Cybersecurity and SMEs: what construction companies can learn from military intelligence

NEIL CRAVEN | March 4, 2020 | 278 views

Cyber criminals don’t just target individuals and big corporations, so how do you close the chinks in your digital armour? Last year, I attended an event for SMEs hosted by HSBC and like all good seminars I left with plenty of food for thought – but the talk that stuck with me was Barry Searle’s session on cyber-crime. As a security specialist and former intelligence specialist with the RAF, Barry’s insights on cyber-crime prevention are well worth taking into account.

Spotlight

PIRTEK USA

The PIRTEK System began in 1980 in Australia. Coming on the heels of success in Australia, in 1989 the PIRTEK System was established in the United Kingdom where it became a leader in the franchise world and was named Franchise of the Year. In 2000, the PIRTEK System was given a prestigious honor and was named the International Franchise of the Year.

OTHER ARTICLES
Engineering Tech

Why infrastructure policies need engineers' 'bigger picture' view

Article | July 13, 2022

One way or another, we all work on infrastructure; whether design, construction, operation or maintenance. We solve problems and make things work – often without the public realising the complexity of our task. We sit in the background and don’t make waves. We are good at the technical challenges, but how often do we take a step back and think about how our work or project fits into the ambitions of wider society? Who is commissioning it? Why are they commissioning it? What are the political drivers? What do they want the outcome to be? What has changed since we started work on it? This sort of questioning will help us deliver better projects, as we see the bigger picture, beyond our technical solutions. With so much of our infrastructure delivered through public bodies, it is important that civil engineers understand, and give professional advice to, the political process that drives infrastructure investment for our communities.

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Engineering Tech

How Precast is Leading Digitalization in Construction

Article | July 20, 2022

Experts from the construction industry predict a bright future for precast elements: the average annual growth rate of the global precast concrete industry is expected to be 5.3% between 2021 and 2028. In 2020, the precast concrete market was valued at around USD 92.14 billion and is anticipated to grow to over USD 139.33 billion in 2028[1]. However, the average growth rate of the construction industry as a whole is expected to be just 3.2% annually according to the Global Construction Report. Why industrialized construction in particular is growing faster than the rest of the construction industry can be explained by the numerous advantages of this technology.

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Robotics and Automation

The latest on ICE's second UK infrastructure assessment consultation

Article | July 13, 2022

ICE Policy and Public Affairs recently launched a discussion paper and consultation on what should be in the second National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA). The work progresses the institution’s aims to influence infrastructure policy at a systems level. This autumn, the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) will publish its baseline assessment of the current state of key infrastructure sectors, along with proposals for the strategic themes and main priorities of the second NIA expected in 2023. Having been closely involved in both the establishment of the NIC in 2013 and the first NIA in 2018, our consultation asks what the core considerations of NIA2 should be – including net-zero, levelling-up and climate resilience – and explores which demand drivers have changed since the first NIA. Through this paper, we’re seeking to shape the wider infrastructure policy debate, consistently and over a number of years, by examining what our long-term infrastructure should look like – and most importantly, ensure it delivers the sustainable future outcomes we need it to. Look out for more updates later this year on ICE’s work in this area.

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Engineering Tech

Midyear Deals in Engineering 2022

Article | July 13, 2022

Recent M&A activity has slowed slightly in 2022, owing primarily to economic and geopolitical uncertainty. In the short term, deal activity is expected to remain stable. This continued investment is expected to be driven by capital availability, private equity (PE) investors, and strategic balance sheet strength. Despite a drop in deal volume in the last quarter, deal activity remained consistent with pre-pandemic levels. Volumes in the four quarters ending in the first quarter of 2022 exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 18%. Deal values fell in the last two quarters due to fewer megadeals (deals worth at least $1 billion), as companies became warier of complications arising from government approvals. With the exception of construction machinery, North American activity drove deal volume growth over the last four quarters across all engineering and construction (E & C) subsectors. This region saw a shift toward local, strategic investor transactions, emphasising the impact of global economic headwinds. Prospects for Engineering Transactions Despite headwinds from slowing economic activity, rising interest rates, and cost pressure from rising material costs, increased competition for labor, and ongoing supply chain issues, the outlook for E & C sector deal activity remains positive, driven by the continued availability of capital and bolstered by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The recent improvement in the performance of the residential market is expected to continue, owing to historically low interest rates, a housing gap caused by underbuilding over the last decade, the millennial generation entering prime home-buying age, and housing inventory near all-time lows. The non-residential market is expected to expand, but the outlook varies by sector. Transportation, manufacturing, and education are expected to benefit from infrastructure spending, while construction spending on offices and hotels is expected to decline, owing to continued remote working and business travel trends post-pandemic. “E&C deal activity is expected to remain stable due to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, private equity and corporate dry powder, realignment of end market exposure and acquisition of new technologies to support operations, despite the impact of inflation, supply chain disruption, labor shortages, and the war in Ukraine.” - Danny Bitar, US Engineering and Construction Deals Leader in the United States

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Spotlight

PIRTEK USA

The PIRTEK System began in 1980 in Australia. Coming on the heels of success in Australia, in 1989 the PIRTEK System was established in the United Kingdom where it became a leader in the franchise world and was named Franchise of the Year. In 2000, the PIRTEK System was given a prestigious honor and was named the International Franchise of the Year.

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Engineering Tech

YOUNG & Associates Acquires IN-Line Consulting, LLC

YOUNG & ASSOCIATES | September 26, 2023

Property and claims consultants YOUNG & Associates (YA), has acquired the claims and engineering company IN-Line Consulting, LLC. Founded by Matt Watson and Mark Lively more than 16 years ago, IN-Line was formed to manage the consulting work offered by a full-service restoration company operating primarily in the Southeast United States. The move strengthens YA's footprint in that part of the country, solidifying the company's role as a national and international leader. IN-Line will operate as a subsidiary of YA and its day-to-day operations will continue to be directed by the existing IN-Line leadership team. The company's management and support teams also will remain in place. "This partnership with IN-Line is a significant step forward in growing our professional service offerings," said Wade Bushman, YA's CEO. "We appreciate IN-Line's diverse base of technical experts, exceptional customer service track record, shared cultural values, and employee-first workplace model. They are a natural addition to the YA team." IN-Line President Matt Watson explained joining forces with YA allows the company to better serve clients by broadening its resource base and expanding its capabilities nationally and internationally. The move also offers new avenues for personal and professional growth for IN-Line's employees. "Since our inception, we have focused on building a great team and culture that can best serve the wide-ranging needs of our clients," Watson said. "Now, with YA's resources and platform, we are well positioned to carry that commitment into the future." ABOUT YOUNG & ASSOCIATES YOUNG & Associates (www.youngonline.com) is a property consulting firm providing building damage assessments, forensic and investigative consulting services to the insurance industry, public and private sector clients. YA was founded in 1997 by Ray and Linda Young on the core values of knowledge, integrity, and professionalism. Through its 26 years, YA's range of property damage services has expanded, developing a broader client base, and growing the team to almost 600 staff strategically located across the U.S. and internationally. ABOUT IN-LINE CONSULTING, LLC IN-Line Consulting, LLC (www.inline.us) is a national construction consulting firm specializing in property damage restoration and reconstruction recommendations for all phases of construction. Historically, IN-Line has been engaged on large, complex losses which require the technical diversity, expertise, and experience unique to our team of professionals. IN-Line's principal services include the preparation of comprehensive and market-specific construction estimates, as well as detailed and practical scopes of reconstruction. IN-Line's other competencies include but are not limited to: cost of repair audits; on-site clerking; code reviews; construction schedule analysis; production efficiency and economy analysis; forensic engineering; and construction defect analysis.

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Engineering Tech

Michael Baker International Acquires Tidal Basin

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that the firm has acquired Tidal Basin, a leading comprehensive emergency and disaster management consulting firm. Tidal Basin will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity and will complement Michael Baker's efforts to support the nation's recovery efforts and rebuild infrastructure to be safer and more resilient. "We are excited to welcome Tidal Basin as a sister company to Michael Baker. This relationship is a tremendous opportunity for the two firms to work closely together to drive more value for a shared client base that encompasses more than 90 locations across the country," said Thomas J. Campbell, Chairman of Michael Baker International and Founder and Managing Partner of DC Capital Partners. "Both firms bring added strength to the market with complementary resources and capabilities to take on larger resiliency projects while delivering the exceptional client service for which they are known." This new relationship pairs the depth and breadth of Michael Baker's engineering and consulting expertise with Tidal Basin's extensive experience and comprehensive suite of services relative to preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and program management - which are increasingly important as public and private entities contend with volatile climate activity and man-made emergencies. Tidal Basin has served as a vital resource during times of crisis, including public health emergencies and other unforeseen events. Working more closely together will allow both firms to provide even stronger program and technical management expertise and resources to clients, including governments, businesses and communities. Michael Baker and Tidal Basin have a history of working together on projects throughout the country, including planning projects targeting wildfires in California and infrastructure projects in Colorado and New York. The new relationship between the firms creates many avenues to leverage synergies and growth opportunities across Michael Baker's five distinct verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). Growth opportunities exist through the strong relationship both organizations have with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while pursuing additional business across all Federal agencies. This includes expanding relationships with federal civilian agencies, state and local entities, departments of transportation nationwide as well as projects in the broadband services, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and geographic information systems (GIS) sectors, among others. Tidal Basin is led by founder and CEO Daniel A. Craig, a leader with extensive experience with FEMA and the disaster consulting and post-disaster recovery industries. He has advised the White House and more than a dozen governors and state administrations on recovery, housing, and long-term economic recovery strategies. Mr. Craig also served as a presidentially appointed Associate Administrator for FEMA's Recovery Division where he was responsible for overseeing the federal government's recovery efforts on all presidentially declared events including the Space Shuttle Columbia crash, the wildfires of 2003, and the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. Mr. Craig is supported by a deep team of industry experts and experienced professionals including Amy K. Baker, Executive Vice President, Government Consulting; Melissa J. Gordon, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions and Stephen T. Surace, President and Chief Financial Officer. Currently, the Tidal Basin team is leveraging its technology enabled solutions to expedite recovery efforts related to the tragic Maui wildfires. The McLean Group acted as financial advisor and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP acted as legal advisor to Tidal Basin in connection with the transaction. Arnold & Porter, LLP acted as transaction counsel and White & Case, LLP acted as debt counsel to DC Capital. About Michael Baker International Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services spanning five distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). The firm's Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

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Engineering Tech, Construction

Day & Zimmermann Integrates Multidiscipline Engineering into Service Portfolio, Expanding Capabilities to Full EPC

PR Newswire | August 24, 2023

Day & Zimmermann (D&Z) announced integration of its engineering capabilities within its Maintenance and Construction division, positioning the company to service customers' greater project needs under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) execution model across all markets and the clients we serve. The move allows D&Z to offer full-service, multidiscipline engineering and completes its suite of EPC capabilities to support large-scale design-build projects. Day & Zimmermann, the century-old, family-owned provider of construction and maintenance, engineering, staffing, and defense solutions for leading corporations and governments around the world, also continues its expansion into the solar, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor markets. The company's Maintenance and Construction division was recently awarded a contract with The State Group to support construction of Ford's Blue Oval City Electric Vehicle Center in Stanton, Tennessee. "This is an exciting time for D&Z's Maintenance and Construction division. Our business is growing, we have become ISO 9001 certified, added to our team of industry experts through strategic investments and acquisitions, and now we've integrated engineering services to further expand our project capabilities and better meet our customers' needs," said John McCormick, President of D&Z's Maintenance and Construction division. Recent acquisitions bolstering D&Z's service capabilities include the Ohio-based companies of Davis-Pickering Co. Contractors, a union labor construction company, and River Town Electric, a solar system design, installation, and maintenance service provider for in-ground and roof-mounted photovoltaic solar systems as well as grid-tied, off-grid, and solar thermal systems. Acquisitions within the last five years include Minnotte Contracting Corporation, a Pittsburgh-based union mechanical contractor and construction company, and EMC Canada, a construction company based in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada. Both companies now operate fully as part of D&Z. D&Z engineering services cover many areas including process/chemical; mechanical; electrical; piping design/engineering; instrumentation and controls; civil, structural, and architectural; BIM management; and 3D laser scanning and modeling. This multidisciplinary expertise is leveraged to provide EPC services. With D&Z's Maintenance and Construction division recently receiving its ISO 9001:2015 certification through DEKRA, work begins to include engineering services under the certification with expected completion in early 2024. ISO 9001 certification is a necessary step to work under standards recognized worldwide, pursue bigger projects, and ensure the highest quality engineering work is delivered to customers. "We are building on 120 years of brand equity and reputation for high standards of safety, first-time quality, and cost efficiencies," said McCormick. "We are accelerating momentum for our people, our customers, and our future. We're positioning our business for full EPC capabilities to ensure a place for our children's children to work and to be an asset for the customers and communities we serve." D&Z's Maintenance and Construction division helps plant and facilities owners in the nuclear, fossil, solar, government sector, chemical, advanced automotive, semiconductor, and other industrial markets lower their total cost of ownership by delivering innovative maintenance, construction, and specialty services and solutions. The announcement of integrated engineering services adds to its offerings and makes turnkey construction contracts a reality for D&Z customers. ABOUT DAY & ZIMMERMANN When you've been around for more than a century, you know a thing or two. At Day & Zimmermann, we take our lifetime of experience and make things better. Our 51,000+ employees help bring big ideas to life every day. We're pushing the boundaries of innovation in construction & engineering, operations & maintenance, staffing, and security & defense. And that's not all. Did we mention that we have 150+ worldwide locations with $2.7 billion USD in annual revenue? We put people to work, we protect American freedoms, and we help our customers power and improve the world.

Read More

Engineering Tech

YOUNG & Associates Acquires IN-Line Consulting, LLC

YOUNG & ASSOCIATES | September 26, 2023

Property and claims consultants YOUNG & Associates (YA), has acquired the claims and engineering company IN-Line Consulting, LLC. Founded by Matt Watson and Mark Lively more than 16 years ago, IN-Line was formed to manage the consulting work offered by a full-service restoration company operating primarily in the Southeast United States. The move strengthens YA's footprint in that part of the country, solidifying the company's role as a national and international leader. IN-Line will operate as a subsidiary of YA and its day-to-day operations will continue to be directed by the existing IN-Line leadership team. The company's management and support teams also will remain in place. "This partnership with IN-Line is a significant step forward in growing our professional service offerings," said Wade Bushman, YA's CEO. "We appreciate IN-Line's diverse base of technical experts, exceptional customer service track record, shared cultural values, and employee-first workplace model. They are a natural addition to the YA team." IN-Line President Matt Watson explained joining forces with YA allows the company to better serve clients by broadening its resource base and expanding its capabilities nationally and internationally. The move also offers new avenues for personal and professional growth for IN-Line's employees. "Since our inception, we have focused on building a great team and culture that can best serve the wide-ranging needs of our clients," Watson said. "Now, with YA's resources and platform, we are well positioned to carry that commitment into the future." ABOUT YOUNG & ASSOCIATES YOUNG & Associates (www.youngonline.com) is a property consulting firm providing building damage assessments, forensic and investigative consulting services to the insurance industry, public and private sector clients. YA was founded in 1997 by Ray and Linda Young on the core values of knowledge, integrity, and professionalism. Through its 26 years, YA's range of property damage services has expanded, developing a broader client base, and growing the team to almost 600 staff strategically located across the U.S. and internationally. ABOUT IN-LINE CONSULTING, LLC IN-Line Consulting, LLC (www.inline.us) is a national construction consulting firm specializing in property damage restoration and reconstruction recommendations for all phases of construction. Historically, IN-Line has been engaged on large, complex losses which require the technical diversity, expertise, and experience unique to our team of professionals. IN-Line's principal services include the preparation of comprehensive and market-specific construction estimates, as well as detailed and practical scopes of reconstruction. IN-Line's other competencies include but are not limited to: cost of repair audits; on-site clerking; code reviews; construction schedule analysis; production efficiency and economy analysis; forensic engineering; and construction defect analysis.

Read More

Engineering Tech

Michael Baker International Acquires Tidal Basin

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that the firm has acquired Tidal Basin, a leading comprehensive emergency and disaster management consulting firm. Tidal Basin will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity and will complement Michael Baker's efforts to support the nation's recovery efforts and rebuild infrastructure to be safer and more resilient. "We are excited to welcome Tidal Basin as a sister company to Michael Baker. This relationship is a tremendous opportunity for the two firms to work closely together to drive more value for a shared client base that encompasses more than 90 locations across the country," said Thomas J. Campbell, Chairman of Michael Baker International and Founder and Managing Partner of DC Capital Partners. "Both firms bring added strength to the market with complementary resources and capabilities to take on larger resiliency projects while delivering the exceptional client service for which they are known." This new relationship pairs the depth and breadth of Michael Baker's engineering and consulting expertise with Tidal Basin's extensive experience and comprehensive suite of services relative to preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and program management - which are increasingly important as public and private entities contend with volatile climate activity and man-made emergencies. Tidal Basin has served as a vital resource during times of crisis, including public health emergencies and other unforeseen events. Working more closely together will allow both firms to provide even stronger program and technical management expertise and resources to clients, including governments, businesses and communities. Michael Baker and Tidal Basin have a history of working together on projects throughout the country, including planning projects targeting wildfires in California and infrastructure projects in Colorado and New York. The new relationship between the firms creates many avenues to leverage synergies and growth opportunities across Michael Baker's five distinct verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). Growth opportunities exist through the strong relationship both organizations have with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while pursuing additional business across all Federal agencies. This includes expanding relationships with federal civilian agencies, state and local entities, departments of transportation nationwide as well as projects in the broadband services, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and geographic information systems (GIS) sectors, among others. Tidal Basin is led by founder and CEO Daniel A. Craig, a leader with extensive experience with FEMA and the disaster consulting and post-disaster recovery industries. He has advised the White House and more than a dozen governors and state administrations on recovery, housing, and long-term economic recovery strategies. Mr. Craig also served as a presidentially appointed Associate Administrator for FEMA's Recovery Division where he was responsible for overseeing the federal government's recovery efforts on all presidentially declared events including the Space Shuttle Columbia crash, the wildfires of 2003, and the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. Mr. Craig is supported by a deep team of industry experts and experienced professionals including Amy K. Baker, Executive Vice President, Government Consulting; Melissa J. Gordon, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions and Stephen T. Surace, President and Chief Financial Officer. Currently, the Tidal Basin team is leveraging its technology enabled solutions to expedite recovery efforts related to the tragic Maui wildfires. The McLean Group acted as financial advisor and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP acted as legal advisor to Tidal Basin in connection with the transaction. Arnold & Porter, LLP acted as transaction counsel and White & Case, LLP acted as debt counsel to DC Capital. About Michael Baker International Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services spanning five distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). The firm's Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

Read More

Engineering Tech, Construction

Day & Zimmermann Integrates Multidiscipline Engineering into Service Portfolio, Expanding Capabilities to Full EPC

PR Newswire | August 24, 2023

Day & Zimmermann (D&Z) announced integration of its engineering capabilities within its Maintenance and Construction division, positioning the company to service customers' greater project needs under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) execution model across all markets and the clients we serve. The move allows D&Z to offer full-service, multidiscipline engineering and completes its suite of EPC capabilities to support large-scale design-build projects. Day & Zimmermann, the century-old, family-owned provider of construction and maintenance, engineering, staffing, and defense solutions for leading corporations and governments around the world, also continues its expansion into the solar, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor markets. The company's Maintenance and Construction division was recently awarded a contract with The State Group to support construction of Ford's Blue Oval City Electric Vehicle Center in Stanton, Tennessee. "This is an exciting time for D&Z's Maintenance and Construction division. Our business is growing, we have become ISO 9001 certified, added to our team of industry experts through strategic investments and acquisitions, and now we've integrated engineering services to further expand our project capabilities and better meet our customers' needs," said John McCormick, President of D&Z's Maintenance and Construction division. Recent acquisitions bolstering D&Z's service capabilities include the Ohio-based companies of Davis-Pickering Co. Contractors, a union labor construction company, and River Town Electric, a solar system design, installation, and maintenance service provider for in-ground and roof-mounted photovoltaic solar systems as well as grid-tied, off-grid, and solar thermal systems. Acquisitions within the last five years include Minnotte Contracting Corporation, a Pittsburgh-based union mechanical contractor and construction company, and EMC Canada, a construction company based in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada. Both companies now operate fully as part of D&Z. D&Z engineering services cover many areas including process/chemical; mechanical; electrical; piping design/engineering; instrumentation and controls; civil, structural, and architectural; BIM management; and 3D laser scanning and modeling. This multidisciplinary expertise is leveraged to provide EPC services. With D&Z's Maintenance and Construction division recently receiving its ISO 9001:2015 certification through DEKRA, work begins to include engineering services under the certification with expected completion in early 2024. ISO 9001 certification is a necessary step to work under standards recognized worldwide, pursue bigger projects, and ensure the highest quality engineering work is delivered to customers. "We are building on 120 years of brand equity and reputation for high standards of safety, first-time quality, and cost efficiencies," said McCormick. "We are accelerating momentum for our people, our customers, and our future. We're positioning our business for full EPC capabilities to ensure a place for our children's children to work and to be an asset for the customers and communities we serve." D&Z's Maintenance and Construction division helps plant and facilities owners in the nuclear, fossil, solar, government sector, chemical, advanced automotive, semiconductor, and other industrial markets lower their total cost of ownership by delivering innovative maintenance, construction, and specialty services and solutions. The announcement of integrated engineering services adds to its offerings and makes turnkey construction contracts a reality for D&Z customers. ABOUT DAY & ZIMMERMANN When you've been around for more than a century, you know a thing or two. At Day & Zimmermann, we take our lifetime of experience and make things better. Our 51,000+ employees help bring big ideas to life every day. We're pushing the boundaries of innovation in construction & engineering, operations & maintenance, staffing, and security & defense. And that's not all. Did we mention that we have 150+ worldwide locations with $2.7 billion USD in annual revenue? We put people to work, we protect American freedoms, and we help our customers power and improve the world.

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