Compliance requirements for federal construction contractors are shifting in 2026. Recent regulatory updates require contractors to certify they do not maintain DEI or affirmative action programs, and that certification is now material to contract payment. Review your hiring policies, employee resource groups, training materials, and selection criteria with legal counsel now. The emphasis is moving toward documented, merit-based hiring and promotion decisions. For senior placements such as project managers, estimators, and superintendents, stronger documentation around candidate selection is especially important. Understanding your compliance posture early helps you move faster when a critical role opens. For current pay ranges by role, see our Construction Placement Pay Index at https://amundsongroup.com/construction-pay-index/