Dr. Scott Arias, founder and CEO of ACE Consulting, and Matt Ellis, the company’s President, have released a new book, Project Controls for Federal Construction, a hands-on guide for navigating the demanding environment of federal construction project management.
Federal projects sit among the most complex in the industry, requiring technical skill, rigorous compliance, and the ability to lead diverse teams under pressure. “Managing a federal project isn’t just about pouring concrete or hitting deadlines,” said Dr. Arias. “It’s about navigating regulations, contracts, and people while maintaining integrity, urgency, and excellence.”
Drawing on decades of experience, the book offers a practical framework that spans the full project lifecycle, including:
- Bidding and budgeting – producing accurate proposals and managing cost control
- Scheduling and performance – techniques for keeping delivery on track
- Compliance and quality – meeting federal safety, environmental, and contractual standards
- Closeout and delivery – ensuring a smooth handover and exceeding expectations
Rather than functioning as another certification manual, the book focuses on leadership and real-world decision-making. It includes templates, actionable guidance, and strategies tailored to the complexities of federal contracting.
Dr. Arias brings more than 30 years of global project leadership, including twelve U.S. embassy projects, a PhD in Construction Management, and experience as a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer and former professor at Eastern Kentucky University. Matt Ellis adds over 17 years of project management experience, including 14 years at ACE Consulting, alongside advanced industry qualifications and a background across residential, industrial, and commercial construction.
Together, they translate ACE Consulting’s core values into a resource designed to help project managers, engineers and contractors deliver federal projects on time, on budget and to a consistently high standard.
Project Controls for Federal Construction is available now here.
About the Authors
Dr. Scott Arias is the founder and CEO of ACE Consulting, with a global portfolio of projects and multiple published works in construction management.
Matt Ellis is President of ACE Consulting and a specialist in federal project delivery, holding a Master’s Degree in Construction Management from Eastern Kentucky University.
