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TEXAS JOURNAL

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May 2018 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 26th Edition

CenterPoint Energy Committed to Supplier Diversity Small Businesses are a Key Element to CenterPointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Success

18-19

INSIDE

5 Ways Drones Will Revolutionize the Construction Industry

06 The University of Houston System Annual HUB Forum

16-17 Who's Who: Blue Book Houston

2 | May 2018

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Help Us Shine CenterPoint Energy values its diverse suppliers. Our suppliers include minority-owned and women-owned businesses, as well as small businesses. We choose diverse suppliers for their capability, safety, innovation, agility and competitive pricing. In turn, our suppliers create positive economic impact throughout the communities we serve. Mutually beneficial relationships and forward-thinking approaches offered by quality, diverse suppliers are integral to CenterPoint Energy’s vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value. This is why we welcome and are committed to including diverse suppliers in competitive bid opportunities. Our beacon shines brightly as we guide diverse suppliers to the shores of business opportunity.

CenterPointEnergy.com/SupplierDiversity

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

MR. D-MARS

The Subcontractors USA Texas Journal highlights opportunities and news relevant to the construction, energy, architecture, manufacturing, education, engineering, oil and gas, transportation and IT industries we serve. We hope you find this issue not only informative, but inspiring and educational as well. This month’s issue spotlights CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint Energy is a Houston based energy delivery company that includes electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution and competitive gas sales. The company vision is to “Lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value.”

BEHIND THE JOURNAL

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tiffany Black PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGN Angel Rosa PROJECT COORDINATORS Keyana Pratt Alexis Wagner DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Freddie Allen Helen Callier Subcontractors USA News Provider

Our workforce and our entire economy are strongest when we embrace diversity to its fullest, and that means opening doors of opportunity to everyone and recognizing that the American Dream excludes no one. ~Thomas Perez

OUR SERVICES

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd

Outside of their day to day work, CenterPoint Energy assists diverse suppliers, such as minority-owned, women-owned and all other small businesses through their Supplier Diversity program. They take pride in mentoring, instructing and engaging in outreach activities to help small companies grow and develop. As always, thank you for your continued support of Subcontractors USA Texas Journal. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

04 CONSTRUCTION 04 5 Ways Drones Will Revolutionize the Construction Industry 04 Building The Future Creating a Robust Construction Pipeline is Tough 05 Building Structures and Relationships that Last

06 EDUCATION 06 The University of Houston System Annual HUB Forum 08 Breaking Into The Oil And Natural Gas Industry 10 ENERGY 10 CenterPoint Energy and Vectren to Merge 12 ENGINEERING 12 When is a Professional Engineer required on a project?

18 IN THE SUBCONTRACTORS USA COMMUNITY... 14 Austin HUB Vendor Fair 16-17 Who's Who: Blue Book Houston 20 Houston Public Works: 11th Annual Contracts in Five 22-23 Access to HCC Expo 24 Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum

GRAPHIC DESIGN • Logos • Flyers • Ads • Folders • Brochures • Door Hangers PRINTING • Business Cards • Flyers • Folders • Pull-up Banners • Step and Repeat Banners • Brochures • Door Hangers • Letterhead • Envelopes PHOTOGRAPHY • Headshots • Event Photography

18-19 COVER STORY 18-19 CenterPoint 16-17

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

30 PERMITS 30 Three Tips to Speed Up Your Permitting

Online & Email Marketing Social Media Advertising

32 TECHNOLOGY 32 Tech entrepreneur and startup advocate Russ Capper tapped to lead Houston Exponential 34 TRANSPORTATION 34 Texas Central names Bechtel project manager for bullet train

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CONSTRUCTION

5 Ways Drones Will Revolutionize the Construction Industry By Subcontractors USA News Provider

o longer a futuristic vision, drones are now common on construction sites. Today, the business case for using drones in construction is clearer than it was even two years ago, and companies are already benefiting from their many uses. Here are 5 ways drones can improve your next construction project.

1. Prevent Costly Mistakes Drones can be equipped with cameras, geo-location sensors, infrared sensors, and more to capture precise details about the environmental and physical site prior to and during construction. The high-resolution images captured by a drone are then turned into accurate 2D orthophotos and 3D models, creating a rich digital representation of your jobsite. Then, drone data platforms like 3DR Site Scan make it easy to overlay design files onto drone maps, enabling you to pinpoint constructability challenges in pre-construction spot mistakes, and measure progress during construction.

2. Provide Better Project Updates Owners and other stakeholders understandably demand progress updates on a regular basis. This can be a pain for you, if you have to walk the site or send someone to take photos. Drones can make this aspect of the job both a painless experience for you, and a better experience for them. When it comes to project updates, “drones can provide instant ROI,” says Josh Cheney, Industry Manager of Construction Technology at Autodesk. “Drones can be operated autonomously, on your own schedule.” Scheduling a regular flyover is simple and inexpensive, and provides rich data to share with project owners.

3. Improve Safety The leading cause of private sector worker fatalities on the construction site is falls, representing nearly 39% of all deaths. Drones can be used to keep workers’ feet planted firmly on the ground when they might otherwise have to climb to take manual measurements or engage in other activities that can be replaced with a drone.

4. Improve Collaboration “Collaboration is key,” says Nico Bonnafoux, Senior Customer Success Architect at 3DR. “You save

money if you get everyone moving in a unified direction.” Drones improve collaboration by collecting data on-site and distributing it through a platform like BIM 360. Virtual design teams, engineers, superintendents, owners, and contractors can then access aerial views and related data from their iPads and other devices. This enables everyone to see where things were yesterday, compare progress over time, and catch any discrepancies before they become serious problems.

Building the Future

Creating a Robust Construction Pipeline is Tough By Subcontractors USA News Provider

rom downtown skyscrapers to stadiums and schools, construction is alive and well in Houston. Building the future means creating a strong construction pipeline for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) 2012 Bond Program, and therein lies the challenge of meeting the demand for high quality talent, but the Construction Combine is one of the working solutions. The tactile event will be hosted by the HISD Labor Compliance Program operated by D. Samuels & Associates on Thursday, May 17 from 1:30p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the HISD Ryan Professional Development Center, 4001 Hardy Road, Houston, TX 77009. Join us for one of the most interesting job interviews with room for only 50 participants. “We want to create a stronger workforce network to expose, recruit and retain adventurous adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years old who want productive and prosperous lives for themselves and their families,” said Darryl Samuels, Managing Partner, D. Samuels & Associates. “Careers are influenced by the number of contacts a person has and the strength of those personal contacts. Here is a viable career opportunity for those who have grit and the drive to succeed in this industry.”

5. Lower Risk Contractors carry significant risk on every project. From being overbilled on one side, to being underpaid on the other, to mistakes, rework, missed deadlines, and legal challenges, few industries provide as many opportunities to lose money. Data from drones can help mitigate many of these risks by identifying problems before they arise, providing accurate data regarding disputes, and documenting the process against legal challenges. “For example,” says Bonnafoux, “one of our customers used their drone data to help win a dispute with a subcontractor who was significantly overcharging them. By having accurate daily site documentation, our customer quickly resolved the dispute and saved over $100,000 without having to go to court.” Once a vision of the future, drones are here now, and their use in construction industry is only going to grow.

The Construction Combine starts out with a series of challenges and will end with one-on-one sessions with potential employers and workforce development advocates. Men and women are encouraged to attend. “It was a chance for higher learning and hands on experience,” said Crystal Roberts, a Construction Combine graduate who recently received a promotion to safety director. “I asked myself, why not be a part of shaping the skyline of Houston. Someday I can say, I had my hands in it.” “It was pretty interesting and I was focused,” said Ray McCoy, a Construction Combine graduate who is working in the industry. “You have to use cognitive skills, other than that, I’m not going to give away the secrets.” “There are actually several opportunities in construction that we would ultimately like to fill,” said Samuels. “We can help provide training, professional development and financial resources to assist the new recruits’ quest to move through the construction pipeline from an unskilled construction worker to project manager to business ownership.” To register for the Construction Combine please contact Anthony Wallace at 832.766.1006. Participants must have reliable transportation and pass background and drug tests for eligibility. To find out more about workforce development and opportunities log on to www.dsamllc.com.

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CONSTRUCTION

Building Structures and Relationships that Last By Subcontractors USA News Provider

CC Enterprises LLC, a highly recognized leader in planning and construction services, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area--was founded in 2002 by Greg and Carol Cody. The Air Force veteran duo utilized their established Greg Cody consulting portfolio to transition the business to a full-service construction firm in just a few short years. The company was awarded several government contracts including work at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FEMA, U.S. Department of Defense and others. ‘Building structures and relationships that last’ is the mantra at GCC and relationships are critical to the success of the firm. By developing partnerships with key players like Austin Industrial and other GCC has been able to grow their business to include projects in the municipal and educational arenas.

Developing Relationships that Drive Value One of the most recent partnerships GCC has developed is with the Methodist Hospital System. Charged with a strategic objective to utilize minority-owned businesses when possible, and using services provided by the Impact Professional Group, the connection between GCC and Methodist Hospital System was a good fit. Don Lee of The Impact Professional Group (IPG), commented, “Over a 7-year period, [IPG] in conjunc-

tion with Methodist Hospital System established a successful Small and Minority Business program that led to an opportunity for an upcoming project. GCC was at the top of the list for consideration as Prime Con-

tractor for a project with Methodist Hospital.” Scott Simon, Senior Project Manager for Methodist Health System said, “We (Methodist) needed a contractor that was not only a partner, but also be very collaborative with the entire team (owner, arch., engineers and trade partners). Because of our aggressive schedule, once we decided on GCC, it was evident that we made the right choice. GCC has gone above and beyond by taking the bull by the horns, leading the charge to make this not only a successful project but a beautiful building for the community that it serves.” By establishing agile partnerships to meet customer needs, the GCC Enterprises name is quickly becoming synonymous with value in the DallasFort Worth market. The future at GCC looks bright as the leadership team continues to drive a business development strategy that will position the firm as a key EPCM player. “As the landscape changes we want to offer more services that make sense in our field. We are taking steps to develop partnerships, and employ technology that can drive costs down in a project to get better value for our customers with end-to-end EPCM services.”

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EDUCATION

The University of Houston System Annual HUB Forum The goal of the forum was to provide certified HUBs and potential HUBs insightful and detailed information about Universities and State Agencies procurement practices as well as current and future solicitation opportunities. There were 25 State Agencies which attended and over 100 small businesses who participated in the event. Events such as these address some of the challenges and questions often faced by small businesses. During the event, small businesses had the opportunity to attend a variety of breakout sessions which ranged from “How to Write a Compliant Solicitation Response” to “The Benefits of Utilizing Cooperative Contracts.” For more information about University of Houston System HUB Programs contact the following individuals:

University of Houston Clear Lake Purchasing\HUB Department

University of Houston HUB Operations Department Maya P. Thornton Director mpthornton@uh.edu

University of Houston Downtown Purchasing\HUB Department

Maira Artola HUB Program Specialist myartola@uh.edu

Lorena Sanchez Procurement & HUB Program Manager sanchezl@uhd.edu

Moquita Quinan HUB Program Specialist mmquinan@uh.edu

Evelyn Paige Purchasing Coordinator II paigee@uhd.edu

Debra Carpenter Executive Director of Procurement and Payables carpenter@uhcl.edu Catina Chapman Senior Contract Administrator chapmanca@uhcl.edu Heather German Procurement Specialist german@uhcl.edu

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EDUCATION

Breaking Into the Oil And Natural Gas Industry By Freddie Allen NNPA Newswire

s industry insiders tout the growing opportunities for Blacks and other minorities in the oil and natural gas sector, breaking into the industry can still present challenges. From access to capital and understanding the industry jargon to knowing how and when to pursue business opportunities, the learning curve can be steep. The industry’s impact on the U.S. labor force is undeniable. The natural gas industry supported more than 4 million jobs across the U.S. in 2015, from production to end uses such as manufacturing, according to the State of American Energy 2018 report. That number is expected to rise to 6 million jobs by 2040. When it comes to hourly wages, Black workers also fare better in the oil and natural gas (ONG) industry. Blacks in non-ONG industries make $20.18 in hourly wages compared to Blacks that work in the ONG industry that earn $24.87 in hourly wages. Whites in non-ONG industries make about $27.77 in hourly wages compared to $32.58 in hourly wages inside the industry. Blacks with STEM degrees earn about $17 more in hourly wages in the oil and natural gas industry, than they earn outside of the industry, according to a recent RAND report. Whether you’re looking for a career or business opportunities, it pays to be prepared. Do your research and learn the business. Tyra Metoyer, the external mobilization manager for the American Petroleum Institute (API), said that it’s es-

sential for business owners looking to break into the oil and natural gas industry, to learn as much as they can about the industry, before they start going after contracts. Being knowledgeable about the supply chain, payment cycles and staying up-to-date about industry-related innovation can really separate new business owners from their competition. She said that companies also need to think about how they can supply ancillary services to the oil and natural gas industry like financial services, transportation, catering and custodial services. Networking is important in the oil and natural gas industry. Metoyer said that job seekers and small business owners have to network at conferences, at trade shows and online. “Keep talking to people and asking questions,” said Metoyer. “You’ve got to find your champions in the industry. Sometimes your champion isn’t necessarily the one that opens the door; your champion might be the one that explains something to you— that is the key to finding the right opportunity or connecting to the right person.”

avoid that mistake, Metoyer recommended that minority and women business owners partner with other companies to go after the more complex contracts. Metoyer also warned against business owners focusing only on “Tier 1” direct-to-client business relationships, especially, when they can gain more experience and credibility as a subcontractor. As the external mobilization manager for API, Metoyer said that she knows that the work she does every single day makes a difference as she connects women, African Americans, Hispanics, young professionals and other diverse communities to opportunities in the oil and natural gas industry whether that’s for a job or a business. API plans to work with its member companies to develop an industry specific supplier diversity education program that will include an “oil and gas 101” that will help participants understand the supply chain better and learn additional steps of identifying goods and services that might fit within industry. Partnering with community groups like the local urban league affiliate or the local chambers of commerce, officials with API said that they also want to establish relationships with community stakeholders to provide training about the ins-and-outs of the oil and natural gas industry and to address some of the challenges that minority and womenowned businesses face. “In addition to the work that we do every day, we spend millions of dollars on research, because we want to make energy cleaner and more efficient,” Metoyer said. “We’re also looking to be safer.” Metoyer said that the ONG industry thrives on innovation. “There are tremendous opportunities especially, when you can bring innovation to us. That’s the challenge,” said Metoyer continued: “The relationships are critically im- Metoyer. “If you can learn the business and bring innoportant; so, network, network, network.” vation to the industry, you can find your place and really Avoid the pitfalls. make a difference.” One of the worse things that can happen is for a business Source: NNPA to land a big contract, then fail to deliver the goods. To

Call Today

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Jack May VP Alliance Business Development 7125 Belton Street Fort Worth, TX 76118 Office: 800-776-0491 Direct: 817-321-4028

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ENERGY

CenterPoint Energy and Vectren to Merge By Subcontractors USA News Provider

enterPoint Energy, Inc. and Vectren Corporation announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement to form a leading energy delivery, infrastructure and services company serving more than 7 million customers across the United States. • Vectren shareholders to receive $72.00 in cash for each share of Vectren common stock • Complementary businesses to operate regulated utility businesses in eight states, have combined footprint in nearly 40 states, and serve over 7 million customers • Combined company to be named CenterPoint Energy with corporate headquarters in Houston; Vectren will become a CenterPoint Energy company with the combined company’s natural gas utilities operations and the Indiana electric operation to be headquartered in Evansville, Ind. • CenterPoint Energy expects to maintain annual guidance basis EPS growth target of 5 to 7 percent in 2019 and 2020, excluding any one-time charges related to the merger • Transaction anticipated to be funded by com-

bination of equity and debt; capital structure and tary companies, we are creating an energy delivery, resulting credit metrics expected to support solid in- infrastructure and services leader that will drive value for our shareholders and customers, while enhancing vestment grade credit quality growth opportunities for our businesses,” said Scott M. Prochazka, president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy. “From the evolution of customer expectations to the development of innovative technologies, this is a time of extraordinary opportunity for our industry. As a combined company, we will continue to focus on a future that benefits our customers, employees, communities and shareholders.” Vectren Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Carl L. Chapman said, “With CenterPoint Energy, we’ve found the right partner to begin the next chapter for Vectren and our family of companies. They share the same core values and dedication to the communities they serve, which is evidenced by the commitUnder the terms of the agreement, which have ments they have made to our employees, philanthropic been unanimously approved by both CenterPoint outreach, and Evansville, Ind., our home, where CenEnergy’s and Vectren’s Boards of Directors, Vectren terPoint Energy will locate the newly combined compashareholders will receive $72.00 in cash for each ny’s natural gas utility operations headquarters. Togethshare of Vectren common stock. CenterPoint Energy er, we will be a stronger, more competitive company will also assume all outstanding Vectren net debt. that will be well-positioned to continue to provide value “This merger represents a significant step toward our for our stakeholders in the years to come.” vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value. By combining our two highly complemen- Source: CenterPoint Energy

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We are always looking for quality subcontractors Construction is about

BUILDING... Building great

RELATIONSHIPS...

For information about E Contractors or to become a registered subcontractor contact:

WILLYANN PAZ 713-493-2500

wpaz@econtractors.com

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES • General Contracting • Job Order Contracting • Design Build

OUR APPROACH At E Contractors we value the relationships that we build with our Subcontractors. It is with this in mind that we have a designated person in our offices to be an ambassador for all our subcontractors. This individual is in charge of making sure that all subcontractors are treated fairly, to ensure that they have a voice in all decisions we make on projects as a general contractor and to make sure that a true partnership if forged between companies and individuals.

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ENGINEERING

When is a Professional Engineer required on a project? Engineering For A Better Texas

PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT*

COMMERCIAL & PRIVATE PROJECTS*

*see § 1001.053, 1001.402 & 1001.407

Is Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Involved?

YES

Is It Two Stories?

Is It Over Two Stories?

YES

Is It Over 4 Units?

YES

Licensed P.E. NOT Required

Engage Licensed Professional Engineers for the Engineering Designs of Structural, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical (Heating, Ventilating Air Conditioning and Plumbing) or any Other Systems as Appropriate. (The Supervision of the Engineering Construction is Optional)

YES

NO Licensed P.E. NOT Required

Engage Licensed Professional Engineers for All Engineering Designs as Well as Supervising the Engineering Construction.

Licensed P.E. NOT Required

YES

Apartment or Condo?

Other Buildings Over One Story?

YES

YES NO

YES

Engage Licensed Professional Engineers for Structural, Civil or Applicable Engineering Designs as Well as Supervising the Engineering Construction.

Is It Over 8 Units?

Will Expenses for Completed Project Exceed $8,000?

YES

*see § 1001.056

Is This a Private Dwelling or a Farm or a Ranch? Will Expenses for Completed Project Exceed $20,000?

Is It One Story?

Is It Over 5000 Sq Ft Floor Area?

YES

NO Does It Have a Span >24 Ft?

YES

Engage Licensed Professional Engineers for the Engineering Designs of all Span Support Members, Including the Foundation.

This flowchart is intended for guidance purposes only and the Texas Engineering Practice Act and Rules govern final interpretation. Local codes and ordinances may be more restrictive as long as not in conflict with the Texas Engineering Practice Act and Rules.

Visit http://engineers.texas.gov/downloads.htm for a copy of the Texas Engineering Practice Act and Board Rules and download this diagram.

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In the Subcontractors USA Community...

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Austin HUB Vendor Fair The Department of Motor Vehicles, along with 12 other state agencies, recently hosted the 2018 HUB Vendor Fair “Marketing for Success” in Austin Texas. There were 60 state agencies and universities, along with the City of Austin, Travis County and LCRA hosting booths. Attendees had their questions on how to work with the State of Texas answered and also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with prime vendors, state agencies and universities.

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Relocating to Dallas? Let me help you find your dream home.

Mena Freeman Real Estate Agent 702646 (972) 665-2825 menafreeman@kw.com www.menafreemanhomes.com

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Each office is independently owned and operated

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Who's Who

Blue Book Houston Blue Book’s Spring 2018 Houston “Who’s Who in Building and Construction” Showcase was recently held at Houston’s Minute Maid Park. Hundreds of local subs, suppliers and specialty contractors got the opportunity to come face to face with people bidding on their jobs. They shook hands with the people behind the services and products their projects need and so much more.

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CenterPoint E

The Great Value of Suppli

"Stuart C Irby Company has been working with CenterPoint Energy for several years and has come to appreciate their professional attitude toward local businesses and customer service. Their interest in supporting local diverse supplier companies is as strong as any company we have worked with in the country. There efforts to serve their customers in a crisis is beyond exceptional. We are fortunate to work with the people of a company like CenterPoint Energy."

“The Supplier Diversity our business, and I’m we have with our min and veteran-owned bu

—Jack May Vice President, Irby Utilities

Working with minorityowned, women-owned, veteran-owned and small businesses is a key element to CenterPoint’s success By Subcontractors USA News Provider

ur supplier diversity initiative is a vital part of our business, and we are glad to celebrate the success we share with our minority-owned, womenowned and veteran and small-owned business enterprises. At CenterPoint Energy, we know from experience that when minority-owned, women-owned and small businesses work with our Supplier Diversity program, they provide value. They have a team of professionals on their side who are dedicated to dealing the winning hand – both for CenterPoint Energy’s bottom line and for the communities we serve - by nurturing business opportunities that translate into jobs, wealth creation and community support. With our Supplier Diversity initiative, our business partners are excelling in competitiveness, agility, innovation and collaboration. Supplier diversity means so much to our company. CenterPoint Energy has grown from some challenging times

when it was launched as a new company in 2002, to a company with a strong balance sheet. We have carefully managed expenses, driven process improvements, added new customers and services and developed into one of the nation’s leading energy delivery companies. One element of our success has been our consistent belief in using diverse suppliers. It’s important to note that this is NOT a philanthropic initiative. Supplier diversity is NOT based on a quota system or social program. At CenterPoint Energy, we know that supplier diversity is a winning hand for our company, as well as for our suppliers. Numerous studies have shown, and we also know from experience, that using a diverse range of suppliers has a positive impact on a company’s bottom line.

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Energy

ier Diversity “CenterPoint’s dedication to supplier diversity is unsurpassed in our industry. As a womanowned business and WBENC member in the highly competitive foundation business, we have been afforded the opportunity to demonstrate our experience and expertise as a CenterPoint contractor.” —Candis Mixon President, Century Concrete Partners

y initiative is a vital part of glad to celebrate the success nority-owned, women-owned, usiness enterprises.” —Scott Prochazka President and CEO, CenterPoint Energy Our commitment to working with minorityowned, women-owned, veteran-owned and small businesses pays off in many ways: • It promotes innovation through the introduction of new products, services and solutions • It provides us with more channels through which to procure goods, services and business collaboration • It drives competition in areas such as pricing and service levels between our current and potential vendors Our business is meaningful, and perhaps even important to our diverse suppliers, and they make sure they consistently deliver quality products and services. In many cases, we’ve seen that they have the agility to adapt quickly and offer innovative solutions that some larger suppliers were unable to provide. Engaging diverse suppliers helps to stimulate the local economies in Houston, which is celebrated as the most diverse city in America and across cities in our footprint states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and Oklahoma. Supplier diversity also reinforces our reputation as a company that serves and empowers everyone in our communities – throughout our service territory. Many of our diverse suppliers are also our customers. When they get our business, not only do they help feed the economic engine of our communities, they also share their success stories with others. We are also proud to be a supplier diversity thoughtleader, because it provides forums for sharing informa-

tion, resources, tools, methodologies and experiences to help small, minority-owned, women-owned and veteranowned businesses achieve their potential. It also helps other companies and organizations see the importance of supplier diversity.

Our company’s supplier diversity success is built on three pillars: • First - Identifying and engaging qualified suppliers among small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses • Second - Helping small businesses and MWBEs develop and thrive • Third - Encouraging our prime suppliers to support supplier diversity. This is what we call second-tier spending. CenterPoint Energy’s requirement and careful monitoring of second-tier spend supports our commitment to the utilization and development of diverse suppliers in our supply chain. Our commitment to diversity in our supply chain also includes a second-tier program in which active support of supplier diversity is required. In our second-tier program, prime suppliers – making up more than 80 percent of our business – provide us quarterly reports on supplier diversity dollars spent and join us in various outreach opportunities.

In 2017, CenterPoint Energy was recognized for the following supplier diversity achievements: From the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance: • Corporation of the Year • Procurement Champion of the Year • The Cutting Edge Award • Corporate Advocate of the Year Houston Minority Supplier Development Council: • MBE Procurement Award • The Exemplary Leadership in Minority Business Development Award

You may ask, “What do MWBEs do for CenterPoint Energy?” We can answer that with another question: What don’t they do? Our diverse suppliers construct gas lines, install fiber optic cable and trim trees to help us ensure electric reliability. They provide electrical components, poles, vehicles, fuel and uniforms. They provide computer hardware and software. They perform critical services including accounting, advertising, consulting, engineering, marketing, legal work, investment banking, staffing and training. They provide security and deliver office supplies, food and flowers. But on another level, more than any one product or service, our diverse suppliers are delivering value every day. They have our business because they earn it – through competitive pricing, innovative solutions, quality service and personal attention. All they ask for is a level playing field and a fair opportunity to show what they can do. Every year, we take part in local, state and national trade shows, conferences and forums that support small and MWBE development, outreach and inclusion. CenterPoint celebrates every March as Supplier Diversity Month to shine a light on our relationships with these businesses and raise awareness among our employees about why this is a priority for our company. So, looking back over these achievements by our company and our suppliers, we can sit back now and say, “Mission accomplished,” – right? Of course not. While we have much to be proud of, we also have plenty of room to do even better. We’re proud of what we achieved in 2017, but we’re not satisfied. Achieving aggressive supplier diversity goals will take the support of executive management and employees who have buying authority. We will continue to invest time and resources to thoroughly assess diverse supplier capabilities, build relationships and grow opportunities. At CenterPoint Energy, supplier diversity delivers the winning hand.

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Houston Public Works: 11th Annual Contracts in Five Houston Public Works recently held their 11th Annual Contracts in Five at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Contracts in Five is a premier engineer networking event that gives small firms and businesses the opportunity to network with major engineering firms, and gain valuable knowledge about the industry. This year, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Judge Ed Emmett were the event’s guests and keynote speakers.

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Access to HCC Expo Houston Community College held their “Access to HCC” Expo at the HCC West Houston Institute. This event gave small businesses the opportunity to learn about upcoming procurement opportunities and to obtain useful information on HCC’s departmental needs. Most importantly, attendees had the opportunity to connect and network with HCC buyers, departments and community partners.

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Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum The Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum held their monthly breakfast at Houston Community College’s West Loop Campus. The theme for April’s Breakfast was “Financing for Your Business.” Small business owners and operators had the opportunity to hear various public and private sector entities and their representatives discuss managing business credit, while providing related accounting and tax tips accompanied by their success stories. Don’t miss the upcoming May 29, 2018 meeting, where the discussion will be on doing business with Harris County.

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PERMITS

Three Tips to Speed Up Your Permitting By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

f you’ve learned a bunch of permitting tips and tricks over the years, but still can’t obtain a building permit in a timely manner, it’s not a surprise since keeping up with all the changes in building codes and permit processes consumes time and is often frustrating. You find yourself sitting in your office staring at your permit set of plans and trying every trick in the book to get your plans approved, but nothing is working. You know that you should ask for a review meeting with the City Plan Reviewers, did your best to have responded to all rejection comments, and even check the city permitting website for any updates, but with each change you attempted to make, you only made things worse. Sometimes, it appears you’re close, sometimes things look farther away. Either way you are not closer to receiving

your building permit and your client is beyond frustrated. And what’s even worse, the moment you start to get things moving at the jurisdiction, you drive to the permitting department, get ready to resubmit and realize you did not insert all the correct sheets into the plan set. Another day lost and still no permit. To avoid this scenario, below are three proven tips to speed up your process to obtain a building permit.

1. Get started early - Assessing building codes, timelines to obtain permits, etc. are key information to obtain during the pre-design phase of a project. Once construction documents are 100% and

you begin asking what’s needed to pull a permit, then almost certainly you can expect a delay. 2. Avoid making assumptions – Assuming that the Engineer or Architect is the expert in building codes or captured all the jurisdiction standards can come at a cost. Be proactive in asking if there were any areas of concerns that you need to be made aware of and if all areas were addressed when developing the design. 3. Ask for help – If unsure, asking for assistance can save you time and money. While some jurisdictions may charge a small fee, Plan Reviewers can answer your questions prior to submitting your plans for permitting. Visit the appropriate jurisdiction’s website for contact telephone numbers and emails or you can message one of our permitting experts via www.permitusnow. com or 1.844.PERMIT.4 In conclusion, whether you are Project Owner, Architect, Engineer or Contractor, staying on top of the changes in building codes, personnel shifts and even the permit process can be stressful. Using the three tips above can help you avoid delays and start your construction project in a timely manner. Build safe.

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Ask the Permit Experts: Question: We are a small contractor working on a commercial project and the General Contractor does not have a city building permit. Who do we call to report this violation? Answer: Most commercial projects require a building permit from the appropriate jurisdiction. If there is no visible evidence of building permit on the construction site and you have concerns whether or not a permit was obtained, please call the jurisdiction permitting department and they can instruct you on next steps. Also, review your company’s safety policy for working on jobs without proof of a building permit. You can submit your permitting questions at www.permitusnow.com or 1.844.PERMIT.4

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TECHNOLOGY

Tech Entrepreneur and Startup Advocate Russ Capper Tapped to Lead Houston Exponential By Subcontractors USA News Provider

he board of the recently established nonprofit Houston Exponential has chosen longtime local entrepreneur and technology industry champion Russ Capper as executive director. Launched in October as a vehicle to bolster Houston’s innovation ecosystem, Houston Exponential (HX) combined three different initiatives: the Mayor’s Technology and Innovation Task Force, the Houston Technology Center, and the Greater Houston Partnership’s Innovation Roundtable. The organization’s three main goals are to make Houston a top-10 innovation ecosystem, generate $2 billion in venture capital annually and create 10,000 new technology jobs a year by 2022. Capper was tapped to lead the organization because of his experience as an entrepreneur and his passion and commitment to driving technology innovation and entrepreneurship in Houston. “We conducted a national search to fill this important role and we are elated that the search not only yielded the right person in Russ, but also that he has a deep understanding of the Houston technology landscape as a local. He knows both our strengths and our challenges,” says Gina Luna, board chair of HX. Capper has successfully led multiple technology companies in the business-to-business and business-to-consumer spaces. A one-time IBM executive, Capper became CEO of document copying company, Document Servic-

es Inc., in 1993, transitioned it to a digital business model and expanded to six cities before selling the business to IKON in 1995. In 1998, he launched residential real estate brokerage firm eRealty.com, which used web-based technology to streamline and lower the cost of the homebuying process and later expanded nationwide with Prudential Real Estate. In 2005, he founded HighDrive.TV, a digital video network featuring in-person interviews with innovators, entrepreneurs and strategists. Over the years, HighDrive.TV has produced more than 2,000 interviews with local and national newsmakers from Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak to FedEx CEO Fred Smith. “I’m very excited to take on this position at a critical time in Houston Exponential’s growth,” says Capper. “I believe in Houston and our ability to make big things happen. This is the right organization at the right time to help take innovation activity in our city to the next level and I’m ready for the challenge.” Capper’s hiring comes at a time of accelerated momentum for HX and the innovation ecosystem, most notably last week’s announcement by Rice University of plans to transform the former Sears site in Midtown into an anchor for the innovation district. HX plans to relocate to this space once renovations are complete along with business accelerator Station Houston, the Texas Medical Center’s digital initiative and other organizations. HX grew out of an in-depth study of Houston’s innovation ecosystem produced by Accen-

ture for the Partnership’s Innovation Roundtable. That 2016 study, along with recommendations from the other supporting groups, helped establish the structure and strategy for Houston Exponential, including 13 strategic initiatives. HX is working toward its mission by supporting a fund of funds to attract venture capital, helping to shape the recently-announced innovation district in Houston and attracting talent to the region, among other key endeavors. It’s also working to promote Houston’s image, both locally and nationally, as a vibrant, innovation economy where startups can thrive. The group has already made significant headway in crucial areas, from identifying investors and partners for early-stage companies to hosting international technology companies interested in expanding in the U.S. It’s also garnered significant commitments toward the goal of raising $50 million for the fund of funds. “Houston Exponential is leading the charge to create a dynamic and competitive innovation ecosystem in this city,” says Luna. “To execute that vision we need the infrastructure provided by the innovation district, the investment dollars through the fund of funds and the know-how of people like Russ and the talented tech and business leaders in our working groups. Combine all of this together and we can move the needle.”

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Source: Houston Exponential

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TRANSPORTATION

Texas Central names Bechtel project manager for bullet train By Subcontractors USA News Provider

exas Central, developers of the high-speed train between North Texas and Houston, announced an agreement today with Bechtel to work together on project management services. Bechtel has completed more than 300 major train and subway projects, including the Channel Tunnel High Speed 1, Crossrail in London, Riyadh Metro and Dulles Corridor Metrorail in the Washington, D.C., area. Bechtel will support Texas Central in managing the Texas Bullet Train project as it moves from development to implementation. The announcement is the latest significant step forward for the innovative, investor-led project – a 200 mph train that will connect the state’s largest cities in 90 minutes, with a midway stop in the Brazos Valley. “We’re putting all of the elements together, building toward the expected 10,000 direct jobs each year during construction in Texas. The addition of Bechtel, with its experience in train and mega-infrastructure project experience, is another sign of the expertise this project is attracting and leveraging,” Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar said. Bechtel, a U.S.-based company with an office in Houston and about 2,000 employees in Texas, has global expertise in managing and constructing high-speed train

infrastructure. The organization has delivered complex, heavy civil projects for more than 100 years. “We look forward to using our international highspeed train experience to progress this transformative project in the United States,” said Scott Osborne, Bechtel’s Infrastructure general manager, Americas. “The high-speed connection between Houston and North Texas will begin a new era of travel and convenience for riders.” The partnership comes after Texas Central selected Fluor Enterprises and The Lane Construction Corporation to perform pre-construction planning with engineering support from WSP, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy. All have global expertise in construction projects, infrastructure planning and international rail development. Texas Central, Fluor, Lane and WSP are refining and updating construction planning and sequencing, scheduling and cost estimates and other design and engineering activities. That’s being

guided by the Federal Railroad Administration’s recently released Dra` Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the project. Teams of technical experts continue working on the project every day as the environmental assessments, engineering, design and other work enters a new phase. The DEIS for the first time outlined a single, preferred route between North Texas and Houston, identified passenger station locations and recognized the train system’s low-impact design and construction principles. It cited many factors in support of the project, saying the train would “alleviate the strain” on Texas’ infrastructure and “is needed to accommodate growing demand.” The FRA will complete a final environmental review that will help determine the project’s Timeline and route before construction begins.

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Source: Texas Central

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