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EVERY PERSON COUNTS H-E-B’s Commitment to Supporting a Diverse Community From right to left. Ellen Ward, Nathan Plake, Jenny White, Winell Herron, James Harris, Jason Patterson, and Yuliya Logan.
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Six Essential Factors to Consider Before Buying Construction Equipment
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In the Subcontractors USA Community... National Minority Supplier Development Council Annual Conference
26 Texas Central Reaches Another Milestone With Addition of Salini Impregilo for Limited Notice to Proceed
2 | November 2018
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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 H-E-B’s newest store opening near MacGregor and 288. H-E-B makes it their mission to include local suppliers and other businesses in every project they do. They reach these suppliers through their Supplier Diversity
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04 ARCHITECTURE 04 Innovative ventures highlight opportunities and pitfalls for newer firms that can be mitigated with help from the AIA Trust 06 Seven ways small firms can help change the world
10 CONSTRUCTION 10 Six Essential Factors to Consider Before Buying Construction Equipment 12 Three ways construction leaders harness digital transformation 14 IT & TECHNOLOGY 14 Smarter Construction Tools 14 Updated tool helps power supply designers get to market faster
PROJECT COORDINATORS Carly Hammack Lindsey Ford
16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 Every Person Counts H-E-B’s Commitment to Supporting a Diverse Community
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18 OIL AND GAS 18 10 Things You Might Not Know About Natural Gas 18 ExxonMobil to Join Oil and Gas Climate Initiative
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22 PERMITS 22 Five Secrets Revealed on How a Good Offense Helps to Obtain a Building Permit Fast
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“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.”
Program, Construction Outreach events, and Opportunity Exchanges. H-E-B plans to continue expanding their efforts to ensure supplier diversity and inclusion and continue to provide great facilities, low prices and new and differentiated products. 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.
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24 SAFETY 24 Fighting the Fatal Four OSHA-Based Solutions to Construction’s Deadliest Hazards 28 Construction Personal Protective Equipment for the Female Workforce
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26 TRANSPORTATION 26 Texas Central Reaches Another Milestone With Addition of Salini Impregilo for Limited Notice to Proceed 26 Opportunities With Small Businesses
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ARCHITECTURE
INNOVATIVE VENTURES
highlight opportunities and pitfalls for newer firms that can be mitigated with help from the AIA Trust By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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ast fall, AIA held a two-day summit called the Practice Innovation Lab (PIL). Hosted by the Young Architects Forum, emerging professionals from around the country met to develop new models for architectural practice in intensive team-based charrettes that yielded surprising results. Chief among the conclusions was that the next generation of architects will not be content to settle for the status quo in practice. That’s why many of the PIL participants are now applying their findings from the event toward investigating alternative practice methods in pursuit of larger commissions and greater flexibility with pro bono work. One major concern highlighted in PIL presentations was the disparity between small and large firms: The US has many more small firms than large ones, yet large firms take the majority of industry billings. Most of the country’s practices have fewer than ten employees, and they lose out on commissions to larger firms that can afford to amortize marketing and overhead expenses. At the Lab, related concerns were expressed around architecture for social good—large firms usually have more billable hours that allow greater flexibility in offering pro bono services while smaller firms that have less budgetary fluidity and might be less able to accommodate projects that aren’t paying, no matter how altruistic the goals of their principals. Thus, the idea of networks of smaller firms that can band together to share expertise and challenge larger firms for the bigger commissions—or address pro bono projects—appeals to a crop of architects whose ambitions exceed their current reach. Several PIL participants have used the momentum generated during the intensive summit to propel their initiatives forward. Two members of Team Covalence—Elizabeth Turner, AIA, and Kurt Neiswender, AIA— are continuing the work they started during the PIL with a networked business approach. Team Covalence defined its mission as “connecting designers in spaces and with resources that advance equitable social, economic, and environmentally responsible design solutions within their communities." That’s exactly the approach Turner and Neiswender—who also serves as 2018 AIA Flint president—have embraced. “It’s actually something we’re putting into practice,” Turner says. She founded her Minneapolisbased firm Precipitate Architecture in June of 2017, and brought on partner Abby Meuser-Herr, AIA, more recently. Following PIL, they spoke about creating Team Covalence in real life, and now they’re consulting with Neiswender, who works in Flint, Michigan. “That was explicitly the goal of our team’s firm structure—that we’d have people embedded in communities, that we’d share resources across different geographies,” Turner says. “We’re not just doing projects wherever there’s a need, but we’re actually more connected to the communities that we’re serving, with an eye toward social impact design.” Turner acknowledges the difficulties of transitioning from a sole proprietorship to a partnership, but those pale in comparison to the shift from a corporate practice to smaller firm. “What I want to do personally as an architect is blend architecture, research, and education. That’s difficult financially to justify in a typical architecture firm,” she says. “The best option to do that kind of work was to start my own firm. When we grew, we didn’t want to recreate the traditional, hierarchical business model. That’s the thing that had crushed innovation in the past.” So she and Meuser-Herr operate as autonomous PLLCs that go after projects together, at times teaming with Neiswender to broaden the range of services they can offer. For architects like Turner who are starting to think about hanging out their own shingles, the AIA Trust can be an invaluable resource for understanding risk and putting in place measures to mitigate it. The Trust’s website is now organized
into career stages, with a page devoted to those starting a practice and an extensive library of practice-oriented resources that includes guides, articles, webinars, checklists, white papers, and databases. Specifically, the AIA Trust’s manuals Creating and Maintaining a Professional Practice and Making the Transition to Running Your Own Firm offer insight into the process of launching a firm, as does the webinar Creating & Maintaining A Professional Practice. When Turner was setting up shop, she desired specific insights into the particulars of her unique situation and turned to an insurer with whom she’d already worked for close to a decade. For architects without that kind of relationship, the AIA Trust’s LegaLine offers on-call legal information in a yearly subscription, providing invaluable support for nascent firms that may not yet have a legal team. Likewise, the AIA Trust offers an insurance checklist, tips about insurance sourcing and policy, and a Professional Liability Database is a searchable directory of more than 40 professional liability insurers. Another member of Team Covalence is finding his own path, also building upon the team’s findings at PIL. “I work out of a home office, so the commute’s amazing, but the most difficult thing is that you start at ground zero,” says Beau Frail, AIA, who launched Activate Architecture in January of this year. “I’ve had to start everything, like learning how to file an LLC, consulting with an accountant, and filing your quarterly taxes. There are so many things that you have to do that you don’t have to worry about when you’re a piece of a larger whole in a company.” The kinds of overhead expenses that architects may take for granted, such as payroll, human resources, and health benefits, are all decisions that newly minted firm owners need to consider before they begin to grow. Sole proprietors may be able to rely on individual coverage, but dependent employees mean calculations of what makes the most sense for offering competitive healthcare, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and additional benefits such as 401K programs—none of which are covered in a basic professional practice course. “When I started having employees, I wanted to be able to support them, to make sure I’m covering the risks inherent in having a business and having employees,” says Amy Slattery, AIA, who founded her Kansas City, Missouri-based firm, Odimo, at her dining room table, but has just hired her sixth full-time employee. Slattery found the AIA Trust’s Professional Employer Organization (PEO), which effectively allows her to outsource her human resources department, was just what she needed: “The PEO package was the easiest button to push. I’m continuing to go back to AIA Trust; nine times out of 10, they’re the most cost-effective and still provide the services I’m looking for.” There’s a delicate balance to be had between launching an innovative model for practice and smartly mitigating your risks. On one hand, staying with tried-and-true business practices ensures that your firm won’t be exposed to unexpected circumstances. On the other, it’s hard to innovate when you’re following a well-worn path. When you launch in your own direction, it’s comforting to know that the resources of the AIA Trust are there to guide you through the murkier business aspects you might encounter on your journey. Source: American Institute of Architects
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Internet of Things (IoT): What Is It — Really? In today’s world, the terms IoT and “Internet of Things” are tossed around as often as a baseball at an Astros game, yet most of us don’t really know what those “Internet of Things” are or how they might impact our daily lives at home or in business. So, let’s demystify these “Things” and talk about how they are used today both at home and at work. By now, most of us have heard about, seen or even used a smart watch. Smart watches are some of those “things” that we talk about in the world of IoT. Wikipedia defines IoT as items that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors actuators AND connectivity, which enables the things to collect and exchange data. In the case of a smart watch, it has the ability to gather information about you, including your steps and your heart rate. The newest Apple™ watch will even come with the ability to do heart monitoring. As a consumer, you will begin seeing more and more home automation, personal products and elder care products and services that incorporate some form of IoT technology in them. On the business side of the spectrum, there are numerous IoT products on the market today that will drive operational costs down and provide real-time, meaningful information designed to help you compete as well as operate more efficiently and cost effectively. For example, there are 24/7 facility and property monitoring systems that, using a small sensor, will alert building owners and property managers when problems start, before significant damage occurs. These monitoring systems provide moisture detection, temperature and motion detection, open and close statuses and more. Another use case for these IoT monitoring systems is rodent activity. It is far less expensive and easier to exterminate for rodents before there is a significant problem versus after the problem
becomes significant with rodent infestation. Restaurants, grocery and convenience store owners can receive real-time updates if/when a refrigerator, freezer or food bar gets off temperature versus manual, often-times forgotten and manual inspections. Hospitals and medical facilities alike can receive immediate notification, if a refrigerator with medication is off temperature, protecting patients and saving money. Additionally, IT professionals can get real-time information to ensure adequate cooling and desired humidity levels for the server rooms and data centers, detecting humidity changes and water presence in time to avoid expensive equipment repairs. These solutions are often low cost or even no cost upfront to implement and the bottom-line savings are huge. For example, one case of food poisoning at a restaurant has the potential for a law suit and negative publicity. One small and slow building leak can create a serious mold problem and be expensive to fix with the potential to interrupt your daily business. The bottom line? Take a look at your business. Which information is being collected manually? Is there a way to automate it or monitor the condition? What is your risk, if a problem arises in that area? What are the costs to fix the problem? Once you have your baseline, start looking for the solutions that will drive your costs down and your profits up!
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ARCHITECTURE
Seven ways small firms can help change the world By Subcontractors USA
1. Identify the issue. What matters most to you?
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In a small firm, we wear many hats and there are limited resources. Prioritize the issues we care about.
ccording to the US Energy Information Administration, buildings account for 44.6 percent of United States CO2emissions. As the architects who design those buildings, how can we continue to protect the world we care about? And what can architecture firms do to help? Thomas Jacobs, AIA, has been working on those very questions. As the past chair of the AIA Chicago Advocacy Committee, founder of the Riverside Sustainability Council, and principal at Krueck + Sexton Architects, he has been an avid participant in the 2030 Challenge and still asks, ”What we can do better?” Jacobs’s answer: Take action before the problem arises. He and a small in-house team established Architects Advocate, a movement where architects can voice concerns over climate change, advocate for action, and create a network of collective knowledge on climate change and the role buildings play. While AIA’s institutional efforts engage government leaders at local, state, and national levels and give voice to architectural concerns, Architects Advocate believes that grassroots government advocacy is just as important. Jacobs also recognizes that his 30-person, mid-size firm enjoys resources like workload flexibility and shared networks. However, small firms can incorporate advocacy into their practice as well, starting with a few simple steps.
2. Determine the scale. How much can you or your firm commit?
Identify what you can offer and stick to it. Every bit contributed to something that matters is a step in the right direction.
5. Have the conversation. 3. Find a network. Find others that share your goal.
Develop a network with shared resources, information, and time to help bridge the gap.
4. Become a beacon.
Create a network if one doesn’t exist or isn’t readily available. Develop a local branch of a meaningful organization. Let your network know what you care about; likeminded people will find you.
Oftentimes, the simplest thing we can do is speak the words. A conversation with a client about their building’s influence may result in a more sustainable project.
7. Let the Small Firm Exchange know.
The SFx can help. Share what is important to you, what helped you make an impact, and any other information that could benefit small firm owners.
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6. Don’t lose hope. We can’t save the world in a day. The small amount of time or resources we have to give doesn’t always feel like much; don’t get discouraged.
We, as architects, design the built world and have the power to influence how buildings shape it. Working in a small firm does not mean small projects or small impact. Small architecture firms can build a better tomorrow. How will you use that power? Source: The American Institute of Architects
November 2018 | 7
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MORE THAN BRICKS AND MORTAR
As one of the nation’s largest commercial builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority- and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it is ingrained in our corporate culture. We are devoted to making sure the contributions that strengthen the local economy reflect the demographics of the community at large.
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CONSTRUCTION
Six Essential Factors to Consider Before Buying Construction Equipment By Subcontractors USA News Provider
T
here is an increase in infrastructure projects, which is a good reason for construction businesses to have equipment that will help them finish the projects on time, without compromising the integrity of the built structure. If the equipment is no longer helping you achieve that goal, it is time to replace it. However, this is not an easy task as heavy equipment is costly and needs significan investment. Here are six factors that you must consider before buying:
Source: Associated General Contractor
Quality There will be times when you will have to work in a remote location, where the weather conditions could be unpredictable, unfamiliar or harsh. For example, you could experience constant rain, snow or hail. These conditions can weaken and damage the heavy-lifting equipment if they remain exposed to the harsh elements for a prolonged period of time on a regular basis. The compromised equipment can prove hazardous to the employees working on the site and impact the integrity of the structure being constructed. Invest in lifting equipment that is made of good quality materials because they have the ability to resist weakening caused by exposure to harsh conditions and punishing weather elements. Moreover, you will save maintenance and repair costs. Always check the quality and strength of the heavy-lifting equipment before buying.
Fuel Efficiency Heavy construction equipment does not come cheap. Not only is it expensive initially, you will have to shell out high maintenance costs down the line. One way to bring down your costs is by opting for fuel-efficient machines. Since fuel is one of the major costs in a construction business, machines that consume less fuel will save you a lot of money in the long term.
Dealer Ensure that you always buy from a reputable dealer. Take your time and check out numerous dealers before making the purchase. One way to identify a reputable and reliable dealer is if answers any question you throw his way; if he doesn’t have an answer, he will be honest and get back to you later with the necessary information. Make sure you also ask about the after-purchase services being offered.
Costs Technology Embrace technology as it is an ally you want on your side. If you have heavy equipment that has the latest technology, it will surely impact and enhance the overall performance of your business. These machines will get more work done in less time and with less manpower as compared to their ‘non-tech’ counterparts. It also helps in attracting and retaining more business to the contractors. The work would be smoother, helping them complete the projects faster and on time. Industrial weighing scales are an example of such technology.
Generally, construction projects span over a long time — ranging from a few months to even years or decades. Not planning and allocating assets and investments smartly will affect the overall project and the business. Investing in heavy-lifting machines is a significant part of the allocated budget. Since some of the heavy-lifting machinery is large in size and boasts of sophisticated technology, it can make the purchase an expensive affair for your business. Despite the expenses, it is advisable to invest in them rather than opting for substandard machines as it will benefit you in the long run. Plan properly and consider the allocated budget as a primary factor before buying these machines.
Knowledge Of Using The Equipment Efficient and reliable lifting equipment will do you no good if you do not have the skill or dexterity to use it. Working with heavy machinery is quite challenging and poses a workplace safety hazard if not handled carefully. Ensure that only trained and specialized machine operators are in-charge of running such machines to keep the workplace safe and eliminate accidents. If you do not specialize in heavy equipment management, hire an experienced operator for the same. It would be a wise decision to invest in training your staff. The right equipment is your biggest asset, so make sure you invest wisely in it to secure your future. These six tips will greatly help in assisting you in making the right purchasing decisions.
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CONSTRUCTION
Three ways construction leaders harness DIGITAL transformation By Subcontractors USA News Provider
T
he construction industry is lagging behind others when it comes to digital transformation. Some construction firms “are still using paper-based processes that can only be described as archaic,” according to a 2016 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s Strategy&.1 The industry’s old-school ways mean contractors waste time and money mailing revisions to blueprints, tracking paper receipts and invoices, or traveling long distances to do on-site inspections of small changes. As construction professionals shoulder even more pressure to boost razor-thin profit margins, leaders are beginning to embrace the digital revolution. Fifty-five percent of construction and engineering professionals said their industry is ripe for disruption in a 2017 global survey conducted by KPMG; 95 percent think technology/innovation will significantly change their business; and 74 percent believe such a change will happen in less than five years.2 Digital disruption doesn’t have to be a burden. Here are three ways to harness digital tools to your advantage.
Manage Projects From Anywhere Hard drives and technology are more visible than ever on the job site. Crews are now using tablets, for example, to review and inspect plans instead of old-fashioned paper blueprints. Some new applications help managers
inspect remote sites by providing digital photos. In addition, project management software can save time and increase transparency by ensuring that updates, revisions and plan changes are shared in real time, cutting down on errors and delays.
Manage Jobs Better On-Site Increasingly, on-site job leaders are using tech to monitor and improve operations in real-time. New mobile platforms allow foremen to update blueprints immediately on-site, instead of having to make the trip back to the office. Workers can annotate and track punch lists from the construction zone, letting them work nimbly in the field when inevitable changes on-site arise. Being able to adjust or change plans in realtime reduces or eliminates the time-delay that can be a killer on projects. Some digital tools allow foremen to immediately retrieve and compare data on actual project hours, budgeted hours, and remaining hours, which helps keep projects on or close to budget. Harry, a VP of Operations at a midsize construction firm, said the way that work
gets done is definitely changing. “There's not too many contractors that don't have somebody that’s schooled in software,” he said. “Most of them have gotten smart enough to know that that helps.”
Track Expenses, Everywhere, Digitally Having centralized expense control enables the home office to get a birds-eye view of all the project expenses — even those out-of-state. Owners of mid-size construction firms say that it helps control expenses when their out-of-state workers are aware that their spending is being reviewed regularly. Jake, the owner and operations manager for a construction firm that does about $25 million in annual sales on projects in multiple states, said, “We want our guys that are out of state to be aware that we're reviewing what they’re spending.” Turning to the latest digital solutions helps construction leaders quickly and easily tabulate expenses and other various needs for projects. Additionally, by avoiding paper, expenses don’t fall through the cracks and pile up without your knowledge. “We know ahead of time what our costs are going to be,” said Robert, president of a midsized construction firm. “We break up those costs, allowing our field personnel to make purchases for specific projects, up to a certain amount.”
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IT & TECHNOLOGY
Smarter Construction Tools By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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ew hardware that integrates with smartphones or tablets is becoming invaluable for measurement and quality control on jobsites. With a focus on MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) system energy performance, I have found several new tools that are indispensable additions to anyone’s field kit. Beyond MEP, these gadgets can assist with a range of construction tasks from finding leaks to estimating. While they are not necessarily professional-grade tools, a few hundred dollar investment means they can be always available and prevent wasted visits from special inspectors or consultants. I am going to highlight three categories of tools in this article: infrared camera and laser measures that are seemingly universal, and specialty smart probes mainly focused on HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and refrigeration trades.
FLIR and Seek Thermal both produce infrared cameras that work in conjunction with a smartphone or tablet. These sensors cost from about $250 to $500 and allow you to record infrared photographs on your phone. They are extremely helpful for quickly identifying deficiencies, or confirming work is acceptable before other trades commence. These cameras are not a replacement for expensive, high-resolution imagers. Their thermal sensors are somewhat limited. However, they are sufficient to identify a lot of potential issues safely and avoid a lot of wasted time.
Laser Measures
the infrared cameras above. Time will tell how accurate the measurement is, but its size and cost promise to be extremely handy for verifying site conditions or taking initial measurements, especially where a tape measure can’t be easily deployed.
Smart Probes One of my students introduced me to Testo’s line of Smart Probes that integrate with an Android or iOS smartphone app. Geared toward MEP and HVAC techs and inspectors, this line of products is extremely helpful for startup and commissioning.
Most of the major laser measure companies offer a Bluetooth-enabled measure that can pair with a smartphone app. For instance, Bosch offers the MeasureOn App that pairs with a number of their Bluetooth measuring tools and Stanley has the Smart Connect App for theirs. One can photograph the space and then append laser measurements to the photograph. Using a connected app also limits transcription errors or lost measurements.
Infrared Camera Infrared cameras may be one of the most useful tools to have always at the ready. They can literally let you see through walls in many circumstances. When reviewing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or insulation installations, they can immediately detect costly or even dangerous situations without any contact. In the case of water leaks, they can save hours of time and material damage tracing the source. They can also help identify potential defects before they lead to failed inspections or contentious rework.
I am also keeping my eye on iPin, a company that originally developed a headphone jack-based laser measure for smartphones. It launched a Kickstarter campaign earlier this year to bring a Bluetooth-enabled phone mounted laser measure to market. iPin plans to release the product in the fall of 2018, and it looks to be akin to
The infrared thermometer has a range of applications for measuring surface temperatures, especially in difficult to reach areas. There are plumbing applications for these tools, as well with a pipe clamp thermometer. Like the laser measures, logging and recording via smartphones means less errors and no lost paper. With the cost of sensor technology dropping, and smartphones getting more powerful, I’m excited to try out new and smarter tools. Identifying one potential defect before rework justifies building a field kit on almost any project. Source: constructech.com/smarter-construction-tools/
IT & TECHNOLOGY
Updated tool helps power supply designers get to market faster By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Y
ou’re an engineer on a tight schedule to design a power supply for a robot that will automate a factory. Or maybe you’re designing the power supply for an automotive braking system. Or a remote-controlled toy airplane. Or a smartphone. You’ve got decisions to make. You need a switching regulator for DC/DC conversion, but there are over 1,000 to choose from. There are tradeoffs between efficiency, footprint and total cost based on the integrated circuit and surrounding components you choose. Your design has stringent performance and size requirements. Your team may not include a power-supply design expert or layout expert. The pressure is on. Help is here. After a recent redesign, WEBENCH® Power Designer, the in-
dustry’s most-used online power supply design tool, is now even more powerful and easier to use. “Time to market is critical for our customers,” said Vinay Jayaram, who leads the team at our company that creates online design tools for our analog portfolio. “We want to make it easy for our customers to select and design the right products for their applications quickly and accurately. We’re building intuitive tools that utilize powerful algorithms to deliver customized designs in seconds. These tools automate a lot of information contained in datasheets and application notes, generating the exact design a customer needs for their application.” Our company pioneered the use of online design tools about 20 years ago. Today, tens of thousands of design engineers around the world rely on WEBENCH Power Designer each year. “At any company – big or small, in any industry, at any location in the world –
there are going to be design engineers making decisions about what components to use for their next product,” Vinay said. “Designing analog systems accurately is difficult, and a lot of companies don’t have in-house expertise. We make it easy for design engineers to get accurate, highquality designs and solutions that work the first time so they can get their products to market faster.” For years, the team that designs online tools has been gathering feedback from customers, our company’s field applications engineers and others to learn what
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was most important for the people who use the tool every day. What they discovered was simple: Engineers want an intuitive experience and accurate solutions. So Vinay’s team of analog experts, mathematicians and software programmers got to work building WEBENCH Power Designer with the right frameworks, algorithms and models for our company’s portfolio of power products. The result is a powerful, end-to-end design tool that’s fast, highlights content that design engineers need, and enables them to compare devices and make quick, customized decisions. “Power management is critical for every application in the world,” Vinay said. “We help customers solve problems that will benefit the world. Using our technology and tools will help customers get to market faster with the best design that meets their system requirements.” Source: Texas Instruments
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H-E-B’s Mission to Support Local, Diverse Suppliers By Subcontractors USA News Provider
H
-E-B, one of America’s most successful privately-owned companies, is continuing to expand with new store openings across Texas. Despite being such a large company, the H-E-B team has made it their mission to always support the local community. They have continued to pursue this mission through the implementation of several supplier diversity outreach programs. One of their most successful initiatives is the Supplier Diversity program. H-EB’s Supplier Diversity program was created to help supply their stores with unique products and services from an array of suppliers, including participation from minority and women-owned businesses. This has allowed them to build stronger customer loyalty as well as increase community engagement, all while continuing to grow sales and offer lower prices. “We partner with suppliers who understand the unique needs of our customers and have creative ideas on how to serve them,” James Harris, Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, said. “Those partnerships enable us to stay competitive and better serve our communities.” H-E-B’s Supplier Diversity Department also hosts an annual Opportunity Exchange, a one-day event that serves as a chance to educate, inform, share and matchmake all in one place and time. H-E-B gathers their sourcing, procurement, facility maintenance and construction teams together to meet with qualified, potential suppliers in the hopes of doing business together. “This event is invitation only,” Harris said. “We want to insure it is a productive and rewarding day for the supplier community and our H-E-B team.” Construction Outreach events are another one of H-E-B’s successful supplier diversity efforts. These events are project-specific and serve as a way for H-E-B to seek out local and diverse suppliers. Each event also targets suppliers in specific industries such as wiring, low voltage cabling, dry wall, sheet metal, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, concrete, flooring, roofing, tile, and many more. During the Construction Outreach events, information that is relevant about the construction of new stores and other H-E-B facilities is shared. The general contractor of the project also shares project details such as what categories will be bid, the process of being added to the bidders list, and information about insurance requirements. H-E-B’s most recent Construction Outreach event was held in Houston for the project located at MacGregor/288. Harris said this event was a testament to the success of the H-E-B Supplier Diversity program.
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“Over the last three to five years, I have hosted numerous Construction Outreach events across the state,” Harris said. “To date, I have been pleased and even surprised with the level of attendance, engagement and contracts awarded.” The store being built on MacGregor/288 is anticipated to be a state-of-the-art facility that will have a positive economic impact on the entire community. It is expected to provide numerous jobs both during the construction of the store and in the store once it is completed. Harris says he goes into each project with a three-pronged approach: the lowest possible price, the highest possible quality and the keys delivered on time. “We have been able to accomplish this goal while still supporting the local supplier community contiguous to the construction project,” Harris said. As H-E-B continues to expand its business, they also plan to expand their supplier diversity efforts, while staying focused on providing great facilties, low prices and new and differentiated products. “There is no silver bullet with regards to supplier diversity,” Harris said. “You must understand the business you operate, how you make money and align your supplier diversity goals to the business goals. Supplier diversity can be a differentiator for your company if you do it well inside your company’s business strategy.”
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OIL AND GAS
10 Things You Might Not Know About Natural Gas
OIL AND GAS
5. It’s hitting record highs…
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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atural gas – it heats our homes, powers our appliances, generates electricity and can even fuel vehicles. This versatile and abundant resource is helping to drive a manufacturing renaissance across America and contributing to emissions reductions all over the world. Though natural gas is in the news quite a bit, many people only associate it with home heating and cooking. We’re here to fix that. We’ve assembled ten facts to help you learn about the energy we use every day. Naturally, we think they’re a gas.
For the first time since 1957, the U.S. is exporting more natural gas than it’s importing. That’s a big deal because it means adding up to $20 billion to the economy and creating more than 35,000 jobs.
6. …and helping us reach new (carbon) lows. Natural gas also has a lower carbon footprint than other traditional energy sources. For example, it emits 60 percent less CO2 emissions than coal in electricity generation. When paired with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), which could capture 90 percent of emissions, it has the potential to help reduce our energy’s footprint even more.
1. What we talk about when we talk about natural gas.
7. No one smelt it. In its natural state, natural gas is tasteless, colorless and odorless. The fuel’s telltale scent is actually from an additive that is deliberately added to make it smell and easier to detect.
It’s primarily methane – a carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms – and should not be confused with the gasoline used in cars. It’s found underground, similar to oil, and supplies 22 percent of the world’s energy. That number is set to grow in the next 20 years, as natural gas use is likely to increase more than any other fuel source.
8. It’s going places.
2. It goes by a lot of names. Natural gas, when it’s cooled to -260°F, condenses, and is referred to as liquefied natural gas, or LNG. In its liquid form, LNG ships can transport LNG around the world. When natural gas is extracted from the ground, it’s processed to remove heavier components; these heavier components are called natural gas liquids, or NGLs. Those NGLs include ethane, butane and propane, and are important feedstocks that help us produce plastics used every day.
3. It’s quite a complement – to renewable power. As renewable power continues to grow as a source of electricity, natural gas-fired power generation stands out as a strong complement to renewables to ensure a reliable and resilient power grid. This efficient, flexible power source is ready to supplement dips in renewable energy on cloudy and windless days.
4. It’s lighter than air. Natural gas, specifically methane, is less dense than carbon dioxide, so it’s technically lighter than air. In its gaseous state, it also takes up a great deal of volume, making it challenging to transport, so companies can pressurize it to allow transportation across land through pipelines.
W it h i n t h e t r a n s p or t a t ion sector, natura l gas-powered engines can also help reduce emissions. Sunny Los Angeles is pushing ahead using compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles with its fleet of 2,000 buses and ample fueling stations helping improve air quality by reducing both CO2 emissions and the nitrogen oxides found in smog. On the high seas, ships are using LNG to power their trips and transport the fuel around the world, a winwin for this evolving fuel technology.
9. Call it the incredible shrinking gas. And speaking of LNG, liquefied natural gas takes up 1/600 the space of natural gas; that’s like shrinking the volume of a beach ball down to a ping-pong ball, saving space so LNG ships can maximize the energy transported each trip.
10. ExxonMobil’s got flair – but a lot less flaring. To further enhance natural gas emissions benefits versus other fuels, ExxonMobil has committed to reducing natural gas flaring by 25 percent and lowering methane emissions by 15 percent from its operations by 2020. The company is finding new ways to make each part of the production process better, so that as natural gas production continues to increase, emissions drop. Source: ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil to Join Oil and Gas Climate Initiative By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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xxonMobil today said it will join the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), a voluntary initiative representing 13 of the world’s largest oil and gas producers working collaboratively toward solutions to mitigate the risks of climate change. The CEO-led organization focuses on developing practical solutions in areas including carbon capture and storage, methane emissions reductions and energy and transportation efficiency. As part of the initiative, ExxonMobil will expand its investment in research and development of long-term solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as partnerships and multi-stakeholder initiatives that will pursue lower-emission technologies. “It will take t he collective efforts of many in the energ y industry and societ y to develop scalable, affordable solutions that will be needed to address the risks of climate change,” said Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer of ExxonMobil. “Our mission is to supply energy for modern life and improve living standards around the world while minimizing impacts on the environment. This dual challenge is one of the most important issues facing society and our company.” ExxonMobil has invested billions of dollars in researching and developing lower-emission solutions, including carbon capture and storage technology, nextgeneration biofuels, cogeneration and more efficient manufacturing processes. Earlier this year, ExxonMobil announced initiatives to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations by 2020, including reducing methane emissions 15 percent and flaring by 25 percent. Since 2000, ExxonMobil has spent more than $9 billion to develop and deploy higher-efficiency and lower-emission energy solutions across its operations. OGCI was established following the 2014 World Economic Forum and formally launched at the United Nations Climate Summit the same year. Members include BP, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, Pemex, Petrobras, Repsol, Royal Dutch Shell, Saudi Aramco and Total. Source: news.exxonmobil.com
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National Minority Supplier Development Council Annual Conference 2018
The National Minority Supplier Development Council held its annual conference at the Austin Convention Center October 14-17. The tradeshow held true to this year’s theme-“Global Stage for Innovation and Impact”—by hosting national and local NMSDC corporate members and minority business enterprises all pursuing the same goal of expanding their professional and business contacts. The conference held more than 20 learning sessions and interactive workshops that engaged attendees with details of the latest commercial and entrepreneurial advances. It also featured a one-day Business Opportunity Exchange with more than 700 exhibit booths. This gives corporations the opportunity to present their supplier diversity programs, and it gives minority business owners the chance to present their businesses and connect with larger companies.
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PERMITS
Five Secrets Revealed on How a Good Offense Helps to Obtain a Building Permit Fast Why wait for 100% building plan set when you can proactively position for a permit?
By Helen Callier Contributing Writer
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ith hundreds of billions of dollars and many more construction opportunities on the horizon for contractors, some jurisdictions are scrambling to handle the work load for plan reviews to issue building permits. And with recent hurricaneimpacted areas along the Florida Gulf Coast and in the Carolinas, jurisdictions will become even more stretched. For contractors with sights set on starting construction in a timely manner, the question that swirls around often is how quickly can you obtain a permit for your residential rebuild or for foundation repairs or for new commercial build outs? We get this general inquiry all the time. And the response is ‘it depends” on several factors such as if your permit package is complete with requirements satisfied, the current work load of jurisdiction and if there have been any changes in permitting processes. Once we receive a project specific scope, we provide a better estimate on the time to obtain a permit. Some architects and contractors find the electronic permitting process appealing and believe it is a faster method to obtaining a permit. The truth is, in some jurisdictions, you can only submit electronically, and, in many others, you have an option – manual or electronic. If an architect or contractor selects to submit electronically note that unlike manual submission of
permit application and plan set, once submitted electronically the permit application stays electronic, including communications. This becomes frustrating for many architects and contractors who have reached a point where they simply want to pick up the telephone or schedule a meeting to speak with a Plan Reviewer directly. Whether you decide to submit in person or electronically, shown below are five secrets to help you play offense to obtain your building permit fast. Uncover Any Threats – Getting started early before the permit plan set is buttoned up allows you to review for any gaps in meeting jurisdiction building codes and standards, plus it allows you to make sure all prerequisites are on track. This step alone saves you time and money, plus it can minimize delays once submitted for permitting. Determine Best Plan of Action – Once you have completed your early review of plans, checked jurisdiction web site for clarification or spoken with a Plan Reviewer to clear up code concerns, you can then lay out the best plan of action for your permit, and determine things like is it best to pull one master building permit or more advantageous to take a phased approach. Refrain from Making Assumptions – There are a lot of dynamics with building codes from jurisdiction to
jurisdiction across one metropolitan area, across a state and across the U.S. And blindly assuming the architect or engineer is on top of all the latest building codes and standards can be costly. Also, reviewing the permit set before submission can eliminate delays. Schedule Pre-Plan Review Meetings – Plan Reviewers are open to having meetings since it can reduce their workloads later during the actual review process. Plan Reviewers are your partners to ensure construction occurs in a safe manner. Be sure to check the jurisdiction web site as some may charge a fee for pre-review meetings. Use Jurisdictions’ Checklist – The majority of jurisdictions have checklists on their web sites based on the type of project you are attempting to get permitted. If not found on their web site, you can call for a copy. From residential to commercial to drainage, you will find the checklist helpful and, when used properly, it can save you time and money and assist in starting construction in a timely manner.
In Conclusion As more and more design and construction projects increase, architects, engineers, contractors and project owners will be eyeing jurisdictions to issue permits faster. To facilitate timely plan reviews and issuance of building permits, we believe getting started early and playing offense is a key strategy. If you have any questions on pulling permits in Texas, Florida and other parts of the U.S., visit www.permitusnow.com or call 1.844.PERMIT.4. Build Safe.
GREATER HOUSTON BUSINESS PROCUREMENT FORUM “Where Business Takes Place”
GHBPF 2018 Calendar January 23, 2018 February 27, 2018 March 27, 2018 April 17, 2018 May 29, 2018 June 26, 2018 July 24, 2018 August 28, 2018 September 25, 2018 October 30, 2018 November 13, 2018
Join Us
Monthly Procurement Forum Breakfast
This Month
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION THEME: “The Importance Of Minority, Women Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certifications”
8:00 AM TO 11:30 AM
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
West Loop Campus 5601 W. Loop South, 1st Floor - Auditorium Houston, Texas 77081
1707 1/2 Post Oak Blvd., PMB 273, Houston, TX 77056 | Ph.832.216.2185 | WWW.HOUSTONBIZ.ORG
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Various Public and Private Sector Entities and their representatives will discuss the prospects for doing business and outline business opportunities for Small and Minority owned businesses with their respective Institutions.
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SAFETY
SAFETY
FIGHTING THE FATAL FOUR
OSHA-Based Solutions to Construction’s Deadliest Hazards Caught-in/Between Objects Objects Caught-in/Between
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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t first glance, the concept of the “fatal four” may sound like a scare tactic implemented by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) to keep construction workers on their toes. However, these four hazards accounted for nearly 64% of construction worker deaths in 2016. OSHA has even determined that eliminating the risks of the fatal four would save the lives of 631 American workers a year – a significant portion of these in the construction industry. OSHA’s “fatal four” consists of the following hazards (followed by the percentage of deaths by each in 2016): • Falls (38.7%) • Struck by Object (9.4%) • Electrocution (8.3%) • Caught-in/between equipment, object, or structure (7.3%)
OSHA has established a number of preventative measures for the aforementioned hazards, all of which should be implemented at construction sites across the country.
Falls Falls With falls being the deadliest accident of all, and by a long-shot, OSHA has worked extensively to instruct workers how to spot this hazard – and avoid it. Unsteady ladders, scaffold climbing, unprotected roof edges, and roof/floor openings contribute most to falling accidents. While the risk of falling will always be present at construction sites, the risk can be lessened with increased vigilance. Ladders should always be tested for security and present wherever climbing is needed. Furthermore, personal fall arrest equipment should always be used wherever vertical drops more than 6 feet are present. This harness anchors workers while giving them complete mobility, and protects them if they should lose their footing. Additionally, floor openings should always be covered and covers should be labeled. Guardrails must also be installed on multi-level structures. Although these guidelines may seem like common sense, various construction site managers fail to execute these. Simple yet life-saving, fall prevention strategies could save 384 workers a year.
Struck Struck by by Objects Objects The number of heavy-duty equipment found on construction sites makes it plausible that being struck by a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object would be a hazard. At a minimum, workers must wear personal protective equipment. This consists of hard hats, safety goggles, and reflective vests. Protecting the head is absolutely crucial, as objects falling from a height can cause serious damage. In the event a worker is working among cranes, trucks, and other haulage vehicles, wearing a protective vest will increase their visibility for drivers of those vehicles and ensure they don’t get struck by any. Workers should also always be cautious so as not to position themselves between moving or fixed objects. When in use, all workers (except the operator) should stay away from heavy equipment and operators should ensure the coast is clear before operating the equipment.
This hazard is especially common in trench and excavation sites where cave-ins can occur, causing workers to be pinned. Workers should never enter a trench that is deeper than five feet without a sufficient protective system in place. In this case, a protective system would consist of: • Sloping: A gradual incline in place for easier access/exit routes • Shoring: Installing a supportive system to hold up a weak or unstable object • Benching: Similar to sloping, but consists of implementing a step/series of steps
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, employers should always ensure machinery safeguards are implemented. Lack of machine safeguards can lead to amputation and crushed fingers/hands if caught in moving machine parts (such as a miter saw, conveyor systems, rotating pump shafts, etc.)
Electrocutions Most commonly, electrocution on the construction site occurs when an aerial lift, boom, or scaffold comes into contact with a power line, creating a deadly circuit. Electrical safety training may seem like the last thing on your workers’ minds, particularly when compared with the more obvious dangers like falls and heavy machinery. However, every construction worker should know how to deal with exposed electrical work. Workers should be taught to always locate and identify electrical utilities before starting work. That way scaffolds, ladders, and other such structures can be kept well away from them. The heights and locations of any surrounding power lines should also be noted, so that they are not disturbed by any heavy equipment, such as a crane. Once work has begun, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) should absolutely be installed. These circuit breakers disrupt the flow of an electrical current when they sense a ground fault, protecting workers from electric shock.
TheUltimate UltimateFatal FatalFour FourPrevention Prevention The Protecting your workers against the fatal four is just as much about instilling knowledge as it is about providing the right equipment. Even with all the hard hats, safety goggles, and fall harnesses in the world, workers are still in danger if they don’t know what to look for. Putting employees through OSHA training sessions on how to spot these dangers could save countless lives. OSHA’s website contains worksheets, PowerPoints, a nd training manuals geared toward fatal four outreach training. Sessions can also be purchased through thirdparty providers for a more in-depth look at prevention. The best prevention method against the fatal four is proactivity, which ultimately lies in the hands of construction site managers and employers.
Construction Personal Protective Equipment for the Female Workforce By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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n 2015, women accounted for only 2.2% of production occupations in construction, which is one-sixth the level of “all other industries.” One of the challenges facing women in the construction industry is finding personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits properly. This is a serious issue because PPE that does not fit properly will not adequately protect against occupational hazards and may increase the risk for illnesses, injuries and death. For example, oversized protective clothing can lead to tripping hazards or get caught in machinery and result in a serious injury. Poorly fitted fall protection harnesses may lead to other injuries or may not be effective in the event of a fall. Similarly, gloves that are too big put a worker at risk of coming in contact with chemicals that can cause dermatitis or other skin diseases.
Although OSHA Construction Standards for PPE do not require employers to ensure that the PPE provided fits each employee, doing so will ensure their employees, including female employees, are protected. A list of examples of commercially-available PPE has been compiled to help employers and women in the trades find PPE that accommodates female anthropometry and can be found here: https://www.cpwr.com/ research/research-practice-library/r2p-and-p2r-work/ reaching-vulnerable-workers/construction-ppe-for-thefemale-workforce Source: OSHA
Source: OSHA
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TRANSPORTATION
Texas Central Reaches Another Milestone
With Addition of Salini Impregilo for Limited Notice to Proceed • Salini Impregilo brings global experience, having built more than 4,000 miles of railway infrastructure, and will lead civil construction consortium • Selection of multinational civil engineering contractors strengthens civil construction group for Texas line • Announcement marks latest addition of expertise on America’s first high-speed train project By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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exas Central, developers of the high-speed train, has engaged the global construction and engineering firm Salini Impregilo – operating in the U.S. market with The Lane Construction Corporation – to lead the civil construction consortium that will build the Texas passenger line. The selection of the Italian firm, one of the largest civil engineering contractors in the world, reflects the participation of leading industry global organizations that are designing and building the high-speed train connecting Houston and North Texas. “Salini Impregilo’s knowledge and experience in designing, building and leading large-scale railway projects across the world is impressive, and its presence in the U.S. market with Lane is also strategic for the project,” said Texas Central CEO Carlos F. Aguilar. “Their inclusion in the consortium highlights the stature of the Texas project and the interest of global infrastructure companies to be part of America’s first high-speed train.” Salini Impregilo is active in more than 50 countries on five continents, with experience building more than 4,000 miles of railway infrastructure around the world – in Australia, Europe, Asia and the Americas. It built many high-speed train projects in Europe, and some iconic, complex projects in the world in the wider transport sector, including the expansion of the Panama Canal. The company has worked in the U.S. since the 1980s
and expanded its presence in 2016, merging with The Lane Construction Corporation, a U.S.-based company with almost 130 years of experience in infrastructure work. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us,” said Pietro Salini, CEO of the Salini Impregilo Group. “We are delighted to be invited to take part to bring high-speed train service to Texas, as we have in Italy and other countries. It is precisely the kind of large, complex infrastructure project in which we have decades of experience. The United States is now our biggest single market, with a consolidated presence in highways, bridges and tunnels, and are pursuing the high-speed rail sector.” The announcement is the latest milestone for the investor-led project – a 200 mph train connecting the state’s largest population and economic regions in 90 minutes, with a midway stop in the Brazos Valley. The project will create a super-economy, connecting the 4th and 5th largest U.S. markets in fast-growing communities looking for safe, reliable and productive travel options. As the lead of the civil construction consortium, Salini Impregilo will be responsible for all work up to the top of the rail, including viaducts, embankments and drainage. Under the Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) agreement, the project’s design-build participants will proceed with the front-end engineering and design of the train's civil infrastructure. Other services include optimizing execution approaches, strategies and logistics, as well as performing analy-
sis to develop construction costs and schedule estimates. That work helps to develop a design build contract that will be used to complete the civil infrastructure program. This is a precursor to financial close, after which construction of the civil infrastructure segments of the project will begin. The agreement is the latest example of the project bringing the best subject matter experts to the team, creating a new industry in the United States. The train will inject an estimated $36 billion in economic benefits statewide over the next 25 years, including creating 10,000 jobs per year during construction and 1,500 permanent jobs when fully operational. The Texas train will be based on Central Japan Railway’s Tokaido Shinkansen train system, the world’s safest mass transportation system. It has operated for more than 54 years with a perfect record of zero passenger fatalities or injuries from operations, and an impeccable on-time performance record. The Texas project will be built and operated without taxpayer-funded state or federal grants. Texas Central and its partners are refining and updating construction planning and sequencing, guided by the Federal Railroad Administration’s recently released Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the project. That federal review cited many factors in support of the project, saying the train “is needed to accommodate growing demand” in Texas and to provide a more environmentally favorable travel alternative. The FRA now is working on a final environmental review that will help determine the project’s timeline and final route. Source: https://www.texascentral. com/media-center/
TRANSPORTATION
Opportunities With Small Businesses
Port Houston held a small business forum focused on doing business with the port’s maintenance services team Sept. 27. Senior Director of Maintenance Paulo Soares shared some of the port’s best practices and procedures for procuring operations and equipment-focused contracts. The port’s maintenance department is responsible for the purchase, support and repair of terminal equipment, docks and container yards, including major assets like ship-to-shore and rubber-tired gantry cranes. “We practice safe and reliable maintenance work to exceed our customer’s needs,” said Soares, who noted that a good number of port contracts are awarded to small businesses. Source: Port Houston
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Houston supports small businesses & entrepreneurs Learn how certifications, classes and other tools from The Office of Business Opportunity can help you start and grow your enterprise Web: houstontx.gov/obo
Call: 832-393-0594
Email: OBOSC@houstontx.gov
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