The LRD Industry Day, scheduled for December 4, 2024, at the Hilton Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH, emphasizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) objectives. The event welcomes participants and offers insights into LRD's Civil Works and Military programs while stressing the importance of emergency response initiatives. The agenda includes administrative announcements, opening remarks, program overviews, and networking opportunities. Attendees can engage in breakout sessions on acquisition strategies, transparency in market research, barriers to competition, and emerging topics in procurement. These discussions aim to enhance collaboration between government and industry, ensuring participants understand best practices and contribute feedback for improved forecasting and competition. Participants are encouraged to engage with government representatives across various functions, such as environmental services and construction management, to foster business relationships and explore contracting opportunities. Overall, this Industry Day seeks to strengthen LRD's capabilities and promote effective public-private partnerships in delivering essential services for the nation.

The Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) focuses on providing essential engineering solutions to support national security, enhance economic vitality, and manage disaster risks. The division encompasses five states, serving over 58 million people. Key functions include issuing permits, maintaining navigation through locks and dams, managing flood risks with dams and levees, and supporting recreation and hydropower initiatives. In FY2024, LRD issued 7,646 permits, managed 88 flood risk management dams, and facilitated over 526 million recreation visits generating $1.7 billion in spending. The division collaborates with multiple federal and state agencies, focusing on environmental restoration through programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), funded with $30-50 million annually for various projects addressing toxic substances, invasive species, and habitat protection. The report also details upcoming contracting opportunities for local firms and outlines military integration programs supporting Army and Air Force installations. It emphasizes a commitment to support disaster response through various capabilities including light engineering forces and interagency collaborations, enabling rapid deployment when emergencies occur. This strategic approach underlines LRD's ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvement, emergency management, and facilitating efficient contracting processes within the region.