Tidal Basin-Michael Baker_BRIC 2026 Webinar

Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) Updates

What changed

What applicants need to know

• The BCA discount rate is back at 7% following Office of Management and Budget changes in 2025. – What does this mean for applicants? Projects will need to show stronger, more immediate benefits to be considered cost effective. • Most recent pre-calculated benefit values went effective on April 8, 2025.

• Determine early whether the project needs a full BCA or can use pre-calculated benefits. • Start the BCA early. Don’t wait until the project scope and budget are finalized. Know which BCA path applies. • Keep everything aligned. The BCA inputs, project scope, cost estimates, and supporting technical documents must all match. • Streamlined does not mean simple. Flood projects, acquisitions, elevations, and reconstruction still require clear, well-organized documentation—even when a streamlined option is available.