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Architecture | Construction | Education | Energy | Engineering | Legal | IT | Manufacturing | Oil and Gas | Petrochemical | Transportation

January 2021 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 58th Edition

The UH HUB Operations Department:

Always Evolving to Successfully Serve the Small Business Community —Dr. Linelle Clark, Director HUB Operations

16-17

INSIDE

26

04

Architect Spotlight on NOMA

28

Transportation: San Antonio, Austin

ICYMI: U.S. Department of Labor Acts to Help American Workers and Employers During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston (UH) is committed to promoting the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. The HUB Program ensures compliance with state HUB laws, assists UH departments in locating HUB vendors; as well as offering HUBs assistance to facilitate access and contracting opportunities.

For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr. CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

The Subcontractors US 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 UH HUB Operations Department. Where colleges and universities open doors for the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) community through their separate programs, the University of Houston (UH) HUB Operations Department (HOD) uses the “continuous improvement” approach, proving successful in connecting HUBs with this Tier One university for lucrative opportuni-

Port of Houston

Metro

BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Helen Callier Subcontractors USA News Provider

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

—Thomas Edison, Inventor

City of Houston

ties. As HOD enters a new year and adjusts to the impact of COVID-19; working remotely, social distancing, staying masked up; the HOD team remains ready, willing, and able to promote the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. Under the leadership of the Director of HUB Operations Dr. Linelle Clark, she and her team work strategically, diligently, and intentionally to identify and implement ever-changing strategies that have proven effective in increasing procurement opportunities for HUBs. As always, thank you for your continued support of the Subcontractors US 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.

HISD

06 CONSTRUCTION 06 Construction Trade Group Sues To Block Fed’s Unlawful Effort To Change Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Rules 08 Only 30 Percent of Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs in Latest 12 Months as Widespread Project Postponements and Cancellations Force Layoffs 08 Construction Spotlight on NAMC 12 ENERGY 12 CenterPoint Energy Announces Outlook Revision To Stable by Moody's 13 Now Open: CPS Energy’s Northside Customer Service Center at Park North 14 Gexa Energy Achieves Ambitious 100% Renewable Energy Goal 16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 The UH HUB Operations Department: Always Evolving to Successfully Serve the Small Business Community 18 IT & TECHNOLOGY 18 Hyperlink InfoSystem Listed as One of the Top App Development Companies in Texas 20 MANUFACTURING 20 Berg Compliance Solutions Launches New Virtual OSHA & EPA Compliance Service for Small Manufacturers Located Anywhere in the Country 22 PERMITS 22 Lean on 5 Critical Tips To Obtain a Permit To Ride Construction Industry Gains in 2021

VBE

DBE

OUR SERVICES

CONTENTS 04 ARCHITECTURE 04 Architect Spotlight on NOMA 04 Expertise Best Architects in Houston 2020

HUB

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION GRAPHIC DESIGN • Logos • Flyers • Ads • Folders • Brochures • Door Hangers PRINTING • Business Cards • Flyers • Folders • Pull-up Banners • Step and Repeat Banners • Brochures • Door Hangers • Letterhead • Envelopes PHOTOGRAPHY • Headshots • Event Photography Online & Email Marketing Social Media Advertising

26 SAFETY 26 ICYMI: U.S. Department of Labor Acts to Help American Workers and Employers During the Coronavirus Pandemic 28 TRANSPORTATION 28 Transportation San Antonio News 28 Transportation Austin News

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ARCHITECTURE

Expertise Best Architects in Houston 2020

ARCHITECTURE

Architect Spotlight on

NOMA

News Provider

E

News Provider

he National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), which thrives only when voluntary members contribute their time and resources, has as its mission the building of a strong national organization, strong chapters and strong members for the purpose of minimizing the effect of racism in this profession.

Strength in NOMA is built through unity in the cause that created the organization. Their impact is felt when the organization wrestles with the dilemmas that face this nation, particularly as they affect this profession. There is strength in numbers. By increasing the number of people in this organization, they add strength to the voice with which they can speak against apathy, bigotry, intolerance and ignorance; against abuse of the natural environment; and for the un-empowered, the marginalized and the disenfranchised.

By building a strong organization, they develop a showcase for the excellence and creativity which have been ignored for so long. Through their publications and conferences, they are able to inform the world that minority professionals have the talent and capabilities to perform in design and construction with any other group.

By bu i ld i ng strong chapters of design professionals whose sensibilities and interests include promotion of urban communities, they are able to respond to the concerns that affect marginalized communities and people. Their goals are to increase the level of participation in the social, political and economic benefits afforded the citizens of this nation and to tear down the barriers that make full participation unattainable. Chapters give members a base from which to be involved in politics, to visit schools and reach out to children, to conduct community and civic forums and to responsibly practice in their professional capacities.

NOMA’s mission, rooted in a rich legacy of activism, is to empower the organization’s local chapters and

xpertise scored 467 architects in Houston, TX, and picked the top 19.

Why These Architects?

Expertise’s goal is to connect people with the best local experts. They scored Houston architects on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development and design excellence.

By Subcontractors USA

T

By Subcontractors USA

Aimsand andObjectives Objectives Aims NOMA has been organized to:

• Foster communications and fellowship among minority architects • Form a federation of existing and proposed local minority architectural groups • Fight discrimination and other selection policies being used by public and private sector clients to unfairly restrict minority architects’ participation in design and construction • Act as a clearing house for information and maintain a roster on practitioners • Promote the design and development of living, working, and recreational environments • Create and maintain relationships with other professionals and technicians whose work affects the physical and social environment

Their Selection Criteria: • Availability: Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.

• Qualifications: Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards.

• Reputation: A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.

• Experience: Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.

• Professionalism: Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect.

Here are the Picks:

• Encourage the establishment of coalitions of member firms and individuals to form associate and joint venture relationships • Speak with a common voice on public policy • Work with local, state, and national governments on issues affecting the physical development of neighborhoods and communities • Be an effective source of motivation and inspiration for minority youth

For more information on NOMA, please visit www.noma.net.

1. Brett Zamore Design 2. Charles W. Ligon AIA Architects Inc. 3. CONTENT Architecture 4. Cusimano Architect 5. English + Associates Architects 6. Eubanks Group Architects 7. GSMA 8. HarrisonKornberg Architects 9. Jackson & Ryan Architects 10. Jacobs Architectural Group 11. Jay Baker Architects 12. Kirksey Architecture 13. Logan and Johnson (LOJO) 14. Origin Architects 15. RD Architecture LLC 16. Rice Residential Design, LLC 17. Studio RED Architects 18. studioMET Architects 19. Ziegler Cooper Architects

For more information, please visit www.expertise.com.

Source: NOMA

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Source: Expertise

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CONSTRUCTION

Construction Trade Group Sues

To Block Fed’s Unlawful Effort To Change Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Rules Small Business Administration and Office of Management and Budget Secretly Crafted Questionnaire that Asks about Everything Other Than the Economic Uncertainty that Congress Intended to Drive Program

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he Associated General Contractors of America filed suit recently to compel Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the questionnaire being used to reassess whether companies were eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The construction association is also asking the federal courts to restrict use of the information that the questionnaire generates until the SBA makes it available to the public and revises it.

“The administration has every right, and obligation, to ensure businesses were eligible to apply for and receive the relief loans,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “But they do not have the right to use a secretly crafted form to gather unprecedented amounts of proprietary information that has little or nothing to do with the economic uncertainty that led businesses to apply for the loans in the first place.”

The complaint, which the association filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, asserts

that the process that produced the form, and the form itself, violate the Paperwork Reduction Act and the Administrative Procedures Act, and that the federal agencies failed to meet the minimum standards for due process.

The association is requesting the court to declare that the questionnaire is arbitrary and capricious, and to declare that the SBA cannot lawfully use the information that the form generates to find a company ineligible for a PPP loan or deny a company’s application for forgiveness of its loan.

The association noted that the CARES Act (which established the PPP program) only required loan applicants to make a “good faith certification that the uncertainty

of current economic conditions makes necessary the loan request….” Instead of asking borrowers how they concluded they faced such uncertainty when applying for their loans, the form attempts to set a means test, a revenue reduction test and a liquidity test that Congress never contemplated, and it focuses on later events that few companies could have predicted when applying.

The two agencies also disregarded the legally mandated process for developing a questionnaire. OMB authorized the SBA to use the form in complete secrecy, instead of releasing it and providing a 60-day period for public comment. The agencies also violated the Administrative Procedure Act by arbitrarily declaring – to bypass the normal review process – that the new questionnaire required approval on an “emergency” basis and did not constitute a change in the scope of SBA’s prior information collection process.

“Resorting to a secret form that disregards Congressional intent and retroactively changes the criteria for a loan is not due diligence; it is unlawful and needs to stop before employers are irrevocably harmed,” Sandherr added.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

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CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

ONLY 30 PERCENT

Construction Spotlight on

NAMC

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

F

of Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs in Latest 12 Months as Widespread Project Postponements and Cancellations Force Layoffs Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and BrocktonBridgewater-Easton, Mass. Have Worst 12-Month Losses, While Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas and Walla Walla, Wash. Lead in Construction Job Increases

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nly 30 percent of the nation’s metro areas added construction jobs in the past year, according to an analysis of new government data that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials said construction employment in most parts of the country was being impacted by pandemic as businesses and local governments curtail planned construction projects.

“The pandemic has devastated the finances for businesses, institutions, and state and local governments, leading to widespread postponements and cancellations of construction projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “As contractors use up the funds from Paycheck Protection Program loans, even more job losses are inevitable unless the federal government provides an immediate economic boost.”

Construction employment fell in 209, or 58 percent, of 358 metro areas between October 2019 and October 2020. Construction employment was stagnant in 40 other metro areas, meanwhile, and only 109 metro areas—30 percent—added construction jobs during the past year.

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas lost the most construction jobs over those 12 months (-19,800 jobs, -8 percent), followed by New York City (-17,300 jobs, -11 percent); Montgomery-Bucks-Chester Counties, Pa. (-12,100 jobs, -21 percent); and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn. (-10,400 jobs, -11 percent).

Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Mass. had the largest

percentage decline (-43 percent, -2,500 jobs), followed

by Bloomsburg-Berwick, Pa. (-36 percent, -500 jobs); Altoona, Pa. (-32 percent, -1,000 jobs); Johnstown, Pa. (-30 percent, -800 jobs); and East Stroudsburg, Pa. (-30 percent, -600 jobs).

Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas added the most construction jobs over the year (7,100 jobs, 5 percent), followed by Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Wash. (4,700 jobs, 4 percent); Kansas City, Mo. (3,700 jobs, 12 percent); and Boise, Idaho (3,500 jobs, 13 percent). Walla Walla, Wash. had the highest percentage increase (25 percent, 300 jobs), followed by Lewiston, Idaho-Wash. (18 percent, 300 jobs); Oshkosh-Neenah, Wisc. (16 percent, 900 jobs); Fond du Lac, Wisc. (15 percent, 500 jobs); and Springfield, Mo. (15 percent, 1,400 jobs).

Association officials said the best way to curtail future construction job losses was for Congress to pass new federal coronavirus relief measures. These measures should include making new infrastructure investments, eliminating plans to tax Paycheck Protection Program loans and enacting liability reform to protect honest businesses from baseless coronavirus lawsuits.

“Construction employment is likely to continue falling in many parts of the country unless Congress quickly passes new coronavirus relief measures,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Boosting infrastructure projects, preserving the benefits of the Paycheck Protection Program and protecting businesses from predatory attorneys will help stabilize the economy and demand for construction.”

ounded in Oakland, California, in 1969 by Ray Dones and Joseph Debro, the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) is the oldest minority construction trade association in the United States. Members include more than 50 Hall of Fame members and Legacy Contractor Builders and a combined annual project capacity of over a billion dollars nationally. The association represents the interests of millions of skilled minority workers across the country. Through a network of local chapters and in collaboration with strategic and corporate partnerships, NAMC assists members with building capacity by providing access to opportunity, advocacy, and contractor development training.

NAMC is proud to be a leading voice for millions of minority trade workers and an advocate for undocumented veterans in the construction industry. Of the 160 million people employed in the United States, more than 31% (50 million) earn a living in the construction industry. Hispanics and Latinos make up 30%, or 15 million, of these workers, and African Americans represent 17% or 8.5 million workers nationally.

Other minorities, totaling about 2 million, make up approximately 2% of the workforce. Together, the construction industry workforce includes 25 million minority workers.

NAMC has a strong foundational history that has established a great legacy for the organization. NAMC’s presence and voice in this industry is of even greater need today than ever before to continue the mission of providing access (contract & resource opportunities), advocacy (legislative impact), and contractor readiness (training, capacity building, and growth) for their members. The association strives to accomplish its goals in collaboration with major corporate partners, strategic alliances, and public agencies. The presence of NAMC today is a testament to its continuing legacy. The construction market is a relationship-driven industry. Business relationships must be developed; the strategies and approaches for pursuing, winning, and executing business is paramount.

The future of NAMC lies in the enhancement of its Student Chapter Program as well as expanding our relationships with corporate partners to deliver the stated benefits of access, advocacy, and contractor readiness to our membership.

For more information, and to find a chapter in your area, please visit www.namcnational.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

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Source: NAMC

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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.

w w w. t u r n e rc o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m

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ENERGY

CenterPoint Energy

Announces Outlook Revision To Stable by Moody's

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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enterPoint Energy, Inc., recently announced that Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") changed the company's rating outlook from Negative to Stable and affirmed the company's Baa2 senior unsecured rating and Prime–2 short–term rating for commercial paper.

"Moody's revision is an important vote of confidence in the credit-supportive actions we have taken as a company this year to improve our financial stability and strengthen our balance sheet," said Jason Wells, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CenterPoint Energy.

Moody's attributed the change to corporate actions which stabilized credit metrics, improved liquidity, strengthened the balance sheet and lowered the company's business risk profile.

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of September 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $33 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

CenterPoint Energy Declares Regular Common Stock Dividend of $0.1600, Series A Preferred Stock Dividend of $30.6250 and Series B Preferred Stock Dividend of $17.5000

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.'s board of directors recently declared dividends on shares of its common stock, Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock and Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

Common Stock Dividend The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1600 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. The dividend will also be payable to holders of shares of Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock which participate with the Common Stock on an as-converted basis. The dividend will be payable March 11, 2021 to holders of Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on February 18, 2021.

This quarterly dividend represents a 6.7 percent increase from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.1500 and, if annualized, would equate to $0.64 per share.

predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPoin tEnergy.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as annualized dividends per share, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release.

Series A Preferred Stock Dividend The company's board of directors declared a regular semiannual cash dividend of $30.6250 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock payable March 1, 2021 to holders of Series A Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on February 15, 2021.

Series B Preferred Stock Dividend The company's board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $17.5000 per share on the issued and outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock payable March 1, 2021 to holders of Series B Preferred Stock of record at the close of business on February 15, 2021. This equates to $0.8750 per depositary share (NYSE: CNPPRB), each of which represents a 1/20th interest in a share of the Series B Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock.

As the only investor-owned electric and gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas. As of September 30, 2020, the company owned approximately $33 billion in assets and also owned 53.7 percent of the common units representing limited partner interests in Enable Midstream Partners, LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates and develops strategically located natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With approximately 9,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its

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Source: CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

January 2021 | 13

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ENERGY

Now Open:

CPS Energy’s Northside Customer Service Center at Park North

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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ecently, CPS Energy’s Northside Customer Service Center relocated to Park North Shopping Center at 754 NW Loop 410, Suite 102, San Antonio, Texas.

Delivering excellent, convenient services and programs for their customers online, over the phone, and in-person is a priority. CPS Energy strives to meet and exceed customers’ expectations by delivering a stellar experience and providing efficient and cost-effective solutions when serving them.

They are committed to serving their customers in all ways. When they selected the new location, they considered many factors. Two of the key benefits of the Park North shopping center are that it is close to the former customer service center, and it is highly accessible with easy access to loop 410, San Pedro Ave., and Blanco Ave. The new location also allows CPS Energy the opportunity to continue serving customers in person while responsibly managing community resources.

Customers can pay their bills at the new location, get information about energy-savings and assistance programs, and speak to one of CPS Energy’s highly knowledgeable virtual Energy Advisors. Customers can also use CPS Energy’s online Manage My Account feature at cpsenergy.com/mma for bill payment and other services, mail their payment to CPS Energy, P.O. Box 2678, San Antonio, TX. 78289 or pay by telephone call 877-257-1172 for residential and 855-290-7615 for commercial. There is a convenience fee when paying by phone, but there are no convenience fees when paying online.

Additionally, CPS Energy offers other in-person payment options at multiple retail stores, including H-E-B, Woodforest National Bank, Exxon, and Money Box/ Speedy Cash.

“Our new customer service center at Park North is close to the previous site and allows us the opportunity to continue serving customers in person and to provide the exceptional service our customers want and expect,” said Rudy Garza, Chief Customer Engagement Officer for CPS Energy. “Our 3,100 + team members, including our highly knowledgeable Energy Advisors who will be available virtually at the new location, are dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customers’ needs daily and ensuring a smooth transition for our customers. Our philosophy is about putting people first, and that’s what we strive to do every day.”

CPS Energy maintains four customer walk-in centers conveniently located throughout the city.

• Eastside – 4525 Rigsby Avenue, Ste. 112 • Southside – 660 S.W. Military Drive at Shopper’s City Mall • Westside – 803 Castroville Road, Suite 406 at Las Palmas Center • Northside – RELOCATED to Park North Shopping Center at 754 NW Loop 410, Suite 102

Modified customer service center hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. CPS Energy continues to screen customers for COVID-19 symptoms before entering any CPS Energy facility as a precaution. Safety is always at the core of CPS Energy’s practices. The utility, therefore, reminds customers who have tested positive for COVID-19, who live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or who do not feel well to use other convenient ways available to conduct business with the utility without visiting a walk-in center.

CPS Energy values its relationship with customers and is looking forward to serving them from this new location.

For more information, please visit www.cpsenergy.com.

Source: CPS Energy News

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ENERGY

Gexa Energy Achieves Ambitious 100% Renewable Energy Goal A leading retail electricity provider continues to help customers "go green" at no additional cost.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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exa Energy, a leading Texas retail electricity provider, announced recently that it has reached its goal of shifting all residential plans to 100% renewable energy and providing every residential customer with green power at no additional cost.

A recent study showed that 70% of Americans expect electricity generation to become cleaner over time.

Gexa Energy has boldly responded to that demand. In August 2019 Gexa announced that it planned to make the delivery of green power a strategic focus and source all electricity plans from clean energy.

The recent announcement is an important milestone for that initiative, which benefits every one of the company's 200,000-plus residential customers.

"Renewable energy truly is our future," said Gexa Energy President Brian Landrum. "Renewable energy is good for customers and the

environment, and increasingly, the economics of renewable energy make it good for business, too. It's a win all around, and we've got big plans for the state of Texas."

Gexa is also part of environmental efforts extending well beyond the Lone Star State. Gexa's parent company, NextEra Energy Resources, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. The company currently operates more than 19,000 megawatts of wind and solar generation in North America.

Gexa Energy is able to offer 100% green electricity plans by purchasing and retiring renewable energy certificates (RECs) from wind and solar producers to match

its customers' electricity usage. Each REC represents one megawatt-hour of green power that has been added to the grid. Buying RECs helps fund further development of green energy efforts.

"Gexa is very proud to offer Texans affordable green energy plans at no extra cost," Landrum said. "And we're fully committed to keep introducing additional plans, products and services that help people consume energy wisely."

For additional information about Gexa Energy, visit www.GexaEnergy.com or call 866-961-9399.

• •

Sources: Gexa Energy, LP Consumer Reports 2018 Energy Utilities Survey Report Introduction …" https://advocacy. consumerreports.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ CR-2018-Energy-Utilities-Survey-Report-1.pdf.

Accessed 26 Jul. 2019.

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By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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here colleges and universities open doors for the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) community through their separate programs, the University of Houston (UH) HUB Operations Department (HOD) uses the “continuous improvement” approach, proving successful in connecting HUBs with this Tier One university for lucrative opportunities. Under the leadership of the Director of HUB Operations Dr. Linelle Clark, she and her team work strategically, diligently, and intentionally to identify and implement everchanging strategies that have proven effective in increasing procurement opportunities for HUBs. As HOD enters a new year and adjusts to the impact of COVID-19; working remotely, social distancing, staying masked up; the HOD team remains ready, willing, and able to promote the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. “This unforeseen pandemic has definitely forced a change in the structure in how our department operates. But I am proud of how my team and I have stepped up, above and beyond to meet the challenge, so we continue to provide HUBs access to procurement opportunities. An example is our Building and Special Trade categories providing large opportunities for HUBs. HOD is also laser focused on the smaller spend areas such as commodities,” said Dr. Clark.

Being focused on the smaller spend areas has proven beneficial in exceed-

ing UH’s HUB commodity purchasing goal. HOD revamping its annual HUB vendor fair, taking a more targeted approach has been vital to surge contracting opportunities for HUB exhibitors. For the April 2020 HUB Vendor Fair, fiscal year expenditure data was used by the HOD staff to determine the types of HUB vendors to invite as exhibitors and targeted UH staff with purchasing authority to attend the event. This event included 34 exhibitors and 250 UH staff resulting in $28,859.00 being spent with HUBs. “This was a great effort with predicted outstanding results if we were to move forward, but unfortunately, shortly after hosting this fair, COVID-19 impacted budgets and procurements. HOD however, saw this as an opportunity not to be stagnant, but adapt, still being instrumental as a department to extend procurement opportunities for HUBs,” Dr. Clark expressed.

HOD implemented the following new and improved activities to help increase HUB contracting opportunities that began FY2020: • Elevating the assistance to UH departments in the identification of HUB vendors by:

o Providing each college and division with a monthly HUB use report

o Holding bi-annual HUB meetings with each college and division to jointly review expenditures to show missed HUB contracting opportunities and provide examples of HUBs that offer those services or commodities o Assisting college and division business offices in finding HUB vendors in needed categories o Providing all colleges with an annual HUB goal designed to stretch

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their prior spend r • HOD and Information T developed a HUB Vendo by colleges and divisio and informal bid procu • HOD held a Purchasing Workshop to help HUBs aware of the benefits of a cooperative and h cooperative member.

• HOD created the Did Yo newsletter containing about contracting opp frequently asked ques share tips to help facil contracting opportuni • HOD implemented targ Fairs consisting of exh provide commodities a that colleges/departm a possible need for du fiscal year.

• HOD in partnership wi Construction Managem and National Associati Contractors created a Management Talent Pip increase the construct talent pool and provid knowledge to help the competitive as prime c for construction work construction projects.

• HOD will host B2G train contractors (primes an to highlight best pract how to successfully ut system.

• HOD hosts kick-off eve construction projects only share information 2-way communication and attendees.

• HOD continues its HUB participation in commu

Dr. Clark highlight HOD’s recently imp activities:

Construction Talent Pi HUB Operations uses dat in services and innovati to help increase HUB par example, according to th Statistics (BLS), there ar construction job vacanc www.bls.gov/news.relea

January 2021 | 17

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rates Technology or database used ons for spot bid urements. g Cooperative s become of being a part how to become a

ou Know? quarterly g information portunities, answer stions, and litate access and ities. geted HUB Vendor hibitors that and/or services ments can identify uring the applicable

ith the UH ment Department ion of Minority Construction peline program to tion industry de HUBs with em to be more contractors k, including UH . nings for nd subcontractors) tices and illustrate tilize the B2GNow

ents held for major organized to not n, but to facilitate between panelists

B outreach via unity events.

ts some of the plemented

ipeline Program ta to identify gaps ive responses rticipation. For he Bureau of Labor re nearly 256,000 cies (https:// ase/jolts.t01.

htm) as of April 2020---ranking as one of the business categories most in need of labor within the private sector. The labor shortage within the construction field impacts both HUBs and non-HUBs of all sizes. HUB Operations also recognizes there is a big difference between a $1M contract and a $30M contract, and there are

HUB firms interested in transitioning from being a subcontractor to a prime contractor on UH construction projects.

In response, the HUB Operations staff in partnership with the UH Construction Management (CM) Department and National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) created the Construction Management Talent Pipeline program.

The program offers internships for UH students majoring in Construction Management and classes to provide HUB subcontractors with knowledge to help them to be more competitive as prime contractors for construction work, including UH construction projects.

Program graduates receive 32-hours CEU's and opportunities for mentor-protégé arrangements.

HUB Vendor Database - UH has internally developed this user-friendly database that allows HUBs to self-register into the system so the UH business office staff who initiate purchases can find the HUB vendors conveniently. The database also allows the HUB Operations Department to extract applicable HUB vendor information as needed.

Cooperative Purchasing Workshop HOD hosted this workshop to increase

the small business community’s knowledge about purchasing cooperatives to potentially increase their customer base and show how UH campuses utilizing cooperatives allow staff to select vendors without additional competitive bidding.

HOD deserves to boast of its expansion that is effective, even in the midst of COVID-19, connecting HUBs to UH procurement opportunities.

“Though COVID-19 has definitely brought its share of challenges, our team’s thinking outside of the box and adopting new actions have kept us ahead of the curve so the small business community is able to remain competitive in their respective areas,” Dr. Clark said.

HOD’s ability to pivot is largely credited to it being more dependent on the department’s virtual platform, as they host vendor forums, workshops, meetings, and all other services virtually. The revamping of the HUB website was a part of HOD’s improvements on the virtual end, where visitors can find detailed information about the HUB Program and additional information that will benefit both the HUB vendor and prime contractor. The website is updated on a regular basis with news of events, updates on HUB regulations as provided by the state, and instructions on how to complete required HUB documentation.

One of the many successes to their results-driven continuous improvement application is the department presenting strategies to increase HUB spending in each specific college

and division based on their needs. Dr. Clark emphasizes, “This is an internal effort to increase HUB purchases within the organization by providing necessary guidelines and tools. The benefits of this strategy are illustrated from the annual HUB Contest---For FY20, The Honors College was the first-place winner with 35.7% of expenditures made with HUB vendors, exceeding the assigned FY20 HUB goal of 8.80% by 26.93%.”

In addition to HOD’s traditional support and services, other resources and initiatives are available to provide a wealth of knowledge on how to do business with UH. HOD as always, will seek to identify and respond to gaps in services to increase contracting opportunities for HUBs.

For more information on how you can do business with UH, please contact Dr. Linelle Clark, the Director of HUB Operations at 713-743-8603 or flclark-brown@uh.edu.

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

IT & TECHNOLOGY

Hyperlink

InfoSystem Listed as One of the Top App Development Companies in Texas

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he technology industry is one of the GDP driving industries in the state of Texas. Tech hardware & software firms have grown quickly in Texas and has attracted business from other states such as California.

Since August 2020, the IT industry has provided jobs to 195k people in Texas. The extensive tech sector employs 270k people in Texas, which is a piece of groundbreaking news. The recent boom has enabled Texas to rise over California as the country's top tech exporter.

Besides the energy sector, tech is an essential productive economic element with the power to influence growth in the service sector.

Technology has progressed faster with the increasing demand for humankind. Like AI, chatbots, and IoTs, the latest tech have made great advancements in mobile apps as well. After looking at current tech trends, the demand for app developers has been increasing consistently. Businesses in the States are looking to have an app to reach their clients on the go.

Hyperlink InfoSystem is a name that comes to mind, considering the company's work experience & worldwide presence.

Hyperlink InfoSystem was founded in 2011 and is one of the leading app developers listed by various B2B reviews and ratings platforms. It quickly picked pace having its offices in the USA, UK, UAE, and Australia. The company has been recognized as one of the most famous and trusted app development companies in the USA in 2020 because of its sincere efforts to deliver flawless services to its clients worldwide. The company has over 9 years of experience and has developed 3,200+ apps and 1,500+ websites for over 2,300 clients globally. The company has a strength of 250+ highly skilled developers ready to solve challenging tasks. The company has worked with

huge brands like Cartoon Network, Papa John's, Disney, and Google for VR-based apps. The company recently built an IoT-powered scooter rental app for people in the states.

Founder & CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem, Harnil Oza, says, "I started this company with the vision of becoming one of the best app development service providers in the globe. Today, where we are, is because of our constant efforts and hard work. This pandemic situation didn't break us, but it made us stronger; we made it work despite remote working. We will constantly make efforts

to enhance our services and deliver the best in the future as well."

Hyperlink InfoSystem has become one of the most popular companies in the US, and you can connect with them for your business requirements in Texas at info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com and discuss your ideas.

AboutHyperlink HyperlinkInfoSystem: InfoSystem: About Hyperlink InfoSystem is an established and popular top web & mobile app development company based in USA, UK, UAE, France, Canada with its development center in India. The company's talented team of 250+ developers offers world-class services in the areas of Mobile app & Web Development, Blockchain Development, AR & VR App Development, Game App Development, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Salesforce & much more.

Since 2011, the company has successfully built 3,200+ mobile apps for more than 2,300 clients around the world.

Source: Hyperlink InfoSystem

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20 | January 2021

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MANUFACTURING

Berg Compliance Solutions Launches New Virtual OSHA & EPA Compliance Service for Small Manufacturers Located Anywhere in the Country

Using Berg's new virtual, expert guided service, called GUIDED COMPLIANCE, small manufacturers learn how to build and manage their own customized environmental, health & safety program to achieve OSHA, EPA & state environmental regulatory compliance & reduce related risks at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

erg Compliance Solutions, experts in helping small businesses ensure environmental, health and safety regulatory compliance, recently announced that after years in development, GUIDED COMPLIANCE has been launched to help address the many challenges that small manufacturers face when trying to manage EHS compliance & risk.

Small Manufacturers Are at Greatest EHS Risk: The majority of small US manufacturers fail to properly manage and "effort" EHS compliance, putting themselves at risk for major liabilities including serious employee injuries, fatalities, significant fines & penalties, public embarrassment, wasted money, lost customers and potential civil and criminal liability.

Small manufacturers are at greatest risk due to a common lack of critical internal expertise, time and resources needed to keep up with these complex & ever-changing regulations.

"The biggest hurdle is understanding the requirements and how they apply to your operation. Knowing what you have to do is half the battle, but then implementing and managing everything can be difficult, if not impossible for a small manufacturer like ours," said one anonymous Berg client.

Their New Cost Effective EHS Solution: GUIDED COMPLIANCE was created to address these challenges using a revolutionary new "done with you" consulting approach which combines proprietary training, their proven & predictable compliance process and ongoing virtual guidance from their team of EHS experts.

The service is intended to remove the complexity from these regulations by presenting the compliance process in a way that non-experts can more easily understand.

This unique approach greatly improves a small manufacturer's opportunity for long term compliance success.

"Keeping up with complex OSHA, EPA & state environmental regulations can be overwhelming for a small

manufacturer, but the risks of failing to take action are too big to ignore," said Russell Carr, President, Berg Compliance Solutions. "Many companies don't have the need to hire a full time EHS manager and can't afford an expensive consultant. Guided Compliance fills the gap & reduces risk."

As an added benefit, recently, OSHA stated that for enforcement inspections conducted during the pandemic, OSHA will assess an employer's efforts to explore all op-

tions to comply with health and safety laws, including virtual training or remote communication strategies.

GUIDED COMPLIANCE helps meet these requirements and reduces the risk of regulatory penalties.

For more information, please visit www.bes-corp.com.

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Source: Berg Compliance Solutions

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22 | January 2021

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PERMITS

Lean on 5 Critical Tips

To Obtain a Permit To Ride Construction Industry Gains in 2021

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

D

id you read the December 2020 issue of the Subcontractors USA Texas Journal? There was a great article on page 4 titled, “US Construction Spending to Gain Ground Through 2024” highlighting growth in certain construction industry sectors and regions in the U.S., such as in the South. This is good news if you are prepared to play the game.

A long-time and well recognized construction industry expert, Pat Kiley, often says, “Contractors in Texas should thank their lucky stars,” as Texas is one of the construction capitols, and it will continue to be a strong market for years to come. Also, Pat noted during a recent industry conference that selecting the right projects, having skilled talent, using digital technology, and employing good money management are keys to being successful in the upcoming years. This, along with Deloitte’s 2021 E&C industry outlook, notes that obtaining building permits in a timely manner is a difficulty that must be tackled. Otherwise, contractors will be hamstrung in pursuit of achieving business goals in 2021 and two to three years to follow.

So, what can you do to plan for permitting when residential building, public, infrastructure, and commercial markets are expected to drive growth through 2024? How can you best position your construction firm to minimize delays in permitting and impacting your project starts?

To answer these questions, consider leaning on the 5 tips below to avoid permitting challenges in 2021.

• Start early. Review your construction schedule and make sure to have allotted enough time and necessary resources for permitting.

• Avoid making assumptions. There are a lot of moving pieces with permitting, and the architect or engineer may not be fully away of all the building codes. Ask questions and provide your input so you can minimize areas for possible rejections during permitting.

• Request a pre-meeting with a plan reviewer.

This alone can save a huge amount of time and money by obtaining input on how to design or build an element to meet code before submitting.

• QA/QC permitting package and all prerequisite documents before submitting. If unsure, engage a reputable permit expeditor, as they have intimate knowledge to add value and save you money.

• Format files properly. Submit and monitor for any rejection comments.

• Respond quickly. Respond quickly and completely to rejection comments from plan reviewers.

Difficulties in permitting are real and a criti-

cal factor for many contractors and developers avoiding certain jurisdictions with unusually long delay times. In Dallas, TX, for example, some contractors are avoiding construction projects that go through City of Dallas Permitting, and others have shifted their business model to begin handling projects that do not require a permit or only need a minor repair permit. And in the City of Austin Permitting, contractors are tossing hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars for the expedited review process when it does not make logical sense to do so. While certain jurisdictions are causing contractors headaches and even a loss of business, there are more prudent approaches to get ahead of the curve and pull a permit in a timely manner in 2021.

You can explore engaging a permit expeditor. This is one solution that is a proven benefit and pays for itself.

If this kind of resource is not a fit for your organization, then lean on the basics as reflected in the 5 tips above to stay in the permitting game and to enjoy a prosperous 2021 with timely building permits. If you have any questions and good stories about permitting, connect with me at 1.844.PERMIT.4 or on LinkedIn. #BuildSafe

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Visit PermitUsNow online at www.permitusnow.com.

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SAFETY

ICYMI: U.S. Department of Labor Acts to Help American Workers and Employers During the Coronavirus Pandemic

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

R

ecently, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.

Reopening America's Economy: • Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia on the November Jobs Report – "The economy continued to add jobs in November, with a 344,000 increase in private sector payrolls and labor demand continuing to grow in most sectors. However, jobs were lost in retail and food and beverage establishments in November, and a number of workers pulled away from the labor force amid rising coronavirus cases. We know from State-by-State data released two weeks ago that the employment situation varies significantly by State: in October, half the States were at 6% unemployment or lower, but two of the largest states—California and New York—were substantially above 9% that month.

At 6.7%, the unemployment rate is lower than it was for the first five years of the last Administration following the Great Recession."

KeepingAmerica's America'sWorkplaces WorkplacesSafe Safeand and Keeping Healthy: Healthy: • U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Announces $3,403,139 In Coronavirus Violations – Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through Nov. 26, 2020,

OSHA has issued citations arising from 255 inspections for violations relating to coronavirus, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $3,403,139.

DefendingWorkers' Workers'Rights Rightsto toPaid PaidLeave Leaveand Defending and Wages Earned: Wages Earned: • Car Dealership Pays Back Wages to Employee Wrongly Denied Paid Family Leave to Care for Child Amid Pandemic – A car dealership based in Decatur, Georgia, paid $7,880 in back wages for wrongly denying paid leave under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act to an employee who missed work

to care for a child whose place of care closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

• Housing Company Pays Back Wages to Georgia Employee Denied Paid Family Leave to Care for Child During Pandemic – A non-profit operator of affordable housing communities in Savannah, Georgia, has paid $3,920 in back wages. The company wrongly denied paid leave under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act to an employee who missed work to care for a child whose school closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

• Hutto Excavation Company Pays Back Wages to Employee After Denying Emergency Paid Sick Leave to Self-Quarantine – An excavation company based in Hutto, Texas, has paid $1,680 in back wages for denying emergency paid sick leave to an employee who was instructed to self-quarantine by a healthcare provider for coronavirus-related reasons.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Labor is focused on protecting the safety and health of American workers, assisting our state partners as they deliver traditional unemployment and expanded unemployment benefits, ensuring Americans know their rights to new paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, providing guidance and assistance to employers, and carrying out the mission of the Department.

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.

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Source: OSHA

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28 | January 2021

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TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation

San Antonio

By Subcontractors USA

Austin

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Downtown Station Now Open!

News Provider

Capital Metro has built a place that both serves their MetroRail customers and provides a grand welcome to downtown. Downtown Station creates a great public plaza that ties together transit, the Convention Center and surrounding hotels and businesses.

V

IA Metropolitan Transit recently announced that it has joined the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) “Health and Safety Commitments Program,” the public transportation industry’s overarching pledge to passengers that public transit systems are taking all the necessary measures to operate safely as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health and safety of passengers and operators is the most important priority for VIA. Since the beginning of the pandemic, VIA personnel have worked tirelessly to keep riders safe from infection from the coronavirus, implementing a “safe capacity” maximumpassenger load of 16 riders at a time in early April and requiring face coverings on all agency buses, vans, and property. Learn more on VIA’s Safe Riding page.

“We realize that public transit is a necessity for many in our community every day and perhaps especially during a crisis, including those who may rely on transit as their only means of travel to critical service centers, meal distribution sites, or other necessary trips,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “By joining APTA’s Health and Safety Commitments Program we are assuring the public that we will safely meet the essential mobility needs of our community and continue to play an important role as our city and economy go into recovery.”

By signing on to the APTA Health and Safety Commitments Program with more than 100 public transit systems, VIA and the public transit industry are actively working to instill confidence in riders that it’s committed to protecting their health and safety when they are ready to resume riding VIA for all their travel needs.

The Program was developed after asking transit users from across the country what measures would make them feel more confident riding public transportation amid concerns about COVID-19. From this research, the industry identified four key areas that transit systems need to address to earn riders’ confidence: • Following public health guidelines from official sources

Transportation

A Mobility Hub

• Cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles frequently and requiring face coverings and other protections • Keeping passengers informed and empowered to choose the safest times and routes to ride • Putting health first by requiring riders and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill.

VIA has pledged to meet these commitments by implementing measures that are effective for their system, their riders, and their community. VIA is closely monitoring ridership and making alterations to maintain safe, reliable service, including adding frequency to routes that continue to see high ridership, adjusting routes with low ridership, and modifying others based on changing road conditions.

Customers are being welcomed back to VIA for all their travel needs. All passengers must continue to maintain social distancing aboard the bus whenever possible and non-exempt riders are required to wear a face covering while on a VIA vehicle or at a VIA facility.

“The program being launched today is the public transportation industry’s pledge to promote sensible policies and practices designed to keep transit users and transit employees safe during the COVID-19 crisis,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “It is a logical extension of the innovation and commitment we have been demonstrating for the past several months – and it makes the need for at least $32 billion in additional emergency funding that much more urgent and critical.”

A key component of the Health and Safety Commitments Program is the shared responsibility of their system and their riders to follow the guidelines. Riders rely on them to follow these commitments, and VIA relies on riders to protect themselves and other customers.

For more information, please visit www.viainfo.net.

The new Downtown Station and adjacent plaza enhance the area's public space. Its primary function is to make easy connections between MetroRail and other types of transportation. Customers are able to connect to: • Local MetroBus service (Route 17 on Cesar Chavez and Route 4 on 7th St.) • Electric Cab • Car-share • MetroBike • Scooters • Austin's bicycle trails • With more to come through Project Connect, Austin's comprehensive transit expansion plan approved through the passage of Prop A

StationOverview Overview Station The station features parasol structures mounted on columns. The pentagonal roof atop each column not only offers a striking visual welcome to downtown, but it also provides overhead protection for riders as they wait for, enter or exit the trains.

ImprovingMetroRail MetroRailService Service Improving There will be four available platforms at the new Downtown Station, allowing them to expand the capacity of MetroRail Red Line service. This will mean more customers can take advantage of a service that operates at standing-room-only levels during the morning and evening commutes.

A larger waiting area and improved crowd control operations are essential for the station. Normally, events like SXSW or Pecan Street Festival bring huge crowds to the station arriving and departing in short periods of time, and Downtown Station needs to be able to handle that rush. (Obviously that is different during the pandemic, but the crowds will return.) New waiting and ticketing areas reduce platform crowding during these times, and the tracks are set below street-level so the platform is even with the sidewalk.

For more information, please visit www.capmetro.org.

Source: Capital Metro

Source: VIA Metropolitan Transit

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