Conference Program/Sessions

Welcome to the 2026 Federal Design-Build Symposium

Federal agencies may be approaching collaborative project delivery from different starting points. Some are preparing to implement newly authorized Progressive Design-Build (PDB) for military construction, while others are exploring how existing FAR authorities and Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) can help achieve many of the same outcomes.

Those conversations will be front and center at the 2026 Federal Design-Build Symposium, where federal agencies and industry leaders will share practical lessons learned and discuss what successful implementation looks like across the federal sector.

Plan your schedule! View the full conference program below or click the button below to view the conference brochure.

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Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM EDT	DBIA Registration Desk Welcome to the DBIA Registration Desk — your first stop for a seamless conference experience! Our friendly team is here to assist with attendee check-in, onsite registration, badge pickup, ticketing, conference materials and general event information. Whether you need help navigating the program, updating your registration or finding your next session, we’re here to ensure you feel informed, supported and ready to make the most of your DBIA conference experience. Location: Conservatory/Lobby, Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Conservatory/Lobby, Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081207:0018:00 000	WED, AUG 12
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026	Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM EDT	DBIA Registration Desk Welcome to the DBIA Registration Desk — your first stop for a seamless conference experience! Our friendly team is here to assist with attendee check-in, onsite registration, badge pickup, ticketing, conference materials and general event information. Whether you need help navigating the program, updating your registration or finding your next session, we’re here to ensure you feel informed, supported and ready to make the most of your DBIA conference experience. Location: Conservatory/Lobby, Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Conservatory/Lobby, Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081110:0018:00 000	TUE, AUG 11
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT	Delivering Results in High Performance Design-Build As the world’s premier law enforcement agency, the FBI set a goal to design and build a new training center to elevate every aspect of FBI’s commitment to high performance training for agents and staff. The FBI’s High Performance Training Center, recently inaugurated in Quantico, Virginia, is a next-gen facility focused on advanced, specialized training for agents. This center supports rigorous, simulation-based training in areas like tactical operations and physical fitness, complementing the broader, established FBI Academy training grounds. The HPTC emphasizes high-performance training, including advanced threat assessment, risk management, and protective operations. Awarded as concept design-build, this 40,000sf world-class facility replaces undersized and outdated facilities and creates a new identity for training on campus. The FBI, BL Harbert Intl and STOA/GMC/Legacy Collaborative managed numerous challenges while maintaining the vision for this landmark project. The panel led discussion will provide an inside look at how the project originated, how design goals and budget constraints were balanced under significant cost pressure, and the tools the team used daily to deliver this transformational facility. The HPTC showcases the best of Design-Build Done Right delivery at the FBI Academy with collaboration, creativity, and teamwork. Speaker(s): David W. Triplett, DBIA, Chief Contracting Officer, Federal Bureau of Investigation Michael C. Werner, AIA, DBIA, Managing Principal, STOA Architects Brian McCormick, DBIA, Supervisory Contract Specialist, Federal Bureau of Investigation Garrett Goodman, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Design, BL Harbert International Track 2: Design-Build Done Right Intermediate Location: Grand Ballroom E-G, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Grand Ballroom E-G, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081213:0014:00 001	WED, AUG 12	8684E65A-EA4A-F111-8104-DAE5E73D7F08 8DB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 FE83DC9C-F110-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08 6EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 6FB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 70B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 71B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 76B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 8BB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 72B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 92B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 93B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 94B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 95B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 7EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 85B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 86B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 87B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 88B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM EDT	Design-Build Done Right: Rapid Delivery for a National Cattle Crisis This session explores how Design-Build Done Right® enabled an innovative Design-Build to Budget delivery method to meet an urgent national biosecurity crisis: the looming threat of New World Screwworm (NWS). With NWS already detected in Central America and Mexico and a likely U.S. breach projected for July/August 2026, the risk to cattle ranchers is immediate and potentially catastrophic. Left unchecked, NWS could devastate cattle operations, impact other mammals and humans, and drive significant increases in beef, pork, and chicken prices—further exacerbating grocery store inflation. The topic is highly relevant to successful integrated delivery, demonstrating how trust, early collaboration, and industry expertise can accelerate outcomes under crisis conditions. The federal delivery strategy which was led by USDA, executed by USACE, and supported by Mortenson, included five strategic proprietary meetings, notably an on-site visit to COPEG in Panama, enabling informed decision-making and risk alignment. From solicitation to award, the process was completed in five months, an unprecedented pace for a federal program of this complexity. This session highlights how the government placed trust in Mortenson’s expertise and DBIA’s Design-Build Done Right® framework to extract maximum value, deliver speed, and meet an urgent, mission-critical need. Speaker(s): Julia De Rosi, Market Executive, Mortenson Construction Track 2: Design-Build Done Right Advanced Location: Grand Ballroom E-G, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Grand Ballroom E-G, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081209:1510:15 001	WED, AUG 12	8684E65A-EA4A-F111-8104-DAE5E73D7F08 8DB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 FE83DC9C-F110-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08 6EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 6FB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 70B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 71B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 76B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 8BB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 73B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 92B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 93B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 94B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 95B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 7DB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 85B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 86B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 87B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 88B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM EDT	Veterans, Done Right, through Design-Build Done Right Design-Build Done Right on display, here, to benefit a national treasure, the U.S. veteran. Early delivery, below budget, raving fans, excellent performance ratings. ~500,000-SF, ~$600M, 48-months design and construction. The panel discussed how they helped VA and USACE be successful despite the challenges of the past. How? High-performance teams transcend the mundane of design and construction to perform as one synchronous element. Easy? Absolutely not. Performance excellence? Mandatory. Come hear the good news. Speaker(s): Sabrina Sparkman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cara Lanigan, CEO, Central Group, Clark Construction Group, LLC Jim L. Whitaker, FAIA, FDBIA, Partner, HKS, Inc. Track 2: Design-Build Done Right Advanced Location: Grand Ballroom E-G, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Grand Ballroom E-G, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081210:3011:30 001	WED, AUG 12	8684E65A-EA4A-F111-8104-DAE5E73D7F08 8DB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 FE83DC9C-F110-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08 6EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 6FB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 70B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 71B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 77B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 8BB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 73B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 92B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 93B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 94B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 7EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 85B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 86B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 87B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 88B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM EDT	Surviving Validation - The difference between DB and PDB In design build, the Validation phase has already occurred so the owner can solicit a design build team based on an approved budget, scope, and schedule. Progressive Design Build (PDB) is utilized to bring the PDB team in at the earliest time to achieve the best project for the budget and time available. The Owner and PDB work together to define the project enough to lead to Programming. This early stage is called Validation. Validation can go smoothly for public projects such as federal and military construction as owners developed scope, budget, and schedule to receive funding. In this case, the team can scoot through Validation. For Federal and MILCON projects that want to engage PDB to the fullest by bringing the PDB in at the earliest time, will there be a pre-approved project? This stage of progressive design build is called Surviving Validation. The key tool for Surviving Validation is to understand it is nonlinear and compressed. This creates uncertainty, doubt, and frustration for both the owner and PDB team. The tools are the same as design build, trust, communications , decision making and team composition, but the compression and nonlinear nature need heighted patience and understanding. Speaker(s): Leandra Bruland, DBIA, Senior Project Manager, STV Adam L. Johnson, Assoc. DBIA, Senior Project Manager, STV Track 1: Progressive Design-Build Intermediate Location: Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081210:3011:30 001	WED, AUG 12	ECBD462D-9B32-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08 8DB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 FA83DC9C-F110-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08 6EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 6FB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 70B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 71B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 76B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 8BB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 72B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 92B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 93B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 94B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 96B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 7EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 85B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 86B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 87B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 88B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT	Progressive Design-Build Offramps, Strategies for Proper Execution and How to Keep from Using One Progressive Design Build and adherence to DBIA Best Practices are processes for delivering projects on time, under budget, and with all stakeholders satisfied: in other words, design-build done right. What can go wrong? Well, deviating from these Best Practices can lead to project failure and potentially costly litigation. One strategy used in Progressive Design-Build is the use of an "Off Ramp" to dissolve the team. These are some of the lessons learned in the real-life execution of projects that have exercised the "Off Ramp". We will explore some strategies that will assist owners and their advisors in crafting "Off Ramp" systems and plans that will either make the "Off Ramp" less likely to happen or less painful. Speaker(s): William E. Reifsteck, FDBIA, CRIS, VP Director of Design Build and Program Management, AECOM Edmund V. Caplicki, JD, Partner, Nossaman LLP Track 1: Progressive Design-Build Location: Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081213:0014:00 000	WED, AUG 12	ECBD462D-9B32-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM EDT	Owner Readiness for Federal PDB: From Policy to Practice The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has authorized Progressive Design-Build (PDB) for federal projects - but authorization does not equal readiness. Many federal agencies are eager to adopt PDB, yet struggle with the operational, cultural and acquisition shifts required to implement it successfully within the FAR environment. Without intentional preparation, these gaps can lead to misaligned teams, procurement inefficiencies and diminished outcomes. This session introduces a practical Owner Readiness framework that moves agencies from policy to execution. Drawing on national experience - including supporting the nuclear sector’s transition into Progressive Design-Build for complex, first-of-a-kind programs - the panel will highlight the leadership behaviors, governance structures and acquisition strategies required for success. The discussion will integrate key federal considerations such as Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS), phased funding constraints, early budget transparency and the PDB off-ramp, while addressing when tools like proprietary meetings add value or introduce risk. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to assess and improve readiness across their organizations - enabling them to implement Design-Build Done Right® with confidence, speed and accountability. Speaker(s): Rebecca Blankenship, FDBIA, Partner, Progressive Design-Build Consulting, LLC Track 1: Progressive Design-Build Intermediate Location: Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081209:1510:15 001	WED, AUG 12	ECBD462D-9B32-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08 8DB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 FC83DC9C-F110-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08 6EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 6FB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 70B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 71B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 76B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 8BB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 72B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 92B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 93B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 94B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 95B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 7EB235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 85B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 86B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 87B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 88B235E3-99A3-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0
Monday, Aug 10, 2026	Monday, Aug 10, 2026 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT	Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation - Pre-Conference Course Collaborative Delivery Leadership Academy: Elevating Leaders — Optimizing Outcomes For full details on DBIA's leadership Academy CLICK HERE **Pre-Conference Event (Additional Fee) August 10, 2026 8:00AM-5:00PM Building Block: Leadership: Building a Strong Foundation-Pre-Requisite, In-Person, THIS COURSE IS A PRE-REQUISITE. IT MUST BE TAKEN PRIOR TO THE REMAINING 5 COURSES IN THE COLLABORATIVE DELIVERY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY** Leadership matters. Distinguishing different ways to lead is at the crux of Design-Build Done Right®. This session will focus on introducing the distinctions of Design-Build Leadership Done Right. This course will introduce the 18 competencies associated with the universal model of effective leadership and share why only 20% of all leaders demonstrate these characteristics. These 18 competencies are well researched and shown to be positively correlated to leadership effectiveness and business performance and are highly aligned with Design-Build Done Right®. Additional fee pricing: Industry Partner Member (Practitioner, Owner and Academia): $595.00 Non-Members (Practitioner, Owner and Academia): $695.00 Location: Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 8.00	Location: Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 8.00	2026081008:0017:00 020	MON, AUG 10	24D81DEC-ABF8-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 24D81DEC-ABF8-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 23D81DEC-ABF8-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 23D81DEC-ABF8-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 22D81DEC-ABF8-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0 22D81DEC-ABF8-F011-8101-8147A53E1DD0
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM EDT	Networking Break Take a moment to recharge and connect during our 15-minute Networking Break. Attendees are encouraged to visit sponsor tables, explore industry solutions, and engage with fellow conference participants before heading back to the next round of sessions. Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081210:1510:30 000	WED, AUG 12
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:00 AM EDT	Continental Breakfast Start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast featuring a selection of pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and light morning refreshments while networking with fellow attendees before the day’s sessions begin. Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081207:1508:00 000	WED, AUG 12
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026	Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM EDT	Networking/Coffee Break Take a break, recharge and connect during our Networking Coffee Break. Attendees are encouraged to visit sponsor tables, explore industry solutions and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow conference participants while enjoying coffee/refreshment. Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081113:4514:00 000	TUE, AUG 11
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026	Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM EDT	Networking Reception with Sponsors Join us for an evening Networking Reception with sponsors and fellow attendees. Visit sponsor tables, explore industry solutions and make valuable connections while enjoying complimentary appetizers and refreshments in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere Reception w/Sponsors Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081116:1518:00 000	TUE, AUG 11	8884E65A-EA4A-F111-8104-DAE5E73D7F08
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM EDT	Networking Break Take a break, recharge and connect during our Networking Break. Attendees are encouraged to visit sponsor tables, explore industry solutions and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow conference participants. Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081215:1515:30 000	WED, AUG 12
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM EDT	Networking Reception with Sponsors Join us for an evening Networking Reception with sponsors and fellow attendees. Visit sponsor tables, explore industry solutions and make valuable connections while enjoying complimentary appetizers and refreshments in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere Reception w/Sponsors Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081216:3018:00 000	WED, AUG 12	8884E65A-EA4A-F111-8104-DAE5E73D7F08
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026	Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM EDT	Networking Break Take a moment to recharge and connect during our 15-minute Networking Break. Attendees are encouraged to visit sponsor tables, explore industry solutions, and engage with fellow conference participants before heading back to the next round of sessions. Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081115:0015:15 000	TUE, AUG 11
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM EDT	Networking/Coffee Break Take a break, recharge and connect during our Networking Coffee Break. Attendees are encouraged to visit sponsor tables, explore industry solutions and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow conference participants while enjoying coffee/refreshment. Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081214:0014:15 000	WED, AUG 12
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM EDT	Networking/Coffee Break Take a break, recharge and connect during our Networking Coffee Break. Attendees are encouraged to visit sponsor tables, explore industry solutions and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow conference participants while enjoying coffee/refreshment. Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer , Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081209:0009:15 000	WED, AUG 12
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026	Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM EDT	General Session: The Federal Imperative for Design-Build: Are We Ready? Design-build has become the dominant project delivery method across the industry, but the federal sector is still catching up. Rising demands, constrained resources and increasing complexity are forcing a shift in how federal projects get delivered. Senior executives from the largest federal Owners of design and construction services will share how their agencies are responding — using design-build to accelerate delivery, manage risk and improve outcomes. Hear what’s working, what isn’t and what must change for the federal sector to keep pace. Learn how DBIA is supporting agencies in this transition and what it will take, across the industry, to truly be ready Speaker(s): Paul R. Courtney, Chief Procurement Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (INVITED) Denver Heath, Director of Contracting, US Army Corps of Engineers Cindy Readal, Assistant Commander for Contracting, U.S. Navy, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Jim L. Whitaker, FAIA, FDBIA, Partner, HKS, Inc. General Session Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.25	Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.25	2026081112:3013:45 000	TUE, AUG 11	EABD462D-9B32-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EDT	General Session – Design-Build: The Next Frontier Design-build is expanding across federal agencies, but the path forward isn’t uniform. While the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides authority for Progressive Design-Build (PDB) in military projects, many civilian agencies must operate within different constraints. This session will focus on how to move forward regardless of those limitations. Explore how PDB is being implemented where authorized and how agencies without that authority can optimize Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) within the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to achieve similar outcomes. From early collaboration to transparent cost development and disciplined decision-making, explore the best practices that drive better outcomes, no matter the framework. Speaker(s): David W. Triplett, DBIA, Chief Contracting Officer, Federal Bureau of Investigation Geoffrey W. Neumayr, SE, PE, DBIA, Progressive Design-Build Consulting, LLC Thomas Foley, PE, CCM, DBIA, Senior VP, Facilities, Core Real Estate Dev, Planning Design, Mount Sinai Health System Brian Hutchison, Contracting Officer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (INVITED) General Session Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081208:0009:00 000	WED, AUG 12	EABD462D-9B32-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM EDT	General Session – The Time Is Now: Answers, Results, Tools This capstone interactive session brings together the insights, opportunities and challenges explored throughout the Symposium — creating space for candid discussions with federal design-build leaders. Ask tough questions, test assumptions and gain clarity on issues shaping federal project delivery. Leave with practical tools, sharper direction and a path forward to apply what you’ve learned to drive real change within your organization Speaker(s): Molly A. Jones, LEED AP, AIA, GGP, DBIA, President + CEO, Jones Design Studio, PLLC James L. Ropelewski, J.D., DBIA, PIPE, principal, Rope Strategies, LLC Richard (Rich) Benton, P.E., FDBIA, F.ASCE, SR Benton & Assoc. General Session Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081215:3016:30 000	WED, AUG 12	EABD462D-9B32-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026	Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT	Keynote - Kim Becking Kim Becking is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Unstoppable Momentum™ Movement. Known for her engaging and high-energy presentations, she helps leaders and organizations navigate change, build resilience and thrive in challenging environments. Keynote Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081114:0015:00 000	TUE, AUG 11	EBBD462D-9B32-F111-8103-DAE5E73D7F08
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026	Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM EDT	Industry Day Agency Sessions Industry Day Agency Sessions: Connect directly with federal agencies planning design-build projects and gain insight into upcoming solicitations. Agency Representation: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USACE) Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Speaker(s): Cindy Readal, Assistant Commander for Contracting, U.S. Navy, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081115:1516:15 000	TUE, AUG 11
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT	Networking Lunch Join fellow attendees for a Networking Luncheon designed to foster conversation, collaboration and new connections. Enjoy a seated lunch while engaging with industry peers, owners, practitioners and partners in a welcoming and interactive setting. Following lunch, attendees are encouraged to visit the sponsor tables located in the foyer area to continue networking and explore industry solutions before afternoon sessions resume. Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston	Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston	2026081211:3013:00 000	WED, AUG 12
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026	Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM EDT	Industry Day Agency Sessions Industry Day Agency Sessions: Connect directly with federal agencies planning design-build projects and gain insight into upcoming solicitations. Agency Representation General Services Administration (GSA) Veterans Administration (VA) Speaker(s): Alan Zytowski, Director, East Region Office, Department of Veterans Affairs Julia Cavanaugh, Project Manager, General Services Administration Industry Day Session Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	Location: Grand Ballroom A-D, Hyatt Regency Reston Session Credits: 1.00	2026081214:1515:15 000	WED, AUG 12	AD971968-F24A-F111-8104-DAE5E73D7F08