By Lynn Hang, Vice President and General Counsel, B2Gnow

Airport construction and infrastructure projects are experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by significant federal, state, and local investments. From terminal modernizations to runway expansions and road improvements, this surge promises enhanced connectivity and substantial economic development. However, these ambitious projects demand meticulous compliance with complex regulations, especially as the political landscape surrounding diversity and inclusion continues to evolve. Recent scrutiny of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has created uncertainty for supplier diversity professionals and public agencies. Airports remain committed to fair contracting and workforce participation but must now navigate these efforts in a shifting environment, making strategic, compliant execution paramount.

Decoding the Compliance Landscape: Key Challenges

Managing compliance with various regulations is crucial for securing funding and maintaining public trust. Key challenges include:

• Davis-Bacon & State Prevailing Wage Rules: Federally funded projects, and often state-funded ones, require paying laborers and mechanics at least the local prevailing wages and fringe benefits for their work, which involves navigating potentially complex wage determinations and classifications.
• Workforce Participation Goals: Many funding sources require local worker participation to boost economic development. Tracking and achieving these goals require constant monitoring.
• Apprenticeship Utilization Tracking: Requirements for registered apprentice utilization necessitate accurate tracking of apprentice hours and ratios to promote skill development.
• Contractor and Subcontractor Reporting: Compliance extends to all subcontractors, demanding comprehensive reporting across all tiers to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Certified Payroll & Audit Readiness: Maintaining accurate certified payroll records is essential for demonstrating compliance and preparing for audits, requiring meticulous documentation.
• DBE/ACDBE Program Management: Effective management of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs includes setting goals, verifying eligibility, enforcing compliance, and adapting to legal changes, all while maintaining detailed reporting.

Compliance Control Tower: Leveraging Technology

Navigating today’s complex regulatory environment requires more than manual processes. Airport agencies must rely on effective tools and informed practices to manage compliance across projects. Modern compliance platforms help streamline operations, reduce risk, and achieve project goals through features like:

• Real-time Certified Payroll Tracking: Automatically collects and monitors CPRs from contractors and subcontractors, flagging potential issues for timely resolution.
• No Hassle Wage Updates: Solutions like B2Gnow’s eComply include up-to-date wage determinations—at no extra cost—ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Flexible and Configurable: Purpose-built systems support a wide range of labor compliance needs, including prevailing wage, certified payroll, workforce, and worksite tracking.
• Workforce Dashboards and Participation Tracking: Gain visibility into local hiring, apprenticeship usage, and other participation metrics to stay aligned with program goals.
• Subcontractor Compliance Management: Onboard, track, and monitor all tiers of subcontractors in a centralized system, supporting full project oversight.
• Audit-Ready Reporting: Generate comprehensive, accurate reports that simplify audits and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
• Compliance with 49 CFR Part 23 (ACDBE) and 49 CFR Part 26 (DBE): Track participation, manage certifications, and access directories of certified firms to support supplier diversity initiatives.
• Generate Comprehensive Reports, including the DBE Uniform Report and FAA report: Quickly produce required reports to meet agency and funding compliance standards.
• Seamless Supplier Diversity and Prevailing Wage Integration: There are solutions that offer a unified approach to contract compliance, integrating supplier diversity and prevailing wage management for more efficient oversight of inclusion goals and labor requirements.

Ensuring Project Success Through Vigilant Compliance

Airport project success requires navigating complex regulations beyond timelines and budgets. Advanced compliance management solutions enable airport agencies to maintain transparency, mitigate risks, and ensure projects meet or exceed necessary standards, fostering trust and sustainable aviation development.

B2Gnow provides airport authorities and public agencies with tools and support to ensure every runway, terminal, access road project, and program is fully compliant. Learn more or request a demo: www.b2gnow.com. Or, if you’re headed to Arlington, TX for the 2025 Business of Airports Conference, be sure to visit the B2Gnow booth.

 

Lynn Hang, Vice President and General Counsel, B2Gnow

Lynn Hang is Vice President and General Counsel at B2Gnow. She has over 15 years of legal experience in labor compliance, contract law, and regulatory affairs, with prior leadership roles at eComply Solutions, Hill International, and Gibson Dunn. She is a licensed attorney and UCLA Law graduate.