Houston OBO Insights to Opportunity Newsletter - Spring 2022

INSIGHTS TO OPPORTUNITY Spring 2022 | Vol 22 | Issue 8

News & Events from Houston OBO | houstontx.gov/obo

ADVANCING HOUSTON’S MWSDBE PROGRAM: Champions of Diversity honorees take the stage with OBO Advisory Board Chair Brandi Harleaux and Vice Chair Roger Pombrol, OBO Director Marsha Murray, and Mayor Sylvester Turner.

OBO Celebrates Champions of Diversity T

he Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) celebrated its 8th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards, an event that honors individuals and community partners who have shown exemplary support of OBO’s mission of advancing small businesses and the City of Houston’s MWSDBE program, as well as contractors who have shown out-

WHAT’S INSIDE See Champions of Diversity Photos, List of Sponsors Page 2-4

Portland Utilities Shares Contracting Best Practices Page 5

Contractors Can Access Procurement Training 24/7 Page 7

standing performance on City of Houston contracts. Proceeds from Champions of Diversity also go toward $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are selected by OBO’s partner chambers of commerce.

The event, attended by approximately 500 guests, was held Feb. 11 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Since its inception in 2013, Champions of Diversity has

FROM THE DIRECTOR

By: Enzo Mungu

been coordinated by the OBO Advisory Board with the assistance of OBO staff.

Mayor Sylvester Turner served as Honorary Chair.

“The state of the City’s MWSBE Program is strong, and it is poised to be even more impactful in the coming years, thanks to the support of our many comGo to CHAMPIONS, Page 2

Greetings, I have enjoyed starting this year off by celebrating individuals, companies and organizations that have exhibited a commitment and dedication to the success of our local small businesses, with a focus on diversity and economic inclusion.

The ability of the Office of Business Opportunity to execute its mission is dependent upon the collective efforts of all our honorees recognized at our 8th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony.

Go to DIRECTOR, page 6

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CHAMPIONS: Event Honors Ernest McGowen Legacy Continued from Page 1 munity partners, chambers, contractors, City departments, and Champions of Diversity honorees,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner, the evening’s keynote speaker.

The event, hosted by Melinda Spaulding Chevalier, Vice President for Advancement and Communications at Texas Southern University, began with a Presentation of Colors by the City of Houston Police Department Color Guard followed by a rendition of the National Anthem by soloist Alaina King Benford.

Rudy Rasmus, co-pastor at St. John’s United Methodist Church, delivered the invocation.

OBO Director Marsha E. Murray then took the stage to welcome attendees and to honor former Houston City Councilmember Ernest B. McGowen, Sr. A video tribute by his widow, Jewell McGowen, and Phyllis Murray, his former chief of staff, recalled his staunch dedication to advancing historically underutilized small businesses and his work to improve their success in participating in City of Houston contracts.

McGowen, who passed away in 2012, served Houston City Council District B for 14 years and laid the groundwork for the City’s MWBE program. The McGowen family attended the event, as they have done since its inception.

TRAILBLAZER: The late Ernest B. McGowen, Sr. served Houston City Council District B for 14 years and laid the groundwork for the City’s MWBE Program. A video tribute was presented in his honor.

Houston First Corporation, represented by Board Chair David Mincberg and Board Member Gerald Womack, then presented awards to Manhattan Construction Ceremony (Houston First Corporation Construction Contractor of the Year) and Smart City (Houston First Corporation Professional Services Contractor of the Year). Houston First Corporation is a partnering sponsor of the event.

Roger Pombrol, Vice Chair of OBO’s Advisory Board and President of Emerald Standard Services, Inc., then announced that for the first time, scholarship funds raised from Champions of Diversity

2022 Champions of Diversity Honorees Prime Construction Contractor of the Year: LEM Construction Company, Inc. Certified Construction Prime Contractor of the Year: Azteca Enterprises, Inc. Professional Services Prime Contractor of the Year: AECOM Technical Services, Inc. Professional Services Certified Prime Contractor of the Year: Jaymark Engineering Corporation Goods and Services Prime Contractor of the Year: Telo Market #8, Inc. Community Partner of the Year: U.S. Small Business Administration – Houston District Office City Department of the Year: Houston Public Works OBO Advisory Board Chairman’s Advocate Award: Vinson & Elkins, LLP

Jewell McGowen and Mayor Sylvester Turner

Ernest B. McGowen, Sr. Champion of Diversity Award: Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum Construction Contractor of the Year, Houston First Corporation Honoree: Manhattan Construction Company

Houston First Corporation Board Chair David Mincberg and Board Member Gerald Womack

Jason McLemore and Nichelle McLemore

Professional Services Contractor of the Year, Houston First Corporation Honoree: Smart City

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Amanda Edwards, Mark Praigg, Maya Durnovo, Tim Jeffcoat, Linda Toyota

Gabriela Zambrano and Deidra Sutton

Bobby V. Singh, Bilal Khan, Jagdip Ahluwalia Fakhruddin Sabir, Sanjay Ramabhadran

J’Monte Hooey, Morris Scott, Eduardo Mejia

Shanita Pettway, Lalla V. Morris, Norma Meadows

Jerome Ellis, Layle Ellis, Marshette Turner, Quinton Ray

would support students who attend two-year community colleges and trade schools. In the past, proceeds from the event only supported scholarships to four-year colleges and universities.

“Some of our best entrepreneurs, and the talented workforce for those entrepreneurs, come out of community colleges and trade schools,” Pombrol said.

OBO partner chambers that received $1,000 to present to graduates of their choice are: the Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and the Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Brandi Harleaux, OBO Board Chair and Chief Operating Officer of Post Oak Recycling Center, also took the stage to acknowledge HillDay Public Relations, led by Argentina James.

“Argentina and her super talented staff worked hard to produce this fabulous event, helping us to raise record funds, creating all the honoree videos, and being responsive to the OBO Advisory board and staff to ensure that the event reflects our purpose and mission,” Harleaux said.

OBO Advisory Board Vice Chair Roger Pombrol, OBO Director Marsha Murray, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum (Ernest B. McGowen Award honoree), Mayor Sylvester Turner, and OBO Advisory Board Chair Brandi Harleaux

She then presented the event’s keynote speaker, Mayor Turner, who presented the State of Houston’s MWSBE Program. Highlights of his address included the impact of the City’s supplier diversity efforts, which was evident with record-breaking MWSBE awards on City of Houston projects in Fiscal Year 2021: – The award of $662 million to cer-

tified firms in Fiscal Year 2021, representing almost 32 percent of the City’s contracting spend, was the highest in recorded history.

–­ The City exceeded its goal of spending 34 percent of its dollars on contractors performing construction-related work.

For Goods & Services contracts, awards Go to CHAMPIONS, Page 4

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Mayor Turner Highlights Diverse Pool of Houston Contractors CHAMPIONS:

Continued from Page 3 totaled more than 30 percent, almost triple the City’s annual 11% target.

– 2021 was also the year with the highest percentage of awards to certified firms in Goods & Services since OBO began reporting MWBE participation.

– For Professional Services contracts, MWBE awards totaled almost 30 percent, exceeding the City’s annual 24 percent target.

All in all, the City of Houston has awarded more than $2.56 billion to certified firms since Mayor Turner first took office.

“As we look toward the future, there are billions of dollars more in purchasing power that will fund City projects that will benefit our infrastructure and provide much needed services to our neighborhoods,” he said. “And in our City, as proven by the numbers, we have an ample and diverse pool of companies that are available to utilize their skills to perform on City contracts and beyond.”

The event culminated with a musical tribute for the 2022 Champions of Diversity honorees by award-winning singer and song writer Earnest Pugh.

“We want to thank our sponsors who have enabled us to present this program complimentary to our honorees and guests, provide scholarships, and support OBO programs not covered in our budget that benefit our certified business owners. Champions of Diversity has only been possible with their generosity.”

Marsha E. Murray, OBO Director

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A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Prime Contractor Credits MWBEs for success in Houston By: Enzo Mungu

P

ortland Utilities Construction Company, LLC (PUCC), a City of Houston prime contractor, is dedicated to the trenchless pipe rehabilitation industry, rehabilitating and replacing pipe totaling almost two million linear feet in 17 states and the District of Columbia. PUCC uses both cured-inplace-pipe (CIPP) and pipe bursting methods, and has played a significant role in some of the largest and most prominent pipe rehabilitation programs in the country.

Founder Ernie Woodcock, who had worked in the underground utility business during the mid-1960s installing mostly water and sewer lines, started PUCC as an open-cut contractor, installing new water and sewer mains. In 1996, after discovering and promoting pipe bursting technology – a trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines – the company found new opportunities all over the Southeastern United States and other areas of the country.

Today, PUCC has expanded from its headquarters in Portland, TN to satellite offices in Knoxville, TN and in Houston.

Since it won its first City of Houston contract in 2009, PUCC has consistently received outstanding contract closeout ratings, often exceeding its required MWBE participation goals in sewer and wastewater projects with the Houston Public Works department.

“In making sure we attain great MWBE participation and meeting goals as it related to subcontractors, we share our processes, occasionally pay early, and generally treat subcontractors as an extension of our company,” said Michael Woodcock, vice president of PUCC. “Specifically in Houston, we subcontract complete work orders whenever possible to provide a good-sized amount of work in one area. We also endeavor to keep the workflow steady and consistent, allowing subcontractors to

REPRESENTING THE HOUSTON TEAM: From left, Project Manager Francisco Guerra, Administrative Assistant Vanessa Hernandez, and General Manager Steven Ham.

plan and schedule the work in the most efficient way possible,” he said.

Because of these best practices, Woodcock said PUCC subcontractors have remained loyal team members who can be depended upon. PUCC also recognizes the invaluable role MWBE subcontractors have played in company’s entry to the Houston market.

“We have been particularly blessed with our MWBE subcontractors in Houston, where the mentoring goes both ways,” Woodcock said. “Our MWBE subcontractors were instrumental to our success in getting started in the City by sharing local knowledge for suppliers, other subcontractors, methodologies, and experiences. Probably the most important benefit of the MWBE program in Houston has been the lasting friendships forged through the shared blessings, blood, sweat, and tears of working side by side with our MWBE partners.”

For subcontractors seeking successful, long-term relationships with primes,

PUCC attests communication is key.

“They should do their best to be as selfsufficient as possible, but not be afraid to ask for help or advice. They should also endeavor to treat the relationship like a partnership and always remember trust is hard to earn and quickly destroyed,” Woodcock said.

At the end of the day, the relationship between primes and subs goes both ways.

“If a subcontractor is not benefitting from its relationship with a prime, it will be a short-lived relationship,” Woodcock said. “Primes should always understand that a good subcontractor who is loyal and dependable is worth his or her weight in gold. Appreciate relationships for the high value that it brings to an organization, and remember the ‘golden rule’ of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Learn more about Portland Utilities Construction Company, LLC at pucc.org or follow @PortlandUtilities on Facebook.

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Q

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT

What do you enjoy most about working at OBO?

Manager Tim Warren Dedicated To Success of Small Businesses

A: It has been really gratifying and enjoyable to watch businesses grow and develop to the stage that they graduate from the certification program. I have also enjoyed seeing many of my coworkers and colleagues, over the years, transition into advancement and growth opportunities outside of OBO.

By: Tamara Luera Tim Warren is the manager of the Certification and Designation Division for the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO). During his tenure as manager, he estimates he has managed more than 10,000 MWSDBE certifications for businesses. A fun fact about Warren?

Two baseball scholarships at Wiley College and Huston-Tillotson Univesity led him to a professional baseball career with the Atlanta Braves.

Q

Where are you from, and what brought you to Houston?

A: I’m originally from New Orleans,

born and raised. I came to Texas to play baseball on a college scholarship, and after graduating college, I lived in Austin and worked for the City of Austin for several years. After a move into the private sector, a promotion with that company brought me to Houston 22 years ago. After a merger/acquisition, I was laid off in 2006 and have been with the City ever since.

Q

How would you describe your role at OBO?

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Q

What do you think about the future of the City’s certification program?

A: My job is to oversee OBO’s six

different small business certifications with our Certification and Designation team to make sure companies meet the certification qualifications and eligibility standards. I’ve been with the City for over 15 years. When I first started, we had 1,200 certified firms, and now we have almost 4,800. We also ensure companies meet the qualifications for the Hire Houston First designation that allows them to take advantage of the local procurement preference benefits. We have a great team that works really hard and does a fantastic job with processing applications.

A: Certification is a critical part of small, minority and women business programs in Houston. It’s so important that only eligible firms participate in these programs. That’s the main reason why we have certification. It is crucial until there is truly a level playing field where MWBE firms can equitably compete for contracting opportunities. Once we get there, there will be no need to have MWBE certification programs. I hope we get there one day.

Q

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

A: I like football and baseball, playing fantasy football, and fishing. Fishing is my most favorite thing. If I wasn’t doing certification work, I could see myself coaching baseball or football, or going fishing every day.

DIRECTOR: Intake forms for equity investment crowdfunding opportunity due April 8 Continued from Page 1 I am also immensely grateful for the support of all the sponsors of this event who make it possible to continue to provide quality capacity building and business development programming to local entrepreneurs and business owners.

In this issue, we will share highlights from the Champions of Diversity event, our upcoming business development

programs, and details about our new online training tool for navigating the City’s procurement process.

In our continued efforts to expand opportunities for local businesses to access capital, we are accepting applications from businesses interested in raising funds from community-based investors. Please complete an intake form by April 8 at www.houstontx.gov/ obo/cie.html if the following attributes describe your business:

Marsha E. Murray was appointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner and confirmed by City Council to serve as the Director of the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) in April 2020, after having served as OBO’s Interim Director.

•A strong community of friends, supporters, fans, or customers •A product or service that is ambitious or something that no one has ever done before •A product or service that directly improves people’s lives •Some traction (Investors like proof that you can execute) •Potential to raise at least $50,000 My team and I look forward to continuing to support and serve you this year.

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FREE RESOURCE

Procurement 101 Tool Offers Simple Guide to Contracting

T

he Office of Business Opportunity, in collaboration with the Strategic Procurement Division, has launched a free, online training tool that assists small businesses in navigating the City of Houston’s procurement process.

The Procurement 101 Portal, available via on-demand videos and accessible through houstontx.gov/OBO under Quick Links, walks users through each step of doing business with the City of Houston – from registering for a vendor number to bid submission, the evaluation process, understanding contract terms and conditions, and ensuring intended performance.

“The City of Houston purchases billions of dollars in goods and services from companies in a variety of industries, including those certified under the City’s MWSDBE supplier diversity program,” said OBO Assistant Director Lalla V. Morris, who led the development of Procurement 101.

business with the City of Houston, businesses must register for a vendor number.

practices in process and strategies for increasing one’s chances of success in the bid or proposal submission process.

– Understanding ITBs, RFQs, and RFPs: An overview of the different methods used to procure goods and services for the City.

– Bid Submission and the Evaluation Process: Describes what happens after the City of Houston receives a bid/ proposal. Follow bids/proposals as they are triaged, scored, shortlisted, and awarded.

– Maximizing Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Meetings: Examines the purpose, process, and objectives of the pre-bid/ pre-proposal meeting and how vendors can maximize participation.

– Structuring Your Team: Explains the different contractor roles on a project (prime contractor, subcontractor, joint venture), and how to structure one’s team.

– Bidding on Contracts: Presents best

– Contract Terms and Conditions: A review of the typical terms and conditions of a City contract (nonexhaustive list).

The Procurement 101 Portal also includes a resource link that connects users with important contacts, a list of frequently asked questions, and to portions of the training videos available for download.

“When users sign up for training, they will have access to short videos that are easy to understand and that can be replayed anytime. We encourage businesses to use this tool to their advantage, whether new to contracting or as a refresher for those who already do business with the City. Procurement 101 was developed in line with OBO’s mission of cultivating a diverse and competitive economic environment,” she said.

Each training video, which runs for 2 to 12 minutes, covers the following: – Business Registration: Before doing

FREE, 24/7 ACCESS: The Procurement 101 Tool is available via on-demand videos and accessible through houstontx.gov/OBO under Quick Links.

DID YOU KNOW? “Houston” was the first word heard ➡ from the moon. Fewer Americans know

that “Houston, Tranquility Base here” were the first words man directed to mission control from the moon.

NRG Astrodome, known as the Hous➡ ton Astrodome, is the world’s first multi-

purpose, domed sports stadium. It was named the “Eighth Wonder of the World” during its prime, and before it was closed in 1999.

There is a burping bubble in the Buffa➡lo Bayou.

If you’ve noticed that mysterious red button on the Preston Street Bridge, press it to “burp” the Buffalo Bayou.

has a subtropical climate with Houston is the largest American city ➡overHouston ➡ 204 days of sunshine, on average, without formal zoning laws. Building codes each year.

are regulated by local ordinances.

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Business Development Program Applications Close March 31

S

mall business owners interested in participating in Build Up Houston and the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program, cohort-based business development programs offered by the Office of Business Opportunity, have through March 31 to submit their applications. Both programs are offered free of charge and are set to begin in May.

Build Up Houston An executive education program that provides small business owners with practical business education, a supportive business network, and access to contracting opportunities, Build Up Houston is open to all businesses, including those in construction, technology, and in the service, restaurant, and hospitality industries.

The program returns to an in-person setting this year and will take place 5-8 p.m. each Tuesday through November. The curriculum features the “StreetWise MBA”

by Interise, which provides business knowledge, management know-how, and the networks needed to grow established small businesses.

“Build Up Houston gives you the benefits of classroom learning, real-world case studies and mentorship from industry experts,” said OBO Director Marsha E. Murray. “Based on program assessment

data, graduates of this program have reported increased revenue and new insights on procurement practices in the public and private sectors.”

To qualify for Build Up Houston, a business must be: Certified with the City of Houston; Operating for a minimum of two years; One with a minimum of two (2) employees; One with a minimum annual revenue of $150,000.

To apply, go to programs.interise.org/ houston.

Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP) The City of Houston, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston Independent School District, Port Houston, Houston Community College, and Houston First Corporation has teamed together for the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP).

IMPP exists to strengthen effective working relationships and to foster long term stability between established companies and local agencies with emerging historically underutilized businesses. The goals of IMPP are to enhance the business skills and broaden the base of historically underutilized businesses by providing the knowledge and experience of established firms.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Live & Virtual Pre-Certification Workshops: Attend virtually at 2:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month via Microsoft Teams. Attend inperson at 611 Walker, 7th Floor at 2:00 p.m. every third Tuesday. Representatives from OBO’s Certification division will provide an overview of certification types, requirements, application procedures and certification benefits. Registration is required by going to houstontx.gov/obo and clicking on the Certifications tab. Or, call 832-393-0600 and press Option 1.

MD Anderson HUB Construction Contractor Guide: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on April 7. General contractors, trade contractors, and construction suppliers interested in seeking contracts with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are invited to attend this virtual

event hosted by the Office of Business Opportunity. Topics: Seeking Contracts with MD Anderson (about MD Anderson, HUB participation commitment and vendor registration), Putting Together a Winning Bid/Proposal (contract opportunities, tiers, and procurement processes); Successfully Executing the Work (the patient experience, hospital construction, and construction safety).

Contact Porscha.Jackson@houstontx.gov for details.

Supply Chain Panel Discussion: 2:00-3:30 p.m. on April 7 at Houston Community College – Missouri City, 1600 Texas Parkway. Join OBO and SCORE Houston for a panel discussion designed for City of Houston vendors. For more information, Contact Porscha.Jackson@ houstontx.gov.

This 8-week program, held 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday beginning in May, will take place virtually.

Benefits of participating in IMPP include understanding business financials and bidding, creating and strengthening working relationships between established and emerging companies, understanding how to do business with local government agencies, and technical assistance in specific areas for protégés.

To qualify for IMPP, a business must be: Currently certified as a Small, Women-owned, Veteran-owned, Minority-owned, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with any, or all, of the partnering agencies: City of Houston, METRO, Port Houston, HISD, HCC, or Houston First Corporation; In continuous operation for at the last 24 months; One with an annual average revenue between $150,000 and $4 million in the past three years; One with a minimum of four (4) employees; Able to commit to nine (9) workshops; Able to identify the type of guidance needed for development.

For more information about Build Up Houston or the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program, contact porscha.jackson@houstontx.gov. More information is also at houstontx.gov/builduphouston or http://houstontx.gov/obo/mentor_protege.html.

WHO WE ARE Insights to Opportunity is produced by the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO). OBO is committed to cultivating a competitive and diverse economic environment in the City of Houston by promoting the success of small businesses and developing Houston’s workforce, with special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.

Executive Editors: Marsha E. Murray, Esq., Lalla V. Morris, Esq. Managing Editors: Pearl K. Cajoles, Enzo Mungu Copy Editors: Dr. Porscha Jackson, Selma Nellie Pina Contributing Writer: Tamara Luera Any information in this newsletter does not constitute the Office of Business Opportunity’s endorsement of any business or organization.

If you have a story idea, send an e-mail to pearl. cajoles@houstontx.gov.

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