The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District hosted its latest Industry Day, Feb. 27, 2026.
Galveston District Commander Colonel David W. Dake began his opening remarks by welcoming almost 200 predominantly civil works industry representatives to the District Headquarters in Galveston, Texas.
“Whether you represent a small business, a large firm, or are exploring opportunities with us for the first time, we appreciate your interest in partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Galveston District,” Dake said. “We’re here because Industry Day is about relationships. It’s about transparency, and most importantly it’s about building strong partnerships that allow us to deliver critical infrastructure for the nation.”
The Industry Day agenda included Small Business Administration (SBA), APEX Accelerator, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul, and Galveston District Fiscal Year 2026 Contract Opportunity briefings.
“Today, my intent is to provide you with all the information you need to be successful and partner with us, whether you’re large or small,” said Wayne Hiatt, Acting Southwestern Division Regional Lead Small Business Professional & Galveston District Chief, Office of Small Business Programs. “Even though I’m a small business professional, I consider myself an industry advocate. Whether you’re large or small, we’re all a team, and large business has to have subcontracting and teaming arrangements. I’m here to do whatever I can to make it easier for you.”
Hiatt’s presentation, “How to do Business with Galveston District,” was followed by “How to Pursue Work with the USACE Galveston District,” delivered by Dennis McIntosh, Univ. of Houston, Apex Accelerator Senior Advisor.
Jesus Gomez, SBA Opportunity Specialist discussed “Small Business Administration Programs and Services, Mentor-Protégé and Joint Ventures.”
Nijua Heard, SBA Procurement Center Representative, presented “Legislative Updates.”
SWG Senior Procurement Analyst, Ann Young briefed the audience on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul, and USACE Engineer Pamphlet 715-1-7 (Architect-Engineer Contracting in USACE) updates.
“We've covered three critical updates today that are reshaping our partnership. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requires current and prospective partners to assess their security posture now to ensure strategic preparedness,” Young said. “Procurement reform is our opportunity to move beyond rigid rules to empowered, mission-focused decision-making while the revised USACE A-E Contracting (EP 715-1-7) guide establishes a framework for success with USACE and encourages mastering the Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) process, aligning with Agency small business goals, and maintaining excellent Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) ratings fundamental for winning future work.”
Young reassured industry representatives that USACE is a partner in the process.
“While these changes may seem daunting, they represent a framework for our collective future success—one built on security, clarity, and collaboration. We are on this learning curve with you,” Young concluded. “By staying informed and communicating openly, we can navigate this new landscape together.”
SWG Programs Branch Chief, Bernice Taylor, gave an overview of Fiscal Year 2026 Programs and potential contracting opportunities.
SWG Project Manager Elizabeth McCarty discussed work on the Houston Ship Channel.
Belynda Kinman, SWG Acting Operations Division Chief, discussed upcoming Operations and Maintenance opportunities.
Chief of the SWG Mega Projects Division, Toni Addison, discussed her division’s ongoing projects to close out the Industry Day Agenda.
For more information on doing business with SWG, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil.