Design-build is rapidly reshaping the government contracting marketplace
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
An alert for contractors – waiting for traditional procurements is now waiting too long! The government contracting environment has shifted significantly.
Air traffic control modernization drives thousands of FAA projects
FAA is advancing thousands of air traffic control modernization projects while seeking additional funding for other upgrades.
Report finds states taking larger role in infrastructure cybersecurity
A new report finds states expanding critical infrastructure cybersecurity efforts while facing persistent gaps in authority, funding and local capacity.
California data center laws target energy, water and grid costs
California enacted seven laws establishing new requirements for data centers involving electricity, water use, utility costs and more.
Atlanta Beltline transit study outlines $3.5B rail network
Atlanta Beltline’s final transit study recommends routes, stations and operating plans for a planned light-rail network.
New Chicago-area transit authority sets stage for technology, rail and bus contracts
Illinois’ transit overhaul creates opportunities in fare technology, rail, bus, safety, zero-emission fleets and transit-oriented development across the Chicago region.
Washington names Gwen Gann state cybersecurity chief
Washington has named Gwen Gann its new state CISO to oversee the Office of Cybersecurity.
Portland seeks leader for new Data and Privacy Office
Portland is recruiting its first data and privacy officer to lead a new office overseeing data governance, privacy policies and high-risk technologies.
West Virginia – Kimberly Clark will begin as West Virginia University’s next chief information officer on Oct. 12. Most recently, Clark served as deputy chief information officer and chief digital transformation officer at Arizona State University. She previously held senior technology leadership roles at Twitter and Charles Schwab.
Massachusetts – Keith Darling, currently battalion chief for the Franklin Fire Department, has been named Northborough’s new fire chief. Darling, an Army veteran, enlisted with the National Guard shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. That same year, he made the move from working for a private ambulance company to joining Franklin’s fire department.
Louisiana – Rebecca Johnson has been selected to serve as the Iberville Parish School District’s next superintendent. Johnson’s resume includes work as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, as well as a stint as the school district’s executive director of academics. She has also worked for the Louisiana Department of Education.
Kentucky – Jason Wells is retiring as Lexington’s fire chief. A 30-year fire department veteran, he was promoted to chief in 2021, replacing the city’s first female fire chief, Kristin Chilton. His last day with the fire department will be Jan. 10. Mayor Linda Gorton said she expects to name a new chief by early December.
North Carolina – Jon Mendenhall is Kinston’s new city manager following a unanimous vote by members of city council. Mendenhall will start Sept. 28. He previously served as city manager for Eden, N.C., for six years, leaving the position last month. Ralph Clark has been acting as interim city manager since Rhonda Barwick’s retirement in January.
Oregon – Martha Bennett will become Medford’s next city manager. Bennett was previously city manager in Ashland, Ore., for five years and most recently served as city manager in Lake Oswego, Ore., from 2019 until earlier this year. She also spent time as chief operating officer of Metro, a regional government agency that serves multiple cities and counties in the Portland area.
Florida – James Macfarlane II started this week as deputy city manager for Palm Coast. Macfarlane has more than 25 years of experience and leadership in municipal government, public safety, emergency management and organizational administration. Most recently, he served as a captain and division commander with the Columbia County, Ore., Sheriff’s Office.
Kansas – Alex Batstone has been appointed interim chief of the Valley Falls Police Department. His appointment became effective Sept. 16. Batstone has previously served Valley Falls as a police officer. The last police chief, Cody Spire, served in that role for about a year.
For more news and opportunities from the public sector, check out www.govmarketnews.com!
