Subcontractors USA Journal 14

SUBCONTRACTORS

USA

TEXAS JOURNAL

W W W . S U B C U S A . C O M

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

May 2017 | Advocating for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 14th Edition

Quadrant Consultants Inc.

Excellence Through Diversity 24-25

INSIDE

10

Five Reasons Why Obtaining Building Permits Can Give Contractors The Blues

14-19

Projects Adding Value by Expanding Diversity Transportation Summit

17

dlb Consultants: Helping Subcontractors to Connect and Build

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Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

There are endless possibilities for subcontractors in the great State of Texas. Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas all have opportunities for the small business community. From construction information to tips on building permits, our journal provides relevant news related to this industry.

In addition, we are proud to highlight information from major Texas cities and agencies. This publication will continue to advocate for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.

This month’s issue highlights Quadrant Consultants Inc. (Quadrant).

Serving clients in Texas and nationwide

Behind the Journal

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla Vice President, Marketing Anita Bates

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10 Construction 10 Five Reasons Why Obtaining Building Permits Can Give Contractors the Blues 10 Water. Rest. Shade.

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter

22 In the Subcontractors USA Community 22 Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum 22 Fort Bend ISD – Small Business Enterprise Program

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Helen Callier Lea Bogle Subcontractors USA News Provider

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24-25 Cover Story 24-25 Quadrant Consultants Inc.

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

8 Austin News 8 City of Austin, Texas, Small Business Program

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Tiffany Black

Project Coordinator Taelor Smith

our services

6 Architecture 6 AECOM’s Natalie Campos Goodman Named 2017 Vanguard Fellow 6 Texas Society of Architects News!

12 Dallas News 12 DART Cotton Belt Will Connect Rail Lines to DFW Airport 12 Dallas Love Field Adds Flight to California and Oregon 12 State-of-the-Art Recycling Facility Opens in Dallas 14 PAVED 17 dlb Consultants

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

—Unknown

contents

Publisher & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Floyd

“Small business isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the brave, the patient and the persistent.

It’s for the overcomer.”

since 1979, Quadrant is a leader in the construction industry, providing expertise in the areas of engineering, planning, environmental, and aviation services for transportation, utility infrastructure, and land planning. Being a standout consulting firm, Quadrant’s experienced staff of engineers, planners, and environmental scientists understand the issues and challenges of public works projects and expertly solves them.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the Subcontractors USA Texas Journal. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

24-25

26 Education 26 Current State of African American Women in Engineering

• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

27 Energy 27 Reveal Energy Services Receives Growth Capital Investment

Talafery media group, inc.

28 Engineering 28 Society of Women Engineers News!

30 Houston News 30 Houston Flips the Switch on 50 MW of Solar Power in Time for Earth Day 32 City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity News 32 Port Houston News 34 Information Technology 34 The Data Dilemma for Subcontractors 36 Is the GPS Right for Your Business?

38 Manufacturing 38 Precision Equipment Manufacturing

40 Oil and Gas 40 Texas General Land Office 41 Railroad Commission of Texas News

MAIN OFFICE 7322 Southwest Fwy., Suite 805 Houston, TX 77074 Phone: (713) 272.9511 | Fax: (713) 272.6364 Email Us: contact@subcusa.com

42 Petrochemical 42 Bechtel Selected to Deliver Major Petrochemicals Project in Egypt

Visit Us Online www.subcusa.com

44 San Antonio News 44 City’s Small Business Economic Development Advocacy Program 46 Transportation 46 ALEC: “Let the Free Market Operate in Texas Infrastructure”

@subcusa.com

@subcusa_com

SubContractors USA

@subcusa_com

Certified: HMSDC - Port of Houston - Metro City of Houston - HISD - HUB

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Final HEB2017 Diversity Red ads.qxp 4 | May

4/7/08

11:24 AM

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At H-E-B, each and every Partner is responsible for upholding our commitment to diversity. Our daily actions value both the differences and similarities that make our Customers, Communities and Partners so unique.

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For more information on diversity at H-E-B, visit

www.heb.com

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Architecture

AECOM’s Natalie Campos Goodman Named 2017 Vanguard Fellow t

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

N

atalie Campos Goodman, LEED AP O+M, a sustainability senior consultant with a focus on urban resiliency for AECOM’s Houston office was named a 2017 Vanguard Fellow (Vanguards) for her promising ideas for cities, experience in the field and ambition for the future.

Goodman recently joined AECOM’s Buildings + Places (B+P) practice for the Gulf Southwest area which includes Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah. She serves as a key member of B+P’s Resilience, Sustainability and Cities teams.

The Vanguards are selected through a competitive application process of 700 candidates and include 45 change makers under the age of 40 from major cities around the country. The Vanguards span Fortune 500 companies to philanthropy, academia and government entities. Each year the Vanguards attend an urban leadership gathering where they work to improve cities across sectors including urban planning, community development, entrepreneurship, government, transportation, sustainability, design, art and media.

Next City, a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire social, economic and environmental changes in cities through journalism and events around the world, created the Vanguard Fellow program and conference in 2009.

This year’s Vanguards will gather in Montreal May 31 – June 3 to brainstorm innovative ways to make the host city a better place now and in the future. The theme of this year’s gathering will focus on accessibility including places, services, economic activity and development, food security, housing, culture and safe environment. The four-day conference also includes the “Big Idea Challenge,” a competition between teams of Vanguards. The teams work together with community members to co-create ac-

cessible solutions that are presented at an event open to the public.

Next City President Tom Dallessio said, “Promising young innovators from around the world sought the opportunity to share knowledge and insights on the futures of cities. Next City is thrilled to welcome the 2017 Vanguards, and we look forward to gathering in Montreal to empower the next generation of urban leaders.”

“I am honored to be recognized among an esteemed group of my peers, all of whom are under 40 and working to make positive changes in their respective cities,” Goodman said. “My fellowship aligns well with my work at AECOM – to provide urban innovation and solutions to help cities better prioritize projects, plan ahead and provide for sustainable growth.”

Goodman was recognized for the work done with her startup Green Money Search. The startup seeks to inspire sustainable city development by leveraging incentives to encourage citizens to implement sustainable practices on their projects. She also leads advocacy for the U.S. Green Building Council Texas Gulf Coast Region, is an American Institute of Architects Associate, member of the Urban Land Institute, Open Architecture Collaborative, Aggie Women’s Network, and American Women’s Chamber of Commerce and is a Digi.City contributing writer.

Source American Institute of Architects

Architecture

Texas Society of Architects News!

Advocacy Update: State vs. City

By David Lancaster Contributing Writer

xA's Senior Advocate, David Lancaster, Hon. AIA, sheds some light on the tug-of-war between state and local power that has arisen this legislative session.

A long-standing political saw seems to be “evolving” in Austin. The old wisdom that the best governing decisions are made closest to home is being challenged with a new twist— that state government protection is needed against local overreach. The apparent “goose v. gander” theoretical inconsistency of applying that same twist to federal-state relations is waved away with: 1) since states had to approve formation of the national government, and created local governments, they rule; and, 2) market stability needs regulatory consistency, which only the state can provide (and the “hodgepodge” of varying local laws and rules only thwarts).

As a result, there have been many bills filed during the 85th Texas Legislature’s regular session to limit when local bond elections could be held, limiting the authority of political subdivisions (i.e., cities, counties, ISDs, etc.) regarding what types of rules or ordinances they may adopt, and putting conditions on the ability to fund budget increases to pay for local governance.

Generally speaking, the 25 members who volunteered as bill analysts this session mostly responded, “We’re not convinced the State of Texas knows better than all these political entities what their voters want or how much or well they (should) govern themselves.”

Consequently, the Society has testified against some of these bills—HB 151, for example, which would establish a “once annually” opportunity to vote on bond proposals (during November elections). We opposed this bill for administrative and market imbalance reasons. “Market saturation,” a phenomenon that would create a significantly overheated demand for design and construction materials and labor, thereby all but assuring dramatically higher costs for these products and services, would result. HB 151 supporters said that the sale of bonds wasn’t required immediately after approval, but human nature and experience being what they are, that’s what has happened in the past and what will certainly happen following the next election, too.

We signed up in opposition to the filed version of HB 3418, though we didn’t testify. (Norman Alston, testifying officially on behalf of AIA Dallas, described the profession’s position quite eloquently.) This bill would limit grounds for determining when a structure could be considered historic, and didn’t include a specific allowance for recognizing architectural significance alone (i.e., without requiring a famous person to have lived there, or a specific “recognizable” event to have occurred there). While local communities don’t attach the same importance to various criteria, that’s not a bad thing; it’s more important that each community agree on what’s important to it.

Polling done by the Texas Politics Project recently showed a 10-point margin for local control versus state override. Approval for the state to call the shots registered 29% support, where local determination got 39%, and the other 32% either didn’t know or expressed no opinion. Another question during that same polling period was “Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of local government(s)?

Combining the two favorable (“very” and “somewhat”) categories into a single number, and doing the same for “unfavorable” responses resulted in 47% “Favorables,” 25% neither favorable or “un,” and a 24% “Unfavorable” totals.

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Diversity. Powering much more than the grid.

We are all a part of the circuit that powers life, community, industry and each other.

Entergy believes in the circuit. Diversity is an integral part of the circuit and diverse organizations create dimension and perform better. A committed Supplier Diversity Program helps our company reflect the diversity of our employees, communities and the industries we serve. We’re all in the circuit together. And together we power life. Please visit us at entergy.com/supplierdiversity.

A message from Entergy Corporation © 2017 Entergy Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Austin News

CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM t

he mission of the Small Business Program is to foster job creation and support the growth of new and existing businesses by providing capacity building information, tools, and resources. This program provides counseling and assistance to small businesses. Its focus is to develop and empower small businesses in order to strengthen their business capability and survivability. Below please see upcoming classes and opportunities for the small business community.

Strategic Pricing (5/12/2017) MUST REGISTER! NOTE: FORMERLY TITLED "USING STRATEGIC PRICING TO DRIVE GREATER PROFITABILITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS." Pricing is the fastest and most effective way for companies to increase profitability. Studies show that a 1% increase in pricing has a greater positive impact on profitability than does a 1% increase in sales volume or a 1% decrease in costs.

Unfortunately, too many companies think tactically about pricing and do not effectively price for profitability. This workshop is designed to help small business owners and managers to understand common mistakes that companies make in pricing and learn best pricing practices that will enable them to maximize company profitability.

This class is taught by a University of Texas Instructor and counts toward the 6 course requirement needed to earn your Business Skills Certification.

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: Entrepreneur Center of Austin - Training Room 1 Address: 4029 South Capital of Texas Highway #110, Austin, TX 78704 Parking: Free Parking in front of building Fee: 40.00

Strategic Pricing (8/25/2017) MUST REGISTER! NOTE: FORMERLY TITLED "USING STRATEGIC PRICING TO DRIVE GREATER PROFITABILITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS." Pricing is the fastest and most effective way for companies to increase profitability. Studies show that a 1% increase in pricing has a greater positive impact on profitability than does a 1% increase in sales volume or a 1% decrease in costs.

Unfortunately, too many companies think tactically about pricing and do not effectively price for profitability. This workshop is designed to help small business owners and managers to understand common mistakes that companies make in pricing and learn best pricing practices that will enable them to maximize company profitability.

This class is taught by a University of Texas Instructor and counts toward the 6 course requirement needed to earn your Business Skills Certification.

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: Entrepreneur Center of Austin - Training Room 1 Address: 4029 South Capital of Texas Highway #110, Austin, TX 78704 Parking: Free Parking in front of building Fee: 40.00

Manage Your Cash Flow (9/14/2017) NOTE: FORMERLY TITLED "KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL: MAKE YOUR CASH FLOW WORK FOR YOU." Cash flow- you can live and die by it. Many small business owners get stuck in the day to day business operations and fail to pay enough attention to cash flow. This class will help you understand cash flow and how to use it as a tool to keep your business healthy. This course will provide you with the fundamentals needed to manage, measure, understand, and improve business cash flow.

This class is taught by a University of Texas Instructor and counts toward the 6 course requirement needed to earn your Business Skills Certification.

Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Entrepreneur Center of Austin - Training Room 1 Address: 4029 South Capital of Texas Highway #110, Austin, TX 78704 Parking: Free Parking in front of building Fee: 40.00 For more information and to register online, please visit www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

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Construction

Five Reasons Why Obtaining Building Permits Can Give Contractors the Blues

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

t

alk with most contractors about building permits and the topic will soon shift to a nightmare story or two about the problems experienced in obtaining city building permits. You will hear about how they had to make several trips to speak with different plan reviewers and waited weeks for a final plan review. And, while most municipal permitting centers have good intentions, the truth is, the building permit process is confusing to thousands of contractors across the country. These things can cause delays in obtaining building permits and starting construction in a timely manner.

Here Hereare arefive fivereasons reasonswhy whycontractors contractorsare are frustratedwith withthe thebuilding buildingpermitting permitting frustrated processes: processes: • Unable to quickly locate building permit information on the city website.

• Building permit application is not on the city website for downloading, and it must be picked up in person at the municipal permitting center.

• Must go downtown to the city planning department to obtain an actual status on progress on plan review and timing for obtaining building permit.

• With the small number of city plan review staff, it can be hard to get a response over the phone.

• Not clear who to speak with at the permitting center when it is a commercial or residential project.

To eliminate the stress and delays in obtaining a building permit, below are three helpful tips to assist contractors in obtaining city building permits fast.

Tip #1 – Prepare: Make sure the architect or engineer has sealed all design documents and complied with appropriate jurisdiction’s building codes. Also, create files of all the required documents to be able to quickly respond to any request for information.

Tip #2 – Plan: Review and outline your project’s pre-construction schedule, and note the key milestone date when the building permit is required to start the project in a timely manner.

Tip #3 – Ask: Contact the building permit experts at your designated jurisdiction’s permitting department, and ask them

questions on steps to follow. In many jurisdictions, you can schedule an appointment with the plan reviewer to address concerns about certain aspects of design meeting building codes. Do note that some city permitting departments have budget challenges and charge a fee when meeting with a plan reviewer.

Make sure to ask if this is the case to avoid any unexpected fees.

In addition, you can contact a permit expediter for an expert opinion. Permit expediters know the building permit processes, have established relationships with plan reviewers, inspectors and other key staff, and are solid resources to consult before you begin your trek of obtaining a city building permit. Using a permit expediter can save you time and money by completing required building permit applications and making sure all prerequisite documents are in place for submitting with plans.

If you are a contractor, you may be wrangling with the decision to take the DIY building permit approach, which can eat up your precious time and pull your focus away from construction. However, you can avoid the frustrations and cost delays by hiring a building permitting and code expert.

The Permit Us Now team is here to answer your questions on building permits and codes. You can reach us online anytime at www.permitusnow.com or call 1-844-PERMIT-4. Happy building!

Helen Callier, CEO of Permit Us Now, is the one-stop building permit expediting firm that helps architects, engineers, contractors, and project owners save half the time and money in obtaining building permits in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and North Texas. Connect with @PermitUsNow on Twitter and Facebook.

Construction

WATER. REST. SHADE.

The work can't get done without them.

t

he Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created within the Department of Labor and is responsible for worker safety and health protection. As we approach summer, OSHA reminds us that heat illness can be deadly.

The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if you don't drink enough water and rest in the shade. You can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

In 2014 alone, 2,630 workers suffered from heat illness and 18 died from heat stroke and related causes on the job. Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable.

Employersmust mustprotect protectworkers workersfrom fromexcesEmployers excessive sive heat. heat.

Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards.

This includes protecting workers from extreme heat.

An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program.

• Provide workers with water, rest and shade.

• Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat.

• Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.

• Monitor workers for signs of illness.

To prevent heat related illness and fatalities: • Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.

• Rest in the shade to cool down.

• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.

• Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.

• Keep an eye on fellow workers.

• "Easy does it" on your first days of work in the heat. You need to get used to it.

Working in full sunlight can increase heat index values by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep this in mind and plan additional precautions for working in these conditions.

Who Whoisisaffected? affected?

Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers, or those returning to work after a week or more off.

All workers are at risk during a heat wave.

Industries most affected by heat-related illness are: construction; trade, transportation and utilities; agriculture; building, grounds maintenance; landscaping services; and support activities for oil and gas operations.

Whatto todo doififaaworker workerbecomes becomesill? ill?

What • Call a supervisor for help. If a supervisor is not available, call 911.

• Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.

Source: www.osha.gov

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Dallas News

DART Cotton Belt Will Connect Rail Lines to DFW Airport

To learn more visit: www.DART.org/ cottonbelt.

connecting flights to Dallas across the country.

Multiple cities in the Dallas metroplex will be able to connect directly to DFW Airport, thanks to DART’s Cotton Belt line.

Set to open in 2022, the new rail line will run from east to west across the north Dallas DART green and red lines allowing travelers to bypass traveling into downtown to connect to the orange line.

Major cities the Cotton Belt will connect to include Plano, Richardson, Addison, Carrollton and North Lake. The line will also allow direct transportation from the TEX Rail in Fort Worth to North Dallas cities.

Dallas Love Field Adds Flights to California and Oregon

State-Of-The-Art Recycling Facility Opens in Dallas

Dallas Love Field will now offer flights from Dallas to Seattle, San Diego, San Jose and Portland.

The new flights are part of the Love Field’s partnerships with Alaska Airlines and Virgin America.

Love Field will offer guests 59 peak season flights a day to and from major Texas airports, including Austin, Houston and San Antonio.

These new routes offer Dallas business flyers complete West Coast utility. This addition will allow for a wider range of

Dallas cut the ribbon on its new Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) on March 28. The facility processes more than 250 tons of recyclable material per day and will process and recycle approximately 5,000 tons of materials every month.

The project began in December 2014 when the City of Dallas issued a procurement for recycle processing services, with the option to have a private company build a new facility on 15 acres near the McCommas Bluff Landfill.

Cartons like juice, soy milk and ice

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cream containers can be recycled at the facility, and a buyer for the materials has been located in the DFW area.

The MRF has an education center in the administration building and a viewing platform in the operational facility to accommodate tours for schools and other interested groups.

The City of Dallas signed a 15-year contract and 10-year extension with the designers of the recycling facility, FCC. The multi-million-dollar project created 35 jobs per shift along with administrative positions. Revenue generated from the MRF will be added to the revenue share program with the City of Dallas.

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

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Dallas News

Projects Adding Value

by Expanding Diversity Transportation Summit

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), headquartered in Austin, TX, is organized by administration, districts and divisions. TxDOT's workforce is made up of engineers, administrators, financial experts, designers, architects, sign makers, accountants, purchasers, maintenance workers, travel counselors and many other professions.

People are the TxDOT's most important customer, asset, and resource. The well-being, safety, and quality of life for Texans and the traveling public are of the utmost concern to TxDOT. It strives to earn and maintain confidence through reliable and ethical decision-making, conducting itself with the highest degree of integrity, respect, and truthfulness.

TxDOT is a forward-thinking leader delivering mobility, enabling economic opportunity, and enhancing quality of life for all Texans. Through collaboration and leadership, this department delivers a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods. With a focus on relationship building, customer service, and partnerships, TxDOT strives to continue to help open doors for the minority suppliers, contractors, and small businesses. Recently, TxDOT partnered to host Projects Adding Value by Expanding Diversity (PAVED) Transportation Summit in Dallas, TX. Civil Rights is a division of TxDOT

that is responsible for affirmative action and Title VI/Equal Employment Opportunity contract compliance. The division oversees the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) certification programs and DBE compliance elements of Business Outreach and Program Services. Michael D. Bryant serves as director. Bryant began working with the Department of Family and Protective Services as a procurement and contracts attorney and also served as the agency’s Historically Underu-

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tilized Business (HUB) Coordinator.

While working at the Office of Governor Rick Perry, he served as counsel to the Trusteed Programs within the Office, including the Economic Development & Tourism Division, Texas Military Preparedness Commission, Texas Music Office and the Texas Film Commission. At TxDOT, Bryant has worked on a variety of matters related to the Civil Rights Division, HUB and DBE issues, comprehensive development agreements, intellectual property and the agency’s information technology outsourcing with NTT Data.

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Learn LearnMore MoreAbout AboutTxDOT’s TxDOT’s Economically Disadvantaged Economically Disadvantagedand and Small Business Programs Small Business Programs TxDOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program was created to provide a level playing field for small, minority- and women-owned companies wanting to do business with TxDOT and other agencies receiving federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation. TxDOT is a member of the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP). The TUCP certifies DBEs for participation in Department of Transportation federal contracting projects across the State of Texas in compliance with Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR Parts 26 and 23).

TxDOT’s Small Business Enterprise Program The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program offers small businesses another avenue to maximize their opportunities of doing business with TxDOT. The program applies to highway construction and maintenance projects that are funded entirely by state or local funds.

The SBE Program is a TxDOT program authorized by 43 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §9.300.

TxDOT’s Historically Underutilized Business Program The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program was created to promote full and equal procurement opportunities for small, minority- and women-owned businesses. Companies interested in doing business with the state are encouraged to become HUB certified. This is accomplished by completing an application and submitting it to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). Once approved, the company is considered "certified" and agencies using them on contracts receive

credit toward meeting established HUB goals. The HUB Program is a state level program required by law and managed by the CPA. TxDOT sets an overall goal for DBE participation in DOT-assisted contract with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds authorized by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21). To help reach these

goals, TxDOT has formed partnerships to help the small and minority business community become aware of contract opportunities with the Department.

PAVED, a recent partnership with the Regional Black Contractors Association, the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, highlighted upcoming highway projects in the Dallas area. Held at the Dallas County Schools Technology & Train-

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ing Center, this program allowed participants to learn from TxDOT staff about project specific opportunities.

Projects include improvements on I-35 E, widening of lanes on US 67, widening of lanes on FM 2181 in Denton County, and ramp modifications on I-20.

PAVED was a free event, giving small businesses the ability to network with primes and subcontractors. Lady in Yellow’s quote and paragraph here!

This event also gave TxDOT a platform to present information to minority contractors and suppliers on its rollout of over $70 Billion in professional and construction service opportunities throughout the state over the next 10 years. This opportunity was vital for small businesses in the construction industry to learn how to do business with TxDOT, while networking with many of the heavy highway industry firms from the architectural, engineering and construction industry that will be pursing these important projects.

For more information on the Texas Department of Transportation and its opportunities, please visit www.txdot.gov.

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dlb Consultants

Helping Subcontractors to Connect and Build

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

D

emetria Bivens is founder, president, and owner of dlb Consultants (dlb). Bivens founded the company to help subcontractors win!

Having extensive experience in the industry, Bivens understands and implements strategies to connect subcontractors, helping them build their business and gain lucrative opportunities in this industry. It’s all about relationships in order to succeed in anything, hence the company slogan, “Closed Doors Can Be Opened with the Right Relationships!” dlb is a certified DBE/SBE/MBE and HUB Texas-based company that has been headquartered in the DFW Metroplex since 2014. dlb provides business development services in architectural, engineering, construction and other fields related to the industry. The company also provides M/WBE coordination and compliance and public engagement services to a diverse clientele. It is dlb’s overall objective to align clients with the changing market dynamics and develop a high quality strategic marketing plan for business growth. In an effort to capture those areas that are under-developed within a business, dlb assists them in market research, enhanced public image, and increased market exposure.

dlb creates pursuit materials, prepares winning presentations, and regularly presents at client meetings, industry exhibits, trade shows, and conferences.

They obtain client requirements and prepare business development strategies tailored to the client’s targeted customer. dlb actively researches potential clients and pursues new business relationships, while maintaining existing ones.

Working in conjunction with sales executives in the industry, dlb plans and coordinates business generation activities and respond to client requests for proposals (RFP). Because dlb business development executives interact with corporate executives and key decisionmakers, excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills are essential. They are highly polished and articulate, maintain a pleasant disposition and are able to establish and expand professional relationships with senior executives. dlb business development executives are strategic thinkers, expert negotiators, and have an intuitive marketing ability. They possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit and thrive in dynamic and competitive environments.

dlb’s dlb’sServices ServicesInclude: Include: • Plan, develop, and coordinate business development and marketing efforts

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• Develop objectives and strategies • Train and assist project personnel to make effective presentations • Determine client’s needs and evaluate company resources and capabilities • Connect clients • Facilitate the develop company business plans and goals • Develop management strategies • Research upcoming opportunities for client • Contract negotiations

dlbProduces ProducesResults Results for for Clients: dlb • Clients have shown a 39% improvement in products or services • Clients have shown a 39% increase of profits • Clients have increased customer satisfaction by 32% • Clients have increased productivity by 30%

dlb works diligently for its clients, helping to open doors for subcontractors to build their business and connect for success in the industry. For more information about dlb Consultants, please call 214-484-2046 or 214-597-2022 and email demetria@consultantsdlb. com. Visit them on the web at www. consultantsdlb.com.

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“The PAVED event was awesome! It gave DBEs the chance to meet faceto-face with primes and governmental agencies to discuss opportunities including, but not limited to DBE opportunities. The TxDOT speakers provided valuable information on DBE compliance, goals, and the value DBEs bring to sub and prime contractors working on federal projects.

We were also provided information by primes bidding on upcoming TxDOT projects. This is important, because it gives us the opportunity to start building relationships with the primes prior to the release of the bids, which is priceless!

As a new and upcoming traffic control service company, attending events like PAVED gives the primes and subcontractors a chance to meet and greet Eagle Barricade up close and personal! We want to get the word out to the masses that Eagle Barricade wants to be known as that traffic control company that doesn’t compromise safety, believes in second chances, and provides exceptional customer service and expertise!”

—Terry Lacy-Little, Managing Member Eagle Barricade, LLC in North Texas Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

20 | May 2017

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performing beyond expectations Azteca Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1989 and provides

services ranging from general contracting, construction management, program management, design-build services, and self-perform across a broad spectrum of projects for both public and private sector clients. Industries served include, aviation, transportation, local, state and federal government agencies, hospitality, multi-family housing, entertainment and real estate developers.

We are a certified Minority Business Enterprise through the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Hire Houston First, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA), the North Central Texas Regional Agency (NCTRCA), the DFW/MSDC, and the Texas Minority Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). We are a mentor to other minority and small business companies in several mentor-Protégé programs.

DIVISIONS:

• • • •

Dallas, Texas

2518 Chalk Hill Road Dallas, Texas 75212 T: (214) 905-0612 F: (214) 905-0828

Building Division Heavy Civil Construction Steel Fabrication and Erection Multi-Family Housing

Houston, Texas

www.azteca-omega.com

11777 Katy Freeway, Suite 190 Houston, Texas 77093 T: (281) 391-7473 F: (281) 665-2115

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May 2017 | 21

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

REGISTER THIS WEEK

TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD PRICING!

Sign up now for the premier aviation industry event of the year, network with hundreds of your peers and experience the Magic of Flight.

You'll get three days of Engaging Networking, Inspiring Speakers, and Impactful Educational Sessions designed to elevate you to the next level in business!

And, don't miss these exciting conference highlights: • Welcome to Houston All White Party on the beautifully equipped Marriott Marquis Pool Pavilion!

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JUNE 16-20, 2017 HOUSTON, TEXAS

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22 | May 2017

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

In the Subcontractors USA Community...

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.subcusa.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum

Fort Bend ISD - Small Business Enterprise Program

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24 | May 2017

Your Engineer Environmental and SUBCONTRACTORS USA

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

s

erving clients in Texas and nationwide since 1979, Quadrant Consultants Inc. (Quadrant) is a leader in the construction industry, providing expertise in the areas of engineering, planning, environmental, and aviation services for transportation, utility infrastructure, and land planning. Being a standout consulting firm, Quadrant’s experienced staff of engineers, planners, and environmental scientists understand the issues and challenges of public works projects and expertly solves them. Quadrant’s leadership: Vas Vellore, principal and owner, Michael Y. Chou, president, and Peter R. Jordan, vice president, direct all projects and assure high quality. Quadrant turns plans into realities, making this firm more than a consulting firm, but a nationally recognized corporation in the construction industry.

T.C. Jester Blvd. from Spears Road to FM 1960 Quadrant’s attention to detail and their reputation around the city, state, and nation is well-deserved. They excel at serving clients and taking care of all project needs with the highest integrity and staying current with the trends in the industry. “Staying current with the latest technologies in our industry allows us to serve our clients at the highest level of excellence. Our team is constantly looking out for new technologies that are emerging and quickly embrace them in our design. This is what our clients deserve,” says Vellore. To help the corpora-

tion stay at the top of industry technologies is their hiring practices. Quadrant hires only the best, while maintaining its current staff of highly-skilled professionals. Quadrant will continue to strive in the hiring and nourishing of a limited number of young experienced graduate engineers and planners, exposing and guiding them through the basics of professional consulting services as they become new leaders within the company. In line with this philosophy, Quadrant recently added a FAA Certified Drone Pilot to their team of professionals. The company also invests in its talent, providing opportunities for continuous education courses, seminars, and events.

The culture at Quadrant is that it is all about the client. The team works very closely with clients in the area of design and budget. Quadrant is diligent in finding not only the most efficient, but also the most cost-effective engineering solutions.

“Quadrant Consultants Inc. serves our clients and takes care of their project needs with excellence.

Our firm constantly stays current with the latest technologies in our industry to help ensure that we exceed client expectations.”

—Vas Vellore, Principal and Owner, Quadrant Consultants Inc.

The corporation strives for perfection, responding in a timely manner to submittals and RFIs. Having high standards keeps them from dealing with delays in construction schedules that can result in an increase of time, labor, materials, and equipment. Quadrant’s professional engineers, planners, and environmental scientists pro-

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vide a wide range of expertise. Their work speaks for itself. Their extensive experience in all the disciplines is critical to any infrastructure development project. Quadrant’s staff of engineers and planners have put the company on a national platform because of their ability to transfer client projects from a concept to a reality. Chou says, “Before any

May 2017 | 25

ring, Planning, d Aviation Experts SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Vellore says, “Quadrant started with four partners—three engineers and a planner over thirty years ago. Founded on principles of hard work, transparency, integrity, service, and diversity, Quadrant has grown into a successful and well-respected full-service consulting firm serving the transportation and infrastructure market.”

From concept planning to environmental assessment to engineering design to construction management, Quadrant provides the services projects require in all stages.

As diverse as the team is in skills, talent, and education, they are just as diverse in backgrounds, which allows them to serve a greater number of clients. Quadrant’s motto is “Excellence Through Diversity,” and they understand that diversity is important to today’s workforce and economic growth.

Quadrant is a Small Business Quadrant is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), a Historically Enterprise (SBE), a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), a Underutilized Business (HUB), a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and a Disadvantaged Business and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certified by: Enterprise (DBE) certified by:

client signs on with Quadrant, we don’t put any pressure on them or have to do a hard sell. We encourage them to get to know the leadership and the team. We are very transparent with clients, which allows them to see our expertise and experience. Our work and reputation is known not only in Texas, but around the country.” You ask clients about Quadrant, and they say, “Quadrant is hard-working, responsible, and professional, delivering projects in a timely manner.”

QuadrantConsultants ConsultantsInc.’s Inc.’sclient Quadrant client resume includes: resume includes: • City of Houston Public Works & Engineering • Dallas County • Houston Airport System • Houston Community College System • Houston Independent School District

• State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business Certification and Compliance Program (HUB) • Texas Unified Certification Program (MBE, DBE) • City of Houston Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance (MBE, DBE) • Port of Houston Authority Small Business Development Program (SBE) • Metropolitan Transit Authority of Houston and Harris County (SBE, DBE) • City of Austin Department of Small and Minority Business Resources (MBE) • North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (MBE)

• Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority • National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) • North Texas Tollway Authority • Port Authority of New York and New Jersey • Texas Air National Guard • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs • Metropolitan Transit Authority of Houston and Harris County

Aldine Mail Route Road from Airline to Aldine-Westfield Roadway Design (Harris County Precinct One) and Aldine Mail Route Road from Lillja Road to Sweeney Road Roadway Quadrant is an award-winning corporation, having received recognition from Design (Harris County Precinct Two) some of the most recognizable agencies, including the State of Texas, Harris County, and the City of Houston. Quadrant is a very active and visible contributor to the business community, holding memberships with American Consulting Engineering Council, the American Leadership Forum, and the Harris County Industrial Development Corporation, just to name

a few. The corporation pays it forward to the future leaders of the industry, hosting interns during the summer, providing students with experience in the areas of environmental sciences and engineering. This opportunity that Quadrant provides helps to enhance the practical knowledge of this future workforce.

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Quadrant offers quality consulting services to public and private clients. After serving the public sector for more than 35 years, the corporation’s goal is to serve the industrial sector as well. As a small minority-owned and operated corporation, Quadrant diversifies by offering professional services in the areas of civil engineering, transportation planning, and design, together with environmental studies all under one roof.

For more information on Quadrant Consultants Inc., please visit www.qconsultants.com or email qci@qconsultants.com.

26 | May 2017

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Education

Current State of African American Women In Engineering Engineering Degrees Awarded

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

B

y 2020, STEM jobs in the United States are expected to increase by 10% (Lockard & Wolf, 2012); however, with some sectors reporting nearly 600,000 unfilled engineering jobs (BLS, 2015), declining numbers of engineering graduates cause alarm. The dearth of African American students in engineering is often cited as a crucial area for improvement, but upon closer examination, African American women in particular are pursuing engineering degrees at lower rates; in fact, only 26.3% of engineering bachelor’s degrees awarded to African Americans in 2011 went to women despite the fact that women outnumber men nearly 2 to 1 in college (Slaughter et al, 2015). Literature often focuses on African American students compared to white students or women compared to men, but few seek to address the unique challenges faced

by African American women.

According to the American Society for Engineering Education, African Americans only received 4.0% of engineering degrees awarded in 2015, down from 5.0% in 2006. See the chart below.

TABLE AT THE TOP

Black or African American Hispanic Other Asian American White Unknown

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

5.0%

4.9%

4.7%

4.6%

4.5%

4.2%

4.2%

4.3%

3.5%

4.0%

6.0% 8.5%

6.2% 8.3%

6.5% 8.9%

6.6% 11.0%

7.0% 1.2%

8.5% 1.6%

9.0% 2.0%

9.3% 2.3%

10.1% 2.9%

10.7% 3.1%

13.8%

13.3%

13.0%

12.4%

12.2%

12.2%

12.2%

12.9%

13.1%

13.4%

66.7%

67.3%

66.9%

65.4%

68.9% 5.3%

66.6% 6.9%

66.2% 6.4%

65.7% 5.6%

65.9% 4.9%

64.9% 3.9%

What contributes to the decline of African Americans graduating with engineering degrees? Data shows that African American women in particular are pursuing engineering degrees three times less often than their male counterparts (Slaughter et al, 2015). According to NACME’s assessment of the National Science Foundation’s IPEDS system, approximately 1,100 African American women graduated with an engineering degree in 2005. By 2011, only 809 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, an approximate 27% decrease (NACME, 2013). In 2015, less than 1% of all U.S. engineering bachelor’s degrees were awarded to African American women (Yoder, 2016).

Understanding why African American women are underrepresented in

engineering requires a systems perspective. “Diversity” is not a monolithic construct; the ways in which different underrepresented groups experience engineering are not the same, and groups with multiple identities also have unique experiences with participation in engineering. African American women have unique experiences that stem from their identity both as African Americans and as women. The experiences of women in general do not necessarily equate to those of African American women. Therefore, a sole focus on women in engineering does not begin to uncover the challenges faced

by African American women.

In addition to exploring the challenges and barriers faced by African American women, we must also acknowledge

TSUTexans2016.indd 1

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and seek to better appreciate the valuable experiences and knowledge African American women bring to engineering.

Highlighting their distinctive contributions and attributes would challenge implicit and explicit deficit orientation in which this demographic is often framed.

A focus on deficiencies that is common in research and programmatic efforts can lead to a one-sided representation, which is often perpetuated by media and impacts the way the educational system prepares African American female students. Instead, we need to also focus on the skills, perspectives and resources that African American Women bring to engineering and engineering education.

Source National Society of Black Engineers

7/26/2016 2:29:58 PM

May 2017 | 27

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

CBP-6100-07 CRE Ad-MM.pdf

1

6/9/16

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Let’s grow, right now.

When it comes to business, timing is everything.

And, with historically low rates, there’s never been a more opportunistic time to expand your business with a commercial real estate loan from Comerica. As the leading bank for business*, we’ve been financing business expansion for nearly 150 years. Whether you need to build or purchase, expand or refinance, it’s the right time. Are you ready?

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RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

28 | May 2017

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Energy

Reveal Energy Services Receives Growth Capital Investment

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

R

eveal Energy Services, an oilfield start-up, recently announced equity funding from Lime Rock Partners. Reveal Energy Services provides cost-effective and efficient solutions for hydraulic fracture mapping and monitoring to validate oil and gas well completions designs.

"We are grateful to have an investor of the caliber of Lime Rock Partners," said Sudhendu Kashikar, CEO of Reveal Energy Services. "This investment will accelerate the company's commercial growth."

Founded in 2016 by Statoil Technology Invest as a spin-out of research and development work by Statoil, the company's innovative technology generates hydraulic fracture maps of unprecedented accuracy and quality at minimum operational risk and cost using only surface pressure measurements from observation wells.

The technology, comprising proprietary software and earth models, extends initial research by Statoil into the poromechanical reservoir response to hydraulic fracturing operations.

During the first nine months of field work as one of the newest oilfield service providers, Reveal Energy Services successfully launched its patent-pending IMAGE Frac® pressure-based fracture geometry service that is ideal for multiwell pad development. The service has

been field proven in more than 100 wells across 7 US shale basins for 7 major North America oil and gas operators.

"Statoil wanted a solution for hydraulic fracture mapping that was sufficiently cost effective and reliable on every pad. It had to have a low operational footprint," said Kate Beck, Asset Manager, Statoil.

"Reveal Energy Services is taking our work to the marketplace and extending its functionality."

Throughout last year, Reveal Energy Services field-tested additional solutions to improve completions designs and field development. DiverterSCAN® technology provides insight into diverter effectiveness. ProppantSCAN®technology quantifies proppant placement. The company is also engineering products to quantify the rate of fracture growth versus time and pumped volume.

In addition to the capital investment, Trevor Burgess and Oliver Phillips of Lime Rock Partners are joining the Reveal Energy Services board of directors.

"Conventional fracture mapping solutions are too expensive and intrusive. Reveal Energy Services has exactly what the industry is looking for: a low-cost and extensively validated solution. We believe this solution has the potential to become an integral part of every pad development as a quality control technology during hydraulic fracturing," Burgess said.

Reveal Energy Services continues to build a robust project pipeline and reputation as an

indispensable partner of customers' field development operations.

AboutReveal RevealEnergy EnergyServices Services About Reveal Energy Services provides fast, accurate, and cost-effective maps of hydraulically induced fractures to the energy industry. With the flagship IMAGE Frac pressure-based fracture geometry service and companion DiverterSCAN technology and ProppantSCAN technology solutions, the company offers unparalleled diagnostic insight into well and stage spacing decisions, completions design effectiveness, and the influence of nearby hazards. Reveal Energy Services was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Statoil Gulf Services in January 2016. The company is privately held and funded by Statoil and Lime Rock Partners. For more information, please visit: www.reveal-energy.com.

About AboutLime LimeRock RockPartners Partners Since its inception in 1998, Lime Rock Management has raised $7.4 billion in private equity funds and affiliated co-investment vehicles for investment in the energy industry through Lime Rock Partners, investors of growth capital in E&P and oilfield services companies worldwide, and Lime Rock Resources, acquirers and operators of oil and gas properties in the

United States. Lime Rock Partners is a creative investment partner in building differentiated oil and gas businesses, side by side, with entrepreneurs every day.

The Lime Rock Partners team brings together specialist finance and operating expertise, technology leadership, people-centered strategies, and patient hard work with the goal of helping its investors and portfolio company partners profit from operational growth. For more information, please visit: www.lrpartners.com.

AboutStatoil Statoil About Statoil is an international energy company with operations in 37 countries.

Building on more than 40 years of experience from oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf, it is committed to accommodating the world's energy needs in a responsible manner, applying technology and creating innovative business solutions. We are headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, with approximately 22,000 employees worldwide, and are listed on the New York and Oslo stock exchanges. Statoil Technology Invest is Statoil's corporate oil and gas technology venture unit managing a portfolio of some 20 early phase technology companies and investing in ventures with the purpose of providing substantial operational value to Statoil as a user of technology as well as solid financial return. The company's North American headquarters is based in Houston, Texas.

Source Reveal Energy Services

Engineering

Society of Women Engineers News! Role of Gender Bias in Engineering and Tech “We know that women continue to be underrepresented in engineering, but the question remains: Why?” said Karen Horting, CAE, executive director and CEO of Society of Women Engineers (SWE). “This literature review is intended to shed light on how that question is being answered, and ultimately inspire evolution and progress in the advancement of women in engineering and technology.”

This year’s Literature Review pulls from more than 125 books and articles published in 2016, located by an extensive search of the social scientific and engineering literature. Two themes were identified from the Literature Review: • Women are underrepresented in engineering because women are less likely than men to pursue an educational pathway that leads to an engineering degree, despite having appropriate academic preparation and capability; and • Women who are attracted to engineering as a field and start down the

road toward an engineering career are more likely than their male counterparts to leave. This is due, at least in part, to a lack of opportunity, negative experiences at the hands of managers and coworkers and a lack of support.

The Literature Review provides a deeper understanding of these issues with specific findings from studies published throughout the year.

The also includes an editorial analysis of gender and its role in engineering and technology fields, including: • A refocus in the discussion from gender bias to gendered innovations, and advancement in research of sophisticated methods of sex and gender analysis • An intersection of gender, engineering and sustainability • Advancements in policies in Europe and Canada that are taking direct and uncompromising approaches toward resolving gender-based inequities

• The evolution of Title IX and importance of supporting educational institutions with the resources and staff they need to ensure compliance and implementation of diversity programs.

• A deeper look at gender and racial bias from SWE’s recent study, “Climate Control: Gender and Racial Bias in Engineering” “Media coverage of the state of women in engineering certainly highlights women’s important contributions to STEM, and it’s clear that progress has been made toward gender integration,” said Roberta Rincon, PhD, manager of research at SWE. “But only through careful, objective attention to scholarly research can we identify the causes of women’s underrepresentation in engineering, and appreciate how much progress has been made to eliminate traditional barriers to gender equity as well as how much more still needs to be done to address the inequities that remain.”

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About AboutSWE SWE

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. The not-for-profit educational and service organization is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women.

To ensure SWE members reach their full potential as engineers and leaders, the Society offers unique opportunities to network, provides professional development, shapes public policy and provides recognition for the life-changing contributions and achievements of women engineers.

As a champion of diversity, SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in their personal and professional lives.

For more information about the Society, please visit www.swe.org.

Source: Society of Women Engineers

May 2017 | 29

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30 | May 2017

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Houston News

Houston Flips the Switch on 50 MW of Solar Power in Time for Earth Day t

he 50 megawatt (MW) solar facility dedicated to providing up to 10.5% of the City’s electricity needs with clean, affordable solar energy is now online and operational.

“I want to thank ERCOT, Reliant, ENGIE, and all those who worked on this project for this fabulous Earth Day present,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “As the energy capital of the world, it is important that Houston lead by example and show that investing in solar and renewable energy is a critical tool cities must use to prepare for the future. As the nation’s largest municipal purchaser of green power, we are living proof that large, industrial cities like Houston can have a robust economy but also help fight climate change.”

In February, Mayor Turner and City Council expanded the solar power purchase agreement from 30 MW to 50 MW, reaffirming Houston’s commitment to renewable energy, reducing emissions, and saving taxpayer money. Located in Alpine, Texas, SolaireHolman is one of the largest solar installations in the state of Texas.

The project includes 203,840 solar panels on 360 acres and will provide electricity for Houston locations as diverse as the Hermann Park Zoo, the Bob Lanier Public Works Building, waste water treatment plants, and several Bush Intercontinental Airport terminals.

“We’re very proud to serve the City of Houston, a substantial customer by any measure,” said Marc-Alain Behar, Managing Director for ENGIE Solar North America, which owns and operates the project in Alpine. “One of the most gratifying parts of our work at ENGIE is aligning with customers to provide the best value we can. Through SolaireHolman, the City of Houston will strengthen its energy portfolio with clean, low-cost solar power for the benefit of all the people who live and work in this vibrant community.

What an excellent way to usher in Earth Day 2017.”

Benefitsto tothe thecity cityinclude: include: Benefits • Minimized exposure to electricity market price volatility • Realized budget certainty and energy price stability with a guaranteed electricity rate • Long term savings • Improved air quality in Houston and Texas

ston is helping lead the way in the fight against global warming and for a clean energy future."

Under City’s power purchase agreement, ENGIE’s subsidiary SolaireHolman will supply the City’s retail electric provider, Reliant Energy Retail Services LLC (Reliant – an NRG company) with up to 50 MW of solar power at a set, guaranteed price for 20 years. Through its long standing relationship with the City via its Reliant contracts, NRG’s Business Solutions group provided the financial support for the deal through its offerings that include asset management services, along with a wide array of structured energy and capacity products.

“We worked with the City of Houston to create an offering that expressly met their needs, helping them achieve their goals and providing an added value to expand upon the existing relationship through Reliant,” said Rob Gaudette, Senior Vice President, NRG Business Solutions.

"Houston has broken new ground with this solar farm, becoming the first city in Texas' deregulated electricity market to invest in solar in a big way," said Luke Metzger, Director of Environment Texas. "By powering municipal operations with renewable energy, Hou-

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With this addition, the City further solidifies its national leadership in renewable energy and growing use of solar energy. For the past two years, the City of Houston has held the #1 spot on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) Top 30 Local Government list of the largest green power users from the Green Power Partnership. Houston is also #7 on EPA’s overall Top 100 green power users. The City uses nearly one billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which represents over 89% percent of its total energy needs. For more information, please visit www. houstontx.gov.

Source: City of Houston

May 2017 | 31

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

BSCI, Inc. Corporate Office: 1802 Calumet Houston, Texas77004 Tel. 713.529.4949 Fax. 713.529.4040 Affiliate Offices: Washington D.C. | Dallas San Antonio

Services & Capabilities Construction Program Management • Owner Representation • Budget and Cost Control • Scheduled Analysis Stakeholder Communication • Progress Reports • Information Management

Contract Compliance • Risk Management • Constructability Review • Quality Assurance • Document Control

Pre-qualification of Professional Services • Value Engineering • Cost Estimation • LEED™ Evaluation

Project Design Oversight • Pre-design Conceptualization

Project Management • Project Controls • Quality Assurance • Project Close-out

Serving local small businesses who are seeking to do business with Houston Community College Assisting small businesses and Contractors by providing opportunities, information, and support

For information about the Small Business Development Program, visit hccs.edu/sbdp For current bid opportunities, visit hccs.edu/procurement

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Houston News

City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity News

City of Houston OBO and PeopleFund Partnered on Innovation Week

I

n support of National Small Business Week, PeopleFund and the City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity, along with several community partners, hosted Innovation Week. The free event, held at the Leonel Castillo Community Center, featured over 30 one-hour business and financial education sessions that emphasized leadership, innovation, financial success, marketing, and social entrepreneurship.

The event was sponsored

by Texas Capital Bank, Nortridge Software, Frost Bank, Constant Contact, with additional participation from the following community partners: BakerRipley, Cámara de Comercio Centroamericana, Cámara de Empresarios Latinos, Houston Community College, Fruition Labs, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Minority Contractors, SCORE, UH SURE program, Bayou MicroFund, and Women's Business Enterprise Alliance.

Innovation Week also included a three-hour Entrepreneur Village, where small businesses engaged with community partners, local resources, and nonprofit organizations offering support services.

"Now in its second year, Innovation Week is a culmination of everything PeopleFund stands for: access to capital, business education, and community collaboration. This event brings skills, networking, and small business tools directly into the hands of Houston entrepreneurs," said People-

Port Houston News

Houston International Seafarers’ Center Honors Port Houston’s Executive Director Roger Guenther The Board of Directors of the Houston International Seafarers’ Center has selected Roger Guenther, Executive Director of Port Houston, as the recipient of the Seafarers’ Center’s 2017 Bronze Anchor Award. The Bronze Anchor Award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting the center’s mission and vision, and has served as a leader and advocate for the welfare of seafarers.

Mr. Guenther was recently officially honored as the recipient of the Bronze Anchor Award at the Seafarers’ Center’s Maritime Gala.

“Mr. Guenther has proven over the years to be an advocate of the Seafarers’ Center and its mission. He has assisted chaplains and Seafarers’ Center staff in navigating the regulatory and bureaucratic landscape associated with a working port, and faithfully supported our efforts in delivering humanitarian services to seafarers,” as the center announced earlier this year.

“I am honored to be selected as the recipient of this award,” Mr. Guenther said. “The efforts of the Seafarers’ Center to provide a welcoming and supportive environment at the port for our seafarers is important and appreciated.”

The Seafarers’ Center Maritime Gala is the primary fundraiser for the Houston International Seafarers Center. The gala’s theme, “Building Our Future,” marks the beginning of a new era for the center, as it continues in its mission of outreach to seafarers visiting Port Houston from across the globe.

Aboutthe theHouston HoustonInternational InternationalSeafarers’ About Seafarers’ Centers Centers The Houston International Seafarers’ Center is a “home away from home” for seafarers visiting the Port of Houston. Chartered in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s as a non-profit organization, the center has served millions of visiting seafarers. The center exists as the result of a deep desire and concern within the local maritime industry, followed by active support and involvement of the community and local churches, to provide a safe and welcoming recreational and spiritual environment on land for those who have chosen the mariner profession.

AboutPort PortHouston Houston About Fund CEO Gary Lindner.

"A competitive business environment in the city, including a thriving community of small businesses, is critical to the economy of the City of Houston. Initiatives like Innovation Week foster the growth of our small business community," said Mayor Sylvester Turner.

"The Office of Business Opportunity was pleased to partner with PeopleFund on Innovation Week.

Our goal is to support the growing small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit in Houston. Innovation Week brought together all of the resources and information needed to start or grow your business all under one roof." said Office of Business Opportunity Director Carlecia D. Wright.

For more than 100 years, the port has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals of the Port of Houston -- the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas, and the nation.

It supports the creation of nearly 1.175 million jobs in Texas and 2.7 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling almost $265 billion in Texas -- 16 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product -- and more than $617 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit Port Houston’s website at: www. porthouston.com.

Source Port Houston

For more information, please visit www.houstontx.gov/obo/.

Source: City of Houston OBO

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May 2017 | 33

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FLUOR SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM

Connecting for Opportunities Fluor is committed to excellence in supplier diversity.

As a global company, Fluor operates across highly diverse markets that are best served by correspondingly diverse resources, including suppliers and subcontractors.

Visit us at www.fluorprocurement.com for a list of the products and services that Fluor buys and create your company profile.

© 2016 Fluor Corporation.

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34 | May 2017

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information technology

The Data Dilemma for Subcontractors: How to Choose a Monthly Plan

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

H

ow much data do you really need on your monthly cellular plan?

Buy too much and you're simply wasting money. Buy too little and you could end up socked with overage fees, or find your data speeds slowed significantly.

Though you need wireless service to conduct business, you also must be careful to choose the monthly plan that is best for your business and budget.

The average U.S. wireless customer consumes about 1.8 gigabytes (GB) of data each month, far below what's included in many standard wireless plans. As a result, many carriers are beginning to shift away from rigidly structured monthly data allowances. Consumer Cellular, for instance, offers no-contract plans tailored to the 50-plus crowd that allow you to change your data plan whenever you need, without paying any additional fees.

Whether you're a heavy or a light user, the data plan you choose represents a significant part of your investment in wireless service. By understanding some of the basics, as well as the potential pitfalls involved, you're sure to find the plan that's right for you.

How it's measured Anytime you send email, download a photo, stream video, view a web page,

or post on social media, your phone is sending or receiving data. A megabyte (MB) and the larger gigabyte (GB) are the units used for measuring data.

It's hard to determine exactly how much data an activity consumes, since file sizes and download times can vary significantly. As a general rule, for most cellphones, one megabyte of data is typically required to perform each of these tasks: • Sending or receiving 50 emails, without attachments; • Streaming 2 minutes of music; • Viewing one web page; • Posting three photos to your Facebook page; • Watching 30 seconds of video on YouTube.

One gigabyte, equal to 1,000 megabytes, is consumed by: • Sending or receiving 50,000 emails (without attachments); • Streaming 33 hours of music; • Viewing 1,000 web pages; • Posting 2,800 photos to your Facebook page; • Watching more than 8 hours of video on YouTube.

Tracking your usage The best way to accurately assess your cellular data use is to review your monthly bill, which provides precise de-

tails about your utilization. Most carriers now even offer mobile account management apps so you can keep tabs right from your phone. This will give you a feel for how much you're actually consuming, and let you develop an accurate forecast for the future.

In addition, both smartphone and iPhone models give you the ability to track overall usage, as well as the individual usage of specific apps, right from the Settings menu on your phone. You can choose to receive usage alert notifications from your carrier, either by text or email. These are helpful reminders that are triggered when you've used certain percentages of your monthly allotment of data. It helps to eliminate surprises and avoid running over your plan.

Unlimited has its limits Regardless of how closely you track it,

your data needs can fluctuate wildly from month to month. This is often due more to life events than technology; you might be in more places with Wi-Fi access one month versus the next. As a result, some cellular companies will push you to sign up for plans with a higher data cap, including expensive "unlimited" plans.

Like an all-you-can-eat buffet, most "unlimited" plans are more enticing than practical. In fact, some carriers promising "unlimited data" will actually limit your high-speed data to just a couple of gigabytes per month. Once you use up that allotment, you'll have unlimited access, but it's at much slower speeds. This makes it more difficult to load pages quickly, or to stream video, even though you're paying a premium for "unlimited" access.

The choice is always yours Cellular competition is fierce, so make sure you get what you pay for.

Before you buy an unlimited plan, shop around. You may very well find a less costly plan that offers far more data than you're likely to use.

Ultimately, your choice will be driven by the type of data user you are, or at least the one you plan to be. Invest time in a little analysis of your current habits. You'll come away with the information you need to find the plan that fits both your business needs and your budget. - BPT

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About Us Horizon International Group, LLC is a certified SBE/MBE/WBE/HUB construction manager with a proven history of providing clients impeccable contracting services since 1994.

Certified MWBE/SBE/HUB Contractor Horizon is a certified MBE, WBE, SBE and State of Texas certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). As such, Horizon is always striving to expand business opportunities, provide added value to our clients, and is actively engaged in procuring goods and services from other talented SBE/MBE/WBE/HUB subcontracting firms. We believe that diversity strengthens the community and the overall small business environment.

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215 W. San Antonio St. San Marcos, TX 78666 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

1999 Gulfmart Ste. 522 San Antonio, TX 78217 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

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MEP Engineering

Commissioning

Program Management

When you need experience, we have it covered.

Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm that focuses on MEP Engineering, Commissioning, and Program Management. We act as an extension to our clients, providing total engineering services from project inception to completion. With our deep bench of high skilled and experienced staff and innovative technology Rice & Gardner can plan, lead, and complete projects on time and within budget.

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information technology

Is the GPS Right for Your Business?

By Lea Bogle Contributing Writer

C

apacity. It’s the word that everyone is talking about, from prime contractors, to government agencies and small business owners. So the question is, how can a small business increase its capacity, so it can grow and meet the demands of its clients in the most cost-effective manner?

Implementing the right mobile strategy plays a key role.

For most businesses, especially small businesses, the single largest expense on the P&L are their labor costs. So the question then becomes, how can productivity be increased without increasing labor costs? The answer is to make it easier for your people to be more efficient, by creating processes and procedures that streamline your organization, improve accountability, the customer experience, cash flow, and employee satisfaction.

One of the easiest solutions to implement is GPS. Companies often believe they don’t need it because: • They trust their employees • They are a small business and know where their employees are • They can’t afford it • They want to wait until the

company grows and have more employees The reality is, GPS is for every size business that has a mobile workforce.

The solution itself pays for itself and has an immediate ROI to the company’s bottom line. Let’s look at how GPS streamlines the operation itself, increases capacity and revenues, and then we will look at the numbers.

GPS can improve customer satisfaction. With GPS, you will immediately know where your employees are, and how soon they will arrive, in real time.

In the event a customer calls in requesting service the same day, you’ll know if it’s possible to squeeze it in, and if so, which one of your employees is furthest along in their previously assigned tasks who can best handle the additional workload. This also reduces overtime.

GPS reduces fuel costs. You can monitor how often your employees leave the vehicle running. 1 hour of idling is equivalent to a gallon of gas. Based upon your business, you can implement an idling policy and enforce it.

GPS systems can assist with managing your fleet. It will streamline your maintenance process, and eliminate missed maintenance opportunities. You will automatically know when it’s time to change the oil and rotate the tires, saving time, reducing costs, and increasing

the life of your vehicle. Additionally, it can alert you of vehicle fault codes. It can let you know before the vehicle breaks down if there is an issue. Or if the vehicle breaks down, you’ll know why. It can alert you if your drivers are speeding, harshly breaking, and accelerating rapidly, all increasing your liability expenses or decreasing your vehicle life.

GPS lets you know how long your vehicles stopped and where they were stopped. It helps you see if the right amount of time was spent at a job. If they’re not spending enough time doing the job, your customer satisfaction may be reduced and your job quality might be suffering.

GPS will also help you manage your employee behavior. 90% or more of all employees are doing the right things, right? But those few employees who are stealing time or not where they are supposed to be, are costing your company

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both money and its reputation. GPS provides the insight necessary to reward the people doing the right things, and coach or terminate the ones who aren’t.

The bottom line is that GPS is a profit driver for your business. Below is a conservative ROI for a business with 10 field workers who make an average of $15 an hour. Most companies get a much higher return than what’s shown below.

• The company averages $50 per job in revenue.

• The company is able to complete 1 additional job per week, per employee.

• Company revenues are increased by $25,000 per year.

• The GPS system costs $2,500 per year.

• The net revenue increase is $22,500.

Isn’t it time for you to take a serious look at how GPS can positively impact your business?

Lea Bogle is a wireless industry expert and president of Premier Wireless™, a company that proudly serves Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and other areas. For more information about how Premier Wireless™ can help you, please visit them on the web at www. premierwirelesstx.com.

May 2017 | 37

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Credit applied within 2 invoices after trade in received. Early termination of lease results in full price due. Offer is for a limited time only. Credit approval req. Activ. Fee: Up to $30/line. Lease: Credit approval req. Terms for all other customers will vary including amount due at signing & taxes/fees. Req. qualifying device & service plan. No equipment security deposit required. Upon completion of 18-mo. term for iPhone 7, customer can continue to pay monthly lease amount, purchase or return the device. Customer is responsible for insurance and repairs. Early termination of lease/service: Remaining lease payments will be due immediately, and requires device return or payment of purchase option device price in lease. iPhone Forever: Does not guarantee monthly payment amount, phone selection, or service plan rates. Upgrade after 12 payment as long as lease and early upgrades offered. Req. active line thru time of upgrade with min. 12 consecutive monthly service plan payments, new phone Lease, acct. in good standing, & give back of current eligible device in good & functional condition. After upgrade, remaining unbilled lease payments are waived. Upgrade does not include same generation model iPhone, must be next generation iPhone. $0/mo. iPhone 7: Reqs 18-month lease on iPhone 7 and trade in of eligible device. Phone trade in must be unlocked, deactivated & all personal data deleted before trade-in and in good working order; device powers on and there are no broken, missing or cracked pieces. Device will not be returned. Higher memory configurations will receive the same amount of trade-in credit and will not be free. Current customers most own trade in device. Other Terms: Offers & coverage not available everywhere or for all phones/networks. May not be combined with other offers. No rainchecks. No add'l discounts apply. Sprint reserves the right to change or cancel this offer at any time. Restrictions apply. See store or sprint.com for details. © 2017 Sprint. All rights reserved. iPhone is the trademark of Apple Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

(2) Galaxy J3 Offer: $0/mo after $7/mo/line service credit. Credit applied w/in 2 invoices. Reqs. 24-mo. installment billing agreements for well-qualified customer purchasing at least two devices with at least one new-line activation, additional lines can be mix of new lines and upgrade eligible. Tax due at sale. Early termination results in remaining balance of full price due. Offer available 2/3/17 thru 4/13/17. While supplies last. Activ. Fee: Up to $30/line. Credit approval req. Device Offer: Samsung J3 Emerge MSRP $168.00. 24-Mo. Installments: Req. 24-mo. installment agmt., 0% APR, & qualifying device & svc. plan. Device pricing for well-qualified customers. Models with higher memory config. may require down pymt. Monthly pymt. terms & down pymt. for all others will vary. Down pymt., unfinanced portion & sales tax (on full purch. price) due at purch. Early termination of 24-Mo. Installments/Svc.: If you cancel wireless svc., remaining balance on device becomes due. Samsung J3 Emerge Offer: Req. 24-mo. installment agmt. Svc. credit applied mo. based on the lower cost device. Credit ends at end of term, early payo or upgr., whichever occurs first. All devices must be acquired in same transaction. Mo. pymt. will be reflected on inv. & o set with svc. credit. Other Terms: Offer/coverage not avail. everywhere or for all phones/networks. May not be combined with other offers. No add’l. discounts apply.

Sprint reserves right to change or cancel this offer at any time. Restrictions apply. See store or sprint.com for details. © 2017 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint & logo are trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are property of their respective owners.

(3) Unlimited $30 Offer: **Monthly charges exclude taxes & Sprint Surcharges [incl. USF charge of up to 17.4% (varies quarterly), up to $2.50 Admin. & 40¢ Reg. /line/mo. & fees by area (approx. 5–25%)]. Surcharges are not taxes. See sprint.com/taxesandfees. Offer ends 7/13/17. Activ.

Fee: Up to $30/line. Credit approval req. Sprint Unlimited Plan: Reqs. eBill & new account activation. Savings compared to currently advertised unlimited rates for 4 lines as of 3/1/17. Carrier features and international options may di er. Includes unlimited domestic Long Distance calling, texting & data with 10GB of high-speed Mobile Hotspot VPN & P2P data. Discounted phones subject to add'l $25/mo/line. Discounted tablets add'l $10/mo/line. Third-party content/downloads are add’l charge. Select Int’l svcs are included see sprint.com/globalroaming. AutoPay: Must be enrolled in AutoPay to receive $5/mo/line discount. Sprint Ultra High Def: allows streaming at the highest quality available based upon the network, connection, device and content at the time of streaming. Quality of Service (QoS): Customers who use more than 23GB of data during a billing cycle will be deprioritized during times & places where the Sprint network is constrained. See sprint.com/networkmanagement for details. Usage Limitations: To improve data experience for the majority of users, throughput may be limited, varied or reduced on the network. Sprint may terminate service if o -network roaming usage in a month exceeds: (1) 800 min. or a majority of min.; or (2) 100MB or a majority of KB. Prohibited use rules apply — see sprint.com/termsandconditions. Other Terms: Offer/coverage not available everywhere or for all phones/networks. No discounts apply to plan. May not be combined with other offers. Restrictions apply. See store or sprint.com for details. © 2017 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint & the logo are trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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Manufacturing

Precision Equipment Manufacturing Rolls out Dealer Service Portal Powered by Mize Software

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

M

ize and Precision Equipment Manufacturing have recently announced that Precision Equipment has rolled out Dealer Service Portal powered by Mize Connected Customer Experience Platform and Smart Blox for Registration, Warranty, Parts, and Knowledge.

Precision Equipment Manufacturing is an industry leader known for producing durable trailers for the Agricultural and Construction Industries. The company also manufactures portable heaters that use magnetic fields to generate heat.

"We want to improve both our Quality and Warranty procedures.

The current system we have is hard to work with and doesn't show us the information we are looking for when it comes to both the Quality and Warranty sides," said Dr. Joel Jorgenson, President of Precision Equipment Manufacturing. "We wanted a simple and easy-to-use system for dealers to submit warranty claims, access parts catalogs and service manuals."

Mize Connected Customer Experience Platform, and Smart Blox enable Precision Equipment Manufacturing to support an expanding dealer net-

work nationwide and globally. Mize CX cloud provides simple and cost-effective subscription model for companies with growing dealer network.

Mize offers complete Warranty lifecycle management software in Cloud using SaaS model making it easier for companies to implement the solution quickly and cost-effectively. Using next generation warranty software from Mize, companies can configure different warranty policies, capture accurate claim information, automate claims processing, and track all warranty costs.

"We are excited that Precision Equipment Manufacturing has selected Mize to enable their network with a Service Portal," said Ashok Kartham, CEO of Mize. "Our solution sim-

plifies and unifies warranty, parts and service solution to manufacturers such as Precision Equipment."

Precision Equipment is building Telemetry software into the product allowing for observation and control of heaters operating in remote locations from a cell phone or computer. The software has both preventative and predictive maintenance capabilities, allowing for Precision Equipment to send out a kit to a customer that will fix a problem that hasn't happened yet.

"We have the advanced heating, electronics, and telemetry in our magnetic heating products," said Dr. Joel Jorgenson. "Mize connected customer experience platform will enable us to connect better with dealers, customers, and products to deliver more proactive service."

About Mize Mize enables com-

panies to optimize key post-sale customer interaction events such as product registration, warranty, service plans, parts, support, service, and maintenance to increase customer satisfaction and retention. Mize connected customer experience platform and Smart Blox elevate customer experience and engagement with the customers, build more knowledge about the customers and products, and increase revenue from the existing customer install base. Mize harnesses the web, mobile, cloud, IoT, and analytics technologies to maximize customer lifetime value. Please visit www.m-ize.com for more information.

About Precision Equipment Manufacturing Precision Equipment Manufacturing is an industry leader known for producing durable trailers for the Agricultural and Construction Industries which include side dump, belly dump, end dump, truss roll trailers, and step deck trailers. The company also manufactures portable heaters that use magnetic fields to generate heat. Precision Equipment Manufacturing is in Fargo, North Dakota and has an international dealer network to sell and service the equipment. Please visit www.Precisionequipmfg.com for more information.

Source: Mize

Help Us Shine.

CenterPoint Energy values its diverse suppliers.

Our suppliers include minority-owned and women-owned businesses, as well as small businesses.

We choose diverse suppliers for their capability, safety, innovation, agility and competitive pricing.

In turn, our suppliers create positive economic impact throughout the communities we serve.

Mutually beneficial relationships and forward-thinking approaches offered by quality, diverse suppliers are integral to CenterPoint Energy’s vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value. This is why we welcome and are committed to including diverse suppliers in competitive bid opportunities. Our beacon shines brightly as we guide diverse suppliers to the shores of business opportunity. Learn more at CenterPointEnergy.com/SupplierDiversity.

Over a Century of Trusted Service ©2017 CenterPoint Energy 174168

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Oil and Gas

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush Sends Letter Cosigned by 60+ Texas Leaders to President Trump Advocating for Coastal Barrier

R

ecently Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the inclusion of a coastal barrier system for the Houston/Galveston bay area in his national infrastructure plans.

The letter is cosigned by more than 60 Texas leaders including members of the Texas Legislature, 21 coastal mayors, six county judges, and more than two dozen member of the business and education communities.

"The Texas coast possesses an extensive port system that is crucial not only to the United States' economy but also to our national security," wrote Commissioner Bush.

"Building the proposed coastal barrier system is a historic opportunity to safeguard our nation's economy, our national security and millions of citizens' lives and livelihood."

The letter states the key component of the Texas coast is the Houston and Galveston bay area, which is responsible for 428 million tons of cargo annually. The region is comprised of six counties from Freeport to the eastern border of the state.

The vast, complex area is home to the Port of Houston, the country's second busiest port, providing more than $600 billion a year in direct output to the U.S. economy; the Port of Beaumont, the country's fourth largest port, handling more military cargo than any other port in the U.S.; and Freeport, which is home to the nation's largest Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The area is responsible for more than half of the country's jet fuel, is home to 29% of the country's oil-refining capacity and is the number one supplier of energy products (aviation fuel, gas, etc.) to the U.S. military.

The Houston and Galveston bay area produces more than 3 million direct and indirect jobs nationwide, yet remains largely unprotected

from storm surge nearly a decade after Hurricane Ike devastated the upper coast of Texas, killing 74 people and causing $29.5 billion in damages. The deadly storm was the third most devastating hurricane in U.S. history, which missed the Port of Houston; however, a direct hit from the hurricane would have resulted in more than $100 billion in damages.

The coastal barrier system proposed would be built to a 100-year event standard, and modeling has concluded that it would have prevented 87% of the damages incurred by Hurricane Ike. "Hurricane Ike was a large Category 2 hurricane that changed course at the last minute thus avoiding a direct hit to the Port of Houston," Commissioner Bush wrote.

"That was nearly 10 years ago, and little has been done to protect the area's critical infrastructure. Should the Houston and Galveston bay area sustain a similar or even larger storm, the economic damages to the state and the country would be catastrophic."

The coastal barrier system will require $15 billion in federal funds to protect the vital area. Commissioner Bush explains that the GLO and local leaders are currently working with the Texas Legislature to ensure financial support for the operations and maintenance cost for the coastal barrier system. Since taking office, Commissioner Bush has spent the past two years building support for this protection system among the Texas Congressional delegation, members of the Texas Legislature, local officials, industry and in the communities. The Texas General Land Office is currently working with the Army Corps of Engineers on the development of a barrier system for the region as well as other large-scale projects across the Texas coast.

Source: Texas General Land Office

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Oil and Gas

Railroad Commission of Texas News

Railroad Commissioner Sitton Launches RRC's First Virtual Reality Video Takes Texans on Tour of Drilling Rig

C

ommissioner Ryan Sitton and the Railroad Commission are now using 360-degree technology to take Texans on a virtual reality tour of Texas energy.

Texans can join Commissioner Ryan Sitton and San Antonio District Director Travis Baer on an Eagle Ford Shale drilling rig. The tour takes Texans onto the rig floor, underneath the rig to the blowout protector and even next to a herd of cattle grazing nearby.

The educational tool debuted at Earth Day Texas on April 21.

"This is a fantastic opportunity, where Texans can hear the sounds of a drilling operations and almost reach out and touch the drilling pipe. It's as close as you can get without actually setting foot on a rig," Sitton said.

"One of my goals as Railroad Commissioner is to educate Texans about where their energy comes from and virtual reality tours are a great way to give adults and children an opportunity they wouldn't otherwise have to learn about the oil and gas industry."

The tour gives Texans the opportunity to experience the first step in the oil production process and learn how the Railroad Commission ensures that the operation is conducted safely and responsibly. Viewers start the four-minute tour at the entrance of the rig site and are taken step by step through the main components of the rig.

The tour is free and available on the Railroad Commission's YouTube channel.

Viewers may use iOS or Android, and no virtual reality glasses are necessary.

Viewers using computers should click and drag the mouse to see a 360-degree view.

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42  |  May 2017

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Petrochemical

Bechtel Selected to Deliver Major Petrochemicals Project in Egypt

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

B

echtel, a global leader in engineering, procurement, and construction, announced today that the company has been awarded two contracts by Carbon Holdings of Egypt: one to provide project management services for the Tahrir Petrochemicals Complex at Ain Sokhna, Egypt, and one to build two new polypropylene units at an adjacent site. In its project management role, Bechtel will have oversight of project execution and contractor performance on what will be the largest petrochemicals complex in Egypt.

"For decades we have partnered with customers, contractors, and suppliers in Egypt and the region to safely deliver quality industrial facilities. These awards allow us to continue the legacy with the delivery of world-class facilities for Carbon Holdings," said Joe Thompson, general manager of Bechtel's Downstream and Chemicals business. "At the same time, the project will use goods and services from the United States, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for small businesses in the country."

Basil El Baz, the Chairman and CEO of Carbon Holdings, added, "We are very pleased to be working with Bechtel. The selection of a worldclass contractor is critical to ensuring the successful delivery of a facility as large and as complicated as Tahrir Petrochemicals." "Approximately 20,000 Egyptians will be directly employed during the peak construction phase with approximately 3,000 engineers and technicians being employed during the operations phase."

Bechtel will also design, build and procure all the equipment and materials for the polypropylene production expansion at the complex's existing Oriental Petrochemicals site.

Mr. El-Baz also noted that "This new petrochemical plant will produce the basic materials that shall facilitate the domestic manufacturing of some of the most basic products that are required for the industrialization process. This project shall effectively increase Egypt's overall exports by an estimated 110% - Tahrir Petrochemicals is without a doubt a game changer for the Egyptian economy."

Bechtel has successfully delivered complex petrochemical projects for more than 60 years, including signature projects such as the Borouge Petrochemical Complex in Abu Dhabi, CSPC Nanhai in China, and LP-7 in Canada. The company is currently building an ethylene plant in Texas for ExxonMobil.

Source: Bechtel

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ON THE MOVE Take your company to new heights!

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

San Antonio News

City’s Small Business Economic Development Advocacy Program Annual Report Released Report Finds $208 Million Of City Contracts Paid To Small, Minority And Women-Owned Businesses In Fy 2016 From the City of San Antonio Texas

t

he City of San Antonio is committed to the growth and utilization of local small, minority and women-owned businesses (S/M/WBEs) on City contracts as demonstrated through the implementation of the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program.

In February 2017, the City’s Small Business Office released the SBEDA Program Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2016, which shows that 45 percent, or $208 million, of City contract dollars were paid to S/M/WBEs. The 45 percent utilization rate represents the largest spend the City has conducted with S/M/WBEs since the establishment of the SBEDA Program in 1992, in which a disparity study found that only 10 percent of City contract dollars were paid to S/M/WBEs. When comparing the fiscal year 2016 SBEDA Annual Report to the first SBEDA Annual Report published after the major amendments to the program in 2011, significant progress has been made within each of the five industry categories SBEDA measures. Some highlights include the Architecture & Engineering Industry that progressed from 17 percent to 56 percent S/M/WBE utilization, Professional Services Industry that grew from 5 percent to 31 percent utilization, the Other Services Industry that increased from 2 percent to 47 percent utilization, and Goods & Supplies Industry that improved from 0 percent to 14 percent.

“This latest report highlights many positive indicators and shows the significant progress we’ve made, but we realize there is more work to be done,” said Mayor Ivy R. Taylor. “We strongly believe the recent amendments to the SBEDA Program will further improve the City’s efforts to utilize small, minority, and women-owned businesses on City contracts as we continue working to ensure all groups receive fair presentation across all industries.”

Since the establishment of the SBEDA Program, the City has progressed in utilizing S/M/WBEs on City contracts through various initiatives, most of which were created in 2011. These initiatives include establishing goal-setting committees to ensure the proper SBEDA tools are applied to City contracts, central vendor registry to identify S/M/ WBEs available to work on City contracts, Mentor Protégé Program to build the capacity of S/M/WBEs, and a compliance module to ensure SBEDA guide-

lines are being followed. In July 2016, additional amendments were made to the program that expanded the use of successful tools and incentives that have ensured the use of S/M/WBEs on City contracts.

“City staff carefully vetted potential SBEDA amendments in 2011 and 2016 with a robust outreach program. Staff held individual meetings with numer-

ous stakeholder groups, including professional and trade organizations and chambers of commerce to gather their feedback and communicate the benefits and impact of these amendments,” said City Manager Sheryl Sculley. “The SBEDA program and its tools were supported by the public, and the progress that continues to be made by the City in contracting small, minority and women-

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owned businesses shows our steadfast commitment to growing our local entrepreneurial community.”

In fiscal year 2016, the SBEDA Program impacted nearly 500 local small, minority and women-owned businesses that were able to participate on City contracts at both the prime contractor and subcontractor level.

“The SBEDA Ordinance encourages the utilization of small, minority and women-owned firms,” said Julissa Carielo, President of Tejas Premiere Building Contractor, Inc. and Founder of the Maestro Entrepreneur Center. “I am happy to be a product of that process!”

“As a proud vendor under the city's SBEDA program, we can honestly say that the program has and continues to be a major reason for our success,” said Tony C. Gradney, Owner of Chelsea’s Catering & Bar Service. “The program is well run and fully committed to seeing small firms succeed in the City.”

The SBEDA Program will continue to build the capacity of local businesses and is committed to increasing the use of S/M/WBEs on City contracts across all industries.

For more information, please visit www.sanantonio.gov.

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46 | May 2017

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Transportation

ALEC: “Let the Free Market Operate in Texas Infrastructure” A

new report from a leading Conservative nonprofit argues against the discriminatory legislation being discussed in the Texas Legislature that singles out and targets the Texas Bullet Train by imposing arbitrary and unnecessary limits on the project and the emerging high-tech industry.

“The whole notion of government opining, much less acting, in such a situation is the antithesis of a free market,” The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) report says. “A true free market is about allowing those who are willing to compete in the marketplace without government interference.”

ALEC is a nonprofit Conservative organization made up of state legislators and members of the private sector who draft and share model state legislation throughout the US. Its report examines the case of the Texas Bullet Train and uses it as the primary example for Conservative overreach in the private sector. “…one proposal would expressly discriminate against Texas Central by disallowing the use of eminent domain for any train that goes faster than a certain speed,” it reads. “In a nutshell these efforts are merely designed to use government to hinder the free market.”

It goes on: “To realize a boon to taxpayers, Texas merely has to allow the free market to operate by not expanding government in the form of discrimi-

natory legislation. Currently, Texas has the opportunity to innovate and lead the country in allowing the free market to operate where train travel is concerned.”

The report effectively makes the case for why Conservatives should support this (and other) private investment in public infrastructure, noting that the American Society of Civil Engineers’ “Infrastructure Report Card” rates Texas infrastructure as a “C” despite having more miles of state roads, farmto-market, ranch-to-market, U.S. and interstate highways than any other state.

The report argues that Texas Conservatives should open their arms to all types of investments in state infrastructure, especially private ventures.

“Texas has the opportunity to lead in yet another area by allowing the free market to operate freely. The very clear beneficiaries are the people of Texas who will see increased competition in transportation as well as some relief from exposure to more government expenditure on infrastructure. The state can help define the age of innovation if it believes in freedom itself.”

The Texas Bullet Train will benefit Texans in a myriad of other ways beyond just providing a better, safer travel option between North Texas, the Brazos Valley and Houston, it says.

“The entrepreneurial venture called Texas Central has begun the real work to improve transportation options for Texans. Whether engineering over-

passes for roads, working with landowners or designing inviting and comfortable train cars, Texas Central has invested millions of dollars of private funds already.”

ALEC’s report also cited a recent report by the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, Eminent Domain in Texas: A review of a decade long effort to protect landowners’ rights, which explored the issues related to eminent domain and developing large market-led infrastructure projects like the Texas Bullet Train. You can read the report, here.

The ALEC report only touched on the eminent domain issue, saying: “Of course, a great many public use transportation infrastructure projects ultimately need to use eminent domain to be able to reach completion. Specifically, railroads, including those in Texas, have long had to resort to eminent domain to provide a benefit to the public as have highways and other public infrastructure.”

And, in a commentary published in The Dallas Morning News on April 17, “Why it’s perfectly appropriate to allow a private railroad to use eminent domain,” Texas State Senator Don Huffines expressed his thoughts on the issue.

The market-led approach to the Texas Bullet Train project is what really differentiates it from every other high-speed train system in existence. It’s why it has attracted so much capital from seasoned investors in the Texas economy, and it’s

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a big sign that the demand is already there. The ALEC report argues that it should, therefore, succeed or fail based its merits not because of unnecessary legislative interference.

“In a free market, conservatives should not care about whether the business will be a success. In other words, true conservatives should embrace the free market allowing the market to define success, and separate winners from losers … Those who assert that if the project goes bust the government will step in and take it over have a right to be concerned but do not have a concern with the project.

Instead, they should be concerned about a government that would step in and compete in the private sector.”

Of course, the report itself is about more than just this one railroad project. It’s about the kind of government we Texans want to have – a government that stands back and lets the free market operate or a government that steps in order to influence the process. The authors of the report plant their flags clearly on the side of liberty: “Texas has a long and strong history of believing in freedom, protecting freedom and encouraging freedom.

This is not the time, nor the issue on which it should suddenly pursue restrictive, discriminatory and liberty limiting ways.”

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

May 2017 | 47

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