Hawthorne Cat has partnered with South Pacific Petroleum Corporation to offer our valued customers on-site fuel delivery services. You tell us where and when to deliver and our trucks will pump fuel into your fleet, equipment, or bulk tanks.
Call 671.649.4249 to schedule our on-site fuel delivery services.
31st
Over 23 cleanup locations across the Island to choose from!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
Showtime: 6:30am for most sites
• Register Now at: https://bsp.guam.gov/gicc2025/
• Trash Bags and Gloves are provided.
• Free T-Shirts for Participants (While Supplies Last)
• Service Learning Credits Available for Students!
Need More Information? Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Contact Steven Dierking at the Guam Coastal Management Program: 671-475-9647 or email steven.dierking@bsp.guam.gov | bsp.guam.gov/gicc2025/
SEPTEMBER
THEDIRECTORS THEEDITORIALS
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
THETEAM
PUBLISHER: Desiree Lizama
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero
AD SALES: Alyssa Roces
PRODUCTION: Jason Davis
Alyssa Roces
Christopher “Taco” Rowland
PHOTOGRAPHY: Paradis Jolie Fejerang
Christopher “Taco” Rowland
EDITOR: Adztech
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Francine Taitague
Patricia “Patti” L. Diego
Myracle S. Mugol
Rodney “RJ” Ricarte
GCA STAFF: Francine Taitague
Trevor Cruz
Rosielyn Holgado
Peter Finona
COVER:
GCA and GCA Trades Academy explain the demand, challenges, priorities, and benefits of a career in construction.
PRESIDENT’S
CELEBRATING CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION MONTH: BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER
Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero will once again proclaim October as “Careers in Construction Month” in Guam. This annual designation represents more than just recognition, it symbolizes our island's commitment to developing a skilled, local workforce that can meet our growing construction needs.
The GCA has been fortunate to receive unwavering support from our island's leadership. Since the early years of Governor Felix Camacho’s administration, Guam’s governors have consistently proclaimed October as Careers in Construction Month. Governor Eddie Calvo continued this tradition throughout his tenure, and now Governor Leon Guerrero carries forward the initiative. This bipartisan support demonstrates that workforce development in Guam’s construction industry transcends politics. It’s about Guam's economic future.
Careers in Construction Month serves multiple critical purposes: attracting new talent to address our labor shortage, educating students and career changers about opportunities in our industry, and promoting construction as a stable, well-paying career path with advancement potential.
This initiative is about more than filling job openings. It's about creating generational opportunities for our families. When we invest in our people’s skills and careers, we strengthen our entire community and build the foundation for sustained prosperity.
The construction industry in Guam stands at a pivotal moment. With more infrastructure projects on the horizon and continued development across our island, we have an unprecedented opportunity to create lasting careers for our local workforce.
Our vision extends beyond meeting immediate labor demands. We’re cultivating a generation of skilled professionals who will lead Guam’s construction industry into the future.
Through training programs and partnerships with the GCA Trades Academy, Guam Community College and the Guam Department of Labor, we’re ensuring that Guam’s workforce has access to cutting-edge skills training and nationally recognized certifications. This means our local professionals can compete not just locally, but in construction markets throughout the Pacific region and beyond.
The ripple effects of a strong local construction workforce extend far beyond job creation. When we reduce our reliance on imported labor, we keep more dollars circulating in our local economy. When we train our young people in high-demand skills, we give them reasons to stay in Guam and build their futures here, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Governor Leon Guerrero. Together, we're building not just structures, but futures—one career at a time.
Join us this October in celebrating the construction professionals who build our island's future.
Desiree Lizama President Guam Contractors Association
APPRENTICESHIP
By Francine Taitague Education Director Guam Contractors Association
5 WAYS TO END 2025 STRONG BY STARTING YOUR COMPANY'S APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
As 2025 draws to a close, there's no better time to invest in your company's future than by launching an apprenticeship program. Here's your roadmap to implementing a program that will strengthen your team and boost your competitive edge.
1. Evaluate Current Gaps and Define Success Metrics
Begin by conducting a thorough analysis of your workforce requirements, both immediate and long-term. Pinpoint the critical skills shortages that are hindering your company's growth potential. Establish measurable objectives for your apprenticeship initiative—whether that's reducing turnover, improving productivity, or building specialized expertise. These benchmarks will serve as your foundation for tracking the program's impact.
2. Build a Comprehensive Training Framework
Craft a structured apprenticeship pathway that combines hands-on experience with formal education components. Your framework should specify program length, learning milestones, and competency requirements. Designate experienced team members as mentors and clearly outline their coaching responsibilities. This dual approach ensures apprentices gain practical skills while building theoretical knowledge.
3. Forge Strategic Educational Alliances
Connect with me at the Guam Contractors Association to ensure your program meets industry benchmarks. The GCA offers tracking services for apprentice hours and educational advancement, simplifying program management for your company.
4. Implement a Multi-Channel Talent Acquisition Strategy
Cast a wide net when sourcing apprentice candidates by exploring both internal promotion opportunities and external recruitment channels. Utilize diverse selection methods including skills assessments, structured interviews, career fairs, and employee referrals. This comprehensive approach helps identify individuals with the right combination of motivation, aptitude, and cultural fit.
5. Establish Continuous Development and Feedback Systems
Create robust support mechanisms that guide apprentices through their learning journey. Schedule regular progress reviews, provide actionable feedback, and maintain open dialogue between all program participants. Continuously refine your approach based on outcomes and participant input to maximize program effectiveness.
Ensure your apprenticeship program complies with relevant labor laws and regulations. Be prepared to invest time, resources, and effort into the program, as it can take time to yield the desired results. A well-structured apprenticeship program can contribute significantly to employee development, skills enhancement, and overall organizational success.
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.
I can help you! Interested in learning more? Please contact me at (671) 647-4841 or francine.taitague@guamcontractors.org.
EMPOWER YOUR WORKFORCE TO BE HEALTHY: GCA MEMBERS CAN OFFER THE BALANCED LIFESTYLE ADVANTAGE
By Rodney “RJ” Ricarte
TakeCare encourages Guam Contractor Association members to offer the “Balanced Lifestyle” for their employees. GCA member employees can live healthier and be active, eat right, relax and unwind, and stay socially connected. These are the four pillars of a balanced lifestyle.
Through the TakeCare GCA Employee Health Plan, GCA members can help their employees become healthy by enrolling in fitness and wellness programs while taking advantage of available incentives. Digital tools make it easy to explore and understand your health benefits, putting valuable information right at your fingertips.
Comprehensive Health Education Programs
Give your employees access to life-changing wellness resources. TakeCare provides no-cost health education classes covering nutrition, heart disease prevention, smoking cessation, and diabetes control. Your team members can benefit from the region's only CDC-recognized diabetes prevention program, plus cancer prevention education and structured fitness programs that keep them healthy and reduce your healthcare costs.
Rewarding Wellness Achievement
Transform employee health into measurable results. TakeCare's wellness and fitness incentive programs offer cash rewards for eligible individuals and families who meet qualifying criteria. Your employees can earn incentives by completing annual physicals, vision and dental exams, health screenings, and online health assessments. When they achieve health measurement goals or healthy outcomes, they're rewarded financially.
Your workforce gains access to 21 fitness partners in Guam, with opportunities to earn fitness incentives through approved activities like walking, jogging, swimming, and biking. The mobile app allows easy self-reporting of 30-minute activities, making wellness tracking simple and rewarding.
Digital Health Management Tools
Equip your employees with cutting-edge technology. TakeCare's comprehensive digital platform includes a mobile app, TIVA Virtual Assistant, Birdie prescription management, and Personify Health fitness programming. These secure tools help your team understand and manage their benefits efficiently, available through Apple App Store or Google Play, plus online access at takecareasia.com.
Complete Healthcare Solutions
Provide one-stop healthcare convenience. TakeCare GCA Employee Health Plan members access the FHP Health Center, offering medical, dental, and vision services mostly under one roof. From well-baby visits to adult physicals, pediatric care through age 18, and comprehensive women's health services, your employees receive convenient, quality care.
For your business operations, FHP's Occupational Health delivers essential corporate medical services including employee physicals, drug testing, respiratory certifications, health certificates, and workers' compensation case management.
Start today by exploring how the TakeCare GCA Employee Health Plan can enhance your employee benefits package and strengthen your competitive position in retaining your employees.
Rodney “RJ” Ricarte, the TakeCare account executive for GCA, can be contacted at (671) 487-7121 or rodney.ricarte@takecareasia.com.
TRADE UP:
WHY CONSTRUCTION IS A SMART
CAREER
CHOICE IN
GUAM
By: Myracle S. Mugol
Guam’s construction industry is more than an economic sector, it is part of the fabric of daily life. Roads, schools, homes, utilities. This all relies on the skilled hands and technical know-how of the construction workforce. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistic, as of May 2024, 6,970 jobs, or roughly 11.2% of all employment on island, are in the Construction & Extraction sector. The average wage in that category is about $19/hour.
At the same time, there is both opportunity and need: many local projects, rising infrastructure demands, and employer feedback all point to serious demand for skilled trade workers. But demand alone isn’t enough; people need viable paths into those careers. That is where the Guam Contractors Association (GCA), the GCA Trades Academy, Guam Community College, and partners come in. In interviews, Desiree Lizama, President for the Guam Contractors Association and Dr. Bert Johnston with GCA Trades Academy, who share their insights on the challenges, opportunities, and the steps Guam is taking to build a skilled local workforce.
Demand, Training & Local Alignment
The GCA Trades Academy, founded in 2006, was developed to provide a nationally recognized industry skills training center (NCCER credentialed), support U.S. Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship training programs, and meet the skilled labor needs of Guam’s construction contractors. Classes include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, safety technology, project management, welding, diesel mechanics, and more.
Some key metrics: more than 5,000 people have been trained through the Academy, and over 50,000 training modules (NCCER modules) have been completed. The Academy’s facility in Tiyan (Barrigada) includes shop space, classrooms, labs, multipurpose rooms, opened in 2021 with support from an Economic Development Administration grant and others.
Dr. Bert Johnston shared in our interview that among students locally, electrical and HVAC are by far the most popular programs. He explained:
“What people are interested in getting trained in locally has been electrical and HVAC. Those have been the two most popular. But there’s a huge demand for welders and there’s a huge demand for truck driving [from employers]. And so, we’re finally doing welding and we’re doing diesel mechanics now.”
He emphasized, “every single one of our people that go through the HVAC and electrical program get picked up.” These statements reflect both student demand and employer needs aligning closely.
Road Blocks and Challenges
As Guam pushes to scale up its construction workforce, not all barriers are on the job site. Policy delays and shifting technology are quietly reshaping what’s possible, and what skills will be in demand.
Among the biggest roadblocks in Guam’s construction sector is the permitting process. “Slow process in approval of permits affect workforce planning by disrupting and
discouraging hiring, which makes construction more expensive,” said Desiree Lizama of GCA. Contractors confirm that long waiting periods add months to project timelines.
Meanwhile, technology is shifting what the workforce needs. As Dr. Bert Johnston observes, “What’s going to replace somebody is somebody that knows AI.” The shift is real: digital tools, tablets and phones, virtual diagnostics are replacing some traditional tools, requiring new skills in troubleshooting, data use, and adaptability. Training programs will need to evolve. There is a need to incorporate AI literacy, digital safety, and modern diagnostics in order for Guam’s construction workforce is to stay competitive and meet both current demand and future opportunities.
GCA Key Priorities
From our interview, Desiree Lizama outlined four top priorities for GCA’s workforce development efforts:
1. Expand employer-driven apprenticeships and earn-while-you-learn pathways so trainees gain pay and real project experience from day one.
2. Deepen partnerships with the GCA Trades Academy, Guam Community College, and local high schools to align curricula with what industry needs, and build clear career ladders.
3. Invest in instructor capacity and modern labs/simulators so that training keeps pace with both new technologies and strict safety standards.
4. Improve outreach and career navigation so that students, parents, and counselors understand the earning potential, mobility, and long-term opportunities in the trades.
Lizama stressed the importance of building strong foundations for young people to enter construction careers, saying:
“The NCCER Core program … is a foundational curriculum designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions … Trainees must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a combination of written exams and hands-on performance tests.”
Guam’s GCA Trades Academy offers “Core Curriculum” classes, including basic safety, construction math, hand tools/power tools, construction drawings, and materials handling, through cohorts that often include both Department of Education and Labor students. Upon completion, students receive NCCER certification and are better positioned to move into specialized trades.
She also highlighted school outreach as crucial for changing how students and families see the trades:
“School outreach is crucial…We meet with students in schools to encourage them to consider the construction industry… and understand the earning potential, mobility, and long-term opportunities in the trades.”
These efforts pay off: in 2024, thirty-eight students received level-completion certificates in the Core Curriculum and Construction Craft Laborer classes from the GCA Trades Academy, reflecting growing interest and participation.
Apprenticeship- Training Leads to Employment
One of the most effective paths is the apprenticeship model, which combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. In Guam, the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program (GRAP) involves:
• The GCA Trades Academy providing the classroom portion of training, typically using NCCER curricula.
• Employers indenturing apprentices, providing journeyman supervision on job sites.
• Completion leads to certification by the U.S. Department of Labor in the specific trade.
This model allows learners to earn money while training, gaining both theory and practical experience, a much stronger and faster route into skilled work than classroom only. Dr. Johnston noted that one third of the Academy’s student population is currently in apprenticeship status.
Careers Possible
With training and the right pathway, many trades and related roles are open. Some examples:
• Skilled trade worker (e.g. electrician, plumber, HVAC tech, welder, diesel mechanic) are hands-on, usually with strong demand.
• Support or supervisory roles (e.g. project manager, safety technician, estimator) combine field experience with management or technical oversight.
• Technical support / modern systems roles are for example, electronic systems technicians, remote monitoring systems, solar PV installation.
Careers vary in pay, depending on trade, experience, employer, and certifications. But data shows one need not start at the bottom forever as trainings, certifications and apprenticeships can be made available.
Why Construction Careers?
In interviews, both Lizama and Johnston addressed what they would tell those considering a career start or change.
To high school students, Lizama said: “A career in the construction industry can be an excellent choice for a high school student because the career can offer a clear path to a well-paying, stable career without the high cost and commitment of a four-year college degree. If a student is a hands-on learner, the trades is a great fit. Many students are not suited for a four-year degree. Construction positions are in high demand, and the work is hands-on and can provide a strong sense of accomplishment.”
For mid-career adults, she explained: “Mid-career adults should consider a career in the construction industry due to a variety of factors, including high demand for skilled workers, competitive salaries, and diverse opportunities for advancement. The industry is currently experiencing a significant labor shortage … Many careers include ‘inside jobs’ such as accounting, finance, project management, training and safety.”
Dr. Johnston had this to offer on trying trades: “Construction is not for everybody. But if you don’t know whether you like it or not, just simply take a class. If you like it, take another one. If you don’t like it, go find what you enjoy. But you won’t know until you sample it.”
And on combining trade work with academic options: “It doesn’t have to be either or. You can do both. And we are now seeing people go into the trades and make enough money to pay for the college education so they don’t have to go into debt.”
Skills that Can Help on the Pathway
Construction careers in Guam are more accessible than many realize, this is thanks to the growing structure of training, apprenticeships, and partnerships between institutions. Whether you are finishing high school or considering a career change, having certain qualities can make entry into the trades smoother and more rewarding.
Some of the qualities include:
• A willingness to work with your hands, coupled with physical stamina and comfort working outdoors or under varying site conditions.
• A strong attention to safety: observing protocols, using proper protective equipment, and following building codes and regulations.
• Basic technical aptitude: being comfortable with tools, understanding simple drawings or blueprints, and being able to do essential math.
• Good communication and teamwork: construction sites require coordination among tradespeople, supervisors, and project managers.
• Adaptability and a mindset of continuous learning—because technologies, safety standards, and environmental requirements are changing.
As Desiree Lizama put it, “If a student is a hands-on learner, the trades is a great fit.” And Dr. Johnston’s invitation is clear: try a class, sample the trade, find what you enjoy, and you may discover a career that is stable, meaningful, and rewarding without needing to choose between academic and skilled pathways.
If you’re considering entering a construction career path or helping someone else do so, here are the local resources and how to connect:
GCA Trades Academy
506 Mariner Avenue, Barrigada, Guam 96913
Phone: (671) 647-4842
Email: liza@gcatradesacademy.org
Website: www.gcatradesacademy.org
Guam Contractors Association (GCA)
506 Mariner Avenue, Barrigada, Guam 96913
Phone: (671) 647-4840 / (671) 647-4841
Email: info@guamcontractors.org
Website: www.guamcontractors.org
Guam Community College (GCC) –
Workforce Development & Technical Education
Contact: (671) 735-5598 (main line)
Website: www.guamcc.edu
Apprenticeship Programs / Employers
The Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program (GRAP), administered in cooperation with GCA Trades Academy and local employers, offers opportunities to combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job work. For details about setting up or signing up for apprenticeships, contact GCA’s Education Director or visit the GCA website.
SALES
Mid Pac Far East represents the most extensive line of heavy equipment on Guam, including a full line of trucks, generators, forklifts and construction equipment. sales@midpacfareast.com
PARTS
We maintain the largest inventory of OEM and aftermarket parts in the region and have highly experienced parts experts to help you source the part you need. parts@midpacfareast.com
SERVICE
MPFE is the authorized warranty service provider for all of the lines we carry. Our ASE and Factory certi ed technicians service both our own brands as well as most other major equipment lines. service@midpacfareast.com
POWER GENERATION
MPFE’s Cummins Power Generation Support Team provides 24x7 Emergency Repair Call Out Services as well as comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Contracts. power@cumminsmpfe.com
FUEL DELIVERY
Fuel Delivery at Competitive Pricing starting at Pump Price. Mobile 24/7: (671) 888-5160
GCA August Luncheon
August 20th, 2025
The Westin Resort Guam
CONSTRUCTION
BPT ROLLBACK DECISION VOTED UPON: CIVILIAN CONTRACTORS GAIN RELIEF, MILITARY PROJECTS HOLD STEADY
Guam’s construction industry and local businesses will soon feel the impact of a historic vote. On August 22, 2025, lawmakers passed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes a phased rollback of the Business Privilege Tax (BPT) from 5% to 4%.
The vote reflects deep division over how best to balance government revenue against business relief. The measure passed with bipartisan support from all nine Republican senators, Frank F. Blas Jr., Vicente “Tony” Ada, Jesse A. Lujan, Shelly V. Calvo, Christopher M. Dueñas, Vincent Anthony V. Borja, Eulogio Shawn Gumataotao, Telo T. Taitague, and Sabrina Salas Matanane, along with Democrat Sens. Tina Muña Barnes and Joe San Agustin. Voting against the bill were Democrat senators Chris Barnett, Will Parkinson, Sabina Perez, and Therese Terlaje.
The compromise keeps BPT at 5% for contractors on large military projects valued over $10 million, where bids already account for the rate, while lowering it for businesses in the civilian market, including contractors working on local commercial, residential, and government projects. Rates will drop to 4.5% on October 1, 2025, and again to 4% on October 1, 2026.
For contractors and employers serving Guam’s local economy, the rollback promises real relief. Lower tax rates improve margins, strengthen competitive bids, and free up cash
flow to retain employees, manage inflationary costs, and reinvest in equipment and operations. Business leaders have called it a 'correction long overdue,' after the BPT was raised in 2018 with the assurance it would be temporary.
At the same time, Government of Guam finance officials warn the reduction could reduce government revenues by $80 million annually. Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero now has ten working days to sign or veto the measure. Her administration has voiced concerns about the potential effects on education, healthcare, and public safety.
For Guam’s construction industry, the outcome of this tax decision is more than policy, it directly affects how projects are priced, how contractors compete, and how businesses plan for the future.
The BPT rollback was tied to the Government of Guam’s FY 2026 budget. On September 5, 2025, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero vetoed the bill, saying it would underfund Guam Memorial Hospital. Lawmakers met on September 10, 2025, to consider an override, but they ended the session without a vote. The veto remains, and the budget is stalled. What happens next, business relief or no change at all, remains to be seen.
FY 2026 Budget Act: BPT Rollback Quick Facts
New Rate: 5% > 4%
Vote Count: 11 - 4
For: Frank F. Blas Jr., Vicente “Tony” Ada, Jesse A. Lujan, Shelly V. Calvo, Christopher M. Dueñas, Vincent Anthony V. Borja, Eulogio Shawn Gumataotao, Telo T. Taitague, and Sabrina Salas Matanane, along with Democrat Sens. Tina Muña Barnes and Joe San Agustin.
Against: Democrats Chris Barnett, Will Parkinson, Sabina Perez, Therese Terlaje
Governor’s Deadline: 10 days to sign, veto, or lapse into law
Contractor Impact:
• Major savings on big projects
• Stronger bid competitiveness
• Supports jobs & training
• Eases inflation pressures
“Even 1% matters when you’re bidding multimillion-dollar projects.”
- Guam Contractors Association
THE MONTHLY
GCA AUGUST 2025 MEMBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON RECAP
By Patricia “Patti” L. Diego
The Guam Contractors Association (GCA) convened its monthly Membership Luncheon on August 20, 2025, at the Westin Resort Guam. One hundred construction professionals and industry leaders were in attendance.
Jesse Pangelinan, Safety Administrator for Guam OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program, opened this month’s safety briefing with a reminder: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” To drive the point home, he shared a chart of the Top 12 OSHA Construction Citations for 2025. Electrical safety violations led to penalties of $13,052, while Top Rail Stairway violations cost $10,566. The most serious violation, Rebar Hazard Impalement, topped the Top 15 Most Cited Violations list, with initial penalties reaching $123,058.
Employers don’t have to wait until violations happen. OSHA offers free, no-penalty jobsite consultation services to help contractors improve safety and avoid fines. To learn more, contact the Guam Department of Labor, OSHA On-Site Consultation at osha.consultation@dol.guam.gov, or reach Jesse Pangelinan, CSP, Program Manager, at jesse.pangelinan@dol.guam.gov. He closed with a reminder: “It is always feasible to do things the safe way.”
In a spirited presentation, this month’s featured guest speaker, Guam Attorney General (AG) Douglas Moylan, spoke on the topic of what Guam’s Castle Doctrine means for business owners. Guam’s Castle Doctrine, is found in Title 9 GCA, §§ 37.70–37.75 (Public Law 32-111). According to the AG, “Guam’s Castle Doctrine reflects our law-makers’ public policy decision that the common law right to defend yourself and others should be codified in our statutes. If an intruder forces their way into your home residence, business or occupied vehicle, you have the right to use force to defend yourself and others.” However, this law is also a reminder of responsibility and the facts of any situation will always drive the legal case. While this law provides legal reassurance against unlawful threats, prevention remains the most effective defense. AG Moylan also stated that, “he serves the people of Guam as his client, leading in ways that are directed toward making our lives better.”
Recent Apprentice graduates were recognized for completing their training. Congratulations to Curtis Rosario, Heavy Equipment Operator-Pacific Rim, Henry Abina, Electrician-BME & Sons and Rodel D. Snaer, Electrician, BME & Sons. Well done! The GCA encourages members to create or expand their apprenticeship programs, investing in the future of both their businesses and the industry.
Looking ahead – stay informed!
• GCA Co-ed Softball Jamboree is scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, September 27th & 28th, at the Dededo Sports Complex
• Construction Warriors! Is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, at the GCA Trades Academy
• GCA Fiesta! Is scheduled for October 12th at Ypao Beach Park
• Samoan Joe Annual Safety Conference – October 23rd & 24th at the Hyatt Regency Guam
• We’ll soon be announcing the call for nominees for the annual GCA Excellence in Construction and Contractor of the Year Awards. The EIC/COY Gala – November 1st at the Hyatt Regency Guam.
Join us at next month’s luncheon to make the most of your membership benefits. Let’s connect and collaborate. Together, we’ll continue to build the future of Guam’s construction industry.
NE WS LINE
DOD Publishes Final Cybersecurity Rules for Federal Contractors
On Sept. 9, the U.S. Department of Defense issued a final rule implementing its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program into the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation, requiring federal contractors and subcontractors competing for DOD contracts to demonstrate continued compliance with a range of cybersecurity measures in order to maintain eligibility for performing and winning new federal awards.
This is the last step in a multiyear process to finalize CMMC regulations, which will now be phased in over a three-year implementation period beginning on the final rule’s effective date, Nov. 10.
The new requirements apply to all
contractors and subcontractors on DOD projects that process, store or transmit information on contractor servers that meet the standards for Federal Contract Information or Controlled Unclassified Information. Requirements vary from a self-assessment of compliance with cybersecurity measures to triennial assessment and certification of compliance by third-party contractors or the DOD, depending on the data involved in a specific contract.
On Oct. 11, ABC submitted comments on the August 2024 proposed rule, calling for critical clarifications and improvements to ensure CMMC 2.0 does not unnecessarily burden federal contractors. ABC also engaged over 200 members to
submit comments urging the DOD to improve the rule through ABC’s grassroots regulatory efforts. Finally, ABC joined an Oct. 15 comment letter from a coalition of industry groups.
Based on public comments by ABC and others, the final rule removed a burdensome and duplicative requirement to report lapses in information security to the contracting officer within 72 hours, provided a definition of Federal Contract Information and made other clarifications.
For more information on ABC’s engagement on the development of this final rule, as well as compliance resources and member-only webinar recordings, visit ABC’s Cybersecurity Resource Guide
DOL Announces Self-Audit Programs for the Regulated Community
On July 27, the U.S. Department of Labor announced programs from six agencies designed to help the regulated community voluntarily assess and improve compliance with federal labor laws. The programs are aimed at strengthening worker protections while reducing the risk of investigations or penalties.
According to the DOL’s news release, “These programs are designed to give employers, unions, and benefit plan officials the tools they need to correct potential violations proactively. By empowering the regulated community with clarity and collaboration, we are continuing to fulfill the Department of Labor’s mission to put both workers and employers first.”
The initiatives span several DOL agencies, including:
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: OSHA is expanding its Voluntary Protection Programs to meet businesses where they are on their safety journey to help develop strong safety programs and lower injury rates, allowing them to undergo regular self-evaluations and avoid routine inspections. OSHA is increasing its efforts to support voluntary compliance through its On-Site Consultation Program, which offers no-cost and confidential safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses.
• Wage and Hour Division: The Wage and Hour Division is restarting the Payroll Audit Independent Determi-
nation program to enable employers to self-identify and resolve minimum wage, overtime and leave violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Family and Medical Leave Act. Read ABC general counsel Littler’s analysis of the PAID program.
• Veterans’ Employment and Training Service: VETS has launched a new program, SALUTE: Support and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment, to help employers proactively review their policies and practices under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The program aims to foster good-faith compliance and ensure the employment rights of service members are respected.
“Having our home windows tinted by East Island Tinting was an excellent decision. Our power bill dropped enough to pay for the work in less than a year. Even better, our home is much cooler and more comfortable when we walk in after a long, hard day.”
