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January 2023 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 82nd Edition

A Leader in Diversity Programming: Kellie Irving, Deputy Assistant Director for the City of Houston HAS-OBO Enhancing the HAS-OBO’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

16-17

INSIDE

28

City of Houston, Harris County & TxDOT Announce New Memorandum

20 5 Ways Open Communications About Compliance with Building Codes Makes for a Safer Job Site

26

Doing Business with DFW International Airport

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Our airports exist to move people around

and move them up.

The mission of Houston Airports is to connect the cultures of the world to the most diverse city in the world. By connecting people, we believe we uplift them all by making infinite opportunities, experiences and relationships possible. That is diversity at its best.

Although we offer flights to hundreds of destinations around the world, our true goal is to take every traveler to only one place. And that place is up.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

HOU

William P. Hobby Airport

fly2houston.com

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE Subcontractors USA 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 of Subcontractors USA highlights a proven and effective leader in diversity programming, Kellie Irving, the Deputy Assistant Director for the City of Houston HAS-OBO.

serving as Deputy Assistant Director of HAS OBO is rooted in a form of federal, state, or local law and regulation. Therefore, her commitment is unwavering and is held to the highest degree to ensure public confidence and trust. Kellie believes in the people’s government. She believes in transparency. Her goal is always to follow processes and procedures to comply.

“Small businesses are the engines of our economic progress; they’re the glue and the heart and soul of our communities.”

As always, thank you for your continued support of Subcontractors USA. 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.

— 46th and current president of the United States, Joe Biden

Kellie’s work is compliance, from contract compliance to labor compliance to public transparency. Every aspect of her position

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

HMSDC

Port of Houston

Metro

BEHIND THE JOURNAL

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Emil Flemmon ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Erick Fontejon SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATOR Bria Casteel SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATOR Lindsey Ford ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tiffany Brown PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Mike Jones CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracey Kohler Paul Stoessel Helen Callier Subcontractors USA

HISD

16-17

24 04 ARCHITECTURE 04 Future Architect Fund Launches . 24 as Bridge between Architecture .

Education and Building Industry

SAFETY US Department of Labor, El Paso Consulate General of Mexico Renew 2-Year Commitment To Promoting Worker Safety, and Health Throughout West Texas

04 CONSTRUCTION 04 Construction Adds 20,000 .

Employees In November As .

Average Hourly Pay Jumps More . 24 TRANSPORTATION Than 6 Percent, Outpacing Overall . 24 Global Impact Initiative Enters Recruitment Agreement With Private Sector Increase CapMetro 06 Construction Materials Costs Rise.

10.1 Percent Between November . 26 Doing Business With DFW International Airport 2021 and November 2022 With .

Double-Digit Increases in . 28 City of Houston, Harris County & TxDOT Announce New Numerous Building Products Memorandum of Understanding for the North Houston Highway 08 ENERGY Improvement Project 08 U.S. Department of Energy .

Releases County-by-County Data . 28 METRO Aims To Connect Communities With TransitDetailing Energy Jobs Data Oriented Development 08 CPS Energy Hosts Small Business .

Opportunity Events for Local .

Contractors 12 IT & TECHNOLOGY 12 Construction Management Software Market News

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VBE

DBE

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

16-17 COVER STORY

16-17 A Leader in Diversity Programming: Kellie Irving, Deputy Assistant Director for the City of Houston HAS-OBO

HUB

OUR SERVICES

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd

City of Houston

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

13 OIL & GAS 13 Oil & Gas News: Christian .

Applauds Senate Takedown of ESG 20 PERMITS 20 5 Ways Open Communications About Compliance With Building Codes Make for a Safer Job Site

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ARCHITECTURE

CONSTRUCTION

Future Architect Fund Launches as Bridge between Architecture Education and Building Industry

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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uture Architect Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps young people pursue careers in architecture, recently announced its public-facing launch and introduced its first holiday giving campaign.

The organization, founded in 2020 by architects and construction industry insiders, is focused on providing support to individuals who may not have the financial means to complete all the steps required for licensure. Programming is divided into four separate stages of architecture education: high school, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate. Within each phase of programming is a focus on next-generation technology and building material science.

Construction Adds 20,000 Employees In November As Average Hourly Pay Jumps More Than 6 Percent, Outpacing Overall Private Sector Increase

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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As part of its public launch, the Future Architect Fund has named Judson University, a four-year liberal arts institution based in Elgin, IL, as its inaugural education launch partner. The University will partner with the Future Architect Fund to host architecture summer camps for underserved high school students and provide scholarship support to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in architecture.

"Becoming a licensed architect is a long, arduous, and expensive journey, and beyond traditional undergraduate scholarships, there is very limited financial aid to assist in the process," said Benjamin Glunz, founder of the Fund and CEO of construction technology company Anguleris. "Plus, with rapidly evolving technology and an industry strapped for talent, we need to invest in the future of the architecture profession now more than ever."

Future Architect Fund intends to partner with architecture firms, licensed individuals, building product manufacturers, and other members of the building industry to raise funds for architecture education during its first holiday giving campaign in December of 2022. To learn more and make a contribution, visit www.futurearchitectfund.org.

Source: Future Architect Fund

onstruction companies added 20,000 employees in November and continued to raise wages for hourly workers more steeply than other sectors as the industry’s unemployment rate tumbled, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data. Association officials said the data shows that firms would have added significantly more workers if they could find more people to hire.

“It is heartening that both residential and nonresidential construction firms were able to add employees in November,” said. “But the number of job openings continues to outpace hiring, suggesting employers wanted to bring on many more workers than they are able to find.”

Construction employment totaled a record-high 7,750,000 in November, an increase of 20,000 for the month and 248,000 or 3.3 percent from a year earlier.

Nonresidential firms—comprising nonresidential building and specialty trade contractors along with heavy and civil engineering construction firms— added 16,300 employees in November. Residential building and specialty trade contractors together added 3,900 employees.

Pay levels in the construction industry continued to increase in November at a faster pace than in the overall private sector. Average hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory workers in construction—mostly hourly craft workers— climbed by 6.1 percent, from $31.04 in November 2021 to $32.94 last month. That increase exceeded the 5.8 percent rise in average pay for all private sector production workers. Such workers in construction now earn an average of 17.2 percent more per hour than in the private sector as a whole.

The unemployment rate among jobseekers with construction experience decreased from 4.7 percent

in November 2021 to 3.9 percent last month, tying the 2018 rate for the lowest ever for November. The number of unemployed construction workers fell by 16 percent, from 469,000 in November 2021 to 393,000 in November 2022.

A separate government report on Wednesday showed there were 377,000 job openings in construction at the end of October, which exceeded the number of employees—341,000—hired during that month. The excess of job openings over hires indicated the industry wanted to hire more than twice as many workers as it was able to find in the current low-unemployment environment, Simonson said.

Association officials noted they were taking steps to help, including running digital advertising recruiting campaigns and working to increase employee retention rates in the industry. But too few students are exposed to construction career opportunities in school as educators encourage most students to pursue college degrees and office jobs, they warned. As a result, high-paying construction positions remain unfilled while many college graduates struggle to pay off student loans in lower-paying jobs.

“Public officials are missing a great opportunity to put many more people on the path to financial security,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Instead of encouraging students to amass even more debt, we should be exposing them to careers where they can earn a great living without worrying about unsustainable levels of college debt.”

For more information, please visit agc.org.

Source: The Associated General Contractors of America

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CONSTRUCTION

Construction Materials Costs Rise 10.1 Percent Between November 2021 and November 2022 With Double-Digit Increases in Numerous Building Products

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction continued rising at a double-digit rate in November from a year earlier, propelled by outsized increases in the cost of a variety of building materials, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted that contractors are having to pay more both for materials and for the subcontractor services they need to finish most projects.

“Although inflationary pressures are cooling in some areas, overall costs for construction are still rising at painfully high rates,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In addition, subcontractors are reacting to higher materials and labor costs by raising their prices.”

The producer price index for inputs to nonresidential construction—the prices charged by goods producers and service providers such as distributors and transportation firms—rose 10.1 percent since November 2021 despite decreasing 0.4 percent from October to November. The year-over-year rise outpaced the 7.4 percent increase in

the overall producer price index for finished goods, the economist noted.

Prices of numerous widely used goods posted doubledigit increases over the past 12 months. The producer price index for diesel fuel leaped by 59.6 percent despite a one-month decline of 3.4 percent in November. The index for paint and other architectural coatings rose 26.3 percent over 12 months. There were also increases of more than 10 percent annually in the price indexes for gypsum products such as wallboard (18.0 percent); insulation products (14.3 percent); asphalt and tar roofing materials (12.5 percent); flat glass (12.3 percent); plastic construction products (11.3 percent); and truck transportation of freight (11.1 percent).

Products used in highway and heavy construction also experienced double-digit price increases from November 2021 to last month. The index for liquid asphalt, used in paving projects, jumped 19.8 percent, while the index for concrete products climbed 14.3 percent.

Subcontractors’ prices for new, repair, and maintenance work also incre a sed sharply in the latest 12 months. The price index for roofing c o nt r a c t o r s jumped 2 0 . 8 percent.

Prices rose by 15.0 percent for work by plumbing

contractors, 13.8 percent for electrical contractors and 10.9 percent for concrete contractors rose.

Association officials said construction prices were likely to continue to increase while contractors are paying more for materials and subcontractor services. They urged public officials and private sector developers to factor in higher construction costs when planning for new construction projects to avoid having few or no bids for projects.

“Construction prices will continue to increase until prices come down a bit more for key materials and services,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.

For more information, please visit agc. org.

Source: The Associated General Contractors of America

Introducing: Opportunity Our Business Equity Division provides resources to small, minority- and woman-owned businesses seeking to participate in Port Houston procurements.

Learn more about how we can help support your business at www.porthouston.com/businessequity

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ENERGY

U.S. Department of Energy Releases County-by-County Data Detailing Energy Jobs Data

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently and for the first time released county-level data from its 2022 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER) — a comprehensive study designed to track and understand broad employment trends across the energy sector and within key energy technologies. The county-bycounty data provides a look at the geographic distribution of energy jobs which is useful for developing community-driven, regionally specific energy policies to help achieve President Biden’s goal of an equitable transition to a netzero emissions economy by 2050.

“America’s clean energy transition is not a one-size fits all endeavor,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

“DOE’s first-ever release of county-by-county energy jobs data will help us pursue more precise place-based approaches, ensuring that the transformative investments from President Biden’s Agenda will support an equitable transition in all pockets of the country.”

The 2022 USEER, released in June, found that energy jobs have been on the rebound, growing at a faster rate than jobs in the U.S. economy overall in 2021. Even more, the 2022 USEER found that upwards of 3 million jobs — about 40% of total energy jobs — support reducing U.S. emissions to zero across several sectors. The county-by-county data underscores that the distribution of energy jobs is varied throughout the nation.

Key findings include: • The sector with the most widespread geographic distribution of energy jobs is motor vehicles, which include manufacturing, maintenance, and repair.

A total of 519 counties have more than 1,000 motor vehicle jobs, and 29 counties have more than 10,000 motor vehicle jobs. Only one percent of U.S. counties (34 counties) had no jobs in motor vehicles. Outside of the traditional auto manufacturing region of the upper Midwest -- where jobs in motor vehicles continue to expand (Elkhart (IN); Wayne and Macomb (MI); and Lucas (OH) Counties) -- the Southeast is also showing job growth in this sector, with Spartanburg (SC), Madison (AL), and Hamilton (TN) Counties adding high numbers of jobs.

• For the electricity generation sector, solar jobs were the most geographically dispersed, followed by wind – 85% of counties had solar jobs and 78% of counties had wind jobs, and solar and wind represented the highest and second-highest total number of electricity generation jobs, respectively. In 2021, 69 counties had more than 1,000 solar jobs, and 4 counties, all in California, had more than 10,000 solar jobs. Sixteen counties had more than 1,000 wind jobs.

Neither the number of jobs nor the increases or decreases in jobs shown in the county-level data tell the full story. Large urban counties – like Los Angeles and Harris Counties – dominate in terms of the number of energy jobs, while smaller or more rural counties, such as Campbell (WY) have fewer total energy jobs. Another important variable is energy jobs as a percent of total employment, which provides a measure of the reliance of the local economy on energy sector activity. The President’s Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization (IWG) has begun to map energy communities, looking at employment and other economic data to identify priority regions.

To address the needs of energy communities undergoing economic transition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports transitioning energy communities, investing $750 million for manufacturing in coal communities and $500 million for clean energy demonstrations on mine lands. The IWG has identified nearly $38 billion in existing federal programs that could be used to provide immediate investments in energy communities.

The data highlights the promise of clean energy policy and infrastructure investments in the President’s agenda.

Identifying places in need of extra support and economic redevelopment assistance to manage the energy transition will help minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of this transition for communities.

The U.S. Energy and Employment Report is a comprehensive summary of energy employment data, collected through annual employer surveys. The countylevel data report the number of jobs by energy technology and splits the energy technologies into five major energy sectors: Electric Power Generation; Transmission, Distribution, and Storage; Fuels; Energy Efficiency; and Motor Vehicles. The release today covers previously unreleased 2016, 2020, and 2021 data.

For more information, please visit energy.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

San Antonio Energy News

CPS Energy Hosts Small Business Opportunity Events for Local Contractors

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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PS Energy will host a Small Business Opportunity Event as part of ongoing efforts to support the local business economy. The San Antonio City Council recently approved the new Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP), which paves the way for CPS Energy to weatherize up to 16,000 homes and 20,000 multifamily units. Over the next five years, nearly $82 million has been approved for weatherization. The first event was hosted in November 2022 at CPS Energy Headquarters, with upcoming events planned in the future.

CPS Energy seeks participation from local businesses working in the following industries: • Home Repair • Home Inspection • Blower Door Testing • Energy Auditing • HVAC • Insulation • Electrical and Plumbing • Dry Wall installation and more.

Attendees will learn about CPS Energy’s upcoming solicitation for weatherization services for single-family homes and the new multi-family weatherization initiative.

Attendees will receive step-by-step support to register with CPS Energy to receive maximum bid opportunities.

In addition to weatherization enhancements, San Antonio City Council voted to continue the critical mission of helping customers reduce their energy use and bills while improving the environment through STEP’s energy efficiency and conservation programs.

The approved plan for CPS Energy’s evolution of the award-winning STEP initiative received $350 million in funding over the next five years. The STEP program’s goals include 410 megawatts (MW) of energy demand reduction, 1% energy savings per year, and 1.85 million tons of avoided carbon.

STEP also funds CPS Energy’s solar rebate offerings, and the upcoming program will focus on low-tomoderate-income customers.

For more information about CPS Energy Small Business Opportunity Events, email cpsenergypresentation@ cpsenergy.com or visit cpsenergy.com.

For more information about STEP, visit the STEP page on cpsenergy.com.

Source: CPS Energy

• Energy efficiency presents economic potential everywhere as both a source of jobs and as a cost saving measure, unlike energy technologies that are dependent on resource availability or existing energy infrastructure. Energy efficiency, including lighting, HVAC, and insulation is the second highest and most distributed source of energy jobs with 382 counties having more than 1,000 jobs. All but six counties have some energy efficiency jobs.

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

Construction Management Software Market News

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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ata Bridge Market research has recently published comprehensive business research on "Global Construction Management Software Market" which includes historic data, present market trends, future product environment, marketing strategies, technological innovation, upcoming technologies, emerging trends or opportunities, and the technical progress in the related industry.

Construction Management Software Market research report execution is becoming very vital for businesses to gain success because it offers many benefits including insights into revenue growth and sustainability initiative.

The large-scale Construction Management Software Market research report is an absolute overview of the market that takes into account various aspects of product definition, market segmentation based on various parameters, and the established merchant landscape.

This industry report also offers businesses the company profile, product specifications, production value, manufacturer's contact information, and market shares for the company. Moreover, the Construction Management Software Market business report blends together all-inclusive industry analysis with particular estimates and forecasts to provide complete research solutions with the greatest clarity for strategic decisionmaking.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the construction management software market is expected to reach a value of USD 7,144.70 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. The construction management software market report also covers pricing analysis, patent analysis, and technological advancements in depth.

Construction project management software can be deployed on PC or mobile (iOS or Android) devices and cloud-based software. Some of the benefits of construction management software include real-time communication and collaboration, effective resource planning, optimized budget management, document sharing and control, and others.

The construction sector is behind compared to other industries when it comes to using and adopting new technologies. In earlier years, construction took place with traditional methods and traditional tools and equipment.

Thereby risking their lives and heavily impacting the environment. However, as time progressed, society has developed safer and more accurate methods for safe construction. In 1917, Henry Gantt created a scheduling diagram called the Gantt chart. At that time, it was a revolutionary tool, and gradually its importance increased in the 1920s. The Hoover Dam project, which started in 1931, was among the Gantt chart's first beneficiaries.

Moreover, the American association of cost engineers is formed by early project management practitioners and those involved in planning and scheduling, cost and schedule, and cost estimating.

Recent Developments: • In May 2022, Oracle announced its partnership with Deloitte to establish better Oracle applications. This partnership will help the company to develop cloud and application technology to offer a better solution portfolio for the customers and improve brand value • In May 2022, Procore Technologies, Inc. announced the company has been recognized as Top Rated Construction Product by TrsutRadius for technology products. This recognition will help the company to increase its brand value in the market and trust value among the customers which can help to accelerate the sales growth for the company Global Construction Management Software Market: Competitive Analysis This report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. The competitive analysis helps the vendor to define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects.

Key Drivers/Opportunities • Digitalization in the construction sector Digitalization impacts a major advantage for the construction industry as well as for growing the global economy. This will boost the adoption of software and application for improving productivity in construction and thus will directly help to grow the global construction management software market.

• Rise in government support for infrastructure development associations The government's primary role to develop any nation starts with the development of infrastructure and it has to ensure

cooperation with the private sector for efficient building of the required infrastructure, particularly of energy, roads, telecommunications, water supply, railways, health, and many others to bring out the positive growth of the economy. Thus, governments across the globe support the construction industry which will directly support the growth of the global construction management software market.

• Rise in cloud-based technology adoption in project management software The cloud-based technology adoption in management software is adding more value to the construction management process because of accessibility and user techniques resulting in major benefits in the long term. The long-term benefits are being aware of the construction professionals and being willing to adopt the technology. Thus, cloud-based technology adoption is in great demand because of the rise in the demand for digitalization for construction projects, leading to the growth of the global construction management software market.

• Growing importance of lean management to reduce operating costs through the adoption of software Lean construction includes essential features to deliver a set of objectives aiming at project efficiency through optimizing the resources which are very easy to implement with the help of design, planning activation, and maintenance. The implementation of this process is difficult and complicated to monitor in real and thus technology integration will simplify the lean management in the construction management process which directly drives the global construction management software market.

• High requirement of effective tool management Effective tool management will strive for the cost efficiency of the construction project and thus construction companies can upsurge their profit margins along with the rise in working efficiency. These tools are easily managed through software programs that offer Gantt chart functions to schedule the usage of the tools and equipment and this will directly support the growth of the global construction management software market.

Key Coverage in the Construction Management Software Market Report: • Detailed analysis of the Global Construction Management Software Market by a thorough assessment of the technology, product type, application, and other key segments of the report • Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market along with CAGR calculation for the forecast period • An investigative study of the market dynamics including drivers, opportunities, restraints, and limitations that can influence the market growth • Comprehensive analysis of the regions of the Construction Management Software industry and their futuristic growth outlook • Competitive landscape benchmarking with key coverage of company profiles, product portfolio, and business expansion strategies For more information and to access the full PDF report, please visit databridgemarketresearch.com.

Source: Data Bridge Market Research

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OIL & GAS

Oil & Gas News

Christian Applauds Senate Takedown of ESG

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he Senate Committee on State Affairs held a hearing recently in Marshall, Texas, investigating the expansion of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) movement. Texas is leading the fight to halt ESG practices, a woke investment strategy that places a priority on subjective environmental and social metrics instead of financial metrics that ensure quality returns for investors. It is estimated that ESG has decreased investments in reliable energy (thermal) by 90% over the last five years.

“Your retirement account is collateral damage to radical environmentalists, who are leveraging Wall Street through ‘woke’ ESG investment strategies to kill the oil and gas industry,” Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian said.

“This hearing is extremely important to keep the spotlight on ESG’s fraudulent practices and the Wall Street corporations enabling it. As a 30-year financial services veteran, I’ve seen no greater threat to fiduciary ethics than ESG; and as an energy leader, I’ve also seen no

greater threat to the survival of the American way of life which is powered by fossil fuels.”

Chairman Bryan Hughes and members of the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs continued their investigation of major Wall Street firms to determine whether these firms are using ESG principles that impact state retirement funds, as well as impacting oil and gas production.

“This is an all-hands-on-deck defense against ‘woke’ Wall Street bankers,” continued Christian. “In truth, ESG isn’t noble; it actually stands for ‘Enable Socialist Governance.’

It’s a trojan horse approach to kill capitalism, replace democracies, and take us back to the Dark Ages of energy.”

Since taking office in 2017, Christian has met with dozens of business leaders who have expressed concern that ESG could put an end to the oil and gas industry in Texas. Industry experts pointed to radical environmentalists using hyperbolic examples of flaring as a scapegoat to create ESG, pressure Wall Street, and end fossil fuels. In response, Christian passed an AntiESG resolution at the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) and championed the passage of Texas’ new regulations on ESG last session (Birdwell/ King). Since then, several other states (including Florida, Arizona, Missouri, and more) have followed Texas’ lead and fought back against ESG practices regarding state pensions.

Christian also sent a letter and personally met with BlackRock leaders demanding answers to their ESG

practices, their impact on oil and gas and potential legal concerns. This letter was shared with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and leaders in the Texas Capitol to encourage continued action on halting ESG activities in Texas.

The Commissioner also sent a letter to the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) regarding concerns about ERS’ proxy votes on net-zero financing proposals, and he sent a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) vehemently opposing their proposed climate-related disclosure rules for businesses seeking to governmentally standardize ESG investment rules.

Additionally, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar released his list of financial companies that boycott energy companies, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched investigations into ESG practices over concerns for alleged consumer fraud and unfair trade practices.

For more information, please visit www.rrc.texas.gov.

Source: Railroad Commission of Texas

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A Leader in Diversity P Kellie Irving, Deputy A the City of Houston HA

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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ccording to the latest figures (2022) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), there are 3,110,293 (3.1 million) small businesses in Texas.

Small businesses are looking for lucrative opportunities to grow, expand, and contribute to the stimulation of our local economy. The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) continues its dedication to cultivating an inclusive and competitive economic environment in our city through promoting the

Kellie has dedicated her expert profession to civil rights programming together with diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has labored in a range of positions overseeing and monitoring small utilization, accessibility, and equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. One of the reasons Kellie is driven to support small businesses is that she herself has owned a small business enterprise and served as the principal consultant for Taylor Sloane and Associates. At Taylor Sloane, she consulted on diversity programs, affirmative action plans,

My name is Kellie Irving. It would be a pleasure to meet and discuss your plan to connect with HAS. Please call me KIKI, I am here to assist you in succeeding. For those that would like to continue the opportunity conversation, contact me at kellie.irving@houstontx.gov to receive information on attending the HAS Industry Day scheduled for mid-February 2023 to learn more about our exciting projects and contracts. accomplishments of our small business community and growing Houston’s workforce, with an exceptional emphasis on traditionally underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.

Under the OBO umbrella is the Houston Airport System’s Office of Business Opportunity (HASOBO). There are many enterprise opportunities with HAS for small businesses that include construction, facility maintenance, professional services, airport concessions, advertising, and car rentals. These possibilities are awarded to companies through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), a Request for Proposal (RFP), or an aggressive bid process.

proposals, grants, and government relations. She has provided services for the PDA Consulting Group, LLC, University of California-Riverside, Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, USC Village, Caltrans, and West Basin Water District. Kellie has

The HAS promotes the utilization of:

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) financially-assisted contracts.

• The inclusion of Minority and Women, Small (SBE) and Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprises (MW/S/PDBEs) in City of Houston funded contracts.

• Improved access to Houston Airports contract and procurement opportunities for MW/PDBE and non-MW/ PDBE and SBE companies.

• Compliance with local and federal mandates.

A proven and effective leader in diversity programming, Kellie Irving is the Deputy Assistant Director for the City of Houston HAS-OBO.

been invaluable in diversity programming for entities that include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, LA Metro, the City of Los Angeles, and Augusta, Georgia Consolidated Government.

For questions or for additional information on the City of Houston - Houston Airport System’s Office of Business Opportunity, you can contact Kellie Irving at (281) 233-7833 or kellie.irving@houstontx.gov.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration Foreign USA

Learn more about Kellie Ir SUBCUSA: In your first year as Deputy Assistant Director, what have been your top areas of focus?

K.I.: My top focus areas are hiring a strong, responsive staff to provide excellent business/client relations; delivering quality professional service rooted in transparency, assisting primes, certified subs, and project labor with on-time payments; reigniting an interest in HAS contracting.

SUBCUSA: What are your strategies for improving the efficiency of services and workflow at HAS-OBO? K.I.: I am tasked to continuously evaluate processes and procedures to improve the efficiency of services and workflow.

Two critical strategies to improve are a knowledgeable workforce that is agile and excellent in business communication, particularly timeliness of information, consistency of messaging, and responsive feedback.

SUBCUSA: Are there any other areas within HAS-OBO that you are working to improve?

K.I.: I am working to improve HAS OBO Outreach, Certified Business Economic Development Services, and Internal Client Services.

SUBCUSA: What concerns have you heard from the small business community when it comes to securing HAS-OBO contracts and how are you addressing those concerns?

K.I.: The small business community has been very vocal in sharing their concerns.

There are three main categories of concern: 1. Navigating HAS to connect with end users that utilize their

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Programming: Assistant Director for AS-OBO

Enhancing the HAS-OBO’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Irving and the HAS-OBO: services. The ability to share capabilities with the appropriate party within HAS. 2. Early notification of contracting opportunities to build their pipeline.

3. Expeditiously resolving payment issues.

To address these concerns, I am drafting a program titled Certified Business Economic Development Services, which will bring certified business entities together with Department End Users to allow the company to pitch their services or goods. More importantly, this service will provide participating certified businesses an economic development plan to follow based on HAS short, mid, and long-range projects and potential prime networking opportunities.

We operate in a fast-paced environment. From our personal to professional worlds, access to timely information can be a determining factor in winning or losing. HAS OBO is committed to providing timely, relevant information to those we provide services to, internally and externally.

Needless to state, timely information regarding HAS contract opportunities is the most important information HAS OBO can provide to our business clients. The timely notification gives this group ample opportunity to scout primes for teaming, negotiate great pricing with suppliers, and build for tomorrow. This communication gap must be filled with relevant and quality industry intelligence.

HAS OBO monitors payments as a part of our Contract Compliance duties. At times, there are payment issues that arise which require a rapid resolution. Without this rapid resolution, these payment issues can spiral into greater issues that may have a negative impact on the business or company’s reputation.

SUBCUSA: Talk about your commitment to compliance.

K.I.: My work is compliance, from contract compliance to labor compliance to public transparency. Every aspect of my position serving as Deputy Assistant Director of HAS OBO is rooted in a form of federal, state, or local law and regulation. Therefore, my commitment is unwavering and is held to the highest degree to ensure public confidence and trust. I believe in the people’s government. I believe in transparency. My goal is always to follow processes and procedures to comply.

SUBCUSA: In this role, how are you advocating for contractors to hire locally?

K.I.: HAS OBO provides oversight and reporting of Labor Compliance. It is very important our prime contractors and our certified subcontractors hire and compensate qualified, skilled staff and labor.

It is my contention, Houston Market Area has a robust, qualified workforce ready and able to meet the local hiring needs. Hire Local is always a great strategy to continuously fuel the local economy. Understanding economics, Hire Local has an indirect and direct impact on HAS, the City of Houston and Harris County, and the State of Texas.

SUBCUSA: Give us some of your accomplishments while in this new role.

K.I.: In short, the most important accomplishment so far is investing in staff. When I started this position, within one month, the HAS OBO staff was drastically reduced due to retirement and turnover. Investing in recruiting and hiring quality professionals became a top priority. I have hired a great team of Rockstars to provide excellent client service to our Certified Business owners and our HAS colleagues.

SUBCUSA: What have you learned in this new role?

K.I.: I have learned the City of Houston is the place to be if you want to do business in this region. The unprecedented commitment expressed continuously by our leadership, starting with Mayor Sylvester Turner, City Council, and Directors Mario Diaz (HAS) and Marsha Murray (COH OBO). The proud City of Houston and Five and Four Star Skytrax Award-Winning Houston Airports are SERIOUS about M/W/D/ACDBE business participation on contracts. It is a proud feeling to know leadership provides the support to ensure the playing field is leveled for so many qualified, willing and able firms in our market area.

Director Mario Diaz, COO Jim Szczesniak, Chief Terminal Management Officer Liliana Rambo, and other Executive Leadership members are continuously evaluating strategies to further commit HAS opportunities for small

and certified business participation. There is a lot of economic opportunity at HAS. Director Diaz and his Executive Leaders are removing barriers for certified firms to access these opportunities.

SUBCUSA: What are the short-term goals for HAS-OBO? K.I.: Two short-term goals for HAS OBO are to build up and out the Certified Business Economic Development Service and ensure HAS internal/external clients are serviced well.

SUBCUSA: What are the long-term goals for HAS-OBO? K.I.: There are three long-term goals: 1. Identify certified firms willing to commit to a ten (10) year plan to graduate from certification by participating in the HAS OBO Billionaire Club, which is focused on assisting these firms to win 10% or more participation on multiple contracts totaling in value of one billion dollars or more by 2033. The main objective is to graduate the firms to the prime level so that they will compete successfully in the marketplace.

2. HAS Certified Business Enterprises annual contract total dollars increase by an average of 10% each year.

3. HAS creates a master contract for frequently used commodities used in capital projects that include certified business participation goals.

SUBCUSA: Anything else you want the readers to know?

K.I.: I hope to forge a relationship with Subcontractors USA as a key communication tool to reach the certified business community. I invite certified businesses to explore one or more of the multiple streams of economic opportunity at HAS, such as becoming a contractor/ supplier/airport concessionaire for HAS, one or more of our prime contractors/vendors, and one or more of our airline carriers.

Takeaways are HAS OBO is open for business. HAS OBO staff and I are ready to provide excellent client service.

For young persons reading this article, consider one or more of the exciting business or career opportunities in aviation. It is a choice that is sure to take you places!

Kellie’s long-standing commitment and effectiveness in diversity programs and her current impactful footprint on HAS-OBO’s efforts have her deemed “The Inclusionista.” As the Deputy Assistant Director, Kellie’s leadership further elevates and enhances the HAS’s strategies and programs to further engagement and contracting success for MWSDBEs in Houston and our region.

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Building the Future

University of Houston – The Hub

MD Anderson – Biosciences Research Facility

MD Anderson – South Campus Education Building

More than Bricks & Mortar As one of the nation’s largest 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’s ingrained in our company culture. We are devoted to making contributions that not only strengthen the local economy, but also reflect the demographics of the community at large.

Turner is proud to celebrate our 33rd year of The Turner School of Construction Management in partnership with The City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to grow capacity in Small, Minority and Women owned enterprises in the communities where we work.

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PERMITS

5 Ways Open Communications About Compliance With Building Codes Make for a Safer Job Site protecting themselves from exposure.

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

have been in the construction industry and managing building permits for many years.

And what we know for sure is there is no doubt that building codes exist to protect everyone from being injured or killed on the job site, and when they are followed, construction accidents are generally few and far between. In this article, we will look at some of the ways good communication about compliance with building codes can prevent accidents and help build the safest possible job sites you can have. Read on to learn more!

W

Importance of Communication About Compliance with Building Codes on a Building Site

Communication is one of the most important aspects of any job site. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and has the potential to save lives. The following are five ways good communication about compliance with building codes makes for a safer job site.

• When there is better communication, it means that everyone is aware of what hazards are present at any given time. For example, if a contractor discovers asbestos in an area they are working in, they can communicate this fact to everyone else on the site who may be working nearby. They can also discuss removing this hazard or

• Lack of proper communication could lead to confusion during an emergency like a fire. For example, not knowing where the exit is could lead people into a panic running into each other as they try to escape from the building instead of outwards. There might be cases when too many people trying to flee through a small door leads them back inside because they did not know there was another way out.

• Workers can identify safety issues much faster when they can talk openly without fear of punishment.

When workers don't feel comfortable raising concerns or pointing out that a building permit was not pulled, there can be mistakes in building to code, bad work habits can continue unchecked, and injuries will happen even more often.

third-party partners such as clients and vendors. Clear communication is crucial to ensuring success on every project, no matter what industry you are in.

Good communication and building codes go hand in hand. You may say, “But Helen, I did not know or the City did not tell me about this specific area.” However, saying "I didn't know" will not earn you points with local jurisdiction code enforcement officers and could result in serious fines or other penalties if your construction business does not comply with building codes. If you are too busy to handle your own permitting, though, you can call 1.844.PERMIT.4 for help.

At PermitUsNow, we are committed to pulling permits for our Architect, Contractor, and Project Owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Plus, we make it easy for you to work with us. Simply: 1) Email us your plans, 2) Follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and 3) Let us get your permitting done for you. So, send us your plans today, and we will free you up to focus on doing what you love – achieving your customers’ goals and building their dreams.

You can call PermitUsNow at 1.844.PERMIT.4.

Visit us on the web at permitusnow.com. #BuildCustomersDreams #BuildSafe

• A lack of open dialogue could also affect morale as well as productivity. Not having the opportunity to voice thoughts and opinions on anything related to the job site leaves workers feeling disconnected, decreasing their engagement, motivation, and productivity.

• Without open dialogue about compliance with building codes, contractors are less likely to notice accidents before they happen, creating unsafe conditions for everyone on the job site. Open communications help build relationships between contractors, workers, and

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Final HEB Diversity Red ads.qxp

4/7/08

11:24 AM

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At H-E-B, we value our partnerships with women and minority suppliers.

Through their contributions, we better understand the needs of our customers and add to the growth of our company and the communities we serve.

®

For more information on becoming a supplier with H-E-B, visit

www.heb.com

©2008 H-E-B Food Stores

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SAFETY

US Department of Labor, El Paso Consulate General of Mexico Renew 2-Year Commitment To Promoting Worker Safety, and Health Throughout West Texas Alliance continues 8 years of collaborative safety, training relationship

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Consulate General of Mexico have signed an alliance to provide Spanish-speaking workers in West Texas with information, guidance, and access to workers’ rights. The two-year alliance will provide safety and health outreach and training to Mexican nationals working in the region. This voluntary alliance provides Spanish-speaking workers with outreach materials, workers’ rights, OSHA standards, and assistance in Spanish. Some of the safety and health issues that will be covered include falls from elevated work surfaces, electrocution, heat illness, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and struck-by and caught-in or -between hazards.

OSHA’s Alliance Program works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups collaboratively develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

"Working with the Mexican Consulate, OSHA can reach the underserved Spanishspeaking community better to provide safety training and outreach, and help keep them safe at work," said OSHA Area Director Diego Alvarado Jr. in El Paso, Texas.

"Providing Spanish-speaking workers with the information they can more clearly understand increases the likelihood that we can prevent workplace injuries and fatalities so that all workers end their shifts safe and healthy."

For more information, please visit osha.gov.

Source: OSHA TRANSPORTATION

Austin Transportation News

Global Impact Initiative Enters Recruitment Agreement With CapMetro

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

G

“This is truly a win-win situation,” said the Director of Gii’s CDL program, Bob Ewigleben. “A win for refugees and members of other underserved communities seeking economic independence, and a win for transportation companies desperately in need of qualified commercial motor vehicle drivers.”

lobal Impact Initiative, or Gii, has entered into a mutual agreement with CapMetro to collectively address the need to provide refugees and other marginalized populations living in Central Texas with gainful employment. Gii is an Austinbased non-profit that provides education and workforce development programs to underserved communities around the world.

Through Gii, refugees can complete an Entry Level Driver’s Training course to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. Upon completion of this program, CapMetro will invite the trainees to apply for positions with CapMetro’s service providers. Starting rate will begin at $22 per hour. Employment is subject to the successful completion of the application and background check procedures.

Through this mutual agreement, Gii and CapMetro hope to not only fill full-time jobs in the Central Texas region but also support those in our community who are looking for an opportunity to grow in their career.

“Agreements like this are important to CapMeto because we are here to serve our community and the people who live in it,” said CapMetro Interim President and CEO Dottie Watkins. “We value this partnership with the Global Impact Initiative and respect all the hard work they do day in and day out to support those who are underserved. There are several opportunities for career growth at CapMetro, and we believe this

agreement will be crucial to helping vulnerable members of our community find secure long-term employment.”

The bullets below are stated in the agreement: • To meet the training needs, to aid in the securement of full-time employment, for refugees and underserved populations.

• To increase the number of qualified commercial drivers within the region to develop a talent pipeline, to the benefit of marginalized populations.

“Transitioning to full-time, substantial employment is one of the highest priorities for refugees adjusting to their new home,” said Gii’s Founder and Executive Director, Anjum Malik. “Many refugees already have the skills and experience which will be useful to CapMetro and a help to the Austin region.”

CapMetro continues to recruit frontline staff members to join the agency’s workforce as ridership continues to grow. For more information on the vacant positions, and how to apply, visit CapMetro’s job portal.

For more information, please visit CapMetro.org.

Source: CapMetro

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TRANSPORTATION

Doing Business D With DFW International Airport

allas Fort Worth International Airport creates and sustains a business environment that enables disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned business enterprises (D/M/WBE) to compete equitably for business opportunities and achieve economic success, contributing to DFW's overall mission of expanding economic benefits.

Creating and Sustaining a Diverse Business Environment

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Their Process:

1. A three-fold purpose: • To ensure increased availability of disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned business enterprises; • To ensure the integrity of the D/M/WBE Programs and that the business process is implemented for its intended purposes; and, • To ensure the integrity of the D/M/WBE firms participating in Airport procurements, as well as other diversity and inclusion initiatives offered by the Airport.

2. In order to count the participation of D/M/ WBE firms towards a contract goal, the D/M/WBE must be certified by one of the approved certification agencies noted below: • North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) • Dallas Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council (DFWMSDC) • Women's Business Council Southwest (WBCS) • TX DOT (DBE/ ACDBE Directory)

to meet the contract goal at the time of bid/proposal submission. If a firm is not certified by an approved certification agency at the time of bid/proposal submission, DFW will not count the participation towards the contract goal.

4. Bidders and proposers must use all available D/M/ WBE Directories to assist them in locating D/M/WBEs for the work required on the contract. The DFW Airport's D/M/WBE Directory is available online as one of the various resources.

5. A D/M/WBE certification does not constitute a representation or warranty as to the qualifications or capabilities of any certified firm.

6. As of 6/1/20, in addition to having a valid certification from one of the entities listed above, MBEs and WBEs must have a place of business in the Airport’s market area at the time the firm is submitted for credit towards meeting a contract goal. The Airport’s market area is defined as Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties. Documentation establishing a firm’s place of business must be provided upon request.

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

Source: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

3. Bidders/Proposers must submit Certification Certificates for all D/M/WBEs proposed to be utilized

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TRANSPORTATION

City of Houston, Harris County & TxDOT Announce New Memorandum of Understanding for the North Houston Highway Improvement Project

“The path forward begins anew today. As I’ve said before, the NHHIP done the right way can News Provider be a transformational and generation-level ouston Mayor Sylvester Turner recently signed project, enhancing connectivity, increasing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) mobility, and significantly lowering flood and with the Texas Department of Transportation existing parks and greenspace impacts,” said (TxDOT) regarding the North Houston Highway Mayor Sylvester Turner.

By Subcontractors USA

H

Improvement Project (NHHIP).

The city’s MOU will focus on six key areas:

• Housing and Community Cohesion • Drainage and Flood Mitigation • Reducing the NHHIP Footprint During Detailed Design • Transit and MaX Lanes • Connectivity • And Park Space and Urban Design See the signed MOU at houstontx.gov.

The NHHIP is designed from IH 45 North Corridor from Beltway 8 North to and around Downtown Houston. It will provide connectivity for residents and businesses within and beyond the State of Texas.

“Today’s MOU represents the commitment, ongoing collaboration, and communication between the county, city, and state governments to meet the needs of residents and businesses within the region. It also provides resources for Houstonians to stay in their neighborhoods, as our people, our residents, are the heart of our city.”

conditions agreed to with Harris County, which will warrant their dismissal of the lawsuit against the project, represent how staying focused on common ground and the benefits to the region in key areas of interest have provided an outcome that will enhance the I-45 NHHIP project as we move forward,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan said.

“The City of Houston has spoken as a voice for our residents, and I will continue to support the project as long as my goals of resilience, multimodal transportation, and equity are met,” Mayor Turner says. “Coming together under this MOU provides a path forward that will benefit us all.”

For more information, please visit houstontx.gov.

TxDOT will engage the public throughout the period of construction to ensure communities are informed about developments, congestion, transportation issues, and other related matters. The public will also be able to submit comments to TxDOT throughout the life of the project.

Source: City of Houston

“Both the Memorandum of Understanding executed with Mayor Turner, and the agreed upon terms and TRANSPORTATION

METRO Aims To Connect Communities With TransitOriented Development

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

in the Eastex-Jensen Super Neighborhood, which the proposed METRORapid University Corridor will serve.

METRO Board Member Diann Lewter, who chairs METRO's Joint Development and Land Use Committee, said she sees the Authority's role as one part of a threelegged stool.

"We have transit where we're the experts. Then there are development interests, and equally important is the community. All three have to be balanced, and that's the approach we're taking."

To learn more about METRO's Joint Development and TOD policy, visit www.

RideMETRO.org.

Source: METRO

M

ETRO's Board of Directors has recently unanimously approved an updated policy that guides how it advances Joint Development and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives.

TOD is high-density development within walking distance of a transit station with diverse uses such as housing, employment, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It creates walkable, mixed-use spaces near high-quality public transportation — attracting people and creating vibrant, connected, and sustainable neighborhoods. TOD can also help foster partnerships that support affordable housing development, leading to more equitable communities.

METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran said flexibility was a key consideration for the policy amendment and that public input will play a critical role as projects develop.

"There will be significant community engagement as we move forward with this," Ramabhadran said.

In November, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded METRO $376,000 in grant funding for TOD planning at the Authority's Tidwell Transit Center located Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

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A COMPANY FOR ALL!

Tellepsen's Commitment Tellepsen is committed to building a company that truly represents the diverse community we have served for 113 years. Texas Southern University and Tellepsen are working together to positively impact the success of students who are focused on career pathways in the construction industry. Through this partnership, we endeavor to provide pathways for the next generation to thrive and succeed as we work together to build for Houston’s future.

281.447.8100

www.tellepsen.com

777 Benmar Drive, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77060

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