Even with military construction programs set for major cuts in fiscal 2013 and possibly in the current year, industry executives still were optimistic about the market's potential. An annual Defense Dept. construction chiefs' budget briefing drew record attendance on March 27 in suburban Washington, D.C.
The Obama administration proposes $10.7-billion milcon budget for the next fiscal year, down from $14.8 billion currently. Speakers told the nearly 650 attendees at the event, sponsored by the Society of American Military Engineers, that while new construction would face cuts, the services were focusing attention on energy efficiency, asset management, small businesses and alternative funding.