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January 2020 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 46th Edition

VIA Metropolitan Transit

Is Breaking Down Barriers for DBE and SBE Firms

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Ross Mitchell – Business Development/Outreach Specialist, Richard Martinez – Business Community Outreach Specialist, Anna Jarvis – Contract Specialist, Sabrena Calderon – Document Management Administrator, Briana Salgado – Diversity Compliance & Outreach Specialist, Ana Rivas – Diversity & Compliance System Administrator, Maurice Bridges – Director of Business Supplier Diversity/ DBE Liaison Officer, David Covell – Contract Specialist

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INSIDE

14

Study finds maternity benefits for construction tradeswomen financially feasible

08

Showing the Who and How of Diversity and Inclusion: Q&A with James Harris, H-E-B’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity

28

Houston Set to Lead the Way in Space Economy

2 | January 2020

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Keith J. Davis, Sr. CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

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 highlights the VIA Metropolitan Transit’s Office of Diversity and Federal Compliance in San Antonio. The ODFC is responsible for develop-

Port of Houston

PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown STAFF WRITER Carly Hammack PROJECT COORDINATOR Lindsey Ford ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Wiseman PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Helen Callier Subcontractors USA News Provider

Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

Metro

BEHIND THE JOURNAL

ing and implementing policies and procedures necessary to ensure that Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Small Business Enterprises (SBE) have the maximum opportunity to bid on all contracts.

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.

– Oprah Winfrey

City of Houston

HISD

06 CONSTRUCTION 06 2020 could see construction growth throttled by costs, labor and bearish owners 06 $810M phase of Texas Rangers sports, entertainment district construction approved by Arlington council 08 Showing the Who and How of Diversity and Inclusion: Q&A with James Harris, H-E-B’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity 10 ENERGY 10 ExxonMobil, FuelCell Energy expand agreement for carbon capture technology 12 IT & TECHNOLOGY 12 DOD will start requiring contractors to meet cybersecurity standards next month 14 LEGAL 14 Study finds maternity benefits for construction tradeswomen financially feasible 14 New Master Subcontract Agreement by ConsensusDocs 16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 VIA Metropolitan Transit Provides a Smooth Ride to Contracts for DBEs and SBEs

18 OIL AND GAS 18 State Legislators Academics and Energy Executives Discuss Importance of Oil & Gas Midstream Sector at Kickoff Symposium for Lamar University’s Newly Created Center for Midstream Management & Science 18 Technology and Innovation in Oil and Natural Gas Revolutionized Modern Life 20 PERMIT 20 You Can Laugh At Permitting Worries If You Follow These Simple 7 Tips 22 SAFETY 22 Good vibes Research finds benefits of wearable tech device that vibrates to warn of hazards 22 Sleep deprivation among U.S. workers a growing problem, study finds 22 OSHA Enforcement and Compliance Increases in 2019 To Keep America’s Workforce Safe 24 TRANSPORTATION 24 AECOM weighs in on long distance Texas hyperloop construction 28 Houston Set to Lead the Way in Space Economy 28 The State Of The Port: People Make It Possible

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CONTENTS 04 ARCHITECTURE 04 Statement of Intent

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ARCHITECTURE

Statement of Intent

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he rapid development and increasing population of Austin have created a polarity within the city. While some are eager to accept changes to the urban fabric, many are hesitant about what growth may bring: traffic, overcrowding, perhaps gross and thoughtless real estate development?

Regardless, the city is expanding at an unprecedented rate and expected to do so for at least the next three decades. So, how should the built environment respond? We have already witnessed considerable sprawl.

The suburbs of Lakeway, Round Rock, and Cedar Park feel closer than ever as their geographic division from the city has blurred into a host of subdivisions and strip malls. While these may absorb many of Austin’s migrants, the city is also adjusting for the new urbanites. Increasing central density has pushed many architectural expressions upward, as the city’s growing skyline clearly shows. Since verticality seems to be inevitable in the face of this rapid urbanization, Rhode Partners aimed to set a high standard for the future of Austin’s downtown multi-family dwellings in the firm’s design for The Independent, which holds the temporary title of tallest tower in the city.

Anchored between Austin’s recently revived Seaholm District and Shoal Creek, the Independent rises 694 feet, commanding attention from every direction. The series of offset volumes creates a puzzling and almost defiant statement among the city’s crop of mundane high-rises. Myriad cantilevers push and pull basic residential blocks to create four distinct forms. While the concept of shifted boxes is not a new one (think De Rotterdam by OMA or the New Museum by SANAA), the building’s tiers, created by the sliding and mirroring of floor plates about a central core, facilitate a variety of experiences. Rather than clustering similar apartment types, vertically increasing in scale and price, Rhode aimed to diversify each “box” by incorporating a range of floor plans that offer unique views and spatial qualities. The unobstructed floorto-ceiling glass window wall was made possible by removing all structural elements from

the perimeter, allowing for unimpeded 360-degree views that are protected by Austin’s Capitol View Corridor.

This feature is just one of the many examples of the “marriage of structure and envelope” that Brett Rhode, AIA, describes as a key driver for the tower’s form. From details such as fritted glass that externally indicates the separation of apartments, to the sprawling 26-foot cantilever that suspends the 34th-floor amenity deck over the city below, a careful conversation between structure and form communicates the overall goal of the project: to create a building that makes a st atement.

“Buildings with strong formal attitudes activate skylines and capture people’s

imaginations,” Rhode says. He hopes that the diligence apparent within this design will hold Austin’s future skyscrapers to a higher standard.

The mass migration of people to Austin creates new architectural opportunities every day. In fact, the city has approved projects comparable to, if not larger than, The Independent, including Duda|Paine Architects’ The Republic and Gensler’s 6 X Guadalupe. While The Independent has set the bar high, there are some missed opportunities to be addressed in future developments. As Austin continues to define its metropolitan landscape, activated connections at the street level are crucial. These connections are weak — if not completely absent — in most of Austin’s existing residential towers, due to parking.

Multi-story parking structures tend to occupy the first six to nine floors of these buildings and, in the case of The Independent, inhibit engagement with the neighboring Shoal Creek and the Seaholm development.

The opposite end of the project has also met substantial criticism. Many are skeptical of the area where The Independent meets the sky. Here, a woven stainless-steel mesh wraps around some of the building’s mechanical systems, including a massive liquid damper tank that keeps the 58-story structure from swaying too much in the high-altitude winds.

Rhode says he wanted the tower to be glassy all the way up, but this solution proved to be too costly for the development team. The mesh, he reasons, was a costeffective and “honest” way to conceal the mechanical crown. However, many see the aesthetic as unfinished.

Regardless of where you may stand on the crown, there is no denying that Rhode Partners has brought an architectural asset to Austin. The Independent provides a thoughtful vertical solution to the city’s accrescent density by way of a rigorously resolved structural framework. Nearing full capacity, the tower’s 363 apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, provide occupants with sweeping views while simultaneously providing onlookers with a thought-provoking example of the architectural potential of one of America’s fastest growing cities.

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Source: Texas Architect

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CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

2020 could see construction growth throttled by costs, labor and bearish owners

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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ext year could be a pivotal one for commercial construction, according to two of the industry’s top economists. The question is, though, which way will it pivot?

While there are several bright spots in the U.S. economy, including low interest rates, high consumer confidence and a pickup in residential construction, some indicators are pointing to a slowdown. For instance, the U.S. gross domestic product fell from 3% in the first quarter to 1.9% in the third.

"It's certainly a tricky time right now," said Associated General Contractors of America Chief Economist Ken Simonson during an AGC webinar last month. "The U.S. economy is slowing and yet construction seems to be going full tilt."

That makes it hard to pinpoint what the industry will do next year, Kermit Baker, chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, said during the event.

“We are at a point where there is somewhat of a potential for an upside but also a potential for things to get worse,” Baker said.

On the bright side, a recent AGC survey showed that 75% of U.S. construction companies expect to expand their workforce next year. “Contractors remain not just busy now but optimistic about the year to come,” Simonson said.

The economists were bullish on certain sectors and regions including pipeline, offshore and onshore wind and solar, data centers and last-mile warehouses. They said the South is the strongest region in the country for construction while the Midwest will most likely suffer because of manufacturing losses.

Construction activity may lag next year for medical facilities, specifically for hospitals and medical centers as more care is delivered through standalone urgent centers and outpatient facilities.

And until the federal government funds a comprehensive infrastructure package, that sector will also likely grow more slowly than this year, when many contractors were busy with post-hurricane and flood renovations, they said.

Delays, cancellations in design stage One worrying trend comes from the design side of the construction equation, Baker said. Although architectural billings this year are on par with last year, half of U.S. architecture firms' projects have been delayed, scaled back or canceled due to client concerns about business, economic or financial issues.

A recent AIA survey found that about 15% of architecture firms in the U.S. have seen projects canceled, 40% have seen projects significantly delayed or put on hold and 30% have seen projects scaled back.

“This is becoming much more prevalent than we would have expected,” Baker said, noting that design

activity is a trusted bellwether for construction.

“It gives us a window to what is likely to be going on in construction activity for next year or at least a good part of next year,” he said.

Costs increases, labor decreases constrict new activity In addition to nervousness about the economy, the main reason for client pullback, Baker said, involves construction costs that are well above what architects and owners anticipated. This sticker shock has led some owners to pull the plug on projects before they begin.

“I think we are getting to the point where supply limitations are causing some clients to think whether they want to do that project or not,” Baker said.

Simonson said he is not surprised that architects and their clients are noticing an uptick in prices. He said this harks back to two years ago, when U.S. tariffs on materials like steel, lumber and aluminum were issued.

Many U.S. contractors got squeezed when material prices rose for projects they had already bid on.

These days, material prices have fallen, but contractors are wary of losing money in a volatile market, an attitude that could keep project prices higher throughout much of 2020, Simonson said.

“Now with this very tight marketplace, contractors say they've got all the work they can handle and are only bidding on projects where they are thinking they can get a good return," he said.

The perennial lack of skilled labor will also play a big role in keeping construction costs high. About half of contractors responding to a recent AGC survey said the shortage of workers has caused them to raise prices and extend completion times.

"In 2020, construction will continue to have an even greater challenge than other industries in finding workers," Simonson said.

$810M phase of Texas Rangers sports, entertainment district construction approved

by Arlington council • The Arlington, Texas, city council voted to continue its partnership with the MLB's Texas Rangers, Loews Hotels & Co, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loews Corp., and The Cordish Cos., and is moving forward with an $810 million expansion of Arlington's Entertainment District.

• The city extended the term of the district's Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, which will help fund improvements and new construction, water, sanitary sewer and stormwater facilities; parking improvements; street and intersection improvements; open space, parks and recreation facilities and improvements; public facilities; economic development grants; and administrative costs. When work on this phase is complete, the district will have seen the addition of the $550 million, 888-room Loews Arlington hotel; a new 216,000-square-foot Arlington Convention Center connected to the hotel; a mixed-use residential building with commercial, coworking and incubator space; a 200,000-square-foot corporate headquarters; and a public garage.

• Total investment in the district so far is $2.2 billion, which includes the Texas Live! development, the $1.1 billion Globe Life Field, which is still under construction, and other projects. Ultimately, according to Cordish, investment in the district could rise to $4 billion.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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Other concerns t he economist s mentioned include historic levels of corporate and government debt, a lack of affordable housing in many cities and low business confidence scores.

On the other hand, construction's relatively slow recovery from the Great Recession means building inventory is low, a good sign for contractors.

"Vacancy rates are below their 20-year averages," said Baker. "That means we'll need more buildings as long as the economy continues to grow, and it is growing, although at a slower pace."

Both presenters agreed that slow and steady growth is the most likely scenario for next year.

"The data suggests that we're probably not going to see an awful lot of growth in building activity in 2020," Baker said. "It doesn't suggest a falloff and doesn't suggest a slowdown of any significant nature, but it does suggest slow growth."

ne of the focal points of the Arlington Entertainment District is the Texas Rangers' future home, Globe Life Field. There was a brief period of time on Saturday, however, when it looked like construction might have suffered a serious setback when fire broke out. According to a preliminary investigation, combustible materials caught fire after being exposed to sparks from welding operations.

Greg McClure, vice president of sports for general contractor Manhattan Construction, said the ballpark is still on track to open in March and that the only elements that would have to be replaced is some metal decking and approximately 2,000 square feet of roofing.

Because the Arlington Fire Department had been engaged in fire response training at the site since construction began, it contained the fire in just 37 minutes after arrival at the stadium.

Meanwhile, the $250 million Texas Live! entertainment venue, located on a former Rangers parking lot for the existing Globe Life Park, has opened. When the Rangers move into their new stadium, Globe Life Park will not be demolished, but renovated. It will be converted into a multipurpose venue, which will host soccer and football games, according to Ballpark Digest.

Renovations will include new seating, a new playing surface, elimination of the third base dugout and upgraded locker rooms. When the work is complete, the XFL’s Dallas Renegades and the USL League One’s North Texas SC will play there.

As for the new ballpark, it will feature air conditioning for hot, summer days and a five-acre retractable roof.

The 40,000-seat, 1.8 million-square-foot stadium will also include a more intimate seating bowl, bringing fans as close to the game as possible.

Source: Construction Dive

Source: Construction Dive

Outside forces throttle growth

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CONSTRUCTION

“H-E-B is proud of how we do business, and we look to hire people that care for business and the community the same way we do.”

James Harris, H-E-B’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity

SHOWING THE WHO AND HOW OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Q&A with James Harris, H-E-B’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity H-E-B recently opened its much anticipated MacGregor Market in the South Houston area. Not only did this store bring a much needed option for fresh groceries, it also brought jobs and other business opporunities to the community. Subcontractors USA met with H-E-B's Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, James Harris to discuss the involvement of local suppliers and subcontractors in the development of this store.

With H-E-B building in this community, how important was it to include minorities and others that live in this community on the project?

Harris: This was really special for us because typically, for H-E-B, when we go into a community, it i s more than just giving them a great shopping experience. We really want people to say and feel “this is my H-E-B.” We had a number of suppliers and subcontractors who helped us build the store, so it really is their H-E-B, the community’s H-E-B. We have products on the shelves from local suppliers in this specific community, and we created over 400 jobs for the people in this community. So I think it is easy for everyone to be proud of the jobs we have created as well as the new ideas and technol-

build the store, and then they turn around and hire even more people from the community to help them.

H-E-B is proud of how we do business, and we look to hire people that care for business and the community the same way we do.

ogy made for this store that are not available in our other locations.

While looking around, it is clear this store has diversity and inclusion in it. Diversity is the who and inclusion is the how. And I think it is evident in this store that H-E-B cares who we include and how we include them.

How does this store compare to the stores in some of the high-end locations in Houston?

Harris: This store is bigger than several of our ‘higher-end locations’ such as Bellaire and Montrose. This store also has newer and more products to offer than any of those stores.

So, by bringing other contractors in to help with this store, they hire more people in the community as well, creating even more jobs. Can you expand a little on that?

Harris: Yes, that is a very good point. Not only are we providing jobs inside the store, but having subcontractors work on the store, it pays great dividends and has the gift that keeps on giving. What I mean by that is, they are hiring people, providing health benefits to them and tax base revenue, so now city council members and the mayor are happy because there are more people employed.

When you do something like putting a great store in the community, you hire people in that community for the store, you sell products created in that community and you hire people in the community to actually

SUBCONTRACTOR SPOTLIGHT Samuel Thomas is the owner of After All Cleaning and Construction Inc. He has over 45 years of experience in the cleaning industry. AACC is MBE, WBE, SBE and HUB certified. No matter the project, the AACC team encourages a “Get it Done Right” attitude. AACC is appreciative to have been chosen as one of the subcontractors for H-E-B’s MacGregor Market project.

Robert Brown established Brown & Son Communications Wiring, LLC in 2002 after working 30 years at SBC Communication, Inc. As a HUB certified company, he has successfully completed numerous projects throughout Texas and Louisiana territories.

Brown & Son Communications has proven to be a reliable provider of structured cabling services for existing and new construction for companies such as CBI Construction, Joeris General Contractors and now H-E-B.

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ENERGY

ExxonMobil, FuelCell Energy expand agreement for carbon capture technology Agreement to optimize carbonate fuel cell technology for large-scale carbon capture ExxonMobil exploring opportunities to deploy technology within its operations

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he agreement, worth up to $60 million, will focus efforts on optimizing the core technology, overall process integration and large-scale deployment of carbon capture solutions. ExxonMobil is exploring options to conduct a pilot test of nextgeneration fuel cell carbon capture solution at one of its operating sites.

“ExxonMobil is working to advance carbon capture technologies while reducing costs and enhancing scalability,” said Vijay Swarup, vice president of research and development for ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company. “This expanded agreement with FuelCell Energy will enable further progress on this unique carbon capture solution that has the potential to achieve meaningful reductions of carbon dioxide emissions from industrial operations.”

FuelCell Energy’s proprietary technology uses carbon-

ate fuel cells to efficiently capture and concentrate carbon dioxide streams from large industrial sources. Combustion exhaust is directed to the fuel cell, which produces power while capturing and concentrating carbon dioxide for permanent storage.

The modular design enables the technology to be deployed at a wide range of locations, which could lead to a more cost-efficient path for large-scale deployment of carbon capture and sequestration.

“Today’s announcement underscores our leadership position in fuel cell technology,” said Jason Few, president and chief executive officer of FuelCell Energy. “We are excited to continue to work with ExxonMobil to tackle one of the biggest chal-

lenges that exists today. We have a great opportunity to scale and commercialize our unique carbon capture solution, one that captures about 90 percent of carbon dioxide from various exhaust streams, while generating additional power, unlike traditional carbon capture technologies which consume significant power.”

“FuelCell Energy has always been proud of our technology and our role in reshaping the environmental impact of industry and electrical generation. This is another giant step forward towards the large-scale deployment of this much needed technology.”

ExxonMobil and FuelCell Energy began working together in 2016 with a focus on better understanding the fundamental science behind carbonate fuel cells and how to increase efficiency in separating and concentrating carbon dioxide from the exhaust of natural gas-fueled power generation.

The new and expanded agreement will prioritize the optimization of the core carbon capture technology for integration into large-scale industrial facilities such as refineries and chemical plants.

ExxonMobil engineers and scientists have researched, developed and applied technologies that could play a role in the widespread deployment of carbon capture and storage for more than 30 years. The company has a working interest in approximately one-fifth of the world’s total carbon capture capacity, and has captured about 7 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide. ExxonMobil has captured more carbon dioxide than any other company.

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Source: ExxonMobil

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

DOD will start requiring contractors to meet cybersecurity standards next month

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he Department of Defense (DOD) will roll out its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in January 2020 so that it can ensure contractors on government projects have the necessary cybersecurity practices in place to protect the controlled unclassified information (CUI) to which they are privy. The type of information the DOD is trying to protect includes data pertaining to critical infrastructure, nuclear, proprietary business information, procurement and acquisition.

All DOD contractors must be certified through the third-party provider of their choice at the contractor's expense. Certification levels range from basic to advanced, and in June 2020 contractors will start seeing references to CMMC requirements in Requests for Proposals. Some higher-level assessments may be performed by the DOD, the Defense Contract Management Agency or the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

The loss of CUI, the DOD said, poses risks to the United States' economic security and national security, so the department is trying to better secure this information. The Executive Office of the President's Council of Economic Advisers estimated in 2016 that malicious cyber activity cost the nation's economy between $57 billion and $109 billion.

The DOD released the latest draft version of the CMMC

for public review earlier this month. In that document, the DOD delves deeper into the levels of certification.

threats, standardizes its activities across all applicable business units and shares identified improvements.

• Level 1 - the contractor demonstrates basic cyber hygiene as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation • Level 2 - the contractor demonstrates intermediate cyber hygiene and has established standard operating procedures, policies and plans for all its practices.

• Level 3 - the contractor demonstrates good cyber hygiene and effective NIST SP 800-171 Rev 1 (Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations) security requirements and reviews its activities for adherence to policies and procedures.

• Level 4 - the contractor demonstrates a substantial and proactive cybersecurity program, reviews activities for effectiveness and informs management of any issues.

• Level 5 - the contractor demonstrates a proven ability to optimize capabilities in an effort to repel advanced persistent

In addition, some areas that contractors will be required to address in the certification process are: • Access control policies • Identification and authentication procedures • Media protection strategies • Protecting physical access • System and communication protection • System and informational integrity

As construction industry contractors continue to take bigger steps toward technology adoption, cyberattacks are not the only issue that should concern them. A rise in the popularity of wearables — heart rate monitors, location trackers, fall and fatigue detectors — and detect falls, and hard hat inserts that check for fatigue — has also raised questions about data collection and privacy.

The Safety Equipment Association has started preliminary discussion around a standard that would protect worker privacy when it comes to wearables, but that process could take years. In the meantime, contractors should start thinking about "the potential for abuse and misuse," attorney Michelle Schaap with Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC told Construction Dive earlier this year. "Any company that adopts these tools," she said, "must consider all of the value-adds and the potential risks before implementing these new technologies.”

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Source: Construction Dive

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LEGAL

LEGAL

New Master Subcontract Agreement

by ConsensusDocs

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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Study finds maternity

benefits for construction tradeswomen financially feasible

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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t a 2016 conference for women in construction, iron worker Bridget Booker stood up and recounted how, as a second-year apprentice, she miscarried after a very heavy day on the job. Booker told the audience she felt she had had no option but to continue to work when she became pregnant. Without work, she would not only have lost her earnings, but also her health insurance.

She also saw no option to be open about her pregnancy or ask to be shifted to less strenuous work: She was certain, based on her experience on that worksite, that she would have lost her job.

A year later, Booker's experience led the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers union to become the first trade group to introduce a paid leave benefit for pregnant women and new mothers.

The new benefit provides a pregnant Ironworkers member with up to six months of paid leave at twothirds of her usual earnings (capped at $800 per week) if she is has a medical certificate to confirm that she is unable to continue work during her pregnancy.

The policy also provides up to six weeks (eight weeks in case of a Cesarean birth) of paid maternity leave after the birth of the child. The benefit can be used once every two years and is designed to complement state and local benefits.

A new study from the Chicago Women in Trades highlights the success that trade organizations like the Ironworkers have had offering pregnancy and maternity benefits to their workers. The lack of pregnancy and family medical leave policies can be a barrier to women’s entry and retention in the trades, according to the report, which also examines a recently enacted policy from the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC).

The report, which details Booker's ordeal, describes

how these organizations have enhanced old policies and developed new ones to support pregnant tradeswomen, with the potential for replication locally and nationally.

Like the Ironworkers, the NCSRCC offers women up to $800 per week for up to 26 weeks during pregnancy, and six to eight weeks for maternity leave for women members of the union. The policy was designed to help retain and recruit new members, said NCSRCC executive secretary-treasurer, John Raines, in a statement.

The study notes that helping women stay in the trades during and after pregnancy makes clear business sense, noting that it costs the construction industry on average $35,000 to train an apprentice to journey level, an investment that is lost when the apprentice leaves the industry.

Affordable care Both the Ironworkers and the Carpenters have found their maternity benefits to be very affordable, the report found. For instance, the Ironworkers policy, which is funded through a welfare fund that provides benefits for members of the union who are injured in non-work related accidents, did not require any special funding.

With approximately 1,300 women members in the United States (2.2% of all members), the union estimates that approximately 700 women may possibly take up the benefit, an expenditure level well within the reach of the fund.

“Unlike some seemed to fear, mass pregnancy did not ensue,” said Vicki O’Leary, Ironworkers general organizer.

In the first two years since the introduction of the Ironworkers’ benefit, 28 women have used the policy, and in the year since the Carpenters introduced their policy, five women have used its policy.

With 26,000 members, including approximately 700 women, the NCSRCC funds its policy through regional health funds, jointly managed by labor and contractors.

The report states that NCSRCC leaders are confident that the benefit can be funded with current contribution levels.

“This benefit is long overdue," said Raines. "We want to equip our women members with the benefits they need to both work in the construction industry and to raise a family."

he ConsensusDocs Coalition just published the new Standard Master Subcontract Agreement Between Constructor and Subcontractor and the Standard Project Work Order. The master agreement (ConsensusDocs 755) provides the general terms and conditions between a Constructor (general contractor, design builder, construction manager) and a Subcontractor. The 755 addresses terms and conditions such as indemnification, notice requirements, and dispute resolution. The project work order (ConsensusDocs 756) provides project specific information that addresses project specific terms such as contract price, bond requirements, and subcontract work scope. Together, the 755 and 756 form a complete subcontract agreement for each subcontract scope of work.

These contract documents allow for more efficient contract negotiations, because a General Contractor and a Subcontractor often contract with one another on multiple projects. Parties negotiate the terms and conditions of their working relationship once, and then issue individual project work orders multiple times. The new master subcontract approach will allow parties to spend less time and reduce transactional costs of legal counsel’s review for every subcontract, because the legal terms are fixed.

These new documents are available to all Full Package and Subcontracting Package subscribers. The risk allocation terms and conditions in the 755 and 756 are consistent with the ConsensusDocs 750 Standard Subcontracting Agreement.

Source: Construction Dive

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a Smooth Rid

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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Because disadvantaged and small business enterprises are the backbone of the community, it is my job to help ensure that local firms have the maximum opportunity to compete for all contracts.

”

Maurice Bridges, Director of Business Supplier Diversity/ DBE Liaison Officer

ost would not be surprised to learn that San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit provides regional transportation options with the intent of connecting the community to more opportunity and enhancing the overall quality of life throughout the region. Or that the system includes six transit centers, 96 different routes, 479 buses and serves an area of 1,213 miles.

However, many would be surprised to learn that behind the scene of the transportation services, VIA Metropolitan Transit houses a thriving Office of Diversity and Federal Compliance (ODFC) that continues the organization’s goal of enhancing quality of life and supporting economic vitality in the community.

The Office of Diversity and Federal Compliance is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures necessary to ensure that Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Small Business Enterprises (SBE) have the maximum opportunity to bid on all contracts.

Maurice Bridges serves as the Director of Business/Supplier Diversity/ Disadvantaged Business Liaison Officer. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to increase contract opportunities among disadvantaged and small business enterprises.

“Because disadvantaged and small business enterprises are the backbone of the community, it is my job to help ensure that local firms have the

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maximum opportunity to com for all contracts,” Bridges said.

Because VIA Metropolitan Tr is a recipient of federal assistan is required that its DBE progra applicable to all contracts fun with federal assistance. All fe projects at VIA are assigned a goal, which provides a compet advantage for allowing certified firms to bid as a prime or subcon tor when participating in fede funded projects. In addition, to c opportunities for firms to gain ex ence serving as prime contracto small business program elemen added to the DBE program, ena any certified SBE in Texas to be ble to participate in all projects are locally funded.

ODFC has specific and in tional methods of outreach for projects. For each project, OD creates a work breakdown struc

January 2020 | 17

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POLITAN T DES

de to Contracts for DBEs and SBEs

mpete . ransit nce, it am be nded deral DBE titive DBE ntracerally create xperiors, a nt was abling eligis that

ntentheir DFC cture

VIA METROPOLITAN TRANSIT PROVIDES System Includes Six Transit Centers

96 Different Routes

479 Buses

Serves an Area of 1,213 Miles

(WBS) and develops an outreach plan based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). ODFC also works with several organizations to expand their reach and relationships in the community.

“We always have great success participating in Bexar County’s Annual Business Conference,” Bridges said. “We also work very closely with Texas Diversity Council, Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Texas Workforce Commission, Civil Rights Division at Texas Department of Transportation, Fair Contractor’s Coalition, Black Contractor’s Association, Alamo Black Chamber of Commerce, NAACP San Antonio Branch, Maestro Entrepreneurial Center, Hispanic Contractor’s Association de San Antonio, South Central Texas Regional Certifying Agency and many more.”

ODFC takes every reasonable step to eliminate obstacles for DBE and SBE firms to participate in contracts. They also work to ensure that the experience working on the contract is as satisfactory as possible. They unbundle contracts, which dramatically increases the number of prime contractors awarded to DBE and SBE firms.

ODFC also has a Prompt Payment and Retainage Policy, which requires contractors to pay all subcontractors no later than 10 calendar days after contractors have received payment, and all retainage amounts must be paid no later than 30 business days after

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the subcontractors have completed the work.

“This is really an exciting time at VIA,” Bridges said. “We have many significant projects coming up, and I would really encourage any interested firms to register on our web portal to be notified about these upcoming contracting and networking opportunities.”

18 | January 2020

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OIL AND GAS

STATE LEGISLATORS

Academics and Energy Executives Discuss Importance of Oil & Gas Midstream Sector at Kickoff Symposium for Lamar University’s Newly Created Center for Midstream Management & Science

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he importance of the midstream sector of the Texas oil and natural gas industry and its role in connecting record production of oil and natural gas to the downstream advances in refining and liquefaction technologies was examined today at the kickoff symposium for the newly created Lamar University Center for Midstream Management & Science.

The Symposium brought together the midstream industry and its suppliers, governmental representatives, regulators and academia to discuss the latest trends, developments and advancements in the midstream sector, identify opportunities and gaps, and learn from one another. Attendees heard from officials from across the Texas oil and natural gas industry and midstream sector, as well as Texas government leaders. Featured speakers included Dr. Ken Evans, President of Lamar University, Dr. Brian Craig, Dean of the Lamar University College of Engineering, Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Thomas Long, Group Chief Financial Officer of Energy Transfer, Jim Nyquist, Group President of Emerson Automation Solutions, State Senator Robert Nichols, and State Representative Dennis Paul.

“The research, development and problem-solving efforts generated within institutions of higher learning has rooted our nation in strength and security. This creative thinking has resulted in innumerable outcomes making lives better, and TXOGA members appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Lamar University Center

for Midstream Management and Science to continue to develop innovative solutions in the midstream sector of the oil and natural gas industry that will ensure a cleaner, stronger energy future for Texas and around the globe,” said Staples.

“Texas is the nation’s top producer of oil and natural gas and the midstream sector is a critical player in our state’s continued energy achievements,” said Dr. Craig.

“This Center was established to grow an industry-university collaboration that advances midstream capacity, resiliency, environmental compliance, and safety. The solutions and knowledge the Center will develop can then be broadly distributed to the industry, workforce, policymakers, students and scholars, improving energy independence and security for Texas and our entire nation.”

“Texas is the nation’s largest oil and natural gas producer, home to more pipeline miles than any other state, and has 30% of the nation’s refining capacity, and this Center is an integral part of moving forward, ensuring this industry is capable of responding to the needs of our massive upstream and downstream sectors,” said Senator Nichols, a graduate of Lamar University. “This Center is needed for Texas, for the country, for the world, and I’m proud that it is housed at my alma mater.”

“With so much oil and natural gas coming out of our

producing fields, we have to be able to get the product across the state to refineries and ports,” said Representative Paul. “Advancing, improving and expanding our state’s energy infrastructure through collaborations like the Center is the best way to secure our economy and increase energy security.”

Established in the fall of 2019, the Center was created and funded by the 86th Texas Legislature to establish and grow a cross discipline industry and university partnership to provide value added midstream industry education, professional development, upskilling and research solutions. The Center’s emphasis is on midstream research and education and supporting students, faculty members, labs, and postdoctoral fellowships across Lamar University with an emphasis on applied research that is valuable to the midstream industry, including the development of academic courses and certificate programs at Lamar University to train the next generation of midstream professionals. The Center will focus on the areas of improved efficiency and optimization, reliability, resilience, inspection and maintenance, security, data analytics and decision making, digital transformation, environmental compliance, and safety.

Source: Texas Oil and Gas Association

OIL AND GAS

Technology and Innovation in Oil and Natural Gas Revolutionized Modern Life

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

F

ew industries can match the rapid rise of technology and innovation of the Texas oil and natural gas industry. From the state’s first gushers to modern day hydraulic fracturing, a relentlessly pioneering spirit has been the driving force for the industry that has defined Texas.

Over the decades, as technology evolved, game-changing innovations gleaned from the industry’s commitment to research and development have revolutionized not only energy, but life as we know it.

Not only have industry’s advancements propelled humankind, they have resulted in lower-emissions operations, services and products. The combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, perfected right here in Texas, has led to America leading the world not only in production of oil and natural gas, but in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Indeed, greater use of clean natural gas has driven U.S. carbon emissions to their lowest levels in a generation. Advancements in fracking have also saved Texas

families hundreds of dollars in energy costs, led to a revival of manufacturing and hightech jobs in Texas, and provided billions in funding for our state’s public schools and universities, roads, first responders, and other essential services.

As the world has transformed over the decades, the energy industry’s creativity, best practices and unmatched investments have produced state-of-the-art operations. The industry has embraced digitalization and new technologies, such as data analytics, cloud computing, digital oil field, robotics, automation, Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality, 3-D imaging and modeling, and more. Oil and natural gas companies are also pioneering breakthrough technologies to capture, store and reuse carbon dioxide

and investing in advanced technologies like optical gas imaging cameras and drones to detect leaks.

The industry is always inventing. A Texas oil and natural gas company is engineering the world’s largest direct air capture (DAC) and sequestration facility, located in the Permian Basin, that removes carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere.

Captured CO2 can be used in enhanced oil recovery, a process where CO2 is used to free trapped oil and then safely stored underground permanently.

Management of produced water, including the acquisition and recycling and reusing of produced water, has evolved dramatically.

Today, water from exploration and production activities is being safely recycled for use beyond the oil fields for things like irrigation, construction, and industrial purposes.

In the midstream sector, pipelines are smarter and safer than ever before – making them the safest and most reliable method of transporting oil, natural gas and fuel.

Precision in engineering, construction, and operations, 24/7 monitoring and use of high-tech inspection tools like inline smart pigs ensure the integrity of the pipe to safely and reliably transport products.

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Our cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses are 9899% cleaner now than they were 50 years ago thanks to the industry’s investment of billions of dollars in research, modernized refining practices, and the development of cleaner and improved fuels. In fact, no one is investing more in low-carbon technology than the U.S. oil and natural industry.

Innovations and technological advancements like these are truly making a difference by elevating communities, improving quality of life and building economies at home and around the world. Whether it is increased agricultural productivity, economic growth, longer life spans, higher quality and more accessible health care, communication, computers, and mobility – just to name a few – some of the most impactful technological advancements and breakthroughs in modern history can trace their roots to the Texas energy industry.

For 100 years, the Texas oil and natural gas industry has led the way, and we can rest assured knowing the innovations that have had such a profound imprint on modern life will only multiply as the industry builds a future that is smarter and cleaner still.

Source: Texas Oil and Gas Association

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20 | January 2020

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

PERMIT

You Can Laugh At Permitting Worries If You

Follow These Simple 7 Tips

Perform quality check on permitting package before submitting to jurisdiction online or in person. Make sure all prerequisite documents are in package, and plans are signed and sealed when needed.

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

W

hen the most gifted artist ever – Kanye West – is denied a building permit in Wyoming, do you toss up your hands and say, “if it happens to Kanye, how can I get my permit”. Or do you shake your head from side-to-side and give up? Or do you complain that jurisdictions are getting tougher than all get out and pulling building permits are too difficult?

We know that from Austin to Miami to New York City and to small towns in Wyoming, permitting has it challenges. And while building codes, design standards, and zoning requirements change, know that as a General Contractor, Architect or Project Owner, you can be successful in obtaining your permits in a timely manner.

The77simple simpletips tipsbelow belowserve serveas asaarule rule The of thumb to assist you in obtaining your of thumb to assist you in obtaining your buildingpermits. permits. building Have a clear scope of work – Submitting to the jurisdictions with plans that lack details and ambiguity in work to be performed will raise a red flag to Plan Reviewers and cause a delay in permitting.

Become familiar with jurisdictions building codes, zoning ordinances and permitting processes in advance to mitigate possible reasons for rejections and delays in permitting.

Follow jurisdiction’s permitting checklist that indicate documents that are required based on your project scope; and if have a question, call, email or schedule a meeting with the jurisdiction’s Plan Reviewer. This step alone will save you time and eliminate headaches.

Track and monitor progress of your plans through the jurisdiction’s review process and be ready to provide clarifications and to respond any rejection comments issued by Plan Reviewers.

Avoid making assumptions and guessing about the jurisdiction’s permitting process or building codes, etc. Pick up the phone and call for assistance with Plan Reviewer or with Permitting Expert, visit jurisdiction’s web site or schedule a meeting with Plan Reviewer to gather key information on your area of concern in complying with codes.

Conclusion InInConclusion Pulling a building permit in a timely manner is important for the success of your project whether the construction market in your area is hot, lukewarm or cold. Following the basics during preconstruction phase is always a proven strategy to achieve your goals and this includes the 7 simple tips listed above to assist you in getting your construction permit. If you have any specific questions, have a tough permitting issue, or have a great tip to share from your permitting experience, please let me know. You can reach me direct at 844.PERMIT.4.

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#BuildSafe

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SAFETY

SAFETY

GOOD VIBES

Research finds benefits of wearable tech device that vibrates to warn of hazards

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

N

ew wearable technology could help prevent struck-by and caught-between injuries and incidents, found a study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas released last month by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR). The study outfitted workers with waist belts with vibrating motors to detect possible nearby hazards.

The tactile system, designed to notify workers through vibrations, was able to deliver information through signal intensity and duration, notifying them where nearby heavy machinery was operating.

Participants had their eyes covered and used the vibrational feedback to determine the location of potential hazards and move away from them. The tasks were completed with an estimated 95% accuracy, the study said.

The UNLV study determined that more spacing between vibration motors resulted in better signal communication than when the 10 motors were placed closer together. The motors were then used to create a full, tactile-based language, which allowed the worker to determine relative location, level of hazard and the type of equipment that entered the work zone.

Jee Park, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering and construction at UNLV, and one of the study’s researchers, said he learned about the potential for the

brain to learn from “sensory substitution” from decadesold neuroscience research, and wanted to see how it could be applied to construction issues.

“We often have problems of communication and becoming aware of hazards, especially in harsh environments,” Park said. “To me, this looked to be a great way to overcome this problem.”

Wearing the belt is similar to wearing any other belt, Park told Construction Dive and the notification system is user friendly.

Park said there are uncertainties about marketing the product since it is still a prototype and the design could be made more effective, but the communication system can be made for about $50 per set.

The belts are a kind of prototype known as an Embedded Safety Communication System (ESCS). The research team plans to seek additional funding from the National Science Foundation and local construction companies to further develop ESCSs. Struck-by and caught-in deaths are two of construction’s “Fatal Four,” as deemed by OSHA, contributing to 8.2% and 5.1% of total deaths in construction in 2017, respectively. Electrocutions and falls round out the “Fatal Four” as the most common causes of death.

Wearable applications that receive more attention in the construction industry include exoskeletons — suits designed to lessen muscle pain and strain caused by repetitive work— and equipment for tracking devices for individual workers onsite and improving response time in case of injury.

M

ore than 1 out of 3 U.S. working adults aren’t getting enough sleep, and the prevalence of sleep deprivation has increased significantly since 2010, according to researchers from Ball State University.

The researchers analyzed 2010-2018 data from more than 150,000 working adults who participated in the National Health Interview Survey to determine the frequency of short sleep duration. Of the respondents, 35.6% reported getting less than seven hours of sleep a night in 2018. That’s up from 30.9% in 2010.

“Inadequate sleep is associated with mild to severe physical and mental health problems, injury, loss of productivity, and premature mortality,” Jagdish Khubchandani, lead study author and a health science professor at BSU, said in a press release. “This is a significant finding because the U.S. is currently witnessing high rates of chronic diseases across all ages, and many of these diseases are related to sleep problems.”

Other findings:

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T

• Professions with the highest prevalence of sleep deprivation in 2018 were police and military (50%), health care support (45%), transport and material moving (41%), and production occupations (41%).

• Among women, 38.8% reported less than seven hours of sleep a night, up from 31.2% in 2010. Among men, those percentages were 35.5 and 30.5, respectively.

• Among racial groups, sleep deficiency prevalence rose among African Americans (40.6% to 46.5%), Asian Americans (29.5% to 35.3%) and whites (29.2% to 34.1%).

The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults sleep seven to nine hours a night.

“Employers have a major responsibility and should use health promotion strategies to ensure that workers who struggle with sleep problems are assisted,” Khubchandani said. “We all suffer when our bus and truck drivers, doctors, and nurses are sleep deprived.

There is a need for increasing awareness and improving the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, and there needs to be emphasis on public education, training for health professionals and monitoring.”

Source: Associated General Contractor

Source: OSHA

Source: Construction Dive

Sleep deprivation among U.S. workers a growing problem, study finds News Provider

By Subcontractors USA

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) fiscal year (FY) 2019 final statistics show a significant increase in the number of inspections and a record amount of compliance assistance to further the mission of ensuring that employers provide workplaces free of hazards.

OSHA’s enforcement activities reflect the Department’s continued focus on worker safety. Federal OSHA conducted 33,401 inspections—more inspections than the previous three years –addressing violations related to trenching, falls, chemical exposure, silica and other hazards.

In FY19, OSHA provided a record 1,392,611 workers with training on safety and health requirements through the Agency’s various education programs, including the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Outreach Training Program and Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. OSHA’s compliance assistance programs have helped small businesses address safety and health hazards in their workplaces. In FY19, OSHA’s no-cost On-Site Consultation Program identified 137,885 workplace hazards, and protected 3.2 million workers from potential harm.

“OSHA’s efforts – rulemaking, enforcement, compliance assistance and training – are tools to accomplish our mission of safety and health for every worker,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “I am proud of the diligent, hard work of all OSHA personnel who contributed to a memorable year of protecting our nation’s workers.”

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

SAFETY

By Subcontractors USA

OSHA Enforcement and Compliance Increases in 2019 To Keep America’s Workforce Safe

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TRANSPORTATION

AECOM weighs in on long distance

Texas hyperloop construction

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

I

n a presentation to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's (CAMPO) Transportation Policy Board in Austin, Texas, AECOM's Steven Duong updated the regional planning agency on high-speed transportation options between the Texas cities of Forth Worth and Laredo, with several stops along the Interstate 35 corridor. Scoring the highest in its evaluation was a hyperloop system.

In addition to a hyperloop, AECOM also looked at maglev technology, which scored the highest after the hyperloop; high-speed rail; guaranteed transit, which is dedicated bus service along a managed lane with a guaranteed timetable backed by a fare refund; conventional rail; and higher-speed rail, which travels 70 mph to 90 mph.

Although hyperloop technology has not yet been realized in practical terms, Duong, associate vice president of planning and urbanism in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, said that it has come far enough

in the last four years to be evaluated as a serious transit option. There is a good possibility that it could be ready for deployment in the same timeframe that construction of the Fort Worth-Laredo route is ready to launch, optimistically, he said, in the next few decades.

One of the reasons that the hyperloop scored so high, Duong said, is that such a system has the ability to add stops in multiple cities without a significant impact to overall speed. Other questions AECOM sought to answer, he said, was which option made the most technical sense for Texas as far as engineering and design and how the alternatives "stack up" with previous transit studies.

Additional factors Duong's team considered were technological maturity of the options, potential cost and environmental impact.

A high-speed route along I-35, at first, he said, would likely be most attractive to "super commuters," those who travel frequently for work between the cities on the route. Eventually, a hyperloop system could be used for shipping and travel between Texas and Mexico.

After Duong's presentation, CAMPO officials asked about the costs of a hyperloop. According to AECOM official, construction and operational costs cannot be nailed down at this point because there are no working hyperloop examples from which to draw.

AECOM's final report, Duong added, is meant to serve as an initial dia-

logue about high-speed options for the region.

Meanwhile, bullet train developer Texas Central is making progress with its line between Dallas and Houston. Last month, it signed a preconstruction agreement with Kiewit company Mass. Electric Construction Co. The early contractor involvement agreement (ECI) will see Mass. Electric help Texas Central develop a scope of work, flesh out costs and aid in formulating an execution plan and schedule for the installation of core rail systems, equipment and critical systems like electrical power, signaling and communications.

Texas Central expects to have an executed specialty systems construction contract with Mass. Electric by the end of the year, with construction possibly starting in the summer after federal approval comes through.

Holly Reed, managing director of external affairs at Texas Central, told Construction Dive that the construction process will likely take five to six years.

In September, Texas Central signed a $14 billion design-build agreement with the joint venture of Italian civil engineering contractor Salini Impregilo and The Lane Construction Corp., a division of Salini.

Work includes the design and construction of viaducts and embankments, installation of the track, alignment and construction of maintenance and equipment structures, all of which ties in to the preconstruction and engineering duties that the JV has been performing.

Source: Construction Dive

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TRANSPORTATION

Houston Set to Lead the Way in

SPACE ECONOMY

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

A

s the first word spoken by Apollo 11 astronauts from the surface of the moon in the summer of 1969, Houston has long been synonymous with space exploration.

Thousands of aerospace industry experts, entrepreneurs and government leaders gathered in Houston last week to address strategic issues impacting the commercial space industry at SpaceCom, the international Commercial Space Conference and Exposition.

During the two-day conference, guest speakers and experts agreed that Houston has the opportunity to once again lead the way for the new generation of space exploration, and what experts are calling the trillion-dollar space economy.

Professionals from both NASA and the commercial space industry sat down together at one of the conference's plenary sessions to examine how the space industry has become part of the city's culture and why Houston will be the leader in the emerging commercial space industry.

Here are the key takeaways from the panel discussion:

Houston is Space City Space exploration has always been a part of Houston's culture. "In Houston, space is in our DNA," said panelist Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, an aerospace technology company based in Houston.

This culture is

very much alive for the next generation of Houstonians and is apparent with the start of the Houston Spaceport, a joint-use facility supporting NASA, operations of the U.S. military and a variety of commercial aviation tenets. Receiving its license in 2015, the Houston facility became the nation's 10th commercial spaceport.

The panel also agreed that Houston's large entrepreneurial and stem-focused workforce,

"In Houston, space is in our DNA." Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, an aerospace technology company based in Houston. along with its multiple distribution channels, gives this region the perfect opportunity to grow the commercial space industry. "Houston is in a great position to be this beacon and to lead entrepreneurs and inspire others to go further," said panelist Rick Jenet, Director of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's STARGATE program.

Houston is a City of Collaboration The discussion surrounding Houston's culture led the panel to discuss the city's willingness to

collaborate across sectors, including aerospace.

Altemus explained to the audience that NASA once only worked with commercial companies when necessary. With the growth of this emerging industry, NASA, especially at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, has taken a different approach to the procurement services and new technology with commercial companies. Johnson Space Center is working with economic development organizations to create a unified and large aerospace industry throughout the region. "There have been quite a few initiatives in recent past to tear down walls of the federal institution and spread out in the community and become a stronger, more forceful voice in space [commerce]," said Altemus.

The Houston Spaceport is also collaborating with local community college, San Jacinto College. San Jacinto launched the EDGE Center at the Houston Spaceport earlier this year. This center will allow students the opportunity to train within their chosen aerospace-focused program on location at the spaceport.

This partnership allows for Houston's workforce to gain the skill set needed to advance the aerospace industry around the Houston region. "San Jacinto College has proven themselves good at developing programs that allow people to receive a two-year degree or a certification that allows people to upskill their job skills," said panelist Harvin Moore, President of Houston Exponential." They are working with industries and companies like their partnership with the spaceport to make sure the workforce has the skills that the industry needs."

Source: Greater Houston Partnership

TRANSPORTATION

The State Of The Port: People Make It Possible

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

P

ort Houston Commission Chairman Ric Campo delivered the 2019 State of the Port Address at the Greater Houston Partnership's annual event November 21. He reported solid revenues and tonnage numbers, and expectations for continued growth. He also emphasized that the success of the port is made possible by the people who work in the Port of Houston.

Campo highlighted the efforts of partnership and people as the foundation of

continued success for the Houston Ship Channel, the busiest waterway in the nation. He connected the 2019 fiftieth anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 11 Moon Mission to the Houston Ship Channel’s Project 11, which endeavors to widen and deepen the channel on an accelerated timeline to accommodate the larger vessels calling the greater Port of Houston. “People made it possible then, and they make achievement possible today,” he said. “We each play a role and embody the can-do spirit that Houston is known for.”

The Chairman specifically recognized

who has a 31-year tenure and works in maintenance at the Bayport Container Terminal. Sanchez is part of three generations in his family of Port employees. Campo wore a Port Houston maintenance uniform shirt during his speech in honor and respect for those, like Claudio, working hard every day to continue the Port’s success.

The Port of Houston provides significant economic impact to the U.S., including $802 billion and sustaining 3.2 million jobs, with 1.4 million jobs in Texas.

Port Houston employee Claudio Sanchez,

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Source: Port Houston

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