Federal Projects: Why Tailored Construction Management is Essential
In federal construction project management, where security and ease of procurement are paramount, having the right tools can make all the difference. For U.S. agencies overseeing large-scale projects, the challenges are even more pronounced, with stringent regulations and complex workflows to navigate.
These programs and projects need a construction project management information system (PMIS) that streamlines processes, ensures compliance and enhances efficiency for federal customers.
Enhanced Security and Data Protection
Given the sensitive nature of government projects, security is the highest priority for federal customers. A critical step in providing safeguards is selecting a PMIS that is authorized by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). Do not be fooled by those vendors who merely have a FedRAMP-approved data center or those who say their security measures are “FedRAMP equivalent.”
FedRAMP is a government-wide program that promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across the federal government by providing a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. FedRAMP Authorization involves up to 325 controls and is maintained by frequent audits.
Other notable security measures that federal agencies must consider when selecting a PMIS include:
- Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines
- DoD IL-2 Authorized or higher
- SOC 2 Compliant
- 508 Compliant
Approval by GSA
A factor that can shorten the procurement process is to select a software vendor that is on the GSA IT Schedule 70, which is a status used to describe organizations that have been approved to sell to U.S. government agencies through the General Services Administration (GSA). The process of gaining that GSA distinction can be tedious and take years of work, so vendors who have completed that process have been thoroughly vetted.
GSA-approved vendors have already cleared their products and services, pricing and procurement regulations with GSA, so the purchasing process is more efficient.
Compliance Assurance
One of the primary concerns for federal agencies is adherence to regulatory requirements. Kahua’s PMIS addresses this challenge by integrating compliance features directly into its platform. With built-in templates and workflows aligned with federal standards, such as those outlined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), agencies can ensure that their projects meet all necessary guidelines.
Project Tracking and Reporting
Tracking the progress of construction projects can be a daunting task, particularly for federal agencies overseeing numerous initiatives simultaneously. The PMIS needs to provide robust tracking and reporting capabilities that monitor project timelines, budgets and milestones through customizable dashboards and reports. A data-driven approach enables informed decision-making, helping agencies identify potential risks and take proactive measures to mitigate them.
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Kahua provides a cloud-based platform specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of federal government construction project management. Its security measures are unmatched - the Kahua Government Network delivers 327 controls compliance, technical, implementation and processes, adhering to both FedRAMP and StateRAMP requirements.
It bears all of the necessary traits listed above ... and more!
We are committed to our federal customers and to show that we are hosting the Federal Construction Forum in Washington, D.C., on April 9, 2024, to share best practices and thought leadership with clients and prospects. We’ll provide more insight next week on what keeps them up at night and how Kahua’s construction management software helps mitigate their challenges.
