Scott K. Surratt, the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District, has been named the 2026 USACE CAD/BIM Professional of the Year. The annual award recognizes his exceptional technical expertise, leadership, and innovation in advancing computer-aided design and building information modeling capabilities across the organization.
Why was Surratt selected for the award?
Surratt earned the 2026 USACE CAD/BIM Professional of the Year title for his leadership in managing complex digital design environments and his commitment to engineering excellence. His work involves overseeing critical enterprise systems, including ProjectWise and ProjNet, while serving as a central technical resource for the Wilmington District. Officials noted that his consistent performance and ability to mentor junior staff were key factors in his selection for this national recognition.
How did his work impact the USACE?
Surratt spearheaded the district's transition from Bentley software to Autodesk design platforms, developing an innovative procedure for converting legacy MicroStation files. This process preserved critical data integrity and was subsequently adopted across the entire USACE enterprise. By streamlining these digital workflows, he ensured that designers and contractors could collaborate without technical friction, allowing the Corps to maintain continuous, functional records of historical projects while supporting ongoing military and civil works.
Surratt, who manages digital design environments and software standards, expressed humility regarding the honor, attributing the success to his team. He emphasized that the recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of the Wilmington District, the South Atlantic Division, and the national CAD-BIM Community of Practice.
