GKC Industry Day – Presentation Abstracts and Program Briefs

Presented by: Jeff McDonough – CDM Smith

The pace of research and development advancing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-relevant destruction technologies (RDT) is significant. Within the past 10 years, novel mechanisms have progressed from inaugural bench-scale proof of concept studies to commercial offerings that are now relevant at the scale of environmental remediation (i.e., 1,000s to 10,000s of gallons per day). Through dedicated funding from the Departments of Defense and Energy through the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), PFAS-RDT is now viable at the field-scale as a terminus to serial treatment trains and as a waste disposal option.

The goal of this presentation is to provide a Remediation Program Manager relevant overview of PFAS-RDT for liquids by succinctly and pragmatically narrowing the landscape to those destructive mechanisms with field-scale commercial offerings. The state of the practice of hazardous waste incineration of PFASs associated with liquids will be briefly mentioned as well as the development of new Environmental Protection Agency gaseous sampling methodologies. Remaining questions regarding the degree of certainty of incineration to achieve PFAS mineralization has an influence on the continued development of PFAS-RDT. The technologies will be discussed in terms of their destructive mechanism and applicability to PFASs in liquids rather than any commercial offering. No one PFAS-RDT will be promoted; instead, an unbiased assessment of the field-scale PFAS-RDT will be provided highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. Central to this discussion will be why the scope and scale of environmental remediation is both strategically advantaged and disadvantaged for PFAS-RDT versus the municipal sector.

The presentation will begin with a salient description of influential physical and chemical properties of PFASs. The purpose of this discussion is to make the subsequent applicability of the PFAS-RDT approachable and is not intended to be a reiteration of common knowledge regarding PFASs. The presentation will then introduce the spectrum of PFAS relevant destruction mechanisms and how the various technologies have evolved into field-scale availability. This portion of the presentation will serve to justify focusing the remaining discussion on electrochemical, hydrothermal, ultra-violet mediated advanced reducing processes, and non-thermal plasma treatment. The presentation will then conclude with practitioner insight regarding the deployment of this focused PFAS-RDT cohort, with selective inclusion of case study demonstrations for the purposes of conveying operational successes and challenges.

The goal of this presentation is to share knowledge accrued by tracking the advancement of PFAS-RDT for more than a decade. Three learning objectives for the audience of this presentation are: 1) Explore the available forms of destructive mechanisms relevant to PFAS; 1) Identify those PFAS-RDT with current field-scale capabilities; and 3) Describe what constitutes a viable PFAS relevant destruction mechanism.

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Presented by: Brian Hoye – Burns & McDonnell

This presentation highlights a successful, multi-phase remediation effort at an active grain elevator facility impacted by carbon tetrachloride releases. Attendees will learn how Dual Phase Vapor Extraction (DPVE), Surfactant-Enhanced Extraction (SEE), and In-Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR) were strategically integrated to overcome persistent source zone contamination in challenging site conditions. Key outcomes include significant contaminant mass removal, accelerated groundwater quality improvements, and the successful shutdown of the DPVE system following regulatory approval. The session will offer valuable insights into combining remediation technologies for complex sites, real-time field adaptation strategies, and lessons learned to inform future remediation projects.

Benefits of Attending:

Understand the advantages of integrating multiple remedial technologies for source zone treatment.
Gain practical knowledge of field-implemented surfactant-enhanced and in-situ chemical reduction strategies.
Learn best practices for overcoming access limitations and maximizing contaminant mass recovery.
Take away actionable lessons to apply in other complex remediation scenarios.

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Presented by: Jeff Sickles – Olsson

Watershed managers face significant challenges in making decisions related to stream conditions, needs, and project prioritization. Remote sensing and drone technology promise to provide quick and reliable information, but does it provide enough data to make informed decisions? Utilizing a framework based on stream function, which considers hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, community values, and ecology, an on-the-ground approach to stream conditions assessment and asset management has been developed that provides rapid and flexible assessments to deliver stream function data in easily accessible web, desktop, and dashboard interfaces. This approach combines asset conditions assessment and use of the Mile High Flood District’s Urban Stream Assessment Procedure, a framework for quantifying stream function metrics
The data assists watershed managers in understanding where streams are displaying symptoms of poor function, where preservation should be prioritized, and where hazards exist that need immediate attention. Additionally, adaptive management frameworks have been developed to assist managers in making data-informed planning and management decisions.
The project approach and outcomes for the following elements will be explained both in terms of what worked and what was a challenge for the project team:

Progressing from assessment data to defining problems and stream improvement projects
Using a combination of on-the-ground and desktop assessment, streams can be actively managed by organizations to improve stream function and maintain stormwater infrastructure. This presentation provides an approach, strategies, lessons learned, and practical applications of stream assessment and asset management in urban stream systems.

Selecting assessment metrics

Employing efficient data collection methods using GIS processing and rapid field assessments including 360o imagery within the stream

Displaying large data sets using online webmaps in a useable format

Matching data collection efforts to management and program goals

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Presented by: Kevin McEvoy – Cam-Dex

Our session will cover:

What does contract maintenance look like, and how do you handle an audit? Our goal will be to instruct small business owners and operators in the benefits and process of the attaining a GSA Contract. Additionally, attendees will have a better understanding of how the contract is established, defined, used, and maintained. I think, with GSA being in the news so much, right now, it would be valuable to better understand their function.

Who is the GSA, and why do they establish small business contracts?

What is the process for earning a GSA Contract, and how long does it take?

Once a company has a GSA Contract, how do they market it?

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Presented by: Timothy Laughlin – Schoonover & Moriarty, LLC

If there is a word that best describes government contracting in 2025 its uncertainty. Hundreds upon hundreds of contracts are being terminated or cancelled in the name of efficiency and cost savings. Such decisions are likely to disproportionately impact the small business and the contracting community as a whole. While this presentation cannot offer certainty, it can hopefully provide clarity. We’ll discuss the spate of Executive Orders, including the order to end affirmative action programs; strategies to stay in compliance with policies that are a moving target; concerns about what to do in the face of termination and what this means for the future and growth; and other legal concerns and updates that businesses must consider as they plan for their future.”

Presented by: Tim Tipton, Jr. – Arctiq

For small businesses in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), CMMC is more than a compliance exercise—it’s a strategic inflection point. Most organizations aren’t failing due to a lack of effort; they’re failing because they misinterpret their system boundaries, underestimate the risk exposure of third-party vendors, and delay formal gap assessments until it’s too late.

This session demystifies some of the most misunderstood areas of CMMC Level 2 readiness: identifying what’s in scope, mapping out assets across fragmented environments, and holding service providers to a security standard that doesn’t put your contract pipeline at risk.

We’ll walk through real-world strategies to:

• Define system boundaries beyond just technical diagrams—including data flow, people, and shared infrastructure.
• Distinguish between FedRAMP-authorized cloud providers and MSPs or SaaS vendors who may still be processing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) without proper controls in place.
• Conduct targeted gap assessments that don’t overwhelm your team but do provide a clear path to remediation and readiness.

Attendees will also see how innovative automation platforms can assist in asset discovery, control tracking, and continuous monitoring—turning what feels like a regulatory burden into an operational advantage.

Whether you’re a small business prime, a subcontractor just entering the DIB space, or supporting these organizations through consulting or services, this session will give you practical guidance and decision-making frameworks to stay compliant, stay competitive, and stay ahead of the next DFARS clause.

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Presented by: Sheila Paczosa – USACE Engineer Reseach & Development Center

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Presented by: David Gutierrez – Black & Veatch

A moderated conversation with USACE and GSA personnel addressing current, pending, and future needs and how industry can provide for those needs. Dave Caldwell (Pond) and Kevin McEvoy (Cam-Dex) will work as moderators and work the audience for questions to advance the discussion. Our goal for this session is to improve the fluency of potential contractors with government and military procurement operations and protocols. We believe that allowing government personnel to speak freely on the topic and to address questions will enhance potential partnership opportunities. The IGE Committee will be drawing on governmental resources and professionals that can give additional, industry-specific information and guidance.

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Presented By: Jacob Owen – United States Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has a long legacy of building some of the nation’s most challenging projects.  In recent years USACE has gone through appreciable turnover translating to a less experienced staff.  As a result, there have been some quality issues realized in various forms.  USACE also relies on our AE and construction contractor partners to deliver the mission therefore making quality a focus is a team effort.

As a result of some of the quality issues the Chief has emphasized “Getting the Engineering Right”.  This doesn’t absolve us from also getting the construction right but is intended to refocus our energy to produce high quality products – both engineering and construction.  In March 2025 USACE published Engineering and Construction Bulletin 2025-3 Implementation of Quality Indicators.  The intent is to measure certain quality risk indicators that are leading to help inform decision making, intervention and improve quality.  This discussion is to provide an overview of the ECB, discuss quality philosophically with industry and hopefully provide a clear picture of USACE goals and improve partnering with industry to deliver world class facilities and infrastructure.

A 3-D numerical model was utilized in a multi-aquifer system at the Puchack Well Field Superfund site to evaluate the impact of dynamic pumping from nearby supply wells on the groundwater regime and its implications for in situ remedial design. The model was used to project groundwater gradient directions, plume migration, and amendment distribution under multiple pumping forecasts to inform injection strategy and areas where additional treatment may be needed.

Presented by: Ben Yezuita, CDM Smith

The way leaders and employees engage in an organization’s culture is paramount, particularly during a time in history when building and maintaining culture is quite complex. This session explores how we have attained success by shaping and reinforcing our culture, while embracing how and where our people work. (i.e. The caliber of talent at a firm shapes its culture. Individuals support each other to achieve maximum whole-person well-being, which elevates employee and client satisfaction. Relationships among employees, clients, and the community are critical and fosters extending these relationships. As the world shifts, the company evolves. etc…) In this session, you’ll learn about the evolution of Olsson’s flexible work environment program; understand how empowering employees to own their development and responsibilities drives culture; and explore the utilization of employee engagement data to shape the employee experience.

Presented by: Nick Weander, Olsson, Inc.   Co-Presenter:    Megan Lilley, Olsson, Inc.

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Wildfires are devastating natural disasters that can occur unexpectedly within a community, which may not have plans in place to mitigate or respond to both the direct impacts from a fire as well as the numerous hazards following a fire. Wildfire Ready Watersheds is both a strategy and program developed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board that provides a proactive approach to address post wildfire impacts. This presentation will discuss the framework to provide guidance for local communities and stakeholders on how to perform more detailed susceptibility evaluations at watershed scales. It serves as a guide for best planning practices in advance of a wildfire and supports pre- and post-fire mitigation strategies.

Impacts are defined as risks posed by post fire hazards to community values such as water supplies, life and property, and transportation corridors. Common post fire hazards include increased runoff, debris flows, hillslope erosion, water quality impairments, flooding, and associated erosion and deposition. The mission of Wildfire Ready Watersheds is to assess the susceptibility of Colorado’s water resources, communities, and critical infrastructure to post-wildfire impacts and advance a framework for communities to plan and implement mitigation strategies to minimize these impacts – before wildfires occur.

The Wildfire Ready Watersheds program has a two-part focus:
(1) a statewide post-fire susceptibility analysis and
(2) a framework that communities can use to perform watershed scale planning to address post-fire hazards.

The susceptibility analysis consisted of several phases: data collection, data development, analysis, mapping, and reporting. This effort relied on existing and new statewide datasets for wildfire hazards, critical water supplies, populations at risk, and other infrastructure layers. The data was used to perform a susceptibility analysis that intersects post fire hazards with known values/assets at risk to determine impacts to life safety, infrastructure, and property. The results, displayed on the Statewide Post-Fire Susceptibility Explorer, further an understanding of which watersheds will be most susceptible to post wildfire impacts and where community stakeholders should focus their efforts in their wildfire mitigation efforts. Planning efforts will identify projects that can be implemented before and after wildfires.

Web link:  www.wildfirereadywatersheds.com

Presented by: Jeff Sickles, Olsson, Inc.

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The federal government spent almost $800 billion in 2023 on federal contract and over a quarter of that went to small businesses (~$200 billion). There are tremendous opportunities for small businesses in the government marketplace. They include set-aside prime contract, subcontracting goals, and various socio-economic programs. We’ll discuss those opportunities and overcoming the barriers to entry.

Presented by: Matthew Moriarty, Schoonover & Moriarty, LLC

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The Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) Southern Expansion Project is a highly visible and transformative, 50-acre, $420M program, including horizontal and vertical construction.
Through the leadership of ANC, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Highway Administration, Arlington County, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Fund, Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), Department of Justice, and others, the Southern Expansion will seamlessly extend the cemetery. This expansion represents its largest expansion since the 1970s, allowing ANC to function as an active military cemetery for decades.
Objectives:

1. Focusing a diverse team for unique solutions: the complexity of the program required a fully integrated and multi-disciplinary team of 40 specialized engineers and consultants. Through a collaborative partnership between industry, USACE Norfolk District and ANC, the team developed a series of design solutions to address the unique requirements for Arlington National Cemetery that will be shared.
2. The following points outline the development of design solutions to simultaneously benefit the client, stakeholders, and the community:
   a. The team coordinated with VDOT and Arlington County on a roadway realignment to maximize the contiguous land available to ANC. Community benefits include a new dedicated pedestrian and bi-directional bicycle path and replacement of over 20 old utilities.
   b. The multimodal corridor connects the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, the proposed Pentagon Memorial Education Center, the Air Force Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery to create a new composition of monuments commemorating sacrifice.
   c. The design of the Air Force Memorial extended into the proposed cemetery expansion site. The team collaborated with AFDW on a new design to integrate the AFM with the cemetery, including a new pedestrian plaza. These changes are anticipated to increase the visitors to the memorial tenfold.
   d. The actions above transformed the site to increase interment 20% over the DD1391.
3. Addressing Inflation:
   a. During the summer of 2022, the construction industry faced record inflationary pressure. With USACE New England District support, the team implemented VE measures, including breaking the project into phases, expanding the bidder pool, maintaining the schedule, and optimizing the project’s general conditions, which saved ANC over $30M.

The project enhances the mission, establishes a development scenario that seamlessly integrates with and expands the existing cemetery, unites the cemetery with the Air Force Memorial, and welcomes the 9/11 Visitor Education Center as a neighbor with the honor and dignity commensurate with our Nation’s most hallowed ground.

Presented by: Gregg Schwieterman, HNTB     Co-Presenter:    Michael Parker, HNTB

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The pace of technology change in the components of microgrid systems has been increasing rapidly. New distributed energy resources (DER) technologies are being developed and tested in pilot projects and demonstration projects that could soon become standard equipment for microgrids. The pace of change creates challenges for projects that span several years from concept to execution.

This presentation will explore some of the newer distributed energy resources that are becoming available for energy production and storage, factors impacting the pace of microgrid technology change, the impact of these changes, and areas for discussion about future project specifications and contracting.

Presented by: Brian Hinkle, Schneider Electric

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread in the environment due to their extensive use in thousands of industrial, commercial, and household products impacting surface and groundwater sources of drinking water across the United States. In 2023 after much anticipation, the USEPA proposed a draft drinking water regulation for PFAS. Later, the USEPA published the final rule in April 2024. The rule sets drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS, as well as four additional analytes tied to adverse health effects. The new maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), represent the U.S. Government’s first enforceable regulatory action to address PFAS. This presentation will break down the requirements and timeline of the USEPA PFAS MCL regulation in terms of monitoring and compliance, as well as its potential implications to drinking water systems. The presentation will include several case studies from water systems that are currently moving forward with different strategies to achieve regulatory compliance.
The new MCLs limits certain PFAS to low part per trillion levels. Treatment of PFAS is challenging due to the complex chemistry and stability and persistence of the carbon-to-fluorine (C-F) bond. Currently, water treatment systems rely on processes that only separate PFAS from the water stream, such as granular activated carbon, ion exchange resin, or reverse osmosis (RO), which have all been successfully applied at full scale. While effective, these technologies generate large quantities of spent waste, which then require careful management, which is becoming increasingly costly as options for disposal become more limited. Alternate technologies are in development to separate PFAS and reduce the volumes of waste, including novel sorbents, foam fractionation, and coagulation. However, these technologies are often more energy intensive with limited applications in the field and at full scale. This presentation will provide a summary of the current developments into the removal, breakdown, and ultimate disposal of PFAS compounds. Also included will be a discussion of emerging PFAS issues and a view into the possible future of PFAS regulations.

Presented by: Leonel Almanzar, CDM Smith

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This presentation will act as an introduction for small businesses who wish to scale their business or diversify their clientele by contracting with the federal government. This course will discuss small business registration requirements, various certifications and designations within the small business environment, programs tailored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that give preference to certain small businesses, and strategic partnerships like joint ventures and teaming agreements.

Schoonover & Moriarty assists clients with all legal aspects associated with selling goods and services to the United States government. This includes all federal contracting programs, size and affiliation concerns, various teaming methods, bid protests, size and status protests, requests for equitable adjustment, claims and appeals, and more.

Presented by: Tim Laughlin, Schoonover & Moriarty, LLC

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Discussion on the benefits of stream restoration and engineering with nature.

Presented by:   Laura Adams, Black & Veatch 

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Cam-Dex will present on emerging technologies that future building designs can accommodate. Indoor Security Drones, Next-Gen intercoms with AI Concierge service, Cameras with visual and audio gun detection, Sensors with AI Analytics for Audio. Access Control Systems with minimal onsite devices. Complying with fed regs: FIPS 201, FIPS 140, FICAM, FedRamp, NDAA, and TAA.

Presented by:  Kevin McEvoy, Cam-Dex Corporation

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Although its use goes back more than 150 years, 1,4-dioxane is now considered an emerging contaminant that is increasingly prevalent in groundwater. The EPA considers it to be “likely carcinogenic.” Currently, there is no federal drinking water standard for 1,4-dioxane, despite its widespread presence in drinking water systems. This presentation discusses the prevalence of 1,4-dioxane at military sites undergoing remediation, the challenges of remediation and the future of regulation.

Presented by: Rob Young, TLI Solutions

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This presentation delves into the intricate mechanisms through which small businesses and 8(a) entities can effectively secure sole source awards within the framework of relevant rules and regulations. The comprehensive coverage includes an exploration of various types of sole source awards, an analysis of the Department of Defense (DOD) agencies that most frequently grant sole sources, guidance on preparing a compelling sole source justification, advantages for clients, potential drawbacks of this contracting technique, and an examination of the 5% Indian incentive. Furthermore, specific rules governing Alaskan Native Corporations, strategies for effectively selling to the client, success stories and best practices, crucial process milestones, insights into how large businesses can successfully capture sole source awards, the role of joint ventures, and an overview of recent regulatory developments are also presented.
Key Points Covered:

Types of sole source awards
DOD agency with the highest sole source awards
Preparing a sole source justification
Client advantages and downsides of this contracting technique
The 5% Indian incentive
Specific rules for Alaskan Native Corporations
Strategies for selling to the client
Process milestones
Success stories and best practices
Capturing sole source awards for large businesses
Role of joint ventures
Recent regulatory developments

Conclusion:
By shedding light on the nuanced landscape of securing sole source awards, this presentation equips small businesses and 8(a)s with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of the procurement process effectively. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into recent developments in regulations, thus enabling attendees to stay abreast of the evolving contracting environment.

Presented by:  Brady Bigelow, North Wind Group

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