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TEXAS JOURNAL

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

December 2020 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 57th Edition

Transformative Bond with Conservative Budget Stafford MSD 2017 Bond by AUTOARCH Architects LLC FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Michael Sabouni, AIA, NCARB – Principal and Co-Founder, Lina Sabouni, AIA - Principal In Charge and Co-Founder, Dr. Robert Bostic, Stafford MSD Superintendent, and Farrah Sabouni, AIA, AICP, LEED AP - Principal

16-17

INSIDE

04

Construction Association Ready To Work With President-Elect Biden To Prepare Significant New Infrastructure & Recovery Measures

08

28

Bush Airport’s Expansion Program Moves Forward

Ensuring Your Home Heating Equipment Operates Efficiently All Season

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE 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 AUTOARCH Architects, a recognized and trusted partner for architectural design, delivery, and project management. Founded in 1991, this Houstonbased, woman-owned architecture and planning firm, has decades of history designing the way students are educated. Their mission to “Optimize 21st Century Schools” results in attractive and successful designs for numerous school districts, focusing on workforce and hybrid education platforms. Now, in 2020, with

“The mother art is architecture.

Without an architecture of our own, we have no soul of our own civilization.”

—Frank Lloyd Wright

the global pandemic affecting education, this model has become even more prominent. This feature on AUTOARCH highlights their innovative and outsidethe-box thinking for the Stafford Municipal School District (Stafford MSD)’s campus enhancements.

AUTOARCH was hired for their creativity and vision, as well as for their mission to “Do More With Less.” Within a short timeframe, AUTOARCH was able to assess the current landscape and restructure the District’s priorities for a $62M bond. In the company’s almost 30 years of experience, they have been trailblazers in the educational field.

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.

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

HMSDC

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

City of Houston

HISD

06 ENERGY 06 Direct Energy Puts Customers First and Ramps Up Personalized Energy and Home Services with Expanded Innowatts Partnership 08 Ensuring Your Home Heating Equipment Operates Efficiently All Season 12 ENGINEERING 12 National Engineering Society Welcomes New Senior Director for Ethics & Professional Practice 14 IT & TECHNOLOGY 14 Vortex Companies Launches New Business Unit to Support Acquisition of Proprietary CIPP Sensor Technology 16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 AUTOARCH Architects: Innovative Design, Superb Delivery, and Efficient Management Since 1991 20 PERMITS 20 Contractors: 5 Tips to Score a Building Permit in a Timely Manner 22 SAFETY 22 U.S. Department of Labor Updates Frequently Asked Questions To Address Cloth Face Coverings as Personal Protective Equipment 22 U.S. Department of Labor Emphasizes Protecting Worker Safety and Pay During Holiday Season 25 EVEN 25 B0SEMI-ANNUAL HUB TRAINING FORUM: Hosted By Texas Tech University (TTU) Procurement Services

VBE

DBE

OUR SERVICES

CONTENTS 04 CONSTRUCTION 04 US Construction Spending to Gain Ground Through 2024 04 Construction Association Ready To Work With President-Elect Biden To Prepare Significant New Infrastructure & Recovery Measures

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 TRANSPORTATION 26 DART Board of Directors Hires David Leininger as Interim President/Executive Director 28 Bush Airport’s Expansion Program Moves Forward 28 METRO Is Committed To Clean, Safe Rides

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CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

Construction Association Ready To Work With President-Elect Biden To Prepare Significant New Infrastructure & Recovery Measures

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

US Construction

Spending to Gain Ground Through 2024

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

U

S construction expenditures are forecast to increase 3.7% yearly in nominal terms through 2024, according to Construction: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Contractors stand to benefit from continued gains in the number of households; consumer incomes; and business, nonprofit organization, and government investment. However, 2020 represents a mixed bag, with continued growth projected for housing and nonbuilding construction, but a decline of several percentage points in commercial. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many construction projects – particularly in the commercial segment – have been delayed, but not outright canceled, due to a decline in revenues in industries such as lodging and restaurants. For this reason, commercial building expenditures are expected to see the worst performance in 2020. Other segments, such as nonbuilding, are seeing construction go ahead as planned because most of these projects are funded by government grants. However, declines in state and local tax revenue may constrain projects funded at those levels. Despite this, nonbuilding construction expenditures will see the fastest rate of growth through 2020. Overall, construction expenditures are expected to rise 1.1% this year.

Among the four major US regions, the South will continue to dominate construction activity through 2024. Construction spending in the West is projected to slightly outpace expenditures in the Midwest, Northeast, and South due to faster population and GDP growth.

These and other key insights are featured in Construction: United States. This report forecasts to 2024 US construction expenditures in nominal and real (inflation-adjusted) US dollars.

Total expenditures in nominal and real terms are segmented by market in terms of: • residential building

o new single-unit housing

o new multiple-unit housing

o Improvements • commercial building

o office, trade, and lodging

o institutional o industrial o transportation o other commercial buildings such as public safety and recreation • nonbuilding

o highways, streets, and other transportation

o power

o sewer and water

o telecommunication

o other nonbuilding construction such as breakwater systems and dams

I

ncoming President and Congress Should Focus on Enacting Measures to Rebuild Infrastructure and Revive the Economy and Avoid Imposing Needless Regulatory Burdens that will Undermine Growth The Associated General Contractors of America’s chief executive officer, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the election of Joseph Biden to serve as the next president of the United States: “Congratulations to President-elect Biden and all newly elected and re-elected members of Congress. We are ready to work with the incoming administration and Congress to help craft an agenda that is focused on rebuilding infrastructure and reviving the national economy. To that end, we are eager to work with the president-elect as he and his team fashion their promised infrastructure investment proposals. In addition, we look forward to working with federal officials to craft a new, long-term highway and transit law, enact liability reform that protects honest firms from frivolous coronavirus lawsuits and pass other tax and credit measures that will stimulate economic growth and demand for construction.

Total expenditures in nominal dollars are also segmented by US region as follows: • South

o South Atlantic

o West South Central

o East South Central • West

o Pacific

o Mountain • Midwest

o East North Central

o West North Central • Northeast

o Middle Atlantic

o New England

To illustrate historical trends, total expenditures and the various market and region segments are provided in annual series from 2009 to 2019.

The scope of this report represents new construction and improvements such as additions, alterations, and major replacements (e.g., heating systems). Maintenance and repairs for existing structures and service facilities are excluded. Also excluded are land acquisition costs, drilling of gas and oil wells, and digging and shoring of mines.

As defined by the US Census Bureau, expenditures represent architectural and engineering costs; labor, material, and overhead costs; interest and taxes paid during construction; and contractors' profits.

More information about the report is available at www.freedoniafocusreports.com.

Source: The Freedonia Group

“We are also ready to work with the incoming administration and Congress to ensure they understand that imposing needless new regulatory burdens and undermining the integrity of the current collective bargaining process in the construction industry will severely undermine efforts to revive our economy and efforts to expand career opportunities in the construction industry.

“The voters have made it clear they expect its national leaders to get things done. Now that the election is over, we expect President-elect Biden and the new Congress to keep their promise and dedicate themselves to the task of bringing together all parties and positions by enacting measures that will help rebuild our country.”

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

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ENERGY

Direct Energy Puts Customers First and Ramps Up Personalized Energy and Home Services with Expanded Innowatts Partnership Smart meter insights and AI analytics help energy retailer offer customized plans and products

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

D

irect Energy®, one of North America's largest providers of energy and energy-related services, is expanding services to its residential customers via a deepened partnership with Innowatts, the leading AI-enabled SaaS platform for global energy providers.

Through the partnership, Direct Energy will deliver more responsive, customized services for its U.S.-based residential customers, adding value and reducing customer costs by providing actionable energy insights, customized plans, and an easier energy shopping experience.

Since 2016, Direct Energy has worked with Innowatts to accurately forecast

customer demand and efficiently procure and price energy plans through a smart meter-driven energy technology framework. Now, Direct Energy is taking the next big step to innovate with customer-centric services.

The company is deploying Innowatts' "Product Suitability and Smart Engagement" features to (1) better understand individual customers and align them with the right plans and programs to save money and improve home comfort, (2) develop new initiatives and services to proactively power their homes more efficiently, and (3) allow customers to opt in to alerts with personalized actionable intelligence to switch plans or get their HVAC appliances tuned up.

Direct Energy is also able to surface insights for individual customers by analyzing their smart meter usage.

Using this information, the company can then provide customers with a more personalized experience, including recommendations for the best energy plans and products that map to their lifestyles, whether it's the whole family at home, or away on weekends.

Additionally, the program will allow customers to access insights from Direct Energy through their preferred delivery channel such as text, phone or email.

Direct Energy and Innowatts have teamed up to make it easy for customers to achieve savings and take the guesswork out of how to run their homes more efficiently with smart meter insights.

For example, the expanded capabilities enable

Direct Energy to identify and alert customers whose HVAC appliances are operating erratically and may need a checkup. In addition to saving money through enhanced energy efficiency, customers can also get peace of mind that their systems will stay operational all year long regardless of weather changes.

"We're committed to delighting customers with smart, tailored services that are easy to use and anticipate their changing and unique home needs, and through our expanded partnership with Innowatts we're able to deliver genuinely personalized services at scale," explains Bruce Stewart, President of Direct Energy. "Our customers' energy demand is continuously evolving due to weather and their unique residential environment. But with Innowatts' powerful smart meter insights and AI analytics, we're able to help our customers stay ahead of the curve by providing them with creative, reliable, and cost-effective services –– and most importantly, peace of mind."

"Direct Energy is a true leader when it comes to using new technologies to drive customer choice," says Siddhartha Sachdeva, Innowatts' CEO. "It's through partnerships like these that we see the full potential of sophisticated AI and machine learning to drive transformation in the energy space, and give consumers the personalized and proactive services they need."

Source: Innowatts LLC

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ENERGY

Ensuring Your Home

Heating Equipment Operates Efficiently All Season

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

W

ant a snafu-free season of home heating? Better installation and quality service mean a longer life for your heating and cooling equipment, as well as increased energy efficiency and reduced energy bills. Not only that, regular service checks may actually detect problems before you notice them, and catching them in time may extend your unit’s life.

So, what should you know before hiring an HVAC professional for your installation, repair or maintenance check? Here are a few things to keep in mind: • Ask for credentials: Make sure that the contractor has all the necessary permits to do the job. Find out whether they have experience with the maintenance, repair, or replacement of your existing system in order to prevent future misunderstandings or technical problems.

• Ask for guidance: In the long run, knowing how to service the system yourself will save you a considerable amount of money, making a good contractor one who will be there to guide you through the maintenance process.

• Hire carefully: Be careful of the lowest bidder. Contractors who are charging more may be doing so because they are better qualified. You should read company reviews as well as ask the contractor if they have technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATEcertified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated heating and cooling systems by passing a nationally recognized test developed and supported by all segments of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning industry. To find a NATE-certified technician in your area, visit Natex.org.

• Take precautions: With a few precautions, you can safely hire an HVAC technician and have home repair work done during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just be sure to ask the contractor about their safety protocols.

For example, do they do video conferencing for estimates? Do their techs wear masks, gloves and shoe covers on the job? Are they practicing social distancing?

• Make smart upgrades: Newer units, especially those with ENERGY STAR labels, operate more efficiently, reduce your energy bill, increase your comfort and even help protect the environment. You may not realize the amount of money you waste with a unit that is less efficient by today’s standards, even if your heating or cooling system is properly maintained. Consider the age of your unit and think about updating older equipment for long-term savings.

• DIY these tasks: While a qualified professional is a good choice for complicated maintenance tasks, there are a few things you can do to optimize your system’s efficiency on you own. This includes changing your air filters at least twice in the season or as directed by the manufacturer. You should also inspect your furnace area as well as all vents and returns to ensure they are free of obstructions.

For smooth, efficient operation of your home heating equipment and a more comfortable winter, be sure any service rendered is carried out by qualified professionals.

Source: StatePoint

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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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ENGINEERING

National Engineering Society

Welcomes New Senior Director for Ethics & Professional Practice

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) recently welcomed Rebecca Bowman as the new Senior Director, Ethics and Professional Practice. In this role, Bowman will be responsible for serving as the subject matter expert on engineering ethics, providing ethics counsel to members in need of guidance and providing management, policy direction, and guidance on ethics in all internal and external operations of the organization. She will also serve as the in-house and industry expert on engineering licensure laws and liability laws affecting the profession.

Bowman will also supervise the government relations and advocacy team and initiatives.

“I have taught, counseled, lectured, and written on the topics of ethics and professional responsibility for years, as well as drafted legislation and provided comments on regulations pertinent to the profession,” said Bowman.

“It is exciting for me to be on the front lines at NSPE, fighting for the integrity of our profession and priming the pump for future generations.”

A registered professional engineer and a certified attorney, arbitrator, mediator, and Christian conciliator, Bowman is experienced in boundary law issues, engineering design and forensic analysis, construction/project management, dispute resolution, real estate, and small business start-ups. She began her career with the North Dakota State Highway Department in 1974 and went on to work with Westinghouse Electric for more than 12 years. A highlight of her career was helping to build

the then-largest gantry crane in the world for Offshore Power Systems.

Bowman has also owned a certified business since 1976, providing engineering, real estate, legal and training services. She has appeared regularly as an expert witness in construction disputes and is a frequent lecturer on law and engineering. In addition, she writes a regular column called “Risky Business” for the PE Reporter—the magazine of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE) and has authored a book, “Residential Construction and Remodeling in Pennsylvania: Working with Homeowners and Small Contractors,” which is now in its second edition.

“I am very excited to have Rebecca become part of the NSPE family,” said Wendel Stewart, CAE, interim executive director and chief operations officer of NSPE. “Her wealth of experience will have a lasting impact on our members and the engineering profession.”

Bowman is involved with the American Arbitration Association, the Institute for Christian Conciliation, and the American Bar Association. In addition to her workplace endeavors and achievements, she volunteers with Legal Aid, Family Promise, the Pregnancy Resource Center of the South Hills, MATHCOUNTS, and Pennsylvania History Day. She holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of North Dakota, an MBA from Oklahoma University, and her law degree from Duquesne University.

Source: National Society of Professional Engineers

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

Vortex Companies Launches New Business Unit to Support Acquisition of Proprietary CIPP Sensor Technology

Vortex Technology Group created to deliver sensor and software systems to the trenchless marketplace

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

V

ortex Companies, LLC ("Vortex Companies"), the nation's fastest growing trenchless infrastructure solutions provider, launched Vortex Technology Group, LLC to support its recent acquisition of proprietary Cured-In-Place-Pipe (CIPP) sensor technology developed to verify the curing process of the popular relining system. "This sensor technology has, and will continue to, significantly improve installation quality control and offer peace-of-mind to project owners and contractors alike, knowing that their CIPP liner is properly cured and installed," stated Mike Vellano, CEO of the Vortex Companies.

Vortex Companies acquired the intellectual property and assets of the CMS (Curing Monitoring System) from OSSCAD GmbH & Co. KG, a developer of optical sensor technology based in Germany. "The CMS software is designed to capture and record a thermal temperature reading, incrementally, along the entire length of the liner," stated Prof.

Dr. Ulrich Glombitza, inventor of the technology and Managing Director of OSSCAD. "With such data the contractors may adjust and control the curing temperature to lower power consumption, reduce cold spots and prevent curing irregularity," he added.

Even as trenchless rehabilitation methods continue to evolve and expand, accurate inspection data verifying the quality and completeness of the project has lagged. "The CMS technology and its

powerful reporting software is a game changer in the industry and a natural fit for our customers," added Vellano. "It benefits both the contractor and project owner and will improve quality while mitigating cost."

The CMS technology, which is currently sold and marketed under the names VeriCure and Zia Systems, will still be available through existing channels.

However, it will be rebranded over the next 60 to 90 days to protect CMS patents and stave off copycat specifications and technology development. CMS is currently patented in 19 countries, including the United States, which can be

found here: https://bit.ly/3lKYD7a.

"We are proud to be at the forefront of driving change in the trenchless rehab industry, especially across technologies as foundational as CIPP. The CMS technology offers the building blocks for the vast adoption of underground construction sensors and next generation trenchless automation and robotics," said Andrew Gonnella, EVP of Products at Vortex Companies. "Our team is well positioned and eager to support the CMS product and will be immediately focused on cre at ing market access, supporting customers with field training and driving the development of adjacent technologies."

Vortex Technology Group, LLC, located in Houston, TX, is a subsidiary of Vortex Companies and focuses on the development of technologies and systems to enhance and improve trenchless infrastructure installation methods. For more information go to www.vortexcompanies.com.

Source: Vortex Companies

OIL AND GAS

ExxonMobil Plans Reduction to U.S. Staffing Levels

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

A

s part of an extensive global review announced earlier this year, the company plans to reduce staffing levels in the United States, primarily at its management offices in Houston, Texas. The company anticipates approximately 1,900 employees will be affected through

voluntary and involuntary programs.

The workforce reductions are the result of ongoing reorganizations and work-process changes that have been made over the past several years to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

These actions will improve the company’s long-term cost competitiveness and ensure the company manages through the current unprecedented market conditions. The impact of COVID-19 on the demand for ExxonMobil’s

products has increased the urgency of the ongoing efficiency work.

The company recognizes these decisions will impact employees and their families and has put these programs in place only after compre-

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hensive evaluation and thoughtful deliberation. Employees who are separated through involuntary programs will be provided with support, including severance and outplacement services. To learn more, please visit exxonmobil.com.

Source: ExxonMobil

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Transformative with Conservative

Stafford Municipal School District 2017 Bond by AU

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

L

ast month Stafford Municipal School District (Stafford MSD) celebrated the achievement of a significant milestone by opening their newly expanded and enhanced campus, which includes a new state-of-theart middle school, an elegant new administration building, along with significant site and traffic improvements. All these accomplishments were completed by Stafford MSD’s 2017 bond passed by the citizens in 2017. The bond also included five significant renovations and a new STEM magnet school currently under construction as the last phase of this bond.

Leonard Scarcella Administration Building

BondArchitects Architects Bond Stafford MSD hired AUTOARCH Architects after the District’s first unsuccessful attempt at a $84M bond, in the hopes of restructuring the bond per the community’s and the District’s needs. AUTOARCH was hired for their creativity and vision, as well as for their mission to “Do More with Less.” Within a short timeframe, AUTOARCH was able to assess the current landscape and restructure the District’s priorities for a drastically reduced $62M bond. The new bond reduced costs by 27% and increased benefits by 25%, while expanding the campus footprint by 24% due to a strategic land purchase to create a cohesive campus.

The District has its K-12 facilities located on a single campus. AUTOARCH created the vision to transform it into an advanced educational campus, which would be one of its kind in the region, taking the educational environment truly into the 21st Century. Working with the District, the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee, the community, and multiple stakeholders, AUTOARCH conducted a campus-wide assessment and created a student-centered transformative plan for the Stafford MSD campus that would allow for continued improvement of academic performance while enhancing a community amenity.

The bond and its vision serve as a great example for an architectural firm dedicated to serving their community and being good stewards of tax dollars.

Transformingthe theSchool SchoolDistrict District Transforming AUTOARCH’s innovative and outside-the-box thinking transformed the campus into a 21st Century educational facility that will boost the District’s performance and allow for grade redistribution between the new schools, adhering to the TEA standards. Dr. Robert Bostic, Stafford MSD Superintendent, praised AUTOARCH for their creativity and developing the vision with the community and the District.

Dr. Bostic expressed, “I don’t know anywhere else in Houston, or really in Texas, where you can get seven improvements for $62M dollars, and these improvements made were significant. We built a brand-new administration building, a three-story middle school, and completed renovations

Ribbon Cutting

throughout the entire school district on every campus for $62M dollars. The taxpayers really received more than their money’s worth.”

The Site Improvements The Site Improvements Creating a True Campus and Education Plaza The existing site was expanded from its previous linear buildings to a true campus setting by adding roughly 24% more real estate. This provided the campus with a significant presence on Staffordshire Road with a new edge: the new landmark three-story middle school and two-story administration building. At the heart of this campus lies a new Education Plaza. The Education Plaza serves as an outdoor student activity hub and as a multi-functional

outdoor space for school and community events, such as: graduations, performances, and a drone launchpad that complements the new STEM Magnet School and the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center.

These enhancements enable the Stafford campus to become more technologically advanced.

Solving Traffic Congestion and Parking Traffic routes were restructured to separate bus routes from parents and faculty routes, adding two more campus access points with new roads. This redistribution ended the severe traffic congestion which had impacted the District for many years. Additionally, AUTOARCH has increased cam-

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pus parking capacity with over 340 new parking spaces.

Student Life Safety Life safety is always top priority. AUTOARCH added over 5,200-feet of sidewalk throughout the campus, creating a connected pedestrian path used by students and the community.

Light fixtures were added ensuring a well-lit and visible environment.

The The New New Stafford Stafford Middle School School Middle Stafford’s new middle school is an elegant, 148,000-SF, three-story, state-of-the-art facility that anchors the new Education Plaza from the west. The main entrance of the middle school is aligned to the

same access of the entrance of the high school. Situated on a tight site, the school features a three-story education wing that allows for a smaller school footprint while creating a landmark attraction as the highest feature in the municipal campus. AUTOARCH’s deliberate design led to the school bidding at almost $2M below budget, which allowed the District to include all alternates – including adding 9 additional classrooms.

The modern and inviting school’s entrance leads to a central learning stair that is open and connects the three levels of the classroom wing and the two-story high open library. The school features attractive classrooms, two large gymnasiums, numerous flexible spaces, robotics and engineering labs, science

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e Bond

Budget

AUTOARCH Architects

A Reflection on Stafford MSD 2017 Bond with Dr. Robert Bostic, SMSD Superintendent https://youtu.be/8tjlCUbIInI TOP AND BOTTOM: New Middle School

Boardroom in the New Stafford Administration Building

and language labs, all while bringing in an abundance of natural light. The technology-rich modern building encourages flexibility through its design as many rooms open into one another and can transform as the program and learning within those rooms changes.

The school’s materials, finishes, and colors for the exterior and interior were well selected and coordinated to create a positive space for education. Materials were chosen for durability, ease of maintenance, and a long-life span. The interior is bright and reflects Spartan Pride.

The modern exterior utilizes materials similar to the existing buildings on the campus, which was important to the community.

Life safety and security were of the upmost impor-

tance, and AUTOARCH worked one-on-one with the school principal, administration, and security consultants to create a secure learning environment that can be easily monitored. This begins with an inviting and secure lobby at the main entrance, clear visibility along all corridors, and strategic placement of administration offices at all key intersections.

TheNew NewStafford Stafford The Administration Administration Building Building The new administration building creates a significant landmark at the SMSD campus and its surrounding neighborhood. The building is situated next to the previous administration building (which is being converted

into a community center) and anchors the new Education Plaza while defining the campus edge on Staffordshire Road.

The entrance features a distinguished iconic Spartan red canopy over a secure and inviting lobby that leads to the board room and other meeting spaces. Within the lobby, the Memorabilia Center showcases the history of the District and the city. The 26,300-SF administration building holds leadership and support staff, conference rooms, training facilities, and a large board room used to hold board meetings in addition to hosting public meetings and gatherings.

TheReception Reception The The District hosted the

formal ribbon cutting in October. The event allowed the District leadership, board, local government officials, and students and their parents and staff to formally see the new campus, buildings, and Education Plaza. The response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

“I am very excited that we have been able to create a truly unique learning environment that will allow our students to excel academically,” said Xavier Herrera, vice president of the SMSD Board of Trustees. “The STEM Magnet school is the first of its kind in our county. We see it as a crucial building block for the District’s comprehensive approach to deliver educational excellence to all our students,

I don’t know anywhere else in Houston, or really in Texas, where you can get seven improvements for $62M dollars.

—Dr. Robert Bostic, Stafford MSD Superintendent

ensuring their success for years to come.”

While staff, students, and the community lauded the design and transformation of the campus, the process by AUTOARCH also received significant praise. Christopher Caldwell, president of SMSD Board of Trustees, applauded

AUTOARCH for their ability to build relationships, listen to the client, and transform thoughts into visible creations, commenting on AUTOARCH’s ability. “AUTOARCH’s expertise capturing the intricacies and detail that make each project unique is extraordinary,” Caldwell said.

AboutAUTOARCH AUTOARCHArchitects Architects About Founded in 1991, AUTOARCH Architects is a recognized and trusted partner for architectural design, delivery, and project management. The company’s effective and agile approach ensures elegant and sustainable architectural solutions, effective, and efficient project management, and true partnership through the full process of design and build.

AUTOARCH, a Houston-based, woman-owned architecture and planning firm, has decades of history designing the way students are educated. In their almost 30 years of experience, they have been trailblazers in the educational field. Their mission to “optimize 21st Century schools” resulted in attractive and successful designs for numerous school districts, focusing on workforce and hybrid education platforms. Now, in 2020, with the global pandemic affecting education, this model has become even more prominent.

To learn more, visit www.autoarch.net.

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PERMITS

Contractors: 5 Tips to Score a Building Permit in a Timely Manner

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

H

ave you ever witnessed a kick-off return where the receiver ran 93 yards to score a touchdown?

This was the case for a rookie player on the Baltimore Ravens team at the opening of the 2020 NFL season and there have been numerous other examples of this kind of feat through the years including Billy “White Shoes” Johnson during the Luv Ya Blue Houston Oilers days In Texas.

A 45 to 60 seconds run to score a touchdown appears easy, but the truth is when looking behind the scenes, you’ll see it requires a lot of work. The player’s speed, agility, and abilities to avoid being tackled are attributed to preparation involving run routines, checking results of exercises, proper nutrition, mindset, and a host of other elements.

This same thrill of a 90-yard run to a touchdown can occur when a Contractor or Architect goes through permitting without any rejections or delays. And like the well-trained football player, the effort to obtain a permit requires upfront work; and the 5 tips below are offered to assist you in scoring a building permit in short order on your next project.

• Suit up and start early reviewing permitting steps during planning phase

• Check to make sure all design plans are stamped, clearly signed and are for construction. For smaller projects not requiring a licensed Architect or Engineer, make sure plans are drawn to scale, notations are clear, and plan adheres to jurisdiction’s standards i.e. building codes, title block, etc.

• Pull latest permitting checklist from jurisdiction’s website to confirm meeting all requirements including pre-requisite documents.

• Contact jurisdiction Plan Reviewers to ask questions in advance and request a pre-submittal meeting, if needed.

• Package submittal per jurisdiction’s checklist for online or manual submission. Complete permit application in full.

tect, obtaining building permits per your construction schedule contributes to your financial success on projects and helps satisfy your customer’s project requirements.

“But Helen, you don’t realize the city’s online system is confusing, the jurisdiction uses an old IBC, the Plan Reviewer does not like me, I don’t have the time for permitting, and on and on.”

The bottom line is that regardless of the condition of the playing field at the city, county, MUD, etc., if you follow the basics in the early stages of your project, your chances of running through the departmental reviews without a major tackle is achievable and repeatable.

Conclusion InInConclusion The PermitUsNow team receives a lot of phone calls and emails from Contractor’s, Architects and Project Owners asking all sorts of questions about their permitting blockages. Regardless of what phase of programming, design, or construction the caller may be in, our technical staff filters permitting challenges through the lenses of the basics. The simple practices like the 5 tips to score a permit in a timely manner can help you win most of the time.

If you have a permitting story with tips of success, I love to hear from you. Connect on Linkedin or call 1.844.PERMIT.4.

Following the above 5 tips can enhance your success in obtaining permits fast. And as a Contractor or Archi-

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#BuildSafe

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SAFETY

U.S. Department of Labor Updates Frequently Asked Questions To Address Cloth Face Coverings as Personal Protective Equipment

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published an update to its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to address whether OSHA considers cloth face coverings to be personal protective equipment.

The agency is addressing the topic after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently determined that some cloth face coverings may serve as source control while also providing the wearer with some personal protection.

The FAQ states that OSHA does not believe enough information is currently available to determine if a particular cloth face covering provides sufficient protection from the coronavirus hazard to be personal protective equipment under OSHA's standard. OSHA's determination is consistent with statements made by the CDC, which has stated it needs more research on cloth facemasks' protective effects, particularly on the combination of materials that maximize blocking and filtering effectiveness.

OSHA continues to encourage workers strongly to wear face coverings when in close contact with others

to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus, if it is appropriate for the work environment.

Visit OSHA's COVID-19 webpage for further information and resources about the coronavirus.

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.

Source: OSHA

SAFETY

U.S. Department of Labor Emphasizes Protecting Worker Safety and Pay During Holiday Season

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its Wage and Hour Division (WHD) remind employers of their responsibility to protect worker safety and pay during the holiday season.

As the nation enters a unique holiday shopping season, employers must ensure that they train all workers to recognize and prevent job hazards, and incorporate safe work practices to prevent exposure to the coronavirus. At the same time, employers must also familiarize themselves and comply with federal rules governing the payment of wages for temporary or seasonal workers.

“Throughout the holiday season, all employees, including seasonal workers, should be trained not only on how to perform their jobs safely, but also on how to

stay safe from the coronavirus,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt.

“Every worker deserves a safe and healthful workplace, whether they are packing boxes, stocking shelves, delivering products or selling merchandise.”

OSHA offers resources on holiday workplace safety for warehousing, delivery and retail workers. Guidance is also available for protecting workers from exposure to the coronavirus in retail and high customervolume environments, stockrooms and loading docks, and package delivery. Additional information is available on workers’ rights, the protection of temporary and seasonal workers, as well as safety for young workers.

Temporary or seasonal employees hired to provide additional help have the right to a safe and healthful workplace, and to be paid for the work performed. With added seasonal hiring, employees unfamiliar with working in seasonal positions and employers unaccustomed to hiring part-time and/ or seasonal employees may not be fully aware of the rules that regulate such work.

“While retail employees work hard during the holiday season to serve shoppers and help the economy thrive, they have bills to pay. We need to ensure workers are paid their rightful wages,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton. “With more temporary and part-time workers employed during the holidays, it’s important that we inform these workers and their employers about rules concerning work hours, wages and employment conditions, including their rights to paid sick leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.” WHD enforces federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and

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child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Common holiday season labor violations include failing to pay salespeople and cashiers for time spent prepping or closing out a register; requiring stock room and warehouse personnel to work through breaks without compensation; and not providing overtime pay to employees working more than 40 hours in a workweek.

Learn more by viewing WHD’s guide for Seasonal Employment.

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.

Source: OSHA

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EVENTS

B0SEMIANNUAL HUB TRAINING FORUM

Hosted By - Texas Tech University (TTU) Procurement Services

You are cordially invited to the TTU Procurement Services - Semi-Annual HUB Training Forum.

A knowledgeable guest speaker from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Texas Tech University will help guide small businesses who are seeking a Historically Underutilized Business status. We will also cover HUB subcontracting plans. Give yourself a present of knowledge!

When: December 14, 2020 (Monday) Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Location: Microsoft Teams Moderated By: TTU - Procurement Services Attendance is FREE with no limited seating as we are moving this training virtually, so reserve your spot today!

There will be networking opportunities with TTU Procurement Services.

DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARDS.

If you would like to attend the Semi-Annual HUB Training Forum, please email techbuy.purchasing@ttu.edu and a calendar invitation will be forwarded to you!

For any attendance changes, please email before December 11, 2020.

Questions regarding this Semi-Annual HUB Training Forum, please contact techbuy.purchasing@ttu.edu EVENTS

December Monthly Opportunity Meeting We are inviting everyone from Major Corporate Partners, MWBE Trade Contractors to individuals of our community, to celebrate the holidays virtually and take this time to network and catch up with everyone to end this year strong.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CST 624 Six Flags dr.

Arlington, TX 76011

www.namcdfw.org/ If this is your 1st Business Opportunity Meeting email admin@namcdfw.org to redeem 1 free ticket to our meeting.

Event Item Name Monthly Opportunity Meeting Ticket Pricing Member: $0.00 Non-Member: $25.00 Expires Dec 08, 2020

January Monthly Opportunity Meeting Tuesday, January 12, 2021 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CST Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

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TRANSPORTATION

DART Board of Directors Hires David Leininger as Interim President/Executive Director

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

A

t a special called meeting on November 20, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors selected David Leininger to serve as DART's Interim President/Executive Director. This appointment follows Gary Thomas' recent decision to retire from DART after almost 20 years of leadership at the agency. Leininger will join the agency as the Deputy Executive Director on November 30, 2020 and assume the role of Interim President/Executive Director on February 1, 2021.

Thomas' retirement is effective at the end of January 2021. He will continue to provide support for the Interim President/Executive Director and the Board on a part-time basis as needed. Board Chairman Paul N. Wageman has established an Ad-hoc Search Committee to lead a comprehensive national search process to identify the President/ Executive Director of DART. "This is both a challenging and exciting time for the agency and the North Texas area," explained Leininger.

"Gary has built a world-class team here at DART, whose dedication to both our residents and the agency's mission is evident across the service area. I look forward to working

closely with the Board, our strong management team and our talented employees to ensure our customers continue to receive the superb service, safely and securely, that they have come to expect from DART." Certainly not a stranger to the agency, Leininger served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at DART until his departure in 2018. "David's experience with the agency and our service area cities, as well as his extensive public service background, makes him a great choice for this position," said Wageman. "During his tenure at DART, David achieved remarkable results and provided significant oversight to many of the agency's departments and initiatives. The Board is excited to work with him during this transition period."

Leininger originally joined DART as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in December 2008. In February of 2012, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and given the additional oversight of the Information Technology, Marketing & Communications, Procurement and Risk Management departments.

"I would like to thank DART's employees and management team for their tremendous effort and achievement

which have brought us here," said Gary Thomas, DART president/executive director. "I have great faith in David's experience, knowledge and drive to ensure the agency's continued success serving the residents of North Texas."

Prior to joining DART, Leininger was associated with the City of Irving for five years, serving initially in the capacity of CFO and subsequently as Managing Director of Development Services and Economic Initiatives. His previous public sector experience includes positions as Budget Director and Director of the Office of Economic Development for the City of Dallas and Fiscal Services Administrator for the City of Garland.

Leininger spent nearly twenty-five years in the private sector in a variety of real estate development roles, including Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Recreational Real Estate practice of Economics Research Associates, Chief Executive Officer of ClubCorp Realty, Chief Operating Officer of Triland International, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Network Security, Founder and Chairman of MultiNet Communications Corporation, Founder and Chairman of Community Management Associates, and Vice President and General Manager of the Las Colinas Association which serves the 6,500 acres Las Colinas development in Irving, Texas.

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Source: DART

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TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION

Bush Airport’s Expansion Program Moves Forward

METRO

Is Committed To Clean, Safe Rides

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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n spite of the unprecedented air travel challenges fueled by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s an exciting time at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH. Construction on the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, ITRP, is moving forward.

ITRP is a billion-dollar, multi-year expansion program that will upgrade and modernize several areas of George Bush Intercontinental Airport including the construction of the new Mickey Leland International Terminal, MLIT. The new terminal will consolidate what is known today as Terminals D and E into one centralized ticketing, departures and arrivals hall.

“We are working diligently and smartly through the challenges caused by the pandemic, and the work is moving along very well,” Director of design, construction and project management for ITRP Mark Potadle said.

“We are at the stage of the job where, on certain components of the program, design and construction are taking place at the same time. Design will throttle drop off, but for now, it’s fullahead, and we’re making good progress. It’s great to see that the renderings are actually coming to life.”

Potadle said construction crews have been able to take advantage of reduced passenger traffic at the airport and revise the phasing of certain works to make even more progress.

Potadle was pleased to report great progress on key program activities, including the following dates and milestones that have been made: • The concept design is completed as of October 2019.

• The schematic design completed as of March 2020.

• The advance packages’ design is completed at 95%.

• The advance packages construction started in July 2020.

Potadle said that 100% design is forecast to be complete by February 2021.

The next major upcoming milestone for the federal inspection service area and the new international ticketing, departures and arrivals hall is the demolition of the Terminal D and E garage, which has a projected

start date of second quarter 2021.

Potadle was also quick to point out that the Mickey Leland International Terminal North Concourse and the enabling utilities landside projects are also making progress.

The pandemic has certainly brought forth challenges in working style, Potadle said.

“Today for instance, we had a team of people reviewing complex contract matters via Teams, as opposed to workshops or sitting in a conference room,” Potadle said. “The personal interaction is lacking, but the results and the professionalism of management, staff and contractors have been great. We know what we’re working toward, and we are fully committed to it.”

Houston Airports is focused on achieving the ultimate customer service quality recognition as a Skytrax-rated 5-star airport at both Bush Intercontinental, IAH, and William P. Hobby, HOU, airports, according to Houston Airports Chief Infrastructure Officer Bob Barker.

“We and our partners are working hard to create a safe, seamless and cohesive experience for each and every passenger,” Barker said. “In our treatment of every customer – and one another – we are laser focused in our vision of establishing Houston as a five-star global air service gateway where the magic of flight is celebrated.”

Potadle said the benefits of ITRP, scheduled for substantial completion in 2024, will be tremendous for the traveling public and the City of Houston.

“The obvious benefits of the Program is that it updates the facility and shows off what the City of Houston can provide to the flying public. The federal inspection service area and the international terminal complex expansion will be a project that sets the next benchmark when it comes to check in, going through security, getting to a facility, etc.”

Potadle said that Houston Airports has been a world leader in the aviation industry with regard to the transition to touchless technologies that prominently includes biometrics.

“The challenges of COVID-19 have accelerated the need for a touchless travel experience,” Potadle said, “We continue to lead the way.”

At present, the new international terminal complex construction start, including the arrivals/departures curb, is slated for May 2022, following completion of the demolition of the existing Terminal D and E c.

hrough collaborative relations and innovative approaches, The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) will be an industry leader in delivering timely and efficient service that is transformative by providing multi-modal interactions for communities to connect to everyday work and life opportunities.

METRO’s mission is to provide safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly public transportation services to our region.

METRO's Board continues its commitment to offer the public cleaner, safer rides. In a unanimous vote recently, the Board approved a cleaning contract and the installation of fiberglass seat inserts on light rail vehicles. Both actions will help enhance cleanliness on METRORail trains and extend enhanced cleaning protocols the Authority put into practice earlier this year in response to COVID-19. In addition to overnight deep cleaning and fogging of surfaces, METRO vehicles are also cleaned during the day while they are in service.

METRO continues to request the public's help in slowing the spread of COVID-19. All METRO riders, employees, contractors and visitors are required to wear a face covering, unless prevented by a medical condition.

Additionally, customers are asked to try to maintain social distance while riding and only use METRO for essential travel. Click here or image to learn why we Mask Up at METRO. The RideMETRO app offers a completely contactless riding experience. Customers can learn how to ride, pay fares and track a bus using this all-in-one toolkit. You can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Source: Houston Airport System

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Click www.ridemetro.org for more information on METRO's COVID-19 policies and service modifications.

Source: METRO

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