Abstract Submission

Design-build is now the fastest-growing collaborative delivery method in the U.S., used on nearly half of all design and construction projects nationwide. From state and local agencies to the private sector, Owners are turning to design-build to deliver greater certainty, speed and accountability.

The recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes Progressive Design-Build (PDB) for federal military construction, an important step forward for federal project delivery.

The 2026 Federal Design-Build Symposium will focus on what it takes to implement PDB successfully in the federal environment, not in theory, but in practice. As agencies and industry prepare for PDB’s expansion beyond the military services, this Symposium will serve as a forum for candid lessons learned, acquisition strategies that work and real-world examples of Design-Build Done Right® within the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
 

The Federal Design-Build Symposium taking place in Reston, Virginia, Aug. 11th - 12th, 2026. We invite subject matter experts with direct federal design-build and Progressive Design-Build experience to submit session proposals addressing topics, including but not limited to: 

 

• Emerging liability considerations in today’s federal design-build market
• Strategies for addressing workforce constraints, Build America/Buy America requirements and ongoing market volatility
   

Cost, Scope & Contracting Realities

• Managing “betterments” within a design-to-budget model
• Award fee implementation and incentive structures that drive performance
• Project examples where early budget transparency improved outcomes
   

Execution & Readiness

• Proprietary meetings — when they add value and when they create risk
• Owner and Design-Builder Readiness Assessments — common frustrations, red flags and how to resolve them
• Demonstrating Design-Build Done Right® within the FAR
   

Content Guidance

• Sessions are subject to coaching from the Planning Committee.
• Sessions may have subject matter experts added as needed for balance.
• Federal project examples are not required. Given the limited number of federal PDB projects, examples from other sectors are welcome.
• The number of available session slots is limited. We look forward to selecting a strong lineup of presenters.

Submitting Your Presentation Idea
All submissions must be completed online. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. As part of the submission process, you will be asked to answer the questions below. Only those who answer “yes” to the following questions need respond:

1. Can you and any additional panelists, if selected, commit to travel to present in a timeslot to be determined on August 11-12 in Reston, VA (just outside of Washington, DC)?

2. Is your content current and highly relevant to the successful execution of design-build within the context of the Federal marketplace?

For further, specific guidance, please refer to our Call For Presentations 2026 Federal Design-Build Symposium Guidelines here.

Should you need any assistance, please email us at presenters@dbia.org.