Redesigning the Playing Field: Expanding Competition to Deliver Better Infrastructure

Public infrastructure investment is at historic levels. Yet across the country, agencies report shrinking bidder pools, rising costs, and limited competition on complex projects. For architecture and engineering firms, this presents both a challenge and a strategic opportunity.

This 60-minute panel brings together industry leaders who are rethinking how firms can actively support procurement approaches that build small business capacity and strengthen the field. Drawing from lessons from the Equity in Infrastructure Project, a CEO-level pledge to increase contracting opportunities for small and historically underutilized businesses, panelists will explore how to structure projects and teams to reduce unnecessary barriers, expand participation, and improve long-term value.

Attendees will gain practical insights into how expanding competition can build a deeper, more resilient bench of firms capable of delivering quality infrastructure and concrete strategies to bring to their public-sector partners. Panelists will share how these approaches can increase innovation, strengthen project performance, and create a healthier long-term market.

Speakers: Laura Merryfield, Partners for Public Good; Veronica Siranosian, AECOM; Qiana McKoy, HNTB Corporation

Earn 1 PDH