Kahua Knows Best: Steer Your Federal Construction Projects with Experience

Think of your construction project management system like a car.  

A basic, older model might get you from point A to point B, but it lacks the adaptability and features needed to handle today’s complex roads and driving conditions. It’s rigid, often breaks down and doesn’t have the advanced navigation or safety systems of a next-gen vehicle.  

On the other hand, a modern car is designed for flexibility — it can navigate twists and turns, adapt to changing conditions and comes equipped with the latest technology to make your journey smoother, faster and more efficient. It can adapt and remember how close you want your seat to the steering wheel; the GPS recommends the fastest route home; and the mirrors set themselves for your best view. 

Similarly, a cutting-edge, flexible project management system doesn’t just move your construction forward; it helps you navigate the complexities of today’s construction environment with ease and precision, keeping your project on track and ahead of the curve. It lets you have your metaphorical seat, navigation and mirrors set just the way you like them! 

That is doubly important in the complex landscape of federal projects. Do you want to trust your buildings and infrastructure to a management system that has never gone through the Authority to Operate (ATO) process or isn’t FedRAMP Authorized ... that doesn’t have teams who eat, sleep and breathe federal construction? 

How are federal projects any different from other projects? Don’t they all use concrete, steel, lumber and brick? Don’t all projects have to be designed, vendors and materials must be procured, and the structure must be built and approved?  

Yes. And no. Federal projects differ significantly from private-sector projects in terms of complexity, regulatory requirements and stakeholder involvement. Here’s why experience is important: 

Regulatory Compliance: Federal construction projects must adhere to strict regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Davis-Bacon Act and other government-specific guidelines. Project management software implementation and support teams experienced in federal construction can navigate these regulations and can ensure full compliance, avoiding costly delays or legal issues. 

Security and Data Protection: Federal projects often involve sensitive or classified information, requiring stringent security measures. An experienced federal construction management team understands these requirements and is equipped to implement the necessary safeguards to protect data and infrastructure. FedRAMP Authorization is a must! 

Contracting and Procurement Expertise: Federal projects use specific contracting methods and procurement processes that differ from the private sector. Familiarity with these processes ensures efficient contract management, accurate documentation and proper adherence to government procurement standards. 

Stakeholder Management: Federal construction projects typically involve numerous stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors and the public. Experienced teams know how to navigate these relationships, creating clear communication, timely approvals and smooth coordination. 

Complex Project Execution: Federal projects often involve large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure, such as military installations, research facilities and federal buildings. Managing these projects requires specialized knowledge in handling complex logistics, long timelines and strict budget controls. 

Risk Management: Federal construction projects have little tolerance for errors or delays. Experienced federal construction managers are adept at identifying, assessing and mitigating risks, ensuring project continuity and success. 

Would you rather select a project management information system (PMIS) solution that has experience with the Authority to Operate (ATO) process, or one that would be starting from scratch? One that operates with the protection of the government community cloud or is on a commercial cloud that doesn’t regulate what entities are passing data back and forth? Remember: Being hosted on Amazon Web Services cannot provide the same security as a FedRAMP-authorized vendor. 

Kahua doesn’t just sell software to federal government agencies and then wish them well. Its implementation and support teams can walk through either a reasonably quick set up or help create configurable workflows and dashboards. Kahua stays in touch with federal customers by hosting forums and providing continuous learning experiences. It’s a relationship that respects the journey. 

Which one do you want to drive on this crucial trek?