GCA Construction News Bulletin February 2024

Page 1

VOL. 65 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2024 • GUAM CONTRACTORSʼ ASSOCIATION

MAKING THE GRADE COUNT


*Eligible Models: 313, 313 GC, 315, 315 GC, 317, 317 GC. Smart power modes. Efficient engines. Advanced hydraulics. Cat® small excavators come packed with fuel-saving features that raise your moneymaking potential. Take advantage of this great offer on one of these reliable, productive models. This special financing rate is available on eligible new models through June 30, 2024. Scan the QR Code to learn more or talk to a Hawthorne Sales Representative at 671.649.4228. *Offer valid from January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024 on new 313 through 317 Cat® excavators sold by participating Cat dealers to customers in the USA. Purchase must occur during offer period. Offer subject to machine availability and credit approval by Cat Financial. Not all customers will qualify. Offer may change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details. © 2024 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

hawthornecat.com


Create the

Include us in your marketing budget.

ADVERTISE IN THE

MEMBERSHIP

DIRECTORY For more info, contact

alyssa@adztechguam.com (671) 477-1239


TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEBRUARY

6 7

8

FEATURE STORY

2024 S.A.M.E. UPDATE

APPRENTICESHIP CORNER CONSTRUCTION HEADLINE

10 MEMBER BENEFITS 12 FEATURE STORY

12

16 PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS 20 NEWSLINE

21 SECURITY BYTES

22 BUILDING PERMITS 24 REPORTS/INFORMATION 03/01/24 03/06/24 03/07/24 03/11/24 03/12/24 03/13/24 03/14/24 03/15/24 03/14/24 03/15/24 03/20/24 03/26/24 03/28/24 03/29/24 2

FEBRUARY 2024

Friday Wednesday Thursday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Thursday Friday Wednesday Tuesday Thursday Friday

21

GCA MARCH CALENDAR

PPPT Comm. Mtg. GCA Board Meeting Activities Committee Meeting EM385- 40HR CONTRACT SAFETY AWARENESS COURSE EM385- 40HR CONTRACT SAFETY AWARENESS COURSE EM385- 40HR CONTRACT SAFETY AWARENESS COURSE EM385- 40HR CONTRACT SAFETY AWARENESS COURSE EM385- 40HR CONTRACT SAFETY AWARENESS COURSE GCA Gov't, Military, & Labor Affairs Meeting PPPT Comm. Mtg. General Membership Luncheon Meeting- Hilton GCA Small Business Comm. Mtg. GCA Membership Comm. Mtg. PPPT Comm. Mtg.

Meeting Meeting Meeting Training Training Training Training Training Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting www.guamcontractors.org



EDITORIALS

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

PAST CHAIRMAN Bill Beery Tutujan Hill Group CHAIRMAN Joe Roberto East Island Tinting

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.

VICE CHAIRMAN Matthew Hunter Dylan Mechanical Construction Services SECRETARY/TREASURER Kathleen David Pacific Rim Constructors 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.

William Best SmithBridge Guam AJ Perez Hawaiian Rock Products

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

Brian Holm Hensel Phelps Soraya Vongjalorn Vertex Guam

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

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: Mark Cruz Mid Pac Far East Jose Garcia First Hawaiian Bank

PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero AD SALES: Alyssa Roces PRODUCTION: Jason Davis Alyssa Roces Christopher “Taco” Rowland PHOTOGRAPHY: Jaceth Duenas EDITOR: Adztech CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Joanna Rupley Sablan Francine Taitague Rodney “RJ” Ricarte Myracle S. Mugol GCA STAFF: Desiree Lizama Elaine Gogue Francine Taitague Trevor Cruz COVER: GDOE and the community coming together to help improve our public schools.

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

Camilo Lorenzo Matson Navigation Geri Leon Guerrero Adztech Advertising and PR JOIN ONE OF OUR MANY COMMITTEES!

GCA

TRADES ACADEMY B u i l d i n g

S k i l l s

F o r

A

L i f e t i m e

Guam Contractors Association

4

FEBRUARY 2024

www.guamcontractors.org



S.A.M.E. UPDATE

JU JU U U U? @U U7579 (QJLQHHUV $UFKLWHFWV DQG /DQG 6XUYH\RUV ($/6 :HHN LV DQ DQQXDO HYHQW WKDW KHOSV EULQJ DZDUHQHVV WR WKH ZRUNV DQG FRQWULEXWLRQV RI RXU QDWLRQ DQG LVODQG V HQJLQHHUV DUFKLWHFWV DQG ODQG VXUYH\RUV DQG LV D ZHHN ILOOHG ZLWK DFWLYLWLHV IRU WKH DGXOWV DQG \RXWK RI RXU LVODQG FRPPXQLW\ KHOSLQJ WR DGYDQFH WKH LPDJH RI HQJLQHHULQJ DUFKLWHFWXUH DQG ODQG VXUYH\LQJ DQG JHWWLQJ WKHP LQYROYHG LQ WKH SURIHVVLRQV :HOFRPH WR WKH )XWXUH WKHPH FHOHEUDWHV WRGD\ȇV DFKLHYHPHQWV DQG SDYHV WKH ZD\ IRU D EULJKWHU DQG PRUH GLYHUVH IXWXUH LQ HQJLQHHULQJ 7KH FRXQWOHVV KRXUV RI ZRUN GRQH E\ WKHVH GHGLFDWHG SURIHVVLRQDOV LQ WKH SULYDWH VHFWRU JRYHUQPHQW DQG PLOLWDU\ PDNH D ZRUOG RI GLIIHUHQFH &RQWDFW FRPPLWWHH FKDLU 6FRWW 7KRPSVRQ VFRWW WKRPSVRQ#FRIIPDQ FRP RQ WKH GLIIHUHQW RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR SDUWLFLSDWH

352&/$0$7Ζ21 5(62/87Ζ21 6Ζ*1Ζ1* )HEUXDU\ DW SP 5LFDUGR - %RUGDOOR *RYHUQRU V &RPSOH[ $GHOXS &RQIHUHQFH 5RRP

$118$/ -2Ζ17 0(0%(56+Ζ3 0((7Ζ1* 7KXUVGD\ )HEUXDU\ DW DP SP +\DWW 5HJHQF\ *XDP _ *UDQG %DOOURRP KWWS WLQ\XUO FRP MRLQWPHPEHUVKLS

0$7+&28176 &203(7Ζ7Ζ216 )HEUXDU\ *XDP &KDSWHU &RPSHWLWLRQ 0DUFK *XDP 6WDWH &RPSHWLWLRQ +ROLGD\ 5HVRUW 6SD 0D\ 1DWLRQDO &RPSHWLWLRQ LQ :DVKLQJWRQ '&

-RLQW 0HPEHUVKLS 0HHWLQJ ZLWK RWKHU SURIHVVLRQDO ($/6 RUJDQL]DWLRQV WR UHFHLYH 0LOLWDU\ &RQVWUXFWLRQ 3URJUDP 8SGDWH IRU 1$9)$& 0DULDQDV 2Ζ&& 0DULQH &RUSV 0DULDQDV DQG WKH 86 $LU )RUFH

6HHNLQJ YROXQWHHUV IRU JUDGLQJ DQG VWXGHQW UHJLVWUDWLRQ FKHFN LQV .U\VWDO 4XLMDQR _ NU\WDO TXLMDQR#JPDLO FRP

( :((. 6&+22/ 35(6(17$7Ζ216 678'(17 2875($&+ )HEUXDU\ )HEUXDU\ 5HDFKLQJ RXW WR ORFDO SXEOLF DQG SULYDWH VFKRROV JLYLQJ WKHP DFFHVV WR HQJLQHHULQJ SUHVHQWDWLRQV 0RUH WKDQ YROXQWHHU VSHDNHUV JLYH QHDUO\ SUHVHQWDWLRQV UHDFKLQJ DSSUR[LPDWHO\ VWXGHQWV 9ROXQWHHU 3UHVHQWHUV 6LJQ 8S VKRUWXUO DW GNQSY &RQWDFW 7ULQLW\ %DWWRQ _ WULQLW\EDWWRQ #JPDLO FRP

8QLIRUPHG *RYȇW *HQHUDO $GPLVVLRQ &+$5/Ζ( &251 6&+2/$56+Ζ3 $33/Ζ&$7Ζ216 )HEUXDU\ 'HDGOLQH KWWSV ZZZ VDPH RUJ JXDP VFKRODUVKLS SURJUDP 'HYHORS HQJLQHHULQJ DQG DUFKLWHFWXUH WDOHQW DPRQJ SHUPDQHQW UHVLGHQWV RI *XDP WKH &RPPRQZHDOWK RI WKH 1RUWKHUQ 0DULDQD ΖVODQGV )HGHUDWHG 6WDWHV RI 0LFURQHVLD DQG 5HSXEOLF RI 3DODX 7+ $118$/ + '($1 *Ζ//+$0 %5Ζ'*( '(6Ζ*1 %8Ζ/' &203(7Ζ7Ζ21 6DWXUGD\ )HEUXDU\ DW DP SP 8QLYHUVLW\ RI *XDP 6%3$ %XLOGLQJ 2SHQ WR DOO *XDP +LJK 6FKRRO 6WXGHQWV )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW XRJ VDPH#JRWULWRQV XRJ HGX

õõõĪÞ Ã ĪËڥݥé à Ɔ Þ Ã ¥é Ã×ËÞ厥à ­½Ī Ëà Ɔ & ž /' ŽÞ à ¥é Ã×ËÞå 6

FEBRUARY 2024

www.guamcontractors.org


APPRENTICESHIP CORNER

APPRENTICESHIP CORNER By Francine Taitague Safety, Training and Education Coordinator, Guam Contractors Association

YOUR TRADES EMPLOYEES: HOW AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM LEADS TO HIGHER JOB SATISFACTION Job satisfaction is a crucial factor in the trades industry. It can not only influence the quality of work but also can affect employee retention and the overall success of a company. This is why apprenticeship programs can be a potent tool to enhance job satisfaction.

gaps at your company’s workforce and design the program accordingly. The company's role doesn't end with setting up the program but extends to ensuring that it leads to job satisfaction. This involves providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, offering fair wages, and acknowledging the contributions of apprentices.

An apprenticeship program is a structured system that combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced professionals, gaining hands-on experience while also acquiring theoretical knowledge. In the construction industry, apprenticeships can span various trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and many more.

Apprenticeships hold immense potential in enhancing job satisfaction among trades employees at your company. They offer a win-win situation where employees can improve their skills and progress in their careers. Employers benefit from a motivated and skilled workforce. Companies in the construction industry should consider implementing an apprenticeship program, not just as a skills development initiative, but as a strategic move to enhance job satisfaction and overall company success.

❤ Understanding Apprenticeship Programs

❤ Apprentices and Job Satisfaction

Apprenticeships significantly contribute to job satisfaction in several ways. Firstly, they offer a clear path of progression, which gives employees a sense of direction and purpose. Secondly, the blend of practical and theoretical learning ensures that apprentices are well-equipped to handle their job responsibilities, leading to increased confidence and satisfaction. There are numerous instances in the industry where apprenticeships have led to highly satisfied and motivated employees who are more committed to their work.

The Guam Contractors Association keeps track of hours worked and the education progress of the apprentices in your program. We can guide your company through the whole process. What have you got to lose? Join the growing community of companies that have, or are in the process of, creating an apprenticeship program to enhance the skills of its workforce.

❤ Implementing Apprenticeships for Better Job Satisfaction

Setting up an apprenticeship program requires careful planning and execution. It's essential to identify the skills

Interested in learning more? I can help you! Please contact me at (671) 647-4841 or francine.taitague@guamcontractors.org.

facebook.com/GuamContractors

FEBRUARY 2024

7


CONSTRUCTION HEADLINE

INNA WIESE NAMED PRINCIPAL FOR RIM ARCHITECTS IN GUAM

Inna Wiese AIA, LEED AP BD+C Hagatna, Guam: RIM Architects, LLC promoted Inna Wiese, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, to principal. She brings more than 25 years of experience, with 18 of those years working at RIM on a wide range of projects in Guam and Saipan. In her new role, Inna will lead project plans and designs while equipping the next generation of design professionals. “We are proud to have Inna as a new principal at RIM,” said firm CEO and President David McVeigh. “She is dedicated to Guam’s community and exemplifies our culture through strong commitment, tireless effort, and excellent work.” Inna’s talent and work ethic were recognized early, as her career at RIM took her from intern to principal at the firm. She is a registered architect in Guam and CNMI and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional specializing in Building Design and Construction (LEED AP BD+C). She is an active member of the local Guam community and the architectural

8

FEBRUARY 2024

industry. She is the past President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Marianas Chapter.

such as the Personal Finance Center, Bank Pacific Remodel, and The Tsubaki Tower in Tumon.

“Inna’s diligence and positive networking brought awareness to Guam and the National AIA,” said Brent Wiese, RIM Architects’ Managing Principal – Guam and past AIA Marianas Chapter President. “This was critical during the recent national-level re-organization so that the Marianas retained its standing as a unique chapter and was not rolled into one of the states.”

“I’ve been a creative individual for as long as I can remember,” said Inna. “I’ve come to love math and science and have been drawn to culture and society. Despite my parents' concerns that architecture can be challenging, I pursued the profession to make a positive impact. As my mentors have done for me, I strive to inspire, support, and advocate for pathways for emerging professionals to discover, thrive, and be leaders in architecture and their community.”

Inna, who received her Bachelor of Science degree in architecture from Mapua Institute of Technology in the Philippines, is the daughter of an architect and knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue architecture as a career. She delivered on those early dreams and worked on notable and highly challenging projects, including the award-winning Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Elementary and Middle Schools and the Guam Reef Hotel Renovations. More recently, Inna has been a key team member on notable projects

Inna is well-respected in the Guam community for being a strong collaborator and consensus builder. She is currently a Board Member of AIA Marianas and is involved in various associations, including the Guam Chamber of Commerce and the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Guam Post.

www.guamcontractors.org



MEMBER BENEFITS

The FHP Urgent Care: Guam’s Only Truly Dedicated Urgent Care By Rodney “RJ” Ricarte As an employee under the TakeCare GCA Employee Health Plan, you gain access to the FHP Health Center, a comprehensive one-stop health care facility. This facility is widely recognized as Guam’s best medical, dental, and vision clinic. One of the major benefits included in your health plan is the access to the FHP Urgent Care, which is Guam's only truly dedicated urgent care facility. The FHP Health Center is designed to cater to a wide array of your health needs with utmost convenience. It houses multiple specialties and diagnostic services under one roof, thus providing you and your family with a comprehensive health care solution. This eliminates the need for you to go to different places for different health services, saving you valuable time and resources. A crucial resource for your family The FHP Urgent Care serves as a crucial resource for immediate medical intervention for non-life-threatening conditions that still require quick attention. If you or a family member enrolled in the health plan find yourselves in need, you can head straight to the FHP Urgent Care. The facility prides itself on its convenient hours of operation, no-appointment-necessary service, and a team of trusted medical providers. These features ensure that you receive quality medical care in a timely and efficient manner. When to go to FHP Urgent Care While the FHP Urgent Care is equipped to handle a range of illnesses and injuries, it's essential to know when to seek its services. This facility is primarily for conditions that are not life-threatening but still require immediate attention. This includes situations such as allergic reactions, broken bones, sprains and strains, cuts requiring stitches, mild fevers, minor burns, pink eye, animal or insect bites, and symptoms of cold and flu. When to go to the Emergency Room Life-threatening or severe symptoms or injuries necessitate a visit to the Emergency Room at the Guam Memorial Hospital or Guam Regional Medical City. These symptoms include severe abdominal or chest pain, babies needing immediate care, serious eye or head injuries, severe burns, stroke symptoms (numbness, paralysis, slurred speech, etc.), significant difficulty breathing, heart attack symptoms, high fevers, and suspicions of drug overdose or poisoning. In such situations, it is imperative to dial 911 immediately. Remember that when it comes to your health, each moment counts, and getting the right care at the right time can make a world of difference. The FHP Urgent Care is open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am to 8:00pm, closed Sundays. For more information, please call 671-646-5825. Rodney “RJ” Ricarte is the TakeCare account executive for GCA. He can be contacted at (671) 487-7121 or rodney.ricarte@takecareasia.com.

10

FEBRUARY 2024

www.guamcontractors.org



Navigating

the Guam Public School Infrastructure By: Myracle S. Mugol


FEATURE STORY

Back when I was attending a Guam history class, I remember being captivated by the narratives of the resilient indigenous seafarers of the Marianas. Their voyages across the Pacific were not just for exploration, but for survival, unity, and solidarity. What struck me most was their cooperation and collaboration among crew members, who relied on each other's skills and resourcefulness for success and safety. They navigated by stars and currents, overcoming challenges and forging bonds that transcended individual differences. Recently, engaging in interviews with key stakeholders within the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), committed contractors, and dedicated community members, I could not help but draw parallels between our present challenges and the resilient spirit of the seafaring culture. Just as those ancient voyagers grappled with the vast, unpredictable ocean, we find ourselves navigating the complexities of physically improving and managing our public-school infrastructure.

and bureaucratic hurdles, efforts are underway to streamline operations. Vicente “Loy” Escabillas, President of South Bay Builders Corp., advocates for reforms in bidding processes to encourage wider participation and minimize costs, echoing GDOE's commitment to optimizing resource allocation. "Managing the school facilities is a demanding task that requires constant flexibility and adaptation,” explained GDOE reps. This includes but is not limited to issues such as insufficient staffing and material shortages impede progress, often leading to delays in addressing necessary renovations and upgrades. Furthermore, emergencies like burst pipes and break-ins further strain resources and necessitate immediate attention, diverting focus from planned improvements. But despite this, all parties believe that if we all keep working together then they can progress better into the future.

The Challenging Voyage Ahead With the help of John Palomo, GDOE Facility & Maintenance Superintendent and Nikolas Cruz , GDOE Capital Improvement Projects Program Coordinator, we were able to understand the significant hurdle for our public schools as they emphasize the challenge of an aging infrastructure stating, "The majority of GDOE's schools were built more than 50 years ago. Maintaining these old facilities is a challenging task for GDOE, but we are doing our best with the resources we have." K athleen M. Martinez, an Administrative Assistant and active Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) member with GDOE, highlights the urgent need for upgrades, particularly in replacing outdated air conditioning units and renovating restroom facilities. "We have several pressing needs for our school," she states, emphasizing the necessity for modernization to enhance student comfort and hygiene. In addition, efficiency remains a focal point for all involved parties. While GDOE acknowledges systemic challenges, such as delays in procurement processes

Charting the Future Cruz and Palomo explain that the first step is identifying critical areas for improvement is crucial. Sewer line repair and replacement emerge as immediate priorities, alongside perimeter fencing repairs post-Typhoon Mawar. "Sewer line repair/replacement is the most urgent problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible," Cruz emphasizes. GDOE's long-term strategy involves comprehensive assessments and initiatives like the "GDOE Refurbishment Project" to address infrastructure deficiencies systematically. "A comprehensive assessment of the buildings and classrooms at GDOE was conducted by HHF Planners and documented in a report that is now in the possession of the Department of Education," explains GDOE reps. Further, Palomo and Cruz states how imperative the collaboration among stakeholders for the continual enhancement of school facilities, "We recognize the importance of providing a safe and conducive learning environment," stressing the necessity of involving various government entities, contractors, and the local

facebook.com/GuamContractors

FEBRUARY 2024

13


FEATURE STORY

Navigating challenges, including limited resources and post-disaster recovery, requires resilience and solidarity. Martinez highlights the importance of continued support from businesses and individuals, recognizing the collective effort needed to overcome obstacles and sustain progress. “Every little bit of any type of donation is always greatly appreciated," she affirms.

community. They welcome input and feedback from stakeholders, illustrating GDOE's commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives to address facility needs comprehensively. Reflecting on past projects, GDOE emphasizes the significance of effective communication and understanding between stakeholders. They highlight the importance of regular meetings between contractors, project managers, and school principals, asserting, "Clear lines of communication are crucial." This approach aims to ensure alignment with GDOE's expectations and facilitates transparency regarding project progress. By integrating these lessons learned, GDOE endeavors to enhance its practices and foster successful project outcomes that benefit the entire public-school community.

Weaving the Community In Despite these challenges, collaboration between GDOE and selected contractors has seen notable improvements. Both entities are working closely to address concerns promptly, ensuring effective communication and coordination. "The partnership between GDOE and its selected contractors has improved, resulting in better communication, coordination, and cooperation," GDOE reps explained.

14

FEBRUARY 2024

Community-driven initiatives play a pivotal role in supplementing ongoing efforts. Oceanview Middle School's acquisition of sixteen (16) new air conditioning units through private donations showcases the impact of such initiatives. Similarly, grassroots projects led by PTOs contribute to school beautification and readiness, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among stakeholders. "The PTA will initiate projects during school vacation before the start of classes to volunteer parents and students on cleaning surroundings, classrooms, and wall paintings to be ready for school opening," shares Escabillas. Martinez emphasizes the role of Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and stakeholder support in driving positive change, "We reach out to our parents and stakeholders for their support. As a PTO member, we try to do our very best to help…and improve our school with the limited resources that we have.” Just as the indigenous seafarers of Guam and the Marianas relied on each other's strengths to navigate the challenges of the Pacific, the pursuit of educational excellence is a collective endeavor. This is fueled by the unwavering dedication of GDOE, contractors, parents, and the local community. Together, as we navigate challenges and seize opportunities, our commitment to the island's children shines brightly, illuminating the path towards a future filled with promise and possibility ensuring that every child has access to safe and nurturing learning environments, enabling them to embark on their own voyages of discovery.

www.guamcontractors.org



PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

GCA January Luncheon January 17th, 2024 Westin Resort Guam

16

FEBRUARY 2024

www.guamcontractors.org


PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Untalan EVP & Retail Bnkg Region Mgr for Guam & CNMI. Francine Cruz VP & Maite Bnkg Center Mgr. Jose Garcia VP & Tamuning Branch Mgr. Along with Joe Roberto, Chairman and Desiree Lizama, Office Manager

facebook.com/GuamContractors

FEBRUARY 2024

17


PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

GCATA Certificate Ceremony February 7, 2024

18

FEBRUARY 2024

www.guamcontractors.org


PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

GCA Small Business Committee

GCA Committees February Meetings

WHY ADVERTISE IN THE GCA CNB? HIGH READERSHIP & DIRECT DISTRIBUTION.

1,000 COPIES

MEMBER DRIVEN

PRINTED MONTHLY • LOCAL AND NATIONAL CONTRACTOR &

• MARK’S HARDWARE • EAST WEST RENTAL

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

• GUAM HOME CENTER • S.A.M.E.

• GOV GUAM AGENCIES • GUAM LEGISLATURE • MAYOR’S COUNCIL • BENSON

GUAM’S ONLY CONSTRUCTION PUBLICATION GLOBAL REACH VIA GCA WEBSITE WWW.GUAMCONTRACTORS.ORG

• MILITARY CONTRACTING OFFICES

MOBILE DEVICE CONVENIENCE. EASY TO READ ANYTIME.

v v

NEW! YOUR ONLINE AD IS LINKED TO YOUR WEBSITE PAY YOUR FEES & APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT sales.adztech@teleguam.net 671.477.1239

@guamcontractors @adztech

Adztech

Guam Contractors Association

GuamContractors

To view our previous CNB Publications


NEWSLINE

NEWSLINE President Biden’s Final Rule Mandating Project Labor Agreements Takes Effect The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council’s final rule, Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects, took effect on Jan. 22. The final rule implements President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14063, which requires federal construction contracts of $35 million or more to be subjected to controversial project labor agreements. ABC previously issued a statement condemning the anti-competitive and inflationary rule and continues to explore options for challenging and overturning the regulation, including legal action and individual procurement bid protests. Language from the final rule has already begun to be implemented on some federal solicitations. ABC members are encouraged to flag for ABC National’s advocacy team any solicitations with PLA requirements

or pro-PLA language, as well as any federal agency PLA surveys, by emailing noplasfed@abc.org. Of note, the Associated General Contractors filed suit in federal court in Louisiana on Jan. 10 seeking to block the final rule. ABC stands ready to assist members seeking to bid on large-scale federal construction contracts in compliance with the final rule. ABC has drafted a Frequently Asked Questions guide to the PLA rule and other Biden pro-PLA policies to address common contractor and stakeholder inquiries. ABC also recently hosted a webinar on the final rule, with a recording available for ABC members. Additionally, a Dec. 18, 2023 White House Office of Management and Budget memo, M-24-06, Use of Project Labor Agreements on Federal

Construction Projects, provides guidance about how this rule should be implemented by federal agencies and may be useful for contractors bidding on these projects. ABC members are strongly encouraged to participate in this ABC Action grassroots campaign by asking their federal lawmakers to fight the Biden administration’s pro-PLA schemes and co-sponsor the Fair and Open Competition Act (H.R. 1209/S. 537), introduced in the 118th Congress by Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., and Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind. To learn more about how corrupt government-mandated PLAs rig the competitive bidding process, hurt taxpayers and endanger plans to rebuild America’s infrastructure, visit BuildAmericaLocal.com, and access additional ABC resources at abc.org/pla.

Biden Administration Proposes Ban on Federal Contractors Considering Salary History During Hiring On Jan. 30, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council released a proposed rule, Pay Equity and Transparency in Federal Contracting. The proposal would prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from requesting or considering information about a job applicant’s salary history during hiring for certain positions and would also require

them to publicly disclose the salary for certain positions as part of any advertisements for the job opening. Companies would be required to comply with these provisions for any position that will perform work on or in connection with a federal contract. The rule also establishes a complaint process for job applicants to report

contractor noncompliance to the contracting agency. Comments on the proposed rule are due April 1. ABC will be analyzing the proposed rule and participating in the regulatory process.

Information from www.abc.org 20

FEBRUARY 2024

www.guamcontractors.org


SECURITY BYTES

COMMON THREATS

As important as it is to include best practices in your cybersecurity strategy, preventative measures can only go so far. Cyberattacks are constantly evolving, and business owners should be aware of the most common types. To learn more about a specific threat, click on the link provided to view a short video or fact sheet.

MALWARE

Malware (malicious software) is an umbrella term that refers to software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or computer network. Malware can include viruses and ransomware.

VIRUSES

Viruses are harmful programs intended to spread from computers to other connected devices like a disease. Cyber criminals use viruses to gain access to your systems and to cause significant and sometimes unrepairable issues.

RANSOMWARE

PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT TOOLS

There’s no substitute for dedicated IT support, whether it’s an employee or external consultant, but those resources can be expensive. Here is a list of measures (with specific resources noted) that all businesses can take to improve their cybersecurity. Create a cybersecurity plan. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers a cybersecurity planning tool (The Small Biz Cyber Planner 2.0) to help you build a custom strategy and cybersecurity plan based on your unique business needs. Conduct a Cyber Resilience Review - DHS partnered with the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Division of Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute to create the Cyber Resilience Review (CRR). This is a non-technical assessment to evaluate operational resilience and cybersecurity practices. You can either complete the assessment yourself, or request a facilitated assessment by DHS cybersecurity professionals.

Ransomware is a specific type of malware that infects and restricts access to a computer until some sort of ransom is provided. Ransomware will commonly encrypt data on the victim's device and demand money in return for a promise to restore the data. Ransomware exploits unpatched vulnerabilities in software and is usually delivered through phishing emails.

Conduct vulnerability scans- DHS, through its subagency: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also offers free cyber hygiene vulnerability scanning for small businesses. They offer several scanning and testing services to help organizations assess exposure to threats to ultimately help secure systems by addressing known vulnerabilities and adjusting configurations.

SPYWARE

Manage information communication technology (ICT) supply chain risk - Use the ICT Supply Chain Risk Management Toolkit to help shield your business information and communications technology from sophisticated supply chain attacks. Developed by CISA, this toolkit includes strategic messaging, social media, videos, and resources, and is designed to help you raise awareness and reduce the impact of supply chain risks.

Spyware is a form of malware that is designed to gather information from a target, and then send it to another entity without consent. There are types of spyware that are legitimate, legal, and operate for commercial purposes such as advertising data collected by social media platforms, however malicious spyware is used frequently to steal information and send it to other parties.

PHISHING

Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses email or a malicious website to infect your computer or system with malware or to collect sensitive information. Phishing emails appear as though they’ve been sent from a legitimate organization or known individual. These emails often entice users to click on a link or open an attachment containing malicious code. Be very cautious about opening links from unknown sources. If something seems suspicious from a known source, don’t just click on it - ask the source directly if it's legitimate.

ASSESS YOUR BUSINESS RISK

The first step in improving the cybersecurity of your business is understanding the risk of an attack, and where you can make improvements to safeguard your data and systems. A cybersecurity risk assessment can identify where a business is vulnerable, and help you create a plan of action, which should include guidance on user training, securing email platforms, and protecting your business’s information systems and data.

Take advantage of free cybersecurity services and tools - CISA has also compiled a list of free cybersecurity resources including services provided by CISA, widely used open-source tools, and free services offered by private and public sector organizations across the cybersecurity community. Use this living repository of resources to further advance your security capabilities. CISA also provides guidance for small businesses. Maintain DoD industry partner compliance (if applicable) - Of special relevance to federal contractors and subcontractors is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. Its purpose is to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that is shared by the DoD. CMMC is a framework and assessor certification program that provides a model for contractors to meet a set of cybersecurity standards and requirements. It's based on a 3-tiered model (Foundational, Advanced, Expert) that requires companies to implement security measures (and be assessed accordingly), depending on the sensitivity of the information. Rulemaking is currently in progress, but it is essential for contractors to remain up to speed with requirements as a certain CMMC level will be required as a condition of contract award. Information from www.sba.gov

facebook.com/GuamContractors

FEBRUARY 2024

21


BUILDING PERMITS

PE R M I TS FO R N OVE M B E R 2 02 3 PERMIT TYPE

BUILDING PERMIT FEES

Residential

NEW ADD RENO

$4,646,367.52 $923,466 $101,750

$22,351.32 $6,133.88 $782.64

Commercial

NEW ADD RENO

$0 $2,212,026.28 $2,661,938.9

$0 $19,299.23 $25,968.95

$4,061,013.37

$15,319.01

Warehouse/Storage

$605,000

$6,294.75

Utility / Infrastructure

$0

$0

Solar / Photovoltaic

$134,000

$1,683.42

Cannibis Permits

$0

$0

Operating Permits

$0

$0

$2,770

$274.58

$0

$0

$78,240.7

$1,701.98

Boring / Testing

$0

$0

Miscellaneous

$1,357,026

$4,502.15

$16,783,598.77

$104,311.91

Government

Signage Demolition Clearing / Grading

TOTALS

22

CONSTRUCTION COST

FEBRUARY 2024

www.guamcontractors.org


TYPE 2 LENTON FORM SAVERS

STRAIGHT STOCK #3 - 11

2 AUTOMATED STIRRUPS MACHINES UP TO #6

2 AUTOMATED SHEAR LINES UP TO #14

“East Island Tinting made it easy for me when I needed some tint for Meskla, my restaurant. On top of the options that they gave me, they were fast, friendly, informative, and the quality of their work is excellent! The best part is that they guarantee their work! It was a pleasure doing business with them.” Peter Duenas Owner

• FOR ALL YOUR REINFORCING NEEDS •

East Hagåtña 477-TINT (8468) / 472-TINT eastislandtinting@guam.net

• FOR CONTRACTORS AND PUBLIC SALES • CUTTING • BENDING • STRAIGHT STOCK • TIRE WIRE • BAR SUPPORT • DETAILING

LOCATED ON ROUTE 15 ACROSS HAWAIIAN ROCK

Tel: 653-4701 | E-mail: timw@rmpguam.com


24

FEBRUARY 2024 6 3 30 3 3 6 7 14 1 49 27 1 16 6 14

186

5107

A/C & Refrigeration Mechanic Auto CAD Drafter Construction Supervisor Crane Operator Equipment Technician Field Supervisor Foreman HVAC Mechanic

Health & Safety Technician Heavy Equipment Mechanic Landscape Gardener

Lead Carpenter Occupational Health Safety Tech. Paving Machine Operator Tile Setter

Total Other Const. Occupations

Grand Total Construction Occupations

Other Construction Occupations

56 1419 1045 541 23 18 224 610 146 107 0 288 181 101 162 4921

Common Construction Occupations

Camp Cook Carpenter Cement Mason Electrician HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic Construction Equipment Mechanic Heavy Equipment Operator Reinforcing Metal Worker Painter Pipefitter Plasterer Plumber Sheet Metal Worker Structural Steel Worker Welder Total Common Const. Occup.

Total H-2B Workers by Nationality

Australia El Salvador Greece Honduras Japan Korea New Zealand Philippines Romania Thailand Turkey

5226

2 9 2 8 10 26 3 5121 6 19 20

Total Non-Const. H-2B Workers

H-2B Workers by Nationality

119

Personal Care Aid Planning Clerk Quality Control Inspector Shipwright Carpenter Soil Technician Greek Specialty Chef Welder-Fitter

11 8 1 11 4 1 1 11 2 1 21 3 9 7 5 2 3 5 2 2 9

Maintenance Engineer Maintenance Technician Marine Mechanic Painter Blaster

Dental Assistant Dental Auxilary Electrician (Motor Rewinder) Environmental Technician Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Heavy & Tractor Trailer Truck Driver Heavy Equipment Mechanic Lead Transportation Equip. Painter

Automotive Mechanic Baker

Other Non-Construction Occupations

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

3473

GRAND TOTAL HͲ2B Workers

Total U.S. Workers in HͲ2B Companies

US Construction Workers

3903

5226

3473

9010 5107 3903

4262

0 0 0

5226

US WORKERS VS. HͲ2B

GRAND TOTAL H-2B Workers

Total U.S. Workers in H-2B Companies

CES US Workforce (as of June 2023) less H-2B US Construction Workers

Total Occupations

DPRI Authorized

Construction Non-Construction Total H-2B Employers

H-2B Employers By Industry

Employers Workplace Monthly Report Statistics

Pipefitter 2.17%

Painter 2.97%

Construction Equipment Mechanic 0.37% Reinforcing Heavy Metal Equipment Worker Operator 12.40% 4.55%

Korea 0.50% Japan 0.19%

Honduras 0.15%

Greece 0.04%

Turkey 0.38%

El Salvador 0.17%

Thailand 0.36%

Romania 0.11%

Australia 0.04%

Philippines 97.99%

Prepared By: Jessie Ana Cruz and Roseannalynn Canlas CONTACT INFORMATION: Greg Massey, ALPCD Administrator P.O. Box 9970 Tamuning, GU 96931 (671) 475-8005/8003

HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic 0.47%

Electrician 10.99%

Cement Mason 21.24%

HͲ2B WORKERS BY NATIONALITY

Plasterer 0.00%

Plumber 5.85%

New Zealand 0.06%

Sheet Metal Worker 3.68%

Camp Cook 1.14% Welder 3.29% Structural Steel Worker 2.05%

Carpenter 28.84%

COMMON CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONS

MONTH ENDING:

JANUARY 2024

REPORTS/INFORMATION

www.guamcontractors.org


C.O.R.E.

CONTACTS • OPPORTUNITIES • RESOURCES • EDUCATION

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

Black Construction Corporation • First Hawaiian Bank BRONZE SPONSORS Isla Coatings and Roofing Supply • Island Equipment Company G4S Security Systems (Guam), Inc. • Phoenix Pacific (Guam), Inc.



Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.