Subcontractors USA 78

DART Names Elizabeth Reich as New

Subcontractors USA highlights opportu nities and news relevant to the construc tion, energy, architecture, manufacturing, education, engineering, oil and gas, trans portation, and IT industries we serve. We hope you find this issue not only informa tive but inspiring and educational as well.

This month's issue highlights the Hou ston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC), a nonprofit organi zation committed to driving the economic growth of minority-owned businesses.

The HMSDC is a vital link between ma jor corporations and minority business enterprises (MBEs).

One of HMSDC’s signature events is its annual business EXPO. The 2022

Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis,

BEHIND THE JOURNAL

PUBLISHER

Keith J.

CHIEF

Kimberly Floyd

Eugenie Doualla

Angel Rosa

DIGITAL

Erick Fontejon

Bria Casteel

SENIOR

CONTENTS

-Joe Biden, 46th U.S. President

EXPO Business Opportunity Market place is Texas’ largest minority business trade fair supporting the growth and eleva tion of minority-owned businesses. This year’s EXPO theme is “EXPONENTIAL GROWTH,” to describe HMSDC’s path forward as they support MBEs pushing through the challenges of the pandemic and into a new sense of normalcy for busi ness success.

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 mak ing positive things happen.

OUR SERVICES

GRAPHIC DESIGN

22 PERMITS

22 4 Phases of Permitting To Ensure Construction Job Site Safety

24 SAFETY

24 Mobile Health Becomes First Employee Medical Screening Provider To Launch a Full Suite of On-Site Services

24 Mobile Health Launches On-Site Quantitative Fit Testing To Employers Nationwide 24 OSHA Updates Investigations Manual for Handling Retaliation Complaints Under Whistleblower Statutes

26 TRANSPORTATION

26 DART Names Elizabeth Reich as New Chief Financial Officer

28 City Council Green Lights Food and Retail Concession Contracts for New International Terminal at Bush Airport

29 Federal Grant Helps METRO Roll Into a Greener Future

CERTIFIED: HMSDC Port of Houston Metro City of Houston HISD HUB VBE DBE

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

Program Helps Progress 2030 Diversity Challenge

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The National Organization of Minority Archi tects (NOMA) completed its fourth class of 20 architecture students as the 2022 summer cohort of the NOMA Foundation Fellowship (NFF). The NFF is a two-month summer fellowship hosted at leading architecture firms across the country where fellows engage in design research and benefit from firm mentorship. NFF provides professional experience to underrepresented students to connect them to the pro fession and provide a pipeline to eventual employment, supporting the 2030 Diversity Challenge which aims to increase the number of licensed Black architects.

“The NOMA Foundation Fellowship is one of our most impactful programs to build and develop the next generation of Black and minority architects and designers which highlights the importance of mentorship,” said Jason Pugh, NOMA, AIA, AICP, LEED AP, NOMA President, and Gensler Principal Architect and Certified Urban Planner. “To date, more than 80 students have been awarded fellowships since the program began in 2020, and many of those enter into full-time design and architect positions, demonstrating the value of making professional connections. As a practicing architect and urban planner myself, I support the opportunity to bring in new talent to learn from professionals while also making connections to break down industry barriers.”

Students and Architecture Firms Participate in Fourth Cohort

The NOMA Foundation Fellowship program was the first initiative launched since the announcement of the American Institute of Architects Large Firm Round Table (AIA LFRT) 2030 Diversity Challenge, which called for the industry to increase the number of licensed Black architects from 2,300 to 5,000

by 2030, expanding representation from 2 percent to roughly 4 percent Black licensed architects in the U.S.

“We are pleased with the participation we’ve received from students and architecture firms since the program began in 2020 and look forward to doubling our fellow ship participation in years to come,” said Tiffany Brown, MBA, NOMA, Assoc. AIA, NOMA Executive Director.

• Uyiosa Aimufua, Morgan State University, at Moody Nolan

• Tyron Alford, North Carolina State University, at Cunningham – San Diego

Nese Gulay Altintas, Illinois Institute of Technology, at Quinn Evans – Washington, D.C.

• Jadesola Ayodeji, Pratt Institute, at LEO A DALY

• Shakori Carpenter, University of Tennessee –Knoxville, at LS3P

• James Chidiac, Southern California Institute of Architecture, at HDR – Los Angeles

• Lika Corson, Illinois Institute of Technology, HKS – Los Angeles

Aaron Gamez, California Baptist University, at CannonDesign – Irvine, CA

• Pablo Guzman, California Baptist University, at Populous

• Samuel Harrison, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, at Perkins & Will – Boston

• Sydney King, Pratt Institute Brooklyn Campus, EYP

The fellowship’s application process for the fourth cohort was open to any National Organization of Mi nority Architecture Students (NOMAS) members in good standing. The summer program ran for eight weeks from June 6–July 29, 2022. Fellows received a salary of $7,040, a $1,000 travel assistance or relocation stipend, and a $1,000 licensure stipend if fellows become licensed architects within five years of completing the fellow ship. The program and application process is managed by Melanie Ray, AIA, LEED Green Assoc., NOMA, NCARB, NOMA Northeast University Liaison, and an Associate at Hord Coplan Macht.

Meet the NFF 2022 Cohort

The 2022 summer fellowship cohort included the following architecture students and graduates placed at design firms across the nation:

• Auriel Lewis,Thomas Jefferson University, at Hord Coplan Macht

Jeyda Muhammad, University of Maryland, at BWBR

• Veronica Paulon, Cornell University, at Perkins & Will – Dallas

• Thaddaus Perkins, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, at Gould Evans

• Lindsey Rasberry, Ohio State University, at Gresham Smith

• Hina Sardar, The City College of New York, at HLW – New York

Amalia Sosa, California Baptist University, at HDR – Seattle

• Anishwar Tirupathur, Carnegie Mellon University, at HED – Detroit

• Anusha Varudandi, Lawrence Technological University, at SOM – New York

“The NOMA Foundation Fellowship was an amaz ing opportunity,” said Monique Dorroh, a graduate architecture student at Pennsylvania State University and NOMA NFF alumni. “It connected me with a firm that is truly invested in my development within the field, and those connections that I made last summer allowed me to continue working with them throughout my final school year. I’m happy to say that I was offered a full-time position with the firm prior to graduation and celebrated my one-year anniversary a few weeks ago.”

For more information, visit noma.net.

Source: National Organization of Minority Architects

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“The students bring passion and energy to the field, and the professionals who mentor the fellows are making a major contribution to the direction of our industry.”

New Federal Project Labor Agreement Rule Will Prevent Most Firms From Bidding on Federal Construction Projects and Hurt Minority Firms

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

he chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, released the following statement in response to the release of new federal rules that will soon require procure ment officials to impose project labor agreements for federal construction projects valued at $35 million or more:

“Today’s proposed rules requiring procurement officials to impose project labor agreements for federal construc tion projects will prevent most contractors from bidding and will harm the disadvantaged firms that contracting rules are meant to help.

“As a follow-up to the executive order President Biden issued in February that seeks to impose project labor agreements on all federal construction projects worth at least $35 million, the Federal Acquisi tion Regulation (FAR) Council released a proposed rule (FAR Case 2022-003) today. Unfortunately, the proposed rule would cause most federal construction contractors to stop bidding on federal projects, according to a survey the As sociated General Contractors of America (AGC) conducted in response to the president’s executive order.

“The survey found that nearly three-quarters of fed eral contractors report they will stop bidding on federal projects if the Biden administration follows through on its plans to impose government-mandated project labor agreements. While 73 percent of surveyed firms report they are currently bidding on federal construction pro jects valued at $35 million or more, the same percentage, 73 percent, report they would not bid on those projects if a project labor agreement were required.

“Moreover, the federal mandate will make it harder for contractors to partner with small, veteran, minority,

or disabled-owned firms. Government-mandated pro ject labor agreements require every general contractor or subcontractor performing work to negotiate with or become a party to an agreement with one or more unions. 82 percent of firms report this mandate will make it harder for general contractors to subcontract with small, disadvantaged businesses—such as womenowned, HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses—because those firms typically are not accustomed or prepared to operate on a union basis.

“In addition to limiting competition for federal pro jects, the survey found that imposing project labor agree ments will make it harder for firms to find enough work ers to hire. Nearly 40 percent of the survey respondents operate under a collective bargaining agreement. Of these respondents, 83 percent said there are not enough union work ers to guarantee the completion of the project on time and on budget. Among firms that have worked on a project that involved a governmentmandated project labor agreement, 67 percent said the agreement made it harder to find workers to hire.

“AGC neither supports nor opposes contractors’ volun tary use of project labor agreements on federal projects but strongly opposes any government mandate or prohibition of contractors’ use of project labor agreements. Such a choice should not be imposed as a condition to competing for, or performing on, a publicly funded project.

“The proposed rules will result in ‘build back fewer’: fewer firms, hiring fewer people to build fewer projects.”

For more information, visit agc.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

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Construction Employment in July Trails Pre-Pandemic Levels in 15 States as Lack of Qualified Workers Leaves Many Jobs Unfilled

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Construction employment in July continued to trail prepandemic levels in 15 states as contractors struggled to find qualified workers to fill openings, ac cording to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called on government officials to allow employers to sponsor more foreign-born workers and support more career and technical education to broaden opportunities for individuals to gain construction skills.

“Although demand for projects is strong, there are too many states where contractors can’t find enough workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The high level of openings and the low unemployment rate among experienced construction workers shows the industry needs more workers.”

Construction employment in July lagged the total in February 2020—the month before the coronavirus pandemic caused huge job losses—in 15 states and the District of Columbia. The biggest gap was in New York (-38,800 jobs, -9.5 percent), followed by Pennsylvania (-10,000 jobs, -3.7 percent), New Jersey (-8,800 jobs, -5.4 percent), Louisiana (-6,600 jobs, -4.8 percent), and Mary land (-5.8 percent, -2,200 jobs). New York had the largest percentage shortfall, followed by Hawaii (-6.6 percent, -2,500 jobs), New Jersey, and Louisiana.

July employment topped the February 2020 level in 33 states and matched it in Michigan and Ohio. Florida added the most jobs (18,200 jobs, 3.2 percent), followed by Utah (15,800 jobs, 13.9 per cent) and Tennessee (15,500 jobs, 11.7 percent). The top percentage gains were in Utah, South Dakota (12.9 percent, 3,100 jobs), Idaho (12.9 percent, 7,100 jobs), and Tennessee.

In July, 32 states added construc tion jobs, 16 states and the District of

Columbia lost jobs, and there was no change in Idaho and Rhode Island. California added the most construc tion jobs over the month (11,400 jobs, 1.3 percent), followed by Florida (7,700 jobs, 1.3 percent), Alabama (3,100 jobs, 3.1 percent), and Texas (3,100 jobs, 0.4 percent). North Dakota had the larg est percentage gain (3.7 percent, 1,000 jobs), followed by Alabama, Wyoming (2.7 percent, 600 jobs) and Connecticut (2.5 percent, 1,500 jobs).

New York lost the most construction jobs in July (-2,000 jobs, -0.5 percent), followed by Louisiana (-1,500 jobs, -1.1 percent) and Illinois (-1,400 jobs, -0.6 percent). The largest percent age loss was in D.C. (-3.2 percent, -500 jobs), followed by Louisiana and West Virginia (-0.9 percent, -300 jobs).

Association offi cials said there is plenty of demand for construction, especially for in frastructure, manu facturing plants, and power and energy projects. They urged government officials to ease sponsor ship of qualified foreign-born workers and increase training and education programs to widen job opportunities.

“The fastest way to ensure there are enough workers for urgently needed projects is to enable employers to spon sor qualified foreign-born workers,” said Sandherr, the association’s chief execu tive officer. “In addition, all levels of government must invest more in career and technical education and training to provide individuals with the skills needed to qualify for rewarding, wellpaying careers in construction.”

For more information, visit agc.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

Doing Business With CPS Energy

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

CPS Energy is committed to providing contract ing opportunities to all businesses including local and small, minority, women, and vet eran-owned businesses (SMWV). CPS Energy has a long history of awarding contracts to Certified SMWV Businesses and recommends that vendors register with the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) at sctrca.org. Once registered, businesses are connected to more bid opportunities with other members of the SCTRCA organization.

CPS Energy seeks to maximize bid opportunities for vendors and invite all businesses to participate in their bidding process.

CPS Energy is pleased to announce its new Supplier Management System for online access to solicitations and submission of bids. This web-based software system is accessible to all suppliers interested in doing business with CPS Energy, and includes the following key features:

Viewing Active Bid Opportunities:

• Access the solicitation documents to include all instructions and details

• Add the solicitation due date to your calendar

• Ask questions and receive answers within the bid module

View and acknowledge an addendum

Submitting Bids in Response to Solicitations:

Attach your bid submission easily

• See a bid clock countdown that shows the days/hours/minutes/seconds until bids are due

• Please note your bid will remain sealed until the official bid due date and time

The system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and permits you to review active solicitations and submit bids at your convenience.

Questions may be submitted electronically to cps

energy@diversitycompliance.com. Technical support is available through the system provider (B2GNow).

Please note the Supplier Management System is only for viewing and submitting bids and is independent of the Supplier Registration Portal. Please contact sup plierdevelopment@cpsenergy.com with any questions concerning these two systems.

For more information, visit cpsenergy.com

Source: CPS Energy

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2022 U.S. Energy and Employment Report Indicates Strong Job GROWTH

Across Several Clean Energy Sectors

By Tracey Kohler National Association of State Energy Officials

The U.S. Department of Energy published the annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER). The report tracks employment data and analyzes trends across different areas of the energy sector to inform policymakers, employers, and job seekers.

The report indicates that the energy sector grew 4% overall from 2020 to 2021, compared to just 2.8% job growth economy-wide. Notably, jobs that contribute toward net-zero goals represented just over 40% of en ergy sector jobs. Additionally, despite the persistent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, several clean energy sectors – including wind generation and clean vehicles – experienced positive job growth compared to pre-pandemic levels.

In addition to the national report and accompanying fact sheet, DOE also released an Energy Employment by State report, which provides more detailed energy employment statistics and trends for each state. Clean energy industries drove significant job growth across many states. Michigan, California, and Texas saw the largest increases in energy sector jobs, with thousands of jobs added in the solar, energy efficiency, and zero or low-carbon vehicle sectors.

For more information, visit naseo.org.

Source: National Association of State Energy Officials

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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.

MidCentral Energy Adds North Texas Manufacturing Facility

By Tracey Kohler CPS Energy Contributor

MidCentral Energy Partners, LLC, an asset performance management company serving the energy sector, is expanding its footprint with a 50,000-square-foot lease in Fort Worth. The expansion will bring MidCentral's operating infrastruc ture to over 140,000 square feet and will support the company's manufacturing/remanufacturing and site services product lines

Oklahoma City-based MidCentral, has been expand ing its client base and operational presence. MidCentral now services oil and gas producers and service companies nationwide through its locations in Midland, Texas (Permian Basin), San Antonio, Texas (Eagle Ford & Haynesville Shale), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Midcon tinent Region), Pennsylvania (Marcellus & Utica Shales) and Denver, Colorado (Bakken and Niobrara Shales).

"Our client base and overall business continue to grow rapidly around the US. This new location allows us to increase the scope of how we serve the industry, as we continue to expand our position," said Kristian Kos, CEO. "We are modernizing the industry through our asset performance management and that is helping us attract additional clients who understand the value we can provide through supporting their operations."

The new facility is located at 3201 N. Sylvania Avenue,

south of the intersection of interstates 35 and 820. In addition to the 50,000 square foot building, the facil ity bolsters an additional 40,000 square feet of storage space for inventory management. Multiple high-capacity cranes allow for the quick repair and service of equip ment that oil and gas producers and service companies rely on to operate efficiently.

"We are making a long-term commitment to the growth and sustainability of our business," said Justin Loven, SVP, Operations. "This new facility will further enhance our asset performance management business model", added Mr. Loven.

The operations of this additional facility will be led by MidCentral's Jon Teffeteller. Mr. Teffeteller says the company is hiring 30 additional people to support the expansion. "MidCentral is an innovative company, and we need forward-thinking people to work with us. It's a great culture and a place where hard-working people are rewarded." The move into the new building is underway and will be fully operational by October 1, 2022.

MidCentral is an added-value services company com mitted to driving efficiency in the energy industry. Through asset performance management, supported by on-the-spot customer service, MidCentral optimizes asset uptime to drive its customers' return on invest ment. For over a decade, MidCentral's emphasis on technology and innovation has allowed its customers to safely optimize resources. MidCentral's scalable asset performance management solutions reduce costs and shorten production timelines. MidCentral has been headquartered in Oklahoma since 2010 and has field offices in Colorado, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Learn more about how MidCentral is revolutionizing the energy industry at MidCentralEnergy.com.

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Source: MidCentral

Does Your Organization Still Use POTS?

By Paul Stoessel MCA Communications

Beginning in the late 1800s and for more than a hundred years thereafter, the Plain Ordinary Telephone System (POTS) revolution ized communication for business and personal use everywhere. But since the advent of new technology starting in the 1980s where the voice could be transmitted through digital protocols, the old “twisted pair” is likely riding out into the sunset.

Your organization probably already uses digital voice communications in some manner, but there may be some forgotten areas to consider such as fire alarms, elevators, gate systems, and even some fax machines. You probably want to check now because deregulation of POTS is upon us as of August 2, 2022.

There is no need to panic, of course. POTS lines will still be usable for some time to come.

But you may see your rates increase as the aging copper lines and overall maintenance becomes more expensive. Left alone, this may create a budgetary crunch in the months to come.

software option relies on a downloaded app to your desktop or mobile device and can typically be managed through a web browser.

Using cellular wireless can make sense in areas where physically re-running a cable is not feasible. Otherwise, it is better to have it as a backup communication resource.

What else needs to be considered?

What else needs to be considered?

Particularly for alarm and elevator lines, you must choose a solution that is compli ant with safety standards and will pass inspection. For your business calls, you should ensure there is enough bandwidth from your internet service provider to maintain a clear connection with your VoIP phones. You should also speak with a professional consultant regarding the types of phone technology that best suit your needs, so you do not over-purchase services or get locked into a long contract.

At MCA Communications, our tech nicians and engineers can inspect your business’s network and provide a report with a scalable action plan today. With 40 years of experience, MCA is the best in the business and can fill all your technol ogy, security, and communication needs. Consultations are always free!

For more information, visit MCACom.com or email Paul.Stoessel@MCACom.com to schedule a consultation.

What replacement choices are there?

What replacement choices are there?

The most common technology for phone service is VoIP (Voice over In ternet Protocol), but cellular wireless has become increasingly popular and relatively less expensive in recent years. VoIP comes either in a hardware or software option.

The hardware option includes an ac tual phone that looks and sounds like a traditional POTS telephone, and almost always includes a software option. The

Serving as MCA’s Director of Managed Services, Paul Stoessel holds more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology and Managed Services. His primary focus is partnering with clients as an expert consultant in managed services and working with them to design and implement customized solutions.

He is responsible for the growth and development of MCA’s Managed Services Division and ensuring it meets and exceeds customer needs. He works closely with MCA’s Project Managers, Account Managers, and their clients.

Source: MCA Communications

A COMPANY FOR ALL!

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.

Tellepsen's Commitment

Provides MBEs With Opportunities

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

nder the leadership of President Ingrid M. Rob inson, the Houston Minority Supplier Develop ment Council ( HMSDC ) continues to combat the challenges MBEs face with a commitment to seeing these businesses succeed. Since its founding in 1973, this nonprofit organization has remained a driving force in the economic growth of minority-owned businesses. Recog nized nationally, HMSDC is a model setting the highest standards of excellence by bringing corporate members and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) together to create mutual value. HMSDC’s mission is to actively involve its members in efforts that will increase and expand business opportunities and business growth for MBEs and drive excellence in supplier diversity and supplier development.

One of HMSDC’s signature events is its annual business EXPO. The 2022 EXPO Business Opportunity Market place is Texas’ largest minority business trade fair supporting the growth and elevation of minority-owned businesses. This year’s EXPO theme is “EXPONENTIAL GROWTH,” to describe HMSDC’s path forward as they support MBEs pushing through the challenges of the pandemic and into a new sense of normalcy for business success. “HMSDC under stands the struggles that MBEs have faced over the past year or so, and that’s why we are pushing the message of EXPO nential growth at this year’s conference. This year’s EXPO is an extension of our work to help MBEs make business connec

tions, gain industry insights, and provide op portunities to help them achieve ex ponential growth through the en ergy transition and the American Rescue Plan Act ( ARPA ),” says Robinson.

In conjunction with State Senators Borris Miles and Carol Alvarado, the 2022 EXPO’s hybrid format returns the Spot Bid Fair to its in-person format. The demand for face-to-face business opportunity discussions continues to grow and is hailed as the best method to create a meaningful and mutually beneficial dialogue between MBEs, Historically Underutilized

The EXPO is focused on the deriving impact for our corporate members, government agencies, and MBEs

EXPOnential growth is possible for businesses as the economy rebounds and demand continues to increase for products and services. We want to ensure MBEs are connected to those opportunities, and the EXPO is the best way to achieve that.”

—Ingrid M. Robinson, HMSDC President

Businesses (HUBs), and major corporations and govern ment agencies from across the state. James (Jim) Brownrigg, HMSDC Board Chair and VP at Turner Construction says, “Because HMSDC remains aware that access to contracts is imperative, attendees have been encouraged to participate in the State Agency Spot Bid Fair, as some contracts may be awarded on the spot and others within weeks of the EXPO Now that’s immediate results!”

Some additional 2022 EXPO highlights:

• The State of Texas: Access and Opportunity Workshop

• Rigel Awards Luncheon with the master of ceremony, Khambrel Marshall of KPRC Channel 2

• BizTalk Session co-sponsored by the Houston Business Journal

• MBE Best-In-Class Reception

• Keynote speaker Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI)

• One-to-One Business MatchMakers

• Power Hour Luncheon featuring Holly Kesterson and Dorita Hatchett, of the Houston Sports Authority

This annual EXPO remains a benefit to corporations, prime suppliers, educational institutions, and government agencies

as it connects these entities with MBEs that are qualified to meet their needs. As for MBEs, this conference is a valuable forum where minority-owned businesses can identify lucrative and current business opportunities and talk with key team members about processes and resources available to assist them.

For more information about the HMSDC, its annual EXPO, and all of its programs supporting MBEs, please visit www.hmsdc.org, call (713) 271-7805, or email info@hmsdc.org.

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Diversity Awards

API Announces New Initiative to Encourage Veterans to Enter

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The American Petroleum In stitute (API) is proud to an nounce a new initiative, En ergy for Veterans, designed to attract more veterans and transitioning service members into meaningful and wellpaying careers in the natural gas and oil industry.

“Service members and veterans have a distinguished record of serving our coun try, both at home and abroad. Through their experience, they have developed skills that make them ideal candidates to launch careers in the natural gas and oil industry where their efforts will help to ensure America’s energy security for decades to come,” Senior Vice President of API Global Industry Services Anchal Liddar said. “Our industry is one of the most veteran-friendly in the country and is committed to helping our veterans as they transition to civilian life and look to build a strong financial future for themselves and their families.”

To attract the skilled workforce of the future, API is encouraging veterans and transitioning service members to apply

their skills in the industry by obtaining professional credentialling through API’s Individual Certification Programs (ICP). Recognized worldwide for producing professional and expert inspectors, ICP offers 21 certifications that provide ap plicants with practical knowledge of relevant industry inspection codes and standards across various segments of the industry and related industries.

ICP certifications are approved for GI Bill funding by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMs). Anyone who qualifies for the GI Bill (veterans, eligible spouses, and dependents) can utilize those funds to reimburse test fees for multiple ICP certifications.

API plans to develop additional programs and tools to help transitioning service members and veterans. More information can be found at api.org.

Source: American Petroleum Institute (API)

Houston

Justina Mann

Liliana Rambo

Marsha Murray Director,

Rhonda Arnold Chief Community Relations

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.

4 Phases of Permitting To Ensure Construction Job Site Safety

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

It still happens where building permits are missed, and when this happens the ultimate construction safety sin has occurred. Some Contractors forget. Others skirt around juris diction requirements. Some Contractors do the right thing and believe they pulled the correct permits and are surprised to learn otherwise when City Inspectors show up on the job site and point out missing permits.

Building permits are required for most construction projects to make sure structures and infrastructure com ply with jurisdiction and industry building codes for safety. Typically, there are 4 phases during construction that are important milestones for a safety check.

See below the 4 phases and take note to hone your construction processes as needed.

Pull Main Building Permit: Building permits of some magnitude are required prior to starting construction depending on the project scope i.e. remodel, renova tion, demolition, minor repair, expansion, addition, etc. There are some exceptions to this typical industry rule of thumb, like if a project is in a rural area. And with so much growth and expansion in rural areas in many parts of the U.S., the PermitUsNow team surmises that rural areas will adopt new ordinances impacting permitting.

Make Sure Trade Contractors Pull Proper Permits: Based on project scope, once the main building per

mit is paid for and pulled, the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire, etc. trades can proceed in pulling their perspective permits. Failure to do so will result in a viola tion being issued by a City Inspector when visiting the job site and in a worst-case scenario, the City Inspector can shut down the job site. To avoid this situation, all involved trades are to pull permits, provide copies to GC; and make sure permits are posted on the job site.

Call for Inspections (Preconstruction/Progressive/ Post): Depending on the scope of work, some jurisdic tions require a preconstruction meeting before any work gets started. During this preconstruction meeting, the City Inspector will go through a checklist of items and relay expectations including when to call for progressive inspections. Adhering to directives issued during the preconstruction meeting minimizes the punch list of items to fix. Also, during progressive inspections, a need may arise for a revision permit which the appropriate Contractor will need to obtain to complete a portion of the work.

After completing construction, a post or final inspection is required. Contrac tors are advised to be on-site during all inspections and are critical at the final inspection.

Job Close-out and Obtain CO: Typi cally, after the final inspection is completed and passes, the

City Inspector files their report, and depending on the jurisdiction (and Inspector’s workload), a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance will be issued within 24 hours. Once CO is issued, the Contractor provides a CO to the Property Owner for their assur ance, records, and to post per jurisdiction ordinance.

Here’s what we know for sure about construction job safety as it relates to permits. Before you pull out a hammer, crank up a bulldozer, or turn on a drill to begin construction work, you first need to review per mit requirements and make sure you have pulled the correct permits. Permits are your first line of offense to build safely.

Complying with building codes and submitting per mit packages can be a challenge for busy Architects and Contractors. So, if you need help, we're just a phone call away at 1.844.PERMIT.4.

At PermitUsNow, we are committed to pulling per mits 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.

Send us your plans today and we’ll free you up to focus on doing what you love - building your customers’ dreams. Visit us on the web at permitusnow.com.

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#BuildCustomersDreams #BuildSafe

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MOBILE HEALTH

Becomes First Employee Medical Screening

Provider To Launch a Full Suite of On-Site Services

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Mobile Health announced recently that all employment-related medical screenings are now available on-site, at the employers' lo cation. For 38 years, Mobile Health has provided comprehensive employment-related medical screenings such as physical abilities testing, vaccinations, hearing and vision exams, etc. With over 6,500 clinics across the United States, companies now have the flexibility to choose to send their employees for a next-day ap pointment or have the Mobile Health team bring the clinic to them. No other occupational health company has the reach, technology, and incredible staff to offer services in-clinic, on-site, or wherever your employees are located.

DISRUPTING THE CLINICAL SETTING

The Mobile Health team brings the staff, testing, and technology to perform drug testing, physical ex ams, tuberculosis testing, respirator fit testing, hearing exams, vision screening, vaccines, titers, and more.

"Until now, employers have had to schedule preemployment exams or annual testing and send their employees to a clinic, which disrupts the workday," said Mobile Health Chief Operations Officer Victoria Roberts. "For Mobile Health, the clinic can be your breakroom, your warehouse, your conference room, your parking lot, or our 6,500+ clinics. Wherever your employees are, that's where we'll be."

With this new expansion, the company will provide employers across the country with faster, more flexible, and more accessible ways to achieve the peace of mind they need to run their businesses.

For more information, visit mobilehealth.com.

Source: Mobile Health

Mobile Health Launches OnSite Quantitative Fit Testing To

Employers Nationwide

Mobile Health announces the launch of its on-site quantitative fit testing services, making them the na tion's most comprehensive and adaptable respirator fit testing provider. With this new service, Mobile Health now offers a complete suite of respiratory protection, providing employers with everything they need to keep their workers safe and their businesses compliant. The 38-year occupational health company offers quantita tive fit testing, qualitative fit testing, online medical evaluations, and their self-administered Mobile Health FIT KIT™.

ANY MASK, ANYWHERE

"Our teams can test any mask, anywhere in the country. Day or night, wherever our partners need us," said Victoria Roberts, Mobile Health COO. "It's this kind of flexibility and availability employers need to stay in compliance and protect their people. With our quantitative fit testing launch, employers can now turn to one provider for all things respiratory protection."

By launching quantitative fit testing, Mobile Health can now test "any mask, anywhere." OSHA requires any employee wearing full-face masks to complete quantita tive fit testing and employees wearing half-face masks to complete qualitative or quantitative fit testing. These annual regulations are vital to protecting the workforce but can be a challenge for employers to meet. Mobile Health aims to make these services accessible, flexible, and stress-free. Mobile Health is bringing their new on-site quantitative fit testing across the country to warehouses, breakrooms, hospitals, and universities ─ wherever their clients need them. Quantitative fit testing is also available in select New York City clin ics. Mobile Health is the only occupational health and employee screening provider with the ability to deliver respirator fit testing for every industry in-clinic and on-site throughout the United States.

For more information, visit mobilehealth.com.

OSHA Updates Investigations Manual for Handling Retaliation Complaints Under Whistleblower Statutes

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently re vised the agency’s Whistleblower Investigations Manual. The updated manual supersedes the January 2016 version and is the first complete overhaul since 2011. The investigations manual outlines procedures, legal concepts, and other information related to handling retaliation complaints under the various whistleblower statutes that OSHA enforces.

Key changes in the manual include:

Key changes in the manual include:

• Incorporating past policy memoranda and procedures piloted by OSHA field offices.

• Clarifying and streamlining procedures that lacked sufficient guidance or were unclear in the 2016 version.

• Statute-specific chapters were removed and converted into statute-specific desk aids. Restructuring the manual such that Chapter 2 now collects and explains the legal concepts and principles that guide whistleblower investigations. In previous versions, these concepts were introduced throughout the manual.

OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of 25 statutes protecting employees who report violations of various airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, motor vehicle safety, healthcare reform, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, and securities laws. For more information on whistleblower protections, visit OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage.

For more information, visit OSHA.gov.

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

"We are working to improve our whistleblower program to help ensure workers have a voice on the job free of retaliation," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker.

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DART Names Elizabeth Reich as New Chief Financial Officer

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Reich has joined the agency as the new chief financial officer (CFO). A proven and distinguished finance leader, Reich assumed her new role and responsibilities on July 18th.

A key member of the executive team, reporting to DART president & chief executive officer Nadine Lee, Reich will lead the agency's accounting, financial reporting, budget, treasury, fare collections, and fare payment systems, debt management, investment management, and risk management functions.

"We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to our leadership team at DART," said Nadine S. Lee, DART president & CEO. "She brings a diverse skill set to the agency, including deep financial experience, strong analytics, and a track record of achievement. She is the right leader to helm our talented finance organization and deliver a compre hensive strategic financial plan that will help drive our rider-focused vision for the future."

Reich comes to DART with more than 20 years of financial

leadership experience. She joins the agency from the City of Dal las, where she served as the chief financial officer. This included leadership of Budget and Management Services, Procurement Services, Information & Technology Services, the City Controller's Office, and the Office of Data Analytics & Business Intelligence. The Bond Buyer honored Elizabeth as a Trailblazing Woman in Public Finance in December 2021.

"These are exciting times for the North Texas region, and DART has developed an unparalleled vision and mission that I feel will make a real difference in the lives of our residents," said Reich. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to leverage all of my years of finance and business experience to play a role in helping deliver on this vision. I'm excited to work with the team to further strengthen the agency's financial growth to ensure that we can expand and develop greater mobility opportunities for our riders."

Prior to joining the City of Dallas, Reich spent 16 years with the Social Security Administration, taking on greater challenges and re sponsibilities including serving as the deputy regional commissioner of the Dallas Region and also serving as its chief financial officer.

Reich received her Master of Public Administration degree from The American University in Washington, D.C. in 2000. She is also a member of the Dallas Regional Chamber Executive Women's Roundtable, Women in Public Finance, and serves on the board of Broadway Dallas, previously Dallas Summer Musicals.

For more information, visit DART.org.

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Source: DART

Photo Source: DART

City Council Green Lights Foodand Retail Concession Contracts for New International Terminal at Bush Airport

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The passenger experience for millions of travelers will soon be elevated at the new international terminal, currently under construction, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH. Houston Airports is enhancing its world-class experience by offering a new selection of diverse culinary and retail options.

The Houston City Council gave final approval recently on a retail concessions contract at IAH to travel retailer Paradies Lagardère. The City Council also recently approved another concessions contract for food and beverage to food travel special ist SSP America. The two 10-year agreements are projected to generate as much as $116 million in revenue for Houston Air ports. These new food, beverage, and retail options are expected to create at least 390 jobs spread across 26 concession locations.

The new lineup reflects the ambitious goal of Houston Airports to offer brands that meet the guiding principles of our concessions vision for the new international terminal:

• Achieve exceptional customer service and offer a five-star experience

• Showcase Houston as a premier, world-class destination

• Create a sense of place within the airport

• Offer greater va riety and quality for international passengers

• Increase opportunities for local operators

• Encourage innovative, unique, and exciting concepts

“As one of the biggest and most modern airport facilities in the country, the new international terminal at IAH deserves the best dining and shopping experiences,” Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz said. “As we expand our reach across the world, offering unique local, regional, and national concepts ensures all customers will experience Houston’s diverse and vibrant flavors without ever having to leave the airport.”

With customer service and operational excellence top of mind, SSP America has agreed to develop and operate 16 food and beverage concession locations inside the new

international terminal. As a long-standing partner, SSP America has a proven track record of successfully operating conces sions at Houston Airports.

“SSP America began our Houston op erations in 2008, and we’ve been proud members of the IAH community every day since then,” said Pat Murray, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at SSP America.

“Most of our partners and many of our team members have been with us since we expanded operations in 2014. Houston has been an incredibly important part of our growth as a company. It’s hard to describe just how honored we are by the opportunity to create 340 new jobs for local residents. We have a tremendous passion for service and will continue to do all we can to support the IAH mission and goals.”

The new food and beverage program will feature a combination of local Houston fla vor and national brands, specially curated so that the offerings are well-balanced, robust, and meet the international traveler’s needs. The local concepts include iconic Houston landmarks The Annie Café & Bar, The Kitchen (Woodlands, TX), and Common Bond Bakery and Café, comple mented by tried-and-true national favorites like Chili’s and MOD Pizza.

Paradies Lagardère, which is also already operating concessions at Houston Airports, will develop and operate 10 new retail concession locations inside the new international terminal.

“We appreciate our partnership with Houston Airports and are thrilled with the opportunity to deliver an amazing retail program for the George Bush Intercontinental Airport that will generate more than 50 new jobs and over 100 total jobs in the Houston community,” said Gregg Paradies, President and CEO of Paradies Lagardère. “We’re confident that our incredible designs, great blend of recognized national brands and popular local concepts, support of the local community, and leading innovation will fully endorse Houston’s vision of being a five-star global service gateway.”

Paradies Lagardère embraced the opportunity to curate a selection of national brands, local brands, and even a one-of-a-kind news and retail shop to ensure that all guests will be satisfied, no matter their desire. The new retail program will have an exciting new lineup of stores including Houston Supply Co., Uno de 50, Be Relax (spa service), LEGO and iStore.

In addition, Jetero Market, developed by Paradies Lagardère to celebrate the eclectic history and culture of Houston and IAH, is named after a group of Houston businessmen and civic leaders who purchased the site for IAH. The story of that undertaking will be showcased inside the store, alongside exclusive souvenirs and gifts crafted by Texas artisans.

Innovation is also at the forefront of the new concessions program. Both operators have com mitted to implementing new technologies such as self-ordering kiosks, 24/7 access to offerings for delayed passengers, and potential opportunities to implement gate service and advanced ordering systems.

“All of the important boxes have been checked off,” said Diaz of the concession concepts that ensure a decidedly Houston feel inside the new state-of-the-art international facility which will boast 17 TSA security lanes, more wide-body gates to welcome larger airplanes, and the ability to accommodate even more international flights.

The contracts for both SSP America and Paradies Lagardère will begin upon substantial completion of the new international terminal.

For more information, visit fly2houston.com.

Federal Grant Helps METRO Roll Into a Greener Future

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

METRO Board of Directors Chair Sanjay Ramab hadran joined other Board members and agency leaders along with local, state, and federal officials to celebrate the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) recent award of $21.6 million to the Authority for the purchase of additional electric buses and related charging infrastructure. U.S. Department of Transportation leaders issued the fol lowing statements:

"The awards, funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help communities across America," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez added that invest ments will also give more Americans access to opportunities that transit creates.

Moving away from diesel buses to 100 percent zero emis sions purchases by 2030 is a key component of METRO's Climate Action Plan, adopted earlier this year. Federal funds, which cover 80 percent of costs, will help the Houston region transition to more energy-efficient transit vehicles quicker.

"This grant of $21.6 million will help METRO double its initial purchase of 20 full-sized electric buses to 40," said METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran. "Our move toward environmentally friendly vehicles also supports Mayor Sylvester Turner's Complete Communities initiative and is focused on equity and accessibility."

City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner acknowledged the award announcement as a collective effort, adding the event marked a great day for the city and transit agencies across the country.

"We are happy to support METRO and I am thrilled with the work that has been done by this agency's Board and its executive team," said Turner. "Coordination is very impor tant. Who would have thought that the city of Houston, the energy capital of the world, known so much for its cars and trucks, would be moving forward with elec tric buses? The best for this city is yet to come."

information,

Source:

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“When a transit door opens, whether it is a bus, train, or ferry, it is a great equalizer for everyone in our nation,” said Fernandez.

Source: Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)

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