GCA Construction News Bulletin June 2021

VOL. 62 ISSUE6 JUNE2021 • GUAM CONTRACTORSʼ ASSOCIATION

ACTE

Association for Career & Technical Education

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

12

16

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

JUNE

2021 8

S.A.M.E. UPDATE

10

SMALL BUSINESS NOTES

11

NAWIC NEWS

12

FEATURE STORY

16

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

20

MEMBER BENEFITS

22

NEWSLINE

24

REPORTS/ INFORMATION

NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE PAYMENTS VIA PAYPAL

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO 2 | JUNE2021

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EDITORIALS

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

THEDIRECTORS

THEEDITORIALS

THETEAM

PRESIDENT James Martinez Guam Contractors’ Association

Guam Contractor’s Association (GCA) in conjunction with Adztech and Public Relations, Inc. publishes the Construction News Bulletin (CNB) monthly.

Reproduction of materials appearing in this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission by GCA.

PUBLISHER: James Martinez

CHAIRMAN Bill Beery Tutujan Hill Group VICE CHAIRMAN Grace Jacot SET Pacific

While we always strive for accuracy, we will from time to time overlook mistakes. In order to help us improve the quality and accuracy of this publication, we ask that you take the time to look at the information provided and notify GCA or Adztech of any corrections as needed. Opinions and editorial content of this publication may not necessarily be those of the publisher, production team, staff, GCA members, GCA Board of Directors and advertisers.

SECRETARY/TREASURER John Sage Pacific Rim Constructors Inc. PAST CHAIRMAN Peter Errett Hawaiian Rock Products CONTRACTOR DIRECTORS: Don McCann Black Construction Corporation

For more information about advertising in the GCA Construction News Bulletin contact the advertising department at (671) 477-1239/2239 or email at adztech@teleguam.net.

Lucia Wood APTIM Joe Roberto East Island Tinting

Distributed to GCA members or can be obtained by stopping by the Guam Contractors’ Association office located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913

Hunter Groom Hensel Phelps Albert Smith SmithBridge Guam ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: Jose Garcia First Hawaiian Bank

To find out more about how you can become a GCA member contact Guam Contractors’ Association at Tel: (671) 647-4840/41 Fax: (671) 647-4866 or Email: gca@teleguam.net. www.guamcontractors.org

Mark Cruz MidPac Far East Bill Bernardo Conwood

Postmaster. Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913

Camilo Lorenzo Matson Navigation

GCA

PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero AD SALES: Jaceth Duenas PRODUCTION: Jason Davis Geri Leon Guerrero Christopher “Taco” Rowland PHOTOGRAPHY: Christopher “Taco” Rowland EDITOR: Adztech CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Pete Diaz Maiko Nakamura R.D. Gibson Rodney “RJ” Ricarte Rebecca Gale GCA STAFF: Desiree Lizama Elaine Gogue Francine Taitague Trevor Cruz COVER: CTE is split into 16 career clusters that apply to different high-demand careers: Health science, Business, Sales, Finance, Information Technology, STEM, Manufacturing, Logistics, Hospitality, Government, Law, Agriculture, Human Services, Construction, Training, Arts - A/V Technology - & Communications

TRADES ACADEMY B u i l d i n g

S k i l l s

F o r

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L i f e t i m e

Guam Contractors Association

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Hafa Adai! GCA Members: This month GCA held its Annual Golf Tournament to raise funds for aspiring students interested in the construction industry to attend the GCA Trades Academy. We like to thank all our sponsors, namely those involved in our C.O.R.E program and to the volunteers who showed up to assist in the logistics and coordination of this event and in keeping our event compliant with the regulations required for social distancing, temperature checks and packaged food and drink items. We had 38 teams (3 per team) participating this year and we generated $10,000 toward our GCA scholarship funding. We will be announcing the scholarship application and eventual award at a later date.

Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers and the notable “high gross” finisher and longest drive winners below.

First Place: Team Bank of Guam - $300 Team Cash Prize (Cyle Tass, Christopher Lizama, and William Topasna) Second place: Team Life is Good 1 - $225 Team Cash Prize (Gerard Bautista, Tracy Hernandez, and Darrel Dela Paz) Third place: Team Gang Green - $150 Team Cash Prize (Joe San Agustin, Andrew Certeza, and Michael Taumua) Longest Drive: 32" TV Cyle Tass, Bank of Guam Highest Gross: Team Dozers 3 Gift Certificates for a Round of Golf to each player GREAT JOB EVERYONE! Also happening this month was the return of in-person Naval Facilities Marianas Construction Quality Management certification course. Held on June 7th and 8th at the Westin Resort Guam with just under 50 participants who credentials have expired or are expiring soon. Another session is likely later this moth or July to accommodate the backlog of people with expired or expiring credentials. Once we’ve cleared this backlog, we will go back to holding quarterly training sessions. We appreciate your patience as we get caught up. We are working diligently with NAVFAC Marianas to hold these additional classes to ensure that everyone with expired or expiring credentials will be accommodated.

We are also negotiating with our hotel partners to begin holding in-person general membership luncheons starting in July. With restrictions lifted on maximum capacity of 100 people, we can now hold our monthly luncheon meetings. Hotel rates have increased, so we are negotiating for a more favorable rate for lunch that’s more affordable for our members. We will make that announcement closer to the July membership meeting.

Speaking of membership meetings, our featured speaker for the June 16th virtual membership meeting is former governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez. Mr. Gutierrez was recently appointed by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero to act s “Permit Czar”. We are hopeful that Mr. Gutierrez will streamline the permit process to make it more efficient and quicker for contractors, engineers, and developers to begin their projects. I’ve heard scary stories of delays, sometimes as much as six months or more, because the permit applications were stalled in a government agency for one reason or another.

Lastly, with most of the pandemic restrictions lifted, we are looking forward to holding our annual GCA Family Day Picnic once again in October of this year. Barring any unforeseen development that would otherwise cause us to postpone, we are planning ahead to make this as successful as in previous years. With all the work going on around us, our members need this day of relaxation and comradery with their fellow employees and families. We are looking forward to this event in October.

Dångkulu na si Yu’us ma’åse’ James A. Martinez President Guam Contractors Association

Guam Contractors Association

6 | JUNE2021

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S.A.M.E. UPDATE

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

Society of

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2021

American Military Engineers

ANNOUNCMENTS

MAY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING RECAP:

DPW UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Guam Post Annual Elections are now complete. If you are interested getting involved with the Board of Direction or any committee, please let Scott Thompson (scott.thompson@coffman.com) or Noel Enriquez (nenriquez@macdonaldbedford.com) know .

SAVE THE DATE 27-31 JUL 2021 ChST Virtual Facilities Management Workshop For more info, see: www.fmworkshop.org 09-11 AUG 2021 (ChST) Virtual Post Leaders Workshop 1300 - 1700 29 SEP 2021 (ChST) Indo-Pacific Industry Forum Hosted by the SAME Honolulu Post 11-13 NOV 2021 (TENTATIVE) Charlie Corn Scholarship Golf Tournament To benefit students studying engineering or architecture.

Venue: STARTS Guam Golf Resort For more info, contact John Paul Dierking, (jpdierking@gmail.com)

Upcoming June Meeting

Installation of New Officers Post Awards Presentation Charlie Corn Scholarship Presentation 17 JUN 2021

Vincent Arriola, Director, Department of Public Works (DPW) presented on the department’s upcoming construction projects at our May General Membership Meeting. The figure below shows the general location of the 28 projects across the island that are anticipated to begin in fiscal year FY 2021. There are twenty-two federally funded and six locally funded in this category. The project list below has been updated as of March 2021.

The table below lists the status of each Project, as planning in progress (Planning), design in progress (In Progress), design complete (Complete), and to be determined (TBD). The estimated construction cost is also provided, if determined.

The projects in the table below have been sorted to show the estimated start of construction fiscal year (FY).

The table below can be used for planning efforts for both upcoming design and construction requests for proposals and bids.

ID 6 9 19 20 13 24 4 27 25 28 1 2 5 7 14 3 8 10 21 11 12 26 15 16 17 18

DPW Upcoming Projects Rt. 5 Improvements from Rt. 2A to Naval Magazine Rt. 14 Resurfacing, Rt. 1 to Rt. 14B Signing System Upgrade, Islandwide Hagåtňa Test Bed Rt. 10 Safety Improvements (Rt. 4 to Rt. 8/16) Leo Palace Bridge/Pago Bridge Scour Countermeasures Rt. 14B, Ypao Road, Phase 1 Rt. 1 Reconstruction of Multiple Bridges (Hagåtňa to Piti) Fonte Inland, Maina Culvert, & Merizo Inland Culvert Rehabilitation Under Pavement Infrastructure Retrofit Ajayan Bridge Replacement Aplacho Bridge Replacement Rt. 14B, Ypao Road, Phase 2 Rt. 17, Phase 2B Ylig Memorial Rt. 10A, Phase 1 Reconstruction and Widening, GIAA/Tiyan Intersection Tiyan Parkway, Phase 2 Rt. 14 Reconstruction of Sidewalk and Median Channelization-(Rt. 1 to Archbishop Cir) ADA Compliance (Locations vary in Tumon and Rt. 16) Rt. 20 Tiyan Parkway Structure Demolition, Phase 2 Rt. 1/8 Memorial Rt. 2, 4, and 4A Planning Study Rt. 1 Pavement Markings Restoration, Juan Jacinto Drive to Gayinero Road (Maint.)

Rt. 8 Pavement Markings Restoration Rt. 1 to Tri-Intersection (Maintenance) Rt. 4 Pavement Markings Restoration Rt. 1 to Pago Bay Bridge (Maint.)

Islandwide Raised Medians Painting, Rt. 1 (Rt. 8 to Macy's), Rt. 16 (Rt. 1 to Tri-Intersect), Rt. 4 (Rt. 10 to Rt. 1), Rt. 8 (Rt. 1 to Tri-Intersect) (Maint.)

22 Polaris Point/Agueda River Flood Mitigation 23 Monnell Channel Temporary Dredging Repairs

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Design Complete In Progress Complete Complete In Progress Planning Complete In Progress Planning TBD Complete Complete Complete Complete Complete In Progress In Progress In Progress In Progress Planning Planning Planning Planning Planning Planning Planning

Planning Planning

Cost ($M) 13.6 8.0 0.50 0.517 6.5 TBD 10.0 TBD TBD TBD TBD 3.0 TBD 19.5 TBD 13.5 21.0 TBD 0.1 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 0.046

FY Start 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD

TBD 0.5

TBD TBD

Website: www.same.org/Guam facebook.com/GuamContractors

SMALL BUSINESS NOTES

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

join our SB Community!

• The GCA Small Business Committee supports small business members of the association to ensure their voices are heard and needs are met within GCA capabilities.

• Do you have an issue or concern that we might be able to assist with?

• Do you have an idea or suggestion that may benefit our small business community?

L-R: James Martinez, Joe Roberto, Adam Baron, Bill Bernardo, Theresa Crisostomo, Tom Roberto, Jaylene Kent, Gerardine Mendiola, Jane Ray, Philip Leddy, Ken Lujan.

HELP US HELP YOU BY JOINING US AT OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS OR CONTACT: Lucia Wood (Chair) Theresa Crisostomo (Vice-Chair)

(671) 777-8425 lucia.wood@aptim.com (671) 588-5972 theresac@jwsguam.com

GUAM PTAC FREE Live Webinars 06/17 2021

06/22 2021

Buy American Act The BAA was put in place to protect American manufacturing.

The rules are complicated and can be frustrating for government contractors. We will discuss the BAA and offer some guidance on how to stay in compliance.

SBIR/STTR Programs Calling all inventors and innovators. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs encourage small businesses to engage in Federal Research and Development that has the potential for commercialization. We will explain the programs and show how you can get involved.

Applying for a DUNS Number & Registering in SAM

06/24 2021

10 | JUNE2021

To sell your product or service to the Federal government, you need to get a DUNS number and register in SAM. We will show you how to easily and efficiently complete these registrations.

www.guamcontractors.org

The Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is offering FREE webinars to the public for June 2021.

Webinars run from 10am-11:30am and will be conducted via Zoom. Links to the live webinar and the webinar evaluation will be emailed to all registered attendees 15 minutes before the start of the webinar.

Register at: guamptac.ecenterdirect.com For more information, contact the Guam PTAC at (671) 735-2552 or visit www.guamptac.com

FREE Live Webinars Every Thursday!

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NAWIC NEWS

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

Hafa Adai everyone, As NAWIC Guam is in the middle of its annual scholarship award program, we would like to feature one of our members who epitomizes and practices lifelong learning. NAWIC Guam is pleased to spotlight our current Vice President, Mrs. Lucia Wood.

Member: Lucia Wood APTIM - Project Manager NAWIC Guam: Vice President Lucia is currently a Project Manager at APTIM and had you asked her 20 years ago if she would be working in the construction industry, her answer would have been “No”.

But, after earning her Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude from Campbell University, she started her career in the construction industry by chance as a Contract Administrator working on an $850 million, multi-year contract at Camp LeJeune.

From there she took every opportunity to learn everything she could about construction projects from safety, quality control, and take offs. When the contract she was working on ended, she jumped at the chance to get out in the field excelling in roles such as Quality Control Engineer, Safety Officer, and Field Engineer. She then moved on to Project Engineer and worked her way up to Project Manager.

She is continuing to learn and develop her skills and expertise, recently completing coursework for her Project Management Professional (PMP) Designation and now preparing for the PMP exam. As most of us in the industry know, being a Project Manager requires several certifications you need to maintain, and she keeps up with them all, including ones to work in U.S. Military bases and on military projects.

Lucia is a firm believer in living life full of integrity founded on the teachings of her father, who taught her that a person’s name is all they have, and you need to protect it with all of your being. And from the support and encouragement of her mother, who nicknamed her Steel Magnolia, a tree known for weathering all storms and coming through unscathed.

While not from Guam, Lucia instantly fell in love with the island and is an avid diver who loves to cook. Her favorite part of Guam is driving down Murray Road just past Joint Region Marianas. While here, she plans to earn her PMP Designation and take advantage of online courses that advances her as a Project Manager. She sees so much potential for women in construction on Guam and is doing her best to contribute through NAWIC Guam, the Guam Contractor’s Association and APTIM. She fully believes in helping all personnel in construction and would like to remind everyone about the scholarships NAWIC has to offer. So please help spread the word…

***Currently accepting Scholarship Applications!*** NAWIC Guam supports and fosters the construction industry’s workforce of tomorrow by awarding scholarships to individuals pursuing college and technical degrees in industry related fields and trades.

We are offering (6)-$1,000 scholarships (2 per institution- GCC, GCATA, UOG) to a student enrolled in any of the construction industry programs offered. Applications will be available on May 17th at your Academic Institution’s Financial Aid office or you can contact us directly through email nawicguam@gmail.com.and request an application.

Scholarship Application Deadline: June 17, 2021 NAWIC Guam provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills, and become leaders.

Want to learn more about the professional development resources available or to BECOME A MEMBER of NAWIC Guam we encourage you to reach out to us!

All women working in construction are eligible for membership, including women builders in the trades, project management, marketing, administration, and executive leadership. Women in related industries, who work on construction related business, such as finance, legal, insurance and other complementary industries, are welcome as well!

JOIN NAWIC GUAM CHAPTER 381 TODAY! Contact us at nawicguam@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook or Follow us Instagram (@nawicguam).

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Get into the

ACTE by: R.D. Gibson

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

Remember back to when that time in primary school.

Recess just finished and the teacher was having a class discussion about the future, or there were a series of icebreakers. The question comes up: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

The usual roll call is yelled out.

“Policeman!”

“Fireman!”

“Doctor!”

“Nurse!”

“Teacher!”

“Governor!”

“President!”

Yet, other very important occupations can be left off the list of popular titles. In a New York Times article titled “Stop Asking Kids What They Want to Be When They Grow Up”, the author Adam Grant discusses the concept of asking about careers at a young age. Grant stated that one of the problems with this idea of “choosing” a career so early is that it implies there is only “one calling out there for everyone.” He also wrote about how the question forces students to think of themselves in terms of work.

“When we define ourselves by our jobs, our worth depends on what we achieve,” he wrote.

Sure, it is great to have a goal/goals in mind; aspirations.

But, it is also important to have options. Options that can pay, prepare you for bigger opportunities, and bring some sense of accomplishment and joy.

Additionally, we cannot simply categorize education as “A-B-C’s” and “1-2-3’s” anymore. It was never really that simple to begin with, but the school cannot be the only place to jumpstart and nurture career ideas and options.

Especially in this day and age with extensive access to information and a growing number of new careers in new industries.

Over 100 years ago in the United States, the idea of career technical education was born according to Dr. Sam Mabini Young, the Executive Director of the Guam Association for Career and Technical Education. “In 1906, 250 individuals from businesses and education met in New York City to form the National Society for the Promotion of Industrial Education (NSPIE)...to promote industrial education by focusing the public’s attention on the value of an education system that prepares youth to enter industrial pursuits,” stated Dr. Young.

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FEATURE STORY

Since its inception, the organization has gone through several name changes, but all with the same idea of vocational and career readiness education programs at the core. The ACTE name would settle finally in 1998, and still provides “educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce” namely through Career and Technical Education (CTE). According to the ACTE website, “The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers.” It represents a network of CTE professionals, “including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education.”

Since 2015 there has been a Guam chapter named Guam ACTE, made up of local, dedicated CTE professionals.

The organization focuses on CTE, raising awareness, promoting advocacy, fostering local research, providing technical assistance, engaging in networking activities, assisting in policy development, and acts as a resource clearinghouse.

Dr. Young stated that Guam educators and businesses all have a vested interest in the success of graduating students. She stated local businesses want employees who are prepared after graduation. “This ties to the need to recover and grow Guam’s economy through the development of the island’s human resources,” stated Dr. Young.

Since the early 1990s, Dr. Young has supported Career and Technical Education as the local community college was transitioning from the Guam Vocational Technical High School. She stated how she has a passion for helping students succeed beyond the classroom. “I eventually became active in ACTE...and learned firsthand the positive impact of ACTE’s state chapters on education and the economy,” Dr. Young stated.

The conception of the Guam ACTE chapter came after a resolution was presented to Dr. Young to develop Career and Technical Education throughout the Western Pacific Region. Since 2012, the Guam ACTE serves American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, according to their website.

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FEATURE STORY

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

Dr. Young stated, “Guam ACTE aims to raise awareness and advocate for quality CTE programs, helping bridge successfully trained workforce and industry demands.”

Adding how there is a value in CTE and the growth of industries and flourishing careers. She pointed to construction and hospitality and tourism, as well as emerging industries like cybersecurity, and renewable and alternative energy, where the Guam ACTE is working continuously to shine a spotlight. “Today’s CTE is about preparing youth and adults for high-wage, high-skill, in-demand careers,” stated Dr. Young.

There are several divisions that range from health sciences, business, and the trades. The Guam ACTE also provides an opportunity for outreach and professional development programs, such as a Career Day that has been ongoing since April for Guam educators in the public school system. It is being offered as an online training series on Workforce Readiness and Employment Insights of Island Businesses. “This concept of Career Day for Teachers is the first of its kind [being] offered”, which allows for teachers to interact with the business communities to gain insight into better preparing graduating students for life beyond the classroom.

These weekly workshops have expanded networks and emphasized collaboration between teachers and businesses. Moreover, it’s allowed for teachers to receive certification and graduate credits. “Guam ACTE had met with leaders from the public schools to discuss how best to assist teachers,” stated Dr. Young. Additionally, this brings educators throughout the region to collaborate and learn with one another. Dr. Young cited how there were almost 200 participants at the first session; currently there are 60 teachers officially registered through the University of Guam, and, at times, there can be 100 individuals at times during the sessions. “It’s an exciting opportunity to connect in real time our teachers with business leaders, who are eager to play their role in education by sharing their insights,” she added.

to garner support and membership from all those vested in building a strong workforce for Guam businesses and the economy.”

Dr. Sam Mabini Young originally wrote the College and Career Readiness Act (CCaRe Act) of Guam, P.L. 31-156 when she was a senator in the 31st Guam Legislature.

Through the legislation, “the Guam Department of Education is mandated to align and integrate their required academic subjects and Career and technical Education (CTE) methods to prepare every student for a higher education and a broad career field.” Dr. Young stated her work continues as the Executive Director of Guam ACTE. More information about the Guam ACTE can be found on their website at https://www.acteonline.org/guam-association-for-career-and-technical-education/.

Education is sparked by interest. Our curiosity about topics, concepts, and skills revolves around those that grab our attention. Guam ACTE’s mission is “to support effective integration of Career and Technical Education in schools in Guam and the western Pacific region that will improve student success in their career pathways.”

It seems that a big part of that mission is expanding the professional development and training opportunities provided to educators to make their curriculum relevant and exciting, creating and strengthening networks beyond the walls of school buildings - working with and learning from potential employers, and ultimately teaching those relevant topics and skills to an up-and-coming workforce.

Maybe the question isn’t so much “what do you want to be when you grow up?” as much as it is “what are you interested in doing?” That gives us way more options.

Guam ACTE Programs like the Workforce Readiness and Employment Insights of Island Businesses are supported significantly by its members the Board of Guam ACTE, including the President, Dr. Bert Johnston of the GCA Trades Academy, Vice President, Eric Chong, and Secretary/Treasurer Rose Marie Nanpei. Dr. Young stated, “The board and all active members of this professional organization continue to be committed to building partnerships with businesses and all educators, hoping

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PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

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GCA 33rd Annual Golf Fundraiser June 4, 2021 Leo Palace Resort Guam

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PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

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MEMBER BENEFITS

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HOW TO ACCESS YOUR TAKECARE BENEFITS

By Rodney “RJ” Ricarte

Baby on the way? Will you need off-island treatment? Scheduling elective surgery or hospitalization in the near future?

In order to create a smoother, less stressful process to access your health benefits, TakeCare has processes in place to review requests by providers for authorization of health care services for members.

Refer to Member Handbook, Schedule of Benefits and Provider Directory

I’m not able to describe every policy in detail, due to the space limitations of this column, so I will provide a general outline. In addition to the member handbook (https://tinyurl.com/TakeCareMemberHandbook), please refer to the schedule of benefits and provider directory for a more thorough description of covered benefits and plan information. It is also advised to call ahead to obtain information about benefits: TakeCare Customer Service Department in Guam (671) 647-3526; in the CNMI (670) 235-7687; or in Palau (680) 488-4715. Non-urgent inquiries should be emailed to customerservice@takecareasia.com. For pre-authorization inquiries or requests, please call TakeCare Medical Referral Services at (671) 300-5995 or email tc.mrs@takecareasia.com.

Some Procedures Need Pre-Authorization

A list of health care services requiring pre-authorization is found in the Member Handbook. TakeCare guidelines also determine whether to approve, modify, or deny, based on medical necessity and coverage, requests by providers for members. Decisions to deny or modify request for authorization of health care services, are made only by licensed physicians or other appropriately licensed health care professionals. Denied and modified services can be appealed, refer to Member Handbook for the process or email customerservice@takecareasia.com.

Decisions Made in a Timely Manner

TakeCare’s Medical Management Department makes decisions within the following time frames. Requests for authorization of health care services will be made within five (5) business days for Off-island and two (2) business days for On-island from TakeCare’s receipt of the complete information. Urgent care requests (where a condition poses an imminent, serious threat to health) will be made within twenty-four (24) hours after TakeCare’s receipt of the information. Please note that pre-authorization is not required for care that any prudent lay person would consider an emergency.

If the decision is not possible within these time frames, TakeCare will notify the provider. The notification will specify what information is required to enable TakeCare to make a decision. Once the requested information is received, TakeCare will make a decision to approve, modify, or deny the request for authorization within the time frame specified above.

Accessing Providers on and off island

TakeCare members have access to providers for primary and specialty care through a network of healthcare professionals both on and off island. Members can seek primary care services through the FHP Health Center or TakeCare’s independent provider network on island. Access to specialty care services are facilitated through a referral process from the member’s primary care provider that are reviewed and pre-authorized. Care coordination for off-island referrals are accomplished through TakeCare’s network of participating providers and facilities. Members may coordinate services for their approved referrals with non-participating providers of their choice through their out-of-network benefit.

Please refer to your schedule of benefits and provider directory for a more thorough description of covered benefits and plan information.

When you’re planning on-island or off-island hospitalization or procedures, please make sure your provider contacts TakeCare for pre-authorization of services. Doing so will provide you additional peace of mind as you receive your health care benefits.

Rodney “RJ” Ricarte is the TakeCare account executive for GCA. He can be contacted at (671) 487-7121 or rodney.ricarte@takecareasia.com.

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NEWSLINE

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NEWSLINE EEOC Issues Long-Awaited Guidance Related to COVID-19 Vaccinations ABC is pleased the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued long-awaited guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations as it relates to the workplace. On Feb. 1, ABC joined 41 trade associations in urging the EEOC to quickly issue guidance clarifying the extent to which employers may offer employees incentives to vaccinate without violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws enforced by the EEOC. According to the EEOC press release, “The expanded technical assistance provides new information about how the ADA and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act apply when an employer offers incentives for employees to provide documentation or other confirmation of vaccination when an employee gets a vaccine in the community or from the employer or its agent. The technical assistance answers COVID-19 questions only from the perspective of the EEO laws. Other federal, state, and local laws come into play regarding the COVID-19 pandemic for employers and employees.”

The key updates to the technical assistance are summarized below: • Federal EEO laws do not prevent an employer from requiring all employees physically entering the workplace to be vaccinated for COVID-19, so long as employers comply with the reasonable accommodation provisions of the ADA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other EEO considerations. Other laws, not in EEOC’s jurisdiction, may place additional restrictions on employers. From an EEO perspective,

22 | JUNE2021

employers should keep in mind that because some individuals or demographic groups may face greater barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination than others, some employees may be more likely to be negatively impacted by a vaccination requirement.

• Federal EEO laws do not prevent or

limit employers from offering incentives to employees to voluntarily provide documentation or other confirmation of vaccination obtained from a third party (not the employer) in the community, such as a pharmacy, personal health care provider or public clinic. If employers choose to obtain vaccination information from their employees, employers must keep vaccination information confidential pursuant to the ADA.

Read all of the updates to the guidance (refer to Part K. Vaccinations).

Additionally, the EEOC posted a new resource for job applicants and employees, titled “Federal Laws Protect You Against Employment Discrimination During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” to help employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities at work during the pandemic.

To learn more, read ABC counsel Littler Mendelson’s analysis, “Key Takeaways from the EEOC’s Updated Guidance Regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations, Incentives.”

• Employers that are administering

vaccines to their employees may offer incentives for employees to be vaccinated, as long as the incentives are not coercive.

Because vaccinations require employees to answer pre-vaccination disability-related screening questions, a very large incentive could make employees feel pressured to disclose protected medical information.

• Employers may provide employees and their family members with information to educate them about COVID-19 vaccines and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination. The technical assistance highlights federal government resources available to those seeking more information about how to get vaccinated.

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

NEWSLINE

Biden Administration Announces Key Findings From Reviews on America’s Supply Chain On June 10, the Biden-Harris administration announced key findings from the reviews directed under Executive Order 14017 “America’s Supply Chains,” as well as immediate actions the administration will take to strengthen American supply chains to promote economic security, national security and “good-paying, union jobs here at home.”

The report, authored by the White House, assesses supply chain vulnerabilities across four key products: semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging; large capacity batteries, like those for electric vehicles; critical minerals and materials; and pharmaceuticals and advanced pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The recommendations from the reviews also reiterate the administration’s support for restrictive labor standards that exclude non-union employers, including in automotive battery production and manufacturing and mining, where the White House report states:

“Requiring strong labor protections, including prevailing wage requirements, use of Project Labor Agreements and community hire on construction projects, union neutrality policies for employers and a ban on mandatory arbitration agreements, as relevant to the proposed scope of work.”

Another of many recommendations from the report to rebuild our production and innovation capabilities was to use immediate administrative authorities to support an ecosystem of producers and innovators including small and medium enterprises and skilled workers: “Specifically, work with industry and labor to create pathways to quality jobs, with a free and fair choice to join a union, through sector-based community college partnerships, apprenticeships and on-the-job training: The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration should support sector-based pathways to

jobs, for example in the semiconductor industry. We recommend that the Administration use ETA funds to work with industry and labor, community colleges and non-profit partners to support pathways to advanced manufacturing employment through Registered Apprenticeship programs and by supporting other labor-management training programs.”

President Biden signed Executive Order (E.O.) 14017 on Feb. 24, 2021 directing the U.S. government to undertake a comprehensive review of critical U.S. supply chains to identify risks, address vulnerabilities and develop a strategy to promote resilience.

In response to the report, the administration also announced a new "Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to tackle near-term bottlenecks" in various industries including semiconductors and home building and construction.

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A/C & Refrigeration Mechanic HVAC & Refrigeration Technician Field Supervisor

30

5 2

Crane Operator

Total Non-Construction H-2B Workers

6

Pipefitter

5

Elevator Installer Technician

www.guamcontractors.org TOTAL Construction H-2B Workers

Total OTHER Construction

11

HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic

2

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

1569

62

10

21

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

18

Camp Cook

4

Construction Equipment Mechanic

5

Other Construction Occupations

Employers Workplace Monthly Report Statistics

Automotive Mechanic

Other Non-Construction Occupations

GUAM DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Alien Labor Processing Certification Division

359

29

1598 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1598

1752

1599

Total H-2B Employers

Total U.S. Workers Grand Total H-2B Workers

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Total U.S. Workers

Total U.S. Workers Grand Total Hin H2 companies 2B Workers

US Workers vs. H-2B

6 24

6000

18

Construction Non-Construction

Employers By Industry

Philippines Mexico Japan Kiribati United Kingdom Australia Italy Peru Thailand Other Total by Nationality

Workers by Nationality

1507

Welder Total Common Const.

119

Heavy Equip. Operator 2

17

Sheetmetal Worker 87

59

Plumber

Camp Cook

17

Structural Steelworker

Electrician

167

651

Reinforcing Metalworker

Carpenter

Cement Mason

Common Construction Occupations

MONTH ENDING: May 2021

Mexico Thailand 0.00% 0.00%

1.13%

3.92%

1.13%

7.90%

11.08%

5.77%

0.13%

Other 0.00%

Peru 0.00%

Prepared By: Jessie Cruz Contact information: Greg Massey, ALPCD Administrator P.O. Box 9970 Tamuning, Guam 96931 (671)475-8005/8003

Welder

Camp Cook

Heavy Equip.

Operator Electrician

Sheetmetal Worker

Reinforcing Metalworker Structural Steelworker Plumber

Carpenter

Cement Mason

Other

Thailand

Peru

Italy

Australia

United Kingdom

Kiribati

Japan

Korea

Philippines

United Kingdom 0.00%

Kiribati 0.00%

23.82%

43.20%

1.92%

Common Construction Occupations

Philippines 100.00%

Japan 0.00%

Australia 0.00%

Italy 0.00%

H-2B Population by Nationality

REPORTS/ INFORMATION CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

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