi-part educational workshop series offering guidance from industry experts
• Individualized technical assistance for firms who want one-to-one technical assistance support with registrations, certifications, capability statements, cybersecurity readiness, teaming strategies, and bid preparation.
• Confirmed presenters include AGC of Washington, Valkyrie Consulting, Aprio Technologies, and American Subcontractors Association of Washington.

_________________________________________________________________________________

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Show your support for quality education and one-on-one advising and technical assistance for business with your investment in this program.
Contact Cara Buckingham at carab@economicalliancesc.org

To learn about this and other APEX events, sign up for the APEX newsletter. Businesses interested in receiving no cost government contracting advising services from APEX Accelerator can go here to register as a client.