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PRESIDENT
Desiree Lizama
Guam Contractors’ Association
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Joe Roberto East Island Tinting
CHAIRMAN
Matthew Hunter Dylan Mechanical Construction Services
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Kathleen David Pacific Rim Constructors
SECRETARY / TREASURER
Soraya Vongjalorn Vertex Guam
CONTRACTOR DIRECTORS:
Dean Bates Black Construction Corporation
Nadia Holm ECC
John Limtiaco Pacific Unlimited
AJ Perez Hawaiian Rock Products
Randolf Salas Proferre
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS:
Mark Cruz Mid Pac Far East
Jose Garcia First Hawaiian Bank
Geraldine Leon Guerrero Adztech Advertising and PR
Camilo Lorenzo Matson Navigation

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.
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
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.
Distributed to GCA members or can be obtained by stopping by the Guam Contractors’ Association office located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913
To find out more about how you can become a GCA member contact Guam Contractors’ Association at Tel: (671) 647-4840/41 or Email: info@guamcontractors.org www.guamcontractors.org
Postmaster: Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913
PUBLISHER: Desiree Lizama
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero
AD SALES: Alyssa Roces
PRODUCTION: Jason Davis
Alyssa Roces
Christopher “Taco” Rowland
PHOTOGRAPHY: Alyssa Roces
Christopher “Taco” Rowland
EDITOR: Adztech
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Francine Taitague
Rodney “RJ” Ricarte
GCA STAFF: Francine Taitague
Trevor Cruz
Rosielyn Holgado
Peter Finona
COVER: Congratulations to the nominees and winners of GCA’s 2025 EIC & COY Awards.



The Guam Contractors Association celebrated excellence across our construction industry on November 1 at the Hyatt Regency, recognizing the best in Guam for outstanding achievement in quality, safety, and community leadership.
The evening showcased the depth of talent and commitment of 32 companies that make Guam's construction sector a model of professional excellence.
Black Construction Corporation claimed the prestigious 2025 Excellence in Construction First Place Overall Project Award for its FY19 MCON Project P-735 Machine Gun Range. This winning project will represent Guam in the Associated Builders and Contractors' national Excellence in Construction Awards competition. Once again, our island's construction quality will compete on the national stage, demonstrating that Guam projects rival the best work anywhere.
BME & Sons, Inc., earned Second Place Overall for its Proposed New Multi-Purpose Recreation and Emergency Center, while Pacific Rim Constructors, Inc., captured Third Place Overall for its J017-II Utilities and Site Improvements Phase II Main and Commercial Gates. These projects exemplify the innovation and technical expertise that define modern construction in Guam.
Pacific Rim Constructors received additional recognition as the 2025 GCA Contractor of the Year. This distinguished award evaluates companies across multiple dimensions: industry prominence, safety performance, health and wellness programs, environmental responsibility, workforce development, and community service. Pacific Rim's achievement reflects a comprehensive commitment to excellence that extends far beyond individual projects.
Safety remained a central focus throughout the evening. Ian Corporation won the "Samoan Joe Excellence in Construction Special Safety Award" for its Renovate Air Traffic Control Tower Building 18015 project. Named in memory of respected safety professional Joseph Leasiolagi, this award recognizes the highest-scoring entry in the safety category, honoring companies that make worker protection their top priority.
Fifteen GCA members participated in the Safety Training Evaluation Process this year, evaluating their programs against 25 key safety components. This world-class benchmarking tool continues transforming safety culture across our industry, regardless of company size or specialization.
STEP award recipients demonstrated varying levels of safety excellence: Smithbridge Guam, Inc., achieved Bronze level; Polyphase System, Inc., earned Silver. Eight companies reached Platinum level: BME & Sons, Core Tech International, DZSP21, Landscape Management Systems, Pacific Federal Management, Proferre, and others.
Seven companies achieved the highest Diamond level distinction, including Black Construction Corporation, CMS Corporation, Hawaiian Rock Products, HDCC Guam, IAN Construction Corporation, Pacific Rim Constructors, and Vertex Guam.
The full list of winners is in this month’s Construction News Bulletin.
Since 1997, these annual awards have promoted quality construction and superior craftsmanship throughout our island. They recognize companies building more than structures—they're building careers, strengthening safety cultures, and setting standards that elevate our entire industry.
These achievements continue building Guam for a better tomorrow.
Desiree Lizama President Guam Contractors Association











By Francine Taitague Education Director Guam Contractors Association

Soon we’ll be gathering around tables this Thanksgiving season, expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives.
Just as a perfectly prepared holiday meal requires the right ingredients, careful preparation, and skilled execution, creating a successful apprenticeship program for veterans demands thoughtful planning and commitment. But the rewards are as satisfying as that first bite of pumpkin pie.
Our island’s veterans are retiring from service, searching for careers that honor their dedication and utilize their considerable talents. The construction industry offers an ideal match for these skilled individuals. Think of an apprenticeship program as your company's way of extending opportunity while strengthening your own workforce.
Consider the qualities vetersna bring to the table. Their discipline and work ethic, seasoned through military service, make them natural fits for construction's demanding environment. Leadership abilities and teamwork understanding, essential ingredients in military operations, blend seamlessly into construction sites where collaboration keeps projects moving forward. Their capacity to handle pressure and pivot when situations change proves invaluable in an industry where deadlines loom and surprises arise regularly. Many veterans also possess technical expertise and adaptability that can be applied across various construction trades.
Apprenticeship programs offer the perfect serving platter for veteran success. The structured learning mirrors military training methods, helping ease the transition to civilian work. These programs provide hands-on experience, allowing veterans to season their existing knowledge with new, industry-specific skills. Veterans benefit from
applying their military experience in fresh contexts while building additional competencies. The earn-while-you-learn approach provides financial stability during this transition, much like having a reliable recipe to fall back on. Industry certifications and qualifications gained through apprenticeships enhance long-term career prospects.
Veterans' existing capabilities often reduce training costs, while their leadership experience improves team dynamics, creating more efficient and cohesive work environments. Companies may also qualify for tax incentives, adding financial advantages to operational benefits.
Starting a veteran-focused apprenticeship program requires planning, but the harvest is bountiful. Tailoring recruitment to emphasize how construction careers align with military skills attracts more veteran candidates.
I urge all construction companies to consider creating or expanding apprenticeship programs for veterans. It's not just good business; it's a way to honor and support those who have served our country.
The GCA keeps track of hours worked and the education progress of the apprentices in your program. We can guide your company through the whole process.
Join the list of companies that have, or are in the process of, creating an apprenticeship program to enhance the skills of its workforce.
I can help you! Interested in learning more? Please contact me at (671) 647-4841 or francine.taitague@guamcontractors.org.

































































































































By Rodney “RJ” Ricarte
TakeCare Insurance Company, Inc. (TakeCare) has recently received the renewal of its accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), reaffirming our commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to our members.
The AAAHC is a respected leader in healthcare quality standards. Since 1979, this private, non-profit organization has advanced patient safety and quality care through rigorous peer-based accreditation processes. Currently, AAAHC accredits more than 6,000 organizations nationwide, including ambulatory surgery centers, community health centers, medical group practices, and managed care organizations like TakeCare.
This accreditation carries significant weight—many state and federal regulators recognize AAAHC standards as meeting stringent operational requirements in critical areas such as quality management, patient safety, network adequacy, and provider credentialing.
What the Accreditation Process Involves
AAAHC auditors conducted a comprehensive examination of TakeCare's procedures and operations across ten essential subject areas including member rights, responsibilities, and protections; governance and administration; provider network credentialing and network adequacy; case management and care coordination; health education and wellness promotion; clinical records and health information; and quality improvement and risk management programs.
TakeCare holds the distinction of being the first health plan in the region to receive AAAHC accreditation. We first earned this recognition in 2016, renewed in 2019, renewed again in 2022, and this 2025 renewal extends through 2028.
This accreditation renewal demonstrates TakeCare's ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards in healthcare delivery. Behind the scenes, it means your health plan undergoes regular, independent evaluation by external experts to ensure we're meeting nationally recognized benchmarks for quality, safety, and member service.
The accreditation process holds us accountable to established best practices in healthcare management. When you call our member services team, visit a network provider, or need case management support, you can be confident that these services are backed by systems and processes that have been thoroughly reviewed and validated against industry standards.
Thank you for your continued confidence in TakeCare. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Rodney “RJ” Ricarte is the TakeCare account executive for GCA. He can be contacted at (671) 487-7121 or rodney.ricarte@takecareasia.com.
Insurance Company, Inc.
e First accredited Health Plan on Guam.

akeCare Insurance Company, Inc. has achieved another three year health plan accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Through AAAHC accreditation, health plans demonstrate their commitment to providing high quality services and patient care for their members
Health plans seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and a rigorous on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in health care organizations. Below are the characteristics that are indicative of an accreditable health plan



















Delivering precision, safety, and excellence in every detail.
Black Construction Corporation (BCC), one of Guam’s most enduring builders of complex military and civilian infrastructure, earned top honors as a 2025 GCA Excellence in Construction Award winner for its successful completion of the FY19 MCON P-735 Machine Gun Range in U.S. Naval Support Activity, Andersen, Guam. The project showcases Black Construction’s hallmark capabilities: technical mastery, disciplined execution, and an unyielding commitment to safety and quality, on a facility that directly supports the readiness of U.S. forces in the Pacific.
Built under the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific, this multi-range complex required meticulous coordination and rigorous attention to detail. The project involved construction of multiple live-fire training ranges, support buildings, control structures, and safety berms engineered to meet stringent Department of Defense design and environmental standards. From the first site clearing to final turnover, Black Construction’s team combined local experience and expertise to meet the Navy’s demanding specifications within the constraints of Guam’s unique terrain and climate.
The Machine Gun Range project required significant earthwork and precision grading to create safe ballistic zones, while also implementing comprehensive environmental protection measures. The team managed complex logistics to haul, compact, and stabilize large volumes of soil, ensuring structural integrity for the range’s impact areas and protective barriers. Reinforced concrete firing lines, covered canopies, ammunition storage facilities, and advanced target-retrieval systems were constructed to exacting tolerances. Each feature had to balance mission-critical performance with environmental stewardship, minimizing runoff, preserving native vegetation, and integrating stormwater controls that would perform under heavy rainfall conditions common to the region.
Executing this scope on Andersen’s northern plateau, an area known for its coral limestone layers and limited access routes, posed constant challenges. Black Construction drew on its deep bench of local tradesmen and seasoned project managers to overcome material supply delays, weather disruptions, and technical adjustments. Close coordination with NAVFAC’s design and safety teams ensured that every change was resolved swiftly, maintaining schedule momentum without compromising compliance or quality.
The company's “Plan-Do-Check-Act” approach was central to its success. Each work phase was reviewed for constructability and risk, from excavation sequencing to concrete placement and range alignment. The team leveraged advanced surveying technology and 3D modeling to maintain ballistic geometry, verifying that sightlines and deflection zones met Navy and Marine Corps range

safety standards. This level of precision was vital for a facility that will be used daily for live-fire training and qualification.
Safety remained a non-negotiable priority throughout. The project recorded an exceptional safety performance, achieving zero lost-time incidents despite thousands of man-hours logged under challenging field conditions. Black Construction’s comprehensive safety culture, anchored in daily toolbox meetings, proactive hazard assessments, and peer-to-peer accountability, reflected the company’s belief that excellence in construction is inseparable from the protection of its workforce. NAVFAC’s own inspectors noted the team’s consistent adherence to EM-385-1-1 and OSHA standards, setting a benchmark for other contractors in the region.
Beyond the technical demands, Black Construction’s project management excellence was evident in its communication and teamwork. The company’s engineers, field supervisors, and subcontractors maintained open coordination with the client, ensuring transparency on progress, testing results, and design clarifications. Weekly progress meetings and digital reporting tools kept NAVFAC fully informed and aligned with site operations. The project was turned over on time and within budget—an achievement that speaks volumes given the supply constraints and unpredictable weather that have characterized Guam’s construction environment in recent years.
The completed Machine Gun Range now stands as a testament to Black Construction’s ability to deliver mission-ready infrastructure that enhances the readiness and capability of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is not only a technical achievement but also a strategic investment in regional defense, a facility designed to serve generations of service members stationed on Guam and across the Indo-Pacific theater.
Winning the GCA Excellence in Construction Award underscores more than just the quality of this single project; it highlights the company’s ongoing legacy of leadership within Guam’s construction industry. For over six decades, Black Construction has helped shape the island’s modern landscape, from major military installations and commercial centers to utilities, schools, and community facilities. Their proven ability to meet world-class standards while employing local talent continues to strengthen Guam’s workforce and infrastructure resilience.
The Machine Gun Range project captures what has long defined Black Construction: disciplined execution, collaboration, innovation, and integrity in every build. The award is a reminder that excellence, when pursued consistently, becomes not just a goal but a company’s identity. Through this achievement, Black Construction continues to set the bar high for the industry, building not only structures but also enduring trust and capability across the island and the Pacific region.
In an era defined by transformation and challenge, Pacific Rim Constructors, Inc. has distinguished itself as a builder not just of projects, but of people, purpose, and progress. Now celebrating its recognition as the 2025 Guam Contractors Association (GCA) Contractor of the Year, Pacific Rim represents the best of Guam’s construction industry, a company that leads with integrity, innovation, and compassion, and proves that being a small business doesn’t mean thinking small.
Founded in 2012, Pacific Rim Constructors began as a small Guam-based general contractor driven by a simple mission: to build better, for clients, for workers, and for the island the company calls home.
In just over a decade, that mission has grown into a legacy of excellence. The company has successfully completed more than $500 million in projects across Guam and the Pacific, including the landmark $176 million Replace Housing Phases VII & VIII at Andersen Air Force Base — its largest federal contract to date.
As a HUBZone-certified small business, Pacific Rim has earned national recognition for its professionalism, precision, and partnership, while remaining deeply rooted in the island community that shaped it.
“Our foundation rests on one defining principle — our people and our culture.”
— Keith J. Stewart, President & CEO
Safety at Pacific Rim isn’t a department, it’s a way of life. Through its award-winning “Target Zero; Safety Hero” initiative, every employee, from executives to craft workers, takes ownership of preventing incidents and protecting one another.
That culture of vigilance has earned the company one of the highest honors in the U.S. construction industry, the ABC National Safety Pinnacle Award.
Supported by innovative, in-house digital tools such as the Safety Intervention App, Good Catch App, and Safety Analytics Dashboard, Pacific Rim’s teams can report hazards in real time, analyze trends, and reward proactive safety behavior through its incentive-based Safety Hero Program.
Even before crews arrive on island, the company invests in safety training conducting pre-deployment instruction in the Philippines to ensure every worker joins the team prepared and empowered.
“Every incident is preventable. Every life matters.”
As a Guam-headquartered builder, Pacific Rim recognizes its responsibility to protect the island’s natural resources. Its Environmental Management System, aligned with ISO 14001 standards, integrates erosion control, waste reduction, and pollution prevention into every project.
Pacific Rim’s energy-efficient housing projects, featuring solar water heaters and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, demonstrate how sustainability can also serve community affordability, lowering costs for families while conserving energy.
Through annual coastal cleanups, local sourcing, and continuous innovation in green construction, Pacific Rim is shaping a more sustainable future for Guam: one project, one shoreline, and one household at a time.
What truly sets Pacific Rim apart is its belief that construction is ultimately about people.
Each year, the company invests more than $50,000 in workforce development, a significant commitment for a small business. Its initiatives include:
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Bootcamp: the first independently hosted program of its kind in Guam, training 15 project managers for global certification.
• Train-the-Trainer Program: transforming experienced employees into in-house mentors who multiply knowledge across teams.
• Apprenticeship Program: conducted in partnership with the Guam Contractors Association and the Guam Department of Labor, nurturing local tradespeople in carpentry, heavy equipment operation, and other skilled professions.
• Continuous Learning Culture: providing every employee with an annual training allowance and opportunities for leadership, certification, and cross-disciplinary learning.
From apprentices to executives, every member of the Pacific Rim team is encouraged to grow, share knowledge, and lead by example.
“We don’t just build projects — we build careers, leaders, and lasting opportunities.”
Pacific Rim’s success is deeply intertwined with its compassion for the community it serves. Employees are empowered to initiate volunteer projects, from First Aid and CPR training for single mothers, to Toys for Tots drives, to the company’s annual beach cleanup that unites staff and families in environmental stewardship.
The company’s partnerships extend across civic and nonprofit organizations, from the Guam Diabetes Association to Catholic Social Service, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, reflecting a spirit of inclusion and responsibility that reaches well beyond the jobsite.
At Pacific Rim, giving back isn’t a corporate initiative, it’s a personal commitment shared by every employee.
For President and CEO Keith Stewart, leadership means showing up, on the jobsite, in the classroom, and in the community. His philosophy of “building with Guam, not just in Guam” has guided Pacific Rim’s rise from a small contractor to a national safety leader and trusted partner in the region’s growing defense and development landscape.
Today, as the 2025 GCA Contractor of the Year, Pacific Rim Constructors embodies what it means to lead with purpose: combining world-class performance with local heart.
From digital innovation and environmental sustainability to workforce empowerment and community service, Pacific Rim’s impact extends far beyond its construction sites. It builds trust, uplifts people, and strengthens Guam’s future, proving that excellence, when paired with compassion, can truly build a better world.
“We don’t just build for Guam — we build with Guam.”



2025 PREMIER AWARDS NIGHT

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - BRONZE: PHOENIX PACIFIC (GUAM), INC.

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - SILVER: FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - GOLD: AMERICAN’S BEST ELECTRIC MART

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - GOLD: HAWTHORNE PACIFIC

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - GOLD: CORE TECH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - PLATINUM: HENSEL PHELPS


C.O.R.E SPONSOR - PLATINUM: BLACK CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - PLATINUM: MATSON NAVIGATION

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - PLATINUM: GRANITE

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - PLATINUM: PACIFIC RIM CONSTRUCTORS

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - PLATINUM: HAWAIIAN ROCK PRODUCTS


C.O.R.E SPONSOR - PLATINUM PACIFIC RIM CONSTRUCTORS


2025 PREMIER AWARDS NIGHT

C.O.R.E SPONSOR - DIAMOND TAKECARE

2024 GCA CHAMPION AWARD


2025 PREMIER AWARDS NIGHT

STEP AWARDS - BRONZE �SMITHBRIDGE GUAM, INC.

STEP AWARDS - PLATINUM �BME & SONS, INC.

STEP AWARDS - SILVER �POLYPHASE SYSTEM, INC.

STEP AWARDS - PLATINUM �CORE TECH INTERNATIONAL

STEP AWARDS - PLATINUM �LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC.

STEP AWARDS - PLATINUM �PACIFIC FEDERAL MANAGEMENT, INC.



STEP AWARDS - PLATINUM �PROFERRE, INC.

STEP AWARDS - DIAMOND










COMMERCIAL $25 TO $100 MILLION

WINNER – GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY GUAM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT/MILITARY
TO $15 MILLION
WINNER – PACIFIC FEDERAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

TO $100 MILLION



FEDERAL GOVERNMENT/MILITARY $15 TO $100 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – PACIFIC RIM CONSTRUCTORS , INC.

HEALTH CARE $25 TO $100 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – CORE TECH – HDCC KAJIMA, LLC

INSTITUTIONAL - $15 TO $35 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – CORE TECH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT/MILITARY $100 TO $250 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – BLACK CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

INSTITUTIONAL – UP TO $15 MILLION CATEGORY WINNER – BME & SONS, INC.

GENERAL PUBLIC WORKS/ENVIRONMENTAL UP TO $250 MILLION MERIT WINNER – PROFERRE, INC.



GENERAL PUBLIC WORKS/ENVIRONMENTAL UP TO $250 MILLION CATEGORY WINNER – PROFERRE, INC.

RENOVATION – UP TO $5 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – CORE TECH INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

RESIDENTIAL: SINGLE-FAMILY UP TO $100 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – SMITHBRIDGE GUAM, INC.

RENOVATION – UP TO $5 MILLION MERIT WINNER – PFM – VERTEX JV

RENOVATION $20 TO $100 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – CORE TECH – HDCC – KAJIMA, LLC

RESIDENTIAL: MULTIFAMILY AND CONDOMINIUM UP TO $100 MILLION CATEGORY WINNER – PACIFIC RIM CONSTRUCTORS, INC.



















EXTERIOR FINISHES – ALL CONTRACT AMOUNTS
CATEGORY WINNER – CORE TECH – HDCC – KAJIMA, LLC

SITEWORK/ LANDSCAPE/HARDSCAPE ALL CONTRACT AMOUNTS
CATEGORY WINNER – PACIFIC RIM CONSTRUCTORS, INC.

SITEWORK/ LANDSCAPE/HARDSCAPE ALL CONTRACT AMOUNTS MERIT WINNER – GLOBAL PACIFIC DESIGN BUILDERS, LLC

SPECIALTY CONSTRUCTION
COMMERCIAL $3 TO $10 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – SMITHBRIDGE GUAM, INC.

SPECIALTY CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRIAL – UP TO $3 MILLION
CATEGORY WINNER – SMITHBRIDGE GUAM, INC.


2025 PREMIER AWARDS NIGHT

THE 2025 “SAMOAN JOE EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION SPECIAL SAFETY AWARD” IAN CORPORATION
RENOVATE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER BUILDING 18015

TOP OVERALL EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS
THIRD PLACE: PACIFIC RIM CONSTRUCTORS, INC. J017-II UTILITIES AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS PHASE II MAIN AND COMMERCIAL GATES

SECOND PLACE: BME & SONS, INC.
PROPOSED NEW MULTI – PURPOSE RECREATION AND EMERGENCY CENTER


2025 PREMIER AWARDS NIGHT

FIRST PLACE OVERALL: BLACK CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION FY19 MCON PROJECT P-735 MACHINE GUN RANGE

PACIFIC RIM CONSTRUCTORS, INC. THE 2025 CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR











































15th, 2025
The Westin Resort Guam






































