The Official Publication of the Power & Communication Contractors Association How to Know if Your Leaders Are Ready for the Next Level Trump Aims to Eliminate Record Number of Regulations Washington Is Against the Clock USDA Celebrates 90th Anniversary of Rural Electrification Act 3rd Quarter 2026 Back in the Game How to Return to Profitability
Before a conductor pull, crews inspect the equipment they rely on. But a swivel can rotate freely by hand and still have internal wear that only shows up under load. Tallman’s Swivel Testing helps identify hidden issues before they stop the pull, damage equipment, or create unncecessary downtime. Because once the tension is on, it’s too late. TEST BEFORE YOU PULL. 877-860-5666 tallmanequipment.com/swiveltest SEE HOW IT WORKS THE PULL ISN’T THE TIME TO FIND OUT. A QUICK SPIN ISN’T A COMPLETE INSPECTION.
When equipment is easier to operate, work gets done faster. The Paradigm’s compact size, safe excavation and simplified controls deliver dependable performance across multiple applications. • Compact, non-CDL chassis for broader operator access • Hydro and air excavation capability for varied applications • Park-N-Dig® quick setup and efficient operation BUILT TO KEEP PRODUCTIVITY SIMPLE. KEEP IT SIMPLE • DigRight® precision flow control helps protect utilities and components • Operator-friendly controls for ease of use • Integrated systems designed to minimize downtime • Vactor-backed support with next-day parts availability • Onboard storage for tools and equipment The Paradigm is bold without the complexity:
The work happens underground. The impact reaches everywhere. Horizontal directional drill (HDD) crews bore underground to carry the nation forward — even when no one sees it. Vermeer sees your work — and builds the machines you trust to do it right. Together, we drill America. Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2026 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved. SCAN TO LEARN MORE
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 5 3rd Quarter 2026 Official Publication of the Power & Communication Contractors Association Publication Staff PO Box 638 Churchton, Maryland 20733 (800) 542-PCCA • www.pccaweb.org ©2026 Power & Communication Contractors Association Publisher Timothy Wagner Editor Michael Ancell Associate Editor Caroline Ferguson Advertising Sales Stacy Bowdring Photography Jorge de Casanova Information Technology Greg Smela Accounting James Wagner Layout & Design Joseph Wagner Officer Directors Board of Directors Andy Christine Sellenriek Construction, Inc. Josh DeBruine Michels Corporation Tucker Dotson (Advisory) Ditch Witch John Fluharty (Advisory) Troy Construction Matt Fredericks Champion Fiberglass Matthew Gabrielse Sheboygan, Wis. Robin Gilbertson J&R Underground, LLC Jake Jeffords Vermeer Corporation Tate Johnson MYR Group Ryan Mountin Midwest Fiber Solutions Tommy Muse, Jr. Muse & Associates Nate Newsome GPRS, LLC. Rob Pribyl MP Nexlevel, LLC Jeff Seidl Elexco, Inc. Sam Stephens Tjader & Highstrom Jason Tyler Brooks Construction Co., LLC Billy Vincent ElectriCom, Inc. Michael Whitebread J.J. Kane Auctioneers Chris Wozniak Waunakee, Wis. Chairman Craig Amerine Amerine Utilities Construction, Inc Chairman-Elect Heath Sellenriek Sellenriek Construction 1st Vice Chairman Chase Lapcinski Push, Inc. 2nd Vice Chairman John Audi Mears Group, Inc. Treasurer Garrett Akin Brooks Construction Co., LLC Secretary Nick Anderson Anderson Underground, Inc. Washington Is Against the Clock 7 By Ben Brubeck When Congress returns to Washington, D.C., after campaigning at home during August recess, they will have less than nine weeks before the midterm elections on November 3. Accounting for another month of campaigning in October and other lame duck district work periods around the holidays, Congress is scheduled to be in session just eight weeks through the end of 2026. In short, lawmakers are running out of time to address a growing list of issues critical to America’s voters and economy. Back in the Game: How to Return to Profitability 23 By Gregg Schoppman, FMI For the better part of the last 10 to 15 years—minus a short disruption from COVID-19—the industry has seen unbridled growth in nearly every sector. Construction organizations seem to have no shortage of opportunities, and revenue growth often resembles a runaway train, accelerating ever northward. But organizations must grow strategically and not simply answer every client demand or proposal. Doing so may be to the detriment of their long-term strategy. There must be a fact-based approach to decision-making that connects to more than just gut feel. Human Resources | By Greg Guidry 11 Leadership | By Andy Patron 14 Damage Prevention 17 Power News 28 Broadband News 33 News Briefs 42 PCCA Member News 45 Advertiser Index 50 New PCCA Members 50 Industry Calendar 50
CHAMPION FIBERGLASS® UTILITY PROJECT SOLUTIONS FROM No burn-through eliminates elbow repairs Low coefficient of friction for smooth pulls Lower material and installation costs Operable in temperatures of -40° to +230°F Champion Duct® Electrical Conduit Elbows BABA-COMPLIANT UTILITY SOLUTIONS BIM/REVIT ©2016 Champion Fiberglass, Inc.
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 7 Continued on page 8 Inside Washington Ben Brubeck Government Affairs Solutions bbrubeck@gasolutions.net (703) 472-7850 When Congress returns to Washington, D.C., after campaigning at home for a month during August recess, they will have less than nine weeks before the midterm elections on November 3. Accounting for another month of campaigning in October and other lame duck district work periods around the holidays, Congress is scheduled to be in session just eight weeks through the end of 2026. In short, lawmakers are running out of time to address a growing list of issues critical to America’s voters and economy. For power and communication construction industry stakeholders, Congress and the Trump administration have acted on broadband funding, underground utility safety, workforce development, federal procurement reforms, labor policy, and other important issues that PCCA will be watching and shaping when Congress returns from August recess. BEAD 2.0: Where’s the Construction? Efficient rollout of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program remains one of PCCA’s top priorities. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) continues to shepherd states through its BEAD funding plan approval process following the Trump administration’s 2025 changes to the program that forced state broadband offices to resubmit plans under new standards. After California recently received NTIA approval, Illinois remains the only state without NTIA approval. Mississippi and Oklahoma await approval from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the last step in the process before they can receive funding awards. Despite this progress, no fiber construction projects funded by BEAD have broken ground to date. State broadband offices report that service providers are working with contractors and the government to make progress before winter temperatures hinder construction in northern states, but many fiber projects are mothballed due to a sluggish permitting process. At a June 30 congressional hearing, NTIA administrator Arielle Roth said that by the end of summer, NTIA and the Commerce Department will provide guidance on the $21.5 billion in BEAD funding that remains unobligated following the award of roughly $20 billion in BEAD money to states. PCCA continues advocating for NTIA to allow the unspent “benefit of the bargain” funds to support broadband deployment via investments in permit streamlining, workforce development, underground infrastructure locating and mapping, and other obstacles that are likely to undermine BEAD deployment and restrict access to high-speed internet for voters. However, a new federal proposal is creating additional uncertainty about BEAD funding and other federal grants for infrastructure projects and workforce development. On May 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed sweeping changes to the government-wide regulations governing federal financial assistance, including grants and cooperative agreements. OMB said the proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” would improve transparency, accountability, and oversight while reducing recipient burdens. PCCA is concerned that controversial changes to these Washington Is Against the Clock
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 8 rules could create significant risks for BEAD and other discretionary federal infrastructure grant programs. PCCA joined the American Pipeline Contractors Association and the Independent Electrical Contractors on a July 13 comment letter urging OMB to preserve flexibility and avoid creating new policy and requirements that could complicate, delay, and cancel federally funded infrastructure projects and workforce development grants. Meanwhile, Congress is showing increased interest in BEAD transparency and implementation. On July 22, the Senate Commerce Committee advanced bipartisan legislation (S. 4448) requiring NTIA to establish a public BEAD dashboard tracking deployment progress and develop tools to help states identify and track federal permitting requirements associated with BEAD projects. These efforts could help policymakers identify projects encountering delays that require improved federal agency coordination. PCCA will continue advocating for all BEAD funds to be deployed efficiently and for federal policies that help, not hinder, the contractors and workforce responsible for building the nation’s broadband infrastructure. Damage Prevention Safety Legislation Moves Forward A PCCA safety priority—legislation addressing underground utility damage prevention—made significant progress this summer. On July 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 2026 (H.R. 9338) by a bipartisan 41-8 vote. The legislation includes PCCA-supported damage prevention provisions designed to strengthen federal protections for all buried utilities and the communities that depend on them. The committee’s vote is an important step forward after the legislation faced uncertainty earlier this summer. PCCA and the Common Ground Alliance’s Damage Prevention Action Center have been actively engaged in advocating for this provision that uses federal grants to incentivize states to adopt effective damage prevention policies, accurate utility locating, and other best practices that reduce excavation damage and improve project safety. The next steps are a House floor vote and then House and Senate conference committee negotiations to reconcile the legislation with a similar bill (S. 2975) that the Senate passed earlier this year. PCCA will remain engaged throughout the legislative process to ensure that the final policy strengthens underground utility damage prevention. Labor Policy Heats Up Labor policy is also an important focus for PCCA this summer. The House passed the PCCA-opposed Faster Labor Contracts Act (H.R. 5408) on June 9 by a vote of 230-193, with 20 Republicans joining all voting Democrats in support. The legislation is a top priority of labor unions because it would likely increase declining union membership by accelerating the timeline for labor and business to execute a first contract after a union organizing victory in the workplace. Critics are concerned it could ultimately allow third-party arbitrators to impose a contract on an employer if the union and employer fail to reach an agreement. The Senate is now the key battleground in this fight. PCCA’s grassroots campaign is urging lawmakers to oppose companion legislation (S. 844) introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and preserve the commonsense principle that employers and employees—not government-appointed arbitrators—should determine the terms of private-sector collective bargaining agreements. The bipartisan support for the Faster Labor Contracts Act is further evidence of an emerging political coalition of a handful of congressional Republicans, all Democrats, and unions advancing a pro-labor union agenda at the expense of workers and businesses who wish to remain unionfree. Continued engagement by PCCA and its members is especially important following recent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decisions by Biden administration appointed board members that make it much easier for unions to win workplace elections. However, a new Republican majority at the NLRB is expected to shift labor law enforcement in a more employerfriendly direction following the Senate’s August 7 confirmation of Democrat David Prouty to a second term alongside PCCA-supported nominee James Macy. Their confirmation gives Republican appointees a 3-1 majority until at least December 2027, restores the board’s functional quorum, and enables it to address its backlog Inside Washington Continued from page 7 The bipartisan support for the Faster Labor Contracts Act is further evidence of an emerging political coalition of a handful of congressional Republicans, all Democrats, and unions advancing a pro-labor union agenda at the expense of workers and businesses who wish to remain union-free.
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 9 and reconsider several controversial Biden-era decisions that overturned long-standing precedents affecting employers and union organizing in the workplace. Also of note, President Trump nominated Acting Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Keith Sonderling to serve as the new DOL Secretary following the departure of scandalridden and labor-friendly Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a one-term Republican Congresswoman from Oregon with close ties to Teamsters President Sean O’Brien. The Senate HELP Committee considered Sonderling’s nomination in late July, and he is likely to be confirmed by the full Senate after August recess. Sonderling oversees federal grants, rulemaking, and policy priorities with significant implications for PCCA members on issues ranging from apprenticeship and workforce development to OSHA enforcement, worker classification, joint-employer standards, overtime, Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage, and other labor regulations. Sonderling is widely regarded as a capable administrative leader with deep policy expertise on DOL matters. DOL Apprenticeship Investments Address Skilled Trades Labor Shortage Construction industry stakeholders concerned with the industry’s skilled labor shortage are pleased with the federal government’s recent significant investments in America’s skilled trades workforce. On July 7, the DOL announced nearly $162 million in performance-based incentive grants to expand registered apprenticeship in industries considered critical to America’s economic and national security priorities. At least 85 percent of each award is expected to flow directly to eligible apprenticeship sponsors, with applications for incentive funds expected to begin in the fall. The awards include nearly $30 million to the Wireless Infrastructure Association to expand telecommunications apprenticeships nationwide, $40 million to Jobs for the Future to support apprenticeships related to artificial intelligence, semiconductor, and nuclear energy infrastructure, $27 million to Clark University for information technology apprenticeships, and $40 million to the Florida Department of Commerce to support shipbuilding and the defense industrial base. These investments are particularly relevant to PCCA members. Industry organizations and companies within the PCCA ecosystem are among partners positioned to benefit from the federal government’s increased emphasis on apprenticeship expansion and performance-based workforce development. The federal government’s grant awards come on the heels of almost $500 million worth of workforce development investments announced by private industry like the BlackRock Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and data center leaders Meta, Google, Oracle, and other construction industry suppliers and retail brands. PCCA encourages members engaged in workforce development and registered apprenticeship to prepare now to participate in programs receiving funding that are expected to become available this year. Looking Ahead to a Busy Fall Congress will have a limited window after returning from its August recess to address several issues important to PCCA members. The September 30 expiration of the current federal surface transportation authorization creates additional pressure to advance a short-term extension into the next Congress or a new multi-year transportation bill. Lawmakers will also face appropriations deadlines and continued negotiations over permitting reform. PCCA’s Mid-Year Meeting at the Willard Intercontinental Washington D.C., September 16-19, will provide updates on the state of BEAD implementation, remaining broadband funding, underground utility safety and damage prevention, federal procurement policy, workforce development, labor legislation, and other priorities on PCCA’s radar. The compressed congressional calendar and midterm elections make the final months of 2026 especially difficult to enact policy supporting taxpayerinvestments in infrastructure projects, a qualified workforce, and a regulatory environment that allows contractors to build efficiently and competitively. PCCA will continue working with lawmakers, federal agencies, industry partners, and members to ensure that the power and broadband construction industry has a strong voice in policymaking and that Washington’s infrastructure ambitions ultimately translate into infrastructure that gets built and provides benefit to voters. These investments are particularly relevant to PCCA members. Industry organizations and companies within the PCCA ecosystem are among partners positioned to benefit from the federal government’s increased emphasis on apprenticeship expansion and performance-based workforce development.
MICROTRENCHING. MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY. Simplified maintenance Increased capacity for improved production Enhanced filtration for less dust on jobsites Reduced operating costs Clean. Fast. Connected. The Guzzler MT is a highly efficient microtrenching machine delivering faster operating speeds, cleaner trenches and more feet per day for fiber-optic installations. Get more done.
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 11 Human Resources Greg Guidry Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart greg.guidry@ogletree.com (337) 769-6583 Continued on page 12 On July 4, the Trump administration released its 2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, identifying 702 existing rules slated for elimination! This is a record for a single, semiannual plan and nearly double the number eliminated in President Donald Trump’s first term. This would be in addition to the 752 regulatory cuts already finalized since October 1, 2025. Whether any of our PCCA members are federal contractors or not, the proposed changes include favorable ones for all contractors as employers covered by Title VII. The Spring 2026 deregulation plan incorporates, for the first time, the regulatory plans of independent agencies, now subject to White House coordination following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 29, 2026, decision expanding presidential removal power. Among the 702 targeted rules are environmental review requirements for energy projects, energy efficiency standards, rules that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and specific deregulatory actions relevant to the federal contracting community. Quick Hits • The deregulatory actions include the rescission of Executive Order (EO) 11246’s implementing regulations, the elimination of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) disparate-impact standard, and the proposed rescission of EEO-1 reporting requirements. • Federal contractors’ obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistant Act (VEVRAA) remain intact despite the rescission of EO 11246 and the proposed defunding of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). • The EEOC’s proposed rescission of EEO-1 reporting is still undergoing review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) (expected through mid-August 2026), and existing filing obligations remain in force until rulemaking is complete. • These deregulatory actions occur alongside new compliance requirements, including EO 14398’s mandatory DEI contract clause (FAR 52.222-90), which had to be incorporated into existing contracts by July 24, 2026. Of particular note to federal contractors, the following deregulatory actions are in the crosshairs of the Unified Agenda. Rescission of OFCCP’s EO 11246 Implementing Regulations Among the 702 deregulatory actions is the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed rescission of all regulations implementing EO 11246, the long-standing framework that required federal contractors to maintain affirmative action programs and comply with related nondiscrimination obligations. EO 11246 was revoked by President Trump on January 21, 2025, by EO 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring MeritBased Opportunity.” OFCCP published a proposed rule on July 1, 2025, to rescind the implementing regulations at 41 C.F.R. Parts 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, 60-20, 60-30, 60-40, 60-50, and 60-999. Although a final rule has not yet been issued, the Unified Agenda confirms this rescission remains a priority. Contractors should note that implementing regulations for EO 11246 are separate and apart from those existing legal obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA. Although certain changes have also been proposed for the implementing regulations of Section 503 and VEVRAA, existing obligations remain unaffected until proposals are finalized, such as the annual preparation of affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Trump Aims to Eliminate Record Number of Regulations
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 12 Human Resources Continued from page 11 EEOC Deregulatory Actions The Unified Agenda includes several significant EEOC deregulatory actions. First, the EEOC plans to eliminate the long-standing “disparate impact” standard in proving racial discrimination. This follows EO 14281, which directed agencies to “deprioritize” disparate impact claims. The EEOC has already directed the dismissal of pending disparate impact complaints. For federal contractors, this should mean enforcement scrutiny focused exclusively on intentional disparate treatment, though private parties may still attempt to bring disparate impact claims under Title VII. Second, the EEOC proposes to rescind federal EEO reporting and recordkeeping obligations, including the EEO-1 reporting framework. On May 14, 2026, the EEOC submitted to OIRA a proposal to rescind reporting obligations related to Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The rescission of EO 11246 already eliminated the lower fifty-employee EEO-1 filing threshold for federal contractors. However, until formal rulemaking is complete (the 90-day OIRA review runs through approximately mid-August 2026), existing obligations remain in force, and contractors should prepare to file if the EEOC opens a 2026 filing window. Third, on July 6, 2026, the EEOC submitted a final interpretive rule to rescind 29 C.F.R. Part 1608 governing voluntary affirmative action plans. The aim of this would be to remove longstanding guidance on permissible voluntary affirmative action in employment, potentially increasing legal uncertainty for contractors that maintained such programs under the prior framework. DEI-Promoting Regulations The Unified Agenda specifically targets rules that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. While EO 14398, “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors” (discussed below), represents a new regulatory requirement, the Unified Agenda’s deregulatory side seeks to remove older rules across multiple agencies that previously encouraged or mandated DEI-related compliance. For federal contractors, this creates a potentially difficult dynamic to navigate: legacy DEI-promoting regulations (now being removed) versus new prohibitions on “racially discriminatory DEI activities” (now being imposed).
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 13 The Broader Context for Federal Contractors The deregulatory actions sit within a broader landscape of regulatory change affecting federal contractors. Key concurrent developments include: • EO 14398’s mandatory DEI contract clause (FAR 52.22290), which prohibits “racially discriminatory DEI activities,” must be incorporated into existing contracts by July 24, 2026; • The proposed defunding of OFCCP in the FY 2027 budget (though Congress ignored a similar proposal in FY 2026 and instead preserved $101 million in funding, along with keeping Section 503/VEVRAA obligations intact); • The FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act’s increase of the certified cost or pricing data threshold to $10 million for defense contracts entered after June 30, 2026, with cost accounting standards (CAS) applicability thresholds potentially rising to $35 million; and • The ongoing “Revolutionary FAR Overhaul” eliminating a substantial number of provisions. Collectively, these developments represent a fundamental realignment of the federal contractor compliance environment. Considerations for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors Federal contractors and subcontractors are navigating one of the most consequential periods of procurement reform in decades. The combination of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, an intense focus on anti-DEI and anti-discrimination obligations, increased cost and pricing thresholds, proposed OFCCP restructuring, and shifting enforcement priorities throughout various federal agencies creates both compliance risks and potential competitive advantages for contractors that adapt quickly. Contractors may consider reviewing their existing compliance playbooks, proposal templates, and subcontracting policies in light of the FAR restructuring and renumbering. It may be prudent to assess the impact of EO 14398 on internal DEI programs and subcontractor flow-down provisions, particularly in advance of the July 24, 2026, deadline for bilateral modifications to existing contracts. Defense contractors can evaluate the implications of raised CAS and certified cost or pricing data thresholds for their business models and accounting systems. All contractors should also keep a close eye on existing and potentially changing statutory and regulatory obligations, including ensuring continued compliance until and unless final rules or changes are implemented. IN. OUT. INVOICE. With optimized hydraulic efficiency, up to 40% more downhole horsepower and 53% faster carriage speed than its predecessor, the JT21 gives you more speed and power to move on to the next job faster than ever before. DITCHWITCH.COM/JT21 ©2026 The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 14 During the past few years, I have evaluated and coached a lot of leaders. I don’t know how it happened. It was never a part of my plan to provide leadership coaching. It sure is now. I’ve learned a few things that I’d like to share with you. I remember my first request for “coaching.” It all started with a friendly conversation. The CEO of a large contractor reminded me of an interaction we had some 20 years earlier. He recalled an observation I had made about one of his sons, an emerging leader in the company. I suggested an approach with him, and years later it turned out to be effective. Back then (and still today), I used some assessments as a starting point. So, my observations were formed by a synthesis of data and intuition. I remember thinking that this son’s leadership strengths and weaknesses were pretty obvious, to me. I didn’t understand how they weren’t so obvious to his dad. This speaks to the value (and objectivity) of an outside perspective and some validated assessments. Learning Through “Osmosis” As a consultant, my job allows me to spend a lot of time with leaders, so I have learned and know things through “osmosis.” Kind of like Sunday afternoon dinners at the Manning household. The Manning brothers (Peyton and Eli) became great quarterbacks, in large part from hanging around the other great quarterbacks in the family (also including their father, Archie). They learned things just talking about football around the dining room table. So, they knew things intuitively that other quarterbacks had to learn the hard way. In a similar way, I have learned about the qualities that define a good leader just from hanging out with good leaders (and some bad ones). Fast forward to a few years ago. The “son” in my story is now the president of that company. He asked me to help some of his leadership team who were at risk of derailing. These leaders had a lot of potential, but they had some gaps preventing them from getting to the next level. This president wanted me to work with them to see if they could develop into the leaders the company wanted and needed. I was off and running, coaching leaders. This got me thinking: How can you tell when a leader is ready for the next level? What should you look for? What are the qualities of a leader who is ready for the next level? Assessments help provide some objectivity to the process, but it remains a mix of data and intuition. The intuition part is a little more subjective. So, I have identified ten indicators (qualities to look for) to help you identify when leaders are ready for the next level. Successful leaders need to display these competencies, preferably before they are elevated to their executive role. The coaching happens around these qualities. We then work together to build capability when we can or to build a team around the leader when we can’t. Let’s divide the competencies into four buckets: • Performance and results • People and influence • Mindset and adaptability • Character and judgement The most effective promotion processes evaluate these indicators using multiple data sources. I’ve used performance reviews, 360 feedback, observed behavior (in stretch roles), and structured leadership assessments (like the Hogan Leadership Assessment, for example). You should trust your gut (it’s your second brain) but always verify it. Performance and Results 1. Consistent delivery (beyond their role): Leaders exceed expectations in their current position and already operate at the next level; they take on stretch assignments successfully. 2. Business impact: They drive measurable outcomes, increased revenue, better productivity, and employee retention. People and Influence 3. Ability to develop others: Leaders actively coach, mentor, and elevate their team. Strong leaders leave a trail of promoted people behind them. 4. Influence without authority: They build trust across functions and levels, getting buy-in and alignment even when they don’t have formal power. 5. Team performance under their Leadership Development How to Know if Your Leaders Are Ready for the Next Level By Andy Patron
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 15 leadership: Their direct reports consistently perform well, stay engaged, and don’t leave the company. Mindset and Adaptability 6. Learning agility: Leaders adapt quickly to new challenges, seek feedback, and visibly grow from setbacks rather than repeating mistakes. 7. Strategic thinking: They connect day-to-day work to broader, longerterm business goals, anticipate problems, and think beyond their immediate function. They can look forward 3-5 years. 8. Comfort with ambiguity: They make sound decisions with incomplete information and remain effective when circumstances shift. Character and Judgment 9. Integrity and values align: Leaders model the organization’s values under pressure, not just when it’s convenient. You can trust them to do the right thing. 10. Self-awareness and coachability: They know their strengths and blind spots, are emotionally intelligent, actively seek development, and respond constructively to feedback. Think about your next tier of leadership, especially those at the executive level. If they are exhibiting these ten qualities consistently, you are in good shape. When they have gaps or are missing some of these indicators, well, coaching can help (with a caveat). Some of these indicators will require some system and process to support them. For example, to track results, you must have an effective project tracking and forecasting capability. Most of these qualities fall under the umbrella of “culture and values.” If your “leader” isn’t in alignment, they won’t be a good fit, even with coaching. Finally, there are two important questions you should get answered before you invest in coaching: 1) Do they know that they have leadership gaps that limit their effectiveness or promotability? and 2) Do they want to change and develop themselves to mitigate or remove their gaps? If they answer “no” to either (or both), coaching will be a waste of effort, in my experience. When the answers are “yes,” there is a great opportunity to advance a talented person into an effective and successful leadership role. It can be very rewarding all the way around when it works. BECOME A DURA-LINE ACADEMY MVP AND GET YOUR HOODIE Earn 50 points between June 1 - December 31, 2026 and we’ll send you an exclusive Dura-Line Academy hoodie. How it Works: • Each mini-course or challenge = 1 MVP point • Complete monthly challenges or learn at your own pace • Earn 50 points to get your free Dura-Line Academy hoodie! QUESTIONS? Email academysupport@duraline.com COMPLETE MINI COURSES AND FUN CHALLENGES TO EARN MVP POINTS. Scan the QR code to get started! (Or visit: www.duraline.com/academy) DL Academy PCAA ad 1:2 Island Aug2026.indd 1 7/6/26 11:04 AM
FOURGENERATIONS DEEP 80 YEARS STRONG OUR STORY Locate your nearest distributor or salesperson by visiting www.melfredborzall.com/find-a-distributor or call Melfred Borzall (toll-free) 800-558-7500 or (805) 739-0118 What started as a family-driven commitment to crafting the best tools for HDD, has grown into four generations of problem solving, shaped by real jobsites, real drillers, and real consequences. Since 1946, Melfred Borzall’s core focus has remained the same—to improve the quality of life by providing the world’s finest tools, service, and support for installing underground utilities. FAMILY-OWNED & INNOVATION-DRIVEN FOR 80 YEARS. ©2026 Melfred Borzall, Inc. 2712 Airpark Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 17 Damage Prevention In July, Common Ground Alliance (CGA) published a summary of 2025 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) data alongside a newly expanded interactive Damage Prevention Dashboard. CGA’s DIRT database is the most comprehensive accounting of damages to buried power, water, fiber, natural gas, and other utility lines in the U.S. and Canada. The latest DIRT data reveal that the CGA Index, which measures yearover-year buried utility damage trends, reached a record high in 2025. Developed in 2023, the index is a statistically modeled national measure of year-overyear damage to buried utilities. The CGA Index showed modest improvement from 2022 to 2023 before trending upward in 2024 and 2025. The 2025 CGA Index score of 102 exceeds the original baseline score and indicates an 8-point increase in damages since 2023. “A Serious Call to Action” “The 2025 DIRT Data Summary & Trends underscores a serious call to action we cannot afford to ignore,” CGA President and CEO Sarah K. Magruder Lyle said. “As damages to buried infrastructure continue to grow alongside construction activity, inadequate damage prevention policies are failing our communities and businesses. To protect public safety and secure the critical utilities on which all Americans rely, the entire industry must commit to tangible, enforceable accountability across all stakeholders. This includes mandating modern mapping practices, implementing effective laws, and investing in technologies that will create a more efficient, reliable damage prevention system.” The DIRT report analyzed data from a range of stakeholder groups to determine the state of damage prevention in the industry: telecom (30 percent); excavator, road builder, and engineer (27 percent); natural gas (26 percent); locator (10 percent); electric (3 percent); regulator (3 percent); and public works/private water (2 percent). While the increase in the CGA Index reflects a rise in reported damages, the report also highlights encouraging progress in the industry’s ability to measure and understand those incidents. CGA’s Data Quality Index, which evaluates the completeness and reliability of submitted reports, continued to improve in 2025 as more organizations contributed higherquality data. Better reporting provides a clearer picture of damage trends and enables stakeholders to identify recurring issues, measure the effectiveness of prevention efforts, and develop more targeted solutions. The report credits this improvement to increased industry participation and collaboration. As utilities, contractors, locators, and other stakeholders continue submitting data, the DIRT database becomes an even more valuable resource for identifying best practices and guiding future damage prevention initiatives. However, while data quality is improving, the report makes clear that underground utility damages remain a persistent challenge that requires continued attention across the industry. Among the 135,002 damage reports analyzed, the top 10 root causes accounted for 86 percent of all reported incidents. The leading cause, representing 22.3 percent of all damages, was excavation that occurred without notifying the local one-call center or 811 system before digging. The next two most common causes were excavators failing to maintain the required clearance after verifying utility markings and facilities not being marked because of locator errors, each accounting for approximately 14 percent of reported damages. These findings reinforce that many underground utility strikes remain preventable through adherence to established CGA Releases 2025 DIRT Report Findings Continued on page 18 SM
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 18 damage prevention practices. Contacting 811 before excavation, ensuring accurate utility locates, maintaining required clearances around marked facilities, and following safe excavation procedures all play a critical role in reducing damage to buried infrastructure. The report also emphasizes that effective damage prevention is a collective responsibility in the industry. Contractors, facility owners, locators, engineers, utilities, regulators, and excavators each play an important role in protecting underground infrastructure. Achieving success requires more than just individual compliance; it relies on clear communication, precise information exchange, and accountability at every project phase. DPI Members Reduced Damages One example highlighted in the report is the performance of participants in CGA’s Damage Prevention Institute (DPI). While the industry as a whole experienced an increase in reported damages, excavators participating in the DPI reduced their rate of attributable damages per 10,000 work hours by more than 11 percent during the same period. DPI participants commit to implementing CGA’s Best Practices, submitting damage and performance data each month, and participating in peer reviews of their damage prevention programs. Their results demonstrate that consistent investment in training and continuous performance evaluation can produce measurable improvements in excavation safety. The 2025 DIRT report demonstrates that better data collection and increased industry collaboration are strengthening the foundation for future damage prevention efforts. At the same time, the continued rise in utility damages underscores the need for every stakeholder to prioritize accountability and promote proven best practices to reduce preventable incidents and protect the critical infrastructure that serves communities across North America. Damage Prevention Continued from page 17 Case Study: Improved Law in Colorado Helps Minimize Damages to Utility Assets By Continuum Capital Colorado’s dig law, established under Title 9-1.5 of state statute, was created to prevent injury and damage to underground infrastructure by requiring excavators to notify Colorado 811 before digging. In 2018, Senate Bill 18-167 initiated major improvements by requiring universal participation in the statewide notification system, establishing mandatory positive response, standardizing locating expectations, and creating the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission to oversee enforcement and review violations. Further statutory refinement occurred in 2022, clarifying roles, improving response requirements, and strengthening alignment between notification, locating, and enforcement expectations. What challenges were these changes addressing? CHALLENGE: Inadequate Damage Prevention Law – Three Gaps 1. Third-Party Enforcement: Prior to the 2018 legislative changes, there was no third-party enforcement authority in Colorado. When the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission was established, related issues were identified. During the legislative process, the main challenge was managing every stakeholder’s desire to have a seat on the commission, which led to concerns about making it too large. After the commission was established, a recurring challenge has been maintaining full representation due to vacancies in the commission seats. Another challenge in the commission’s early days was the need to promulgate rules and regulations, a process that felt like rewriting the legislation again to address details not covered in the 2018 and 2022 law updates. 2. Two-Tiered System: The 811 process was a two-tiered system, meaning that the state did not have a true one-call system before 2018. In this system, Tier 1 members (such as large facility owners) were contacted via the one-call system, but Tier 2 members required the excavator to call them directly using a provided phone number. 3. PHMSA Response and Compliance: In September 2019, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) produced a letter evaluating Colorado’s enforcement
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 19 of its excavation damage prevention law. Based on this evaluation, PHMSA determined that Colorado’s enforcement was inadequate. Colorado law allowed a home rule community to establish its own excavation damage prevention enforcement program in lieu of participating in the program administered by the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety. PHMSA determined that for Colorado to meet federal criteria in 49 CFR § 198.55(a), it had to designate an agency or other body to enforce the excavation damage prevention law for the entire state. SOLUTION: 811 Colorado One Call Legislative Reform in 2018 and 2022 In 2018, after a previous failed attempt to update the law, Colorado enacted Senate Bill 18-167, establishing two pivotal regulatory advancements that align with best practices identified by the Infrastructure Protection Coalition (IPC): balanced enforcement and a third-party enforcement board. The law created the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission, an independent 15-member enforcement body representing excavators, utility owners, local government, and Colorado 811 leadership and empowered it to review alleged violations, develop best practices, and administer penalties. The previous attempt by other stakeholders to rewrite the law before the 2018 refinements were enshrined had failed, possibly because it did not include elements that were incorporated into the successful 2018 bill. In 2020, in response to PHMSA’s determination that Colorado’s enforcement was inadequate, the Colorado Contractors Association (CCA) led the effort to build consensus on what became the 2022 law refinements. CCA held stakeholder meetings with facility owners, contractors, excavators, and Colorado 811 and organized a rewrite of the 811 law. In the 2022 iteration, CCA secured bill sponsors and lobbied for the bill, including holding stakeholder meetings across the state to build support for the legislative changes. Under the new structure, investigations now require complete documentation from all involved parties rather than relying solely on owner-submitted reports. The statute also mandated improved locating standards, clarified excavation notice requirements, eliminated Colorado’s former two-tier notification system, and required all facility owners to participate directly in the statewide notification system, strengthening transparency and aligning Colorado’s system with national enforcement models. RESULTS: Reduction in Positive Response ReNotification and Damages Per Ticket Volume Since implementing the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission, Colorado observed measurable improvements in reporting participation, enforcement consistency, and shared accountability across the excavation ecosystem. In addition, system efficiency improved via an overall reduction in the automatic positive re-notification percentage of ticket transmissions in 2024 over 2023 by 3.5 percent. The law changes also support a decrease in state-reported damages. A total of 3,560 underground facility damages were reported to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) DIRT system in 2023 in Colorado, which represents an 18 percent decrease from 2022 (Exhibit 1). The charts below show the decrease in underground facility damages in 2023 in both overall volume and per 1,000 ticket Exhibit 1: State Reported Underground Facility Damages Continued on page 14
PCCA Journal | 3rd Quarter 2026 20 Damage Prevention Continued from page 13 Contractor Self-Locating with Trenchless Installation for Safety and Production By Continuum Capital The Infrastructure Bill, Inflation Reduction Act, and increasing demand for all types of utility services are pumping billions of dollars into the construction economy nationwide, demanding greater use of trenchless technology and exposing existing underground facilities to damage risks. There is already a shortage of locating resources, a shortage of contractors and field crews, and a shortage of experience, and the rapid expansion of broadband work has exposed existing underground facilities to higher risk of damage. How can the industry untangle this complex knot? A Modest Proposal Many states and multiple companies are already innovating and employing out-of-the-box thinking to tackle these challenges. The 811 Emergency study, published by the Infrastructure Protection Coalition (IPC, www.ipcweb.org), highlighted $61 billion in waste and inefficiency in the 811 system. The waste is primarily experienced by internal locators, third-party locating firms, and excavation contractors as they deliver services. In the 811 Emergency study, the amount of excavator wasted time associated with ineffective performance of the locate process was documented at approximately 8 percent of the total time a crew spends in the field attempting to complete excavations safely, damage free, and successfully. In the case of both internal and third-party locators, the amount of wasted time associated with attempting to complete locates accurately and timely was approximately 50 percent of the time a locator spends in the field. The cost of this inefficiency and waste, for both internal and third-party locators, is significant and contributed to the lost $61 billion described in the study. There are multiple ways that states, public utility commissions, 811 boards, asset owners, contractors, and locators are working to remove this waste and inefficiency from the system. A few of the ideas revolve around new technology at 811 centers, raising mapping requirements for municipalities, improving mapping accuracy, altering state dig laws, and contractor self-locating, among others. One of the most intriguing concepts is contractors selflocating in conjunction with and through training by the asset owners. Georgia is perhaps the most advanced state with a contractor self-location process. Continuum is in the process of investigating these efforts and preparing a case study describing in detail the challenges faced in Georgia, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved. In the interim, Continuum has gathered some facts describing the efforts in Georgia. These include: • Federally funded construction spending in Georgia will exceed $12 billion. • Georgia locate tickets increased by 69 percent in the ten years between 2011 and 2021. • Between 1.3 and 1.5 million ticket requests were submitted annually in Georgia from 2019 to 2024. • In 2021, the Georgia one-call law was restructured to open the door for contractors to self-locate the utility infrastructure. • Participants in the design and implementation of the contractor self-locate effort included the following firms: rate compared to the 2022 peak, which were captured in the CGA DIRT report. Conclusion Colorado’s adoption of balanced enforcement and a third-party enforcement board mark a substantial shift toward transparency, uniform accountability, and prevention-focused compliance. Since implementation, the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission has processed complaints, issued fines and training requirements, and continued refining best practices, strengthening enforcement consistency statewide. For example, in 2024, the commission assessed fines, training, or alternative remedial actions in multiple cases, demonstrating the system’s active role in influencing behavior and improving compliance outcomes. These reforms align closely with key Infrastructure Protection Coalition recommendations, including standardized minimum notification time, effective penalty structure, positive response requirement, and excavation site accurate description. As excavation activity continues throughout the state, Colorado’s framework now functions as a leading model for modern dig law governance, one built on shared responsibility, accurate reporting, and independent oversight.
www.pccaweb.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjE3MDU=