The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Jan. 13 in the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recess appointments case (Noel Canning).  The oral arguments centered on a lower court ruling that held President Obama’s early 2012 recess appointments of three members to the NLRB were unconstitutional. More background information on the Noel Canning case and ABC National’s involvement can be found on the ABC website. 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced a webinar series on the requirements for federal contractors and subcontractors when implementing the new Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act rules. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started a pilot rebate program for nonroad engines called the Construction Equipment Funding Opportunity, which helps to provide financial assistance to public and private construction equipment owners for engine replacements and/or exhaust controls on older construction equipment. 

The Public-Private Partnership Alliance announced the agenda for its 2014 National Conference for Public-Private Partnerships (P3C 2014), which will be held Feb. 24-25 in Dallas, Texas. As one of the largest events combining public planners, economic developers and A/E/C professionals, the second annual conference will bring together top industry decision makers to address the most relevant and pressing issues faced in public-private partnerships.

The 2014 Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) applications are now available and have been mailed to all ABC chapters and contractor members. 

This year’s BizCon takes place during Merit Week, Feb. 11-12 in Maui, Hawaii, and presents a great opportunity to mix work with play for the whole family. Merit Week features a line-up of events that allow ABC chapters and members to enjoy the exciting activities Hawaii has to offer while gaining insight and expert advice to take back to the office.

On Jan. 9, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury issued another set of frequently asked questions regarding implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  The FAQs (Part XVIII) discuss coverage of preventive services, limitations on cost-sharing, and wellness programs and provided guidance on the Mental Health Parity Act.

In response to the House-Senate Conference meeting on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (H.R. 3080) and the Water Resources Development Act (S. 601), ABC Jan. 7 sent a letter to members of Congress thanking them for recognizing the importance of our nation’s water infrastructure and for moving forward with the first Water Resource Reauthorization bill since 2007. However, ABC also expressed concern that the proposed Senate bill would expand Davis Bacon requirements and exclude a public-private partnership (P3s) program.

ABC announced a new education program, the ABC Project Management Institute, offering owners, project managers and estimators to learn how to utilize and develop tools that will improve profitability and productivity at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. 

ABC members interested in participating in the 2014 BizCon in Maui, Hawaii, Feb. 11-12, have until Wednesday, Jan. 8 to register at the early bird rate and take advantage of the hotel discounts at the Grand Wailea.