Congress is about to task agencies with implementing the new infrastructure legislation, which will increase the amount of money agencies are managing for infrastructure spending.
- Robert Shea, national managing principal for public policy at Grant Thornton and former associate director at the Office of Management and Budget, said the legislation will leave agencies “taxed, to say the least,” in managing high spending, issuing contracts and grants, engaging new stakeholders and overseeing implementation.
- Shea said he recommends agency heads ensure the workforce understands this is a major priority, coordinate with stakeholders, assign responsibility to relevant people, clarify goals and timelines and remain agile.
- Shea said much of the approximately $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill goes to the Department of Transportation but others like the Department of Commerce also have some responsibility.
