Subcontractors USA 86th

From left to right: Rene Capistran, CEO / President, Keith Williams, Director of Diversity, Equity and Business Inclusion, Carlos Cabrera, Project Manager, Ricardo Colon, Project Executive, Eric Delgado, Vice President Building Solutions

BEHIND THE JOURNAL

PUBLISHER & CEO

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR

Kimberly Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Émil Flemmon

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Eugenie Doualla

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Erick Fontejon

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Emma Aguiñaga

SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATORS

Bria Casteel

Lindsey Ford

SR. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Chivon Jones

PHOTOGRAPHY

Grady Carter

L.C. Poullard

DISTRIBUTION

Mike Jones

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Betty White

Helen Callier

Subcontractors USA

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Subcontractors USA highlights opportunities and news relevant to the construction, energy, architecture, manufacturing, education, engineering, oil and gas, transportation, and IT industries we serve. We hope you find this issue not only informative, but inspiring and educational as well.

We salute and show value to NOBLE Construction. While their creed may rest on the shoulders of the provision “of general contracting, design-build, construction management, facility maintenance, and development services designed to exceed the expectations of their clients,” the company respects the relationships needed to further initiatives and engage with those in search of opportunity rich in industry knowledge.

Noble Texas Builders, LLC (Noble) is respected, results-driven, and award-winning for its unique and professional approach to the construction

CONTENTS

“As an architect, you build designs for the present with an awareness of the past to create for the future. However, it’s the construction that will forever remain as the pillar for a metric of satisfactory success.”

— SubContractors USA Staff

business. Firmly standing on its core values of trust, teamwork, and community, Noble provides general contracting, design-build, construction management, facility maintenance, and development services designed to exceed the expectations of every client it serves.

Noble was established in 2015 by partners and founders President & CEO Rene Capistran, Vice-Chairman of the Board Patrick Williams, and Vice President & Director of Operations Alfredo Garcia, Jr. Each brings almost 30 years of impressive and extensive knowledge and skills from the construction arena to Noble which has helped build and sustain the company’s solid foundation since its founding.

Fresh off of their First Place National Construction Safety Excellence Awards, NOBLE has proven why safety isn’t just excellence but a lifestyle in the builder’s industry.

OUR SERVICES

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

GRAPHIC DESIGN

• Logos

• Flyers

• Ads

• Folders

• Brochures

• Door Hangers

PRINTING

• Business Cards

• Flyers

• Folders

• Pull-up Banners

• Step and Repeat Banners

• Brochures

• Door Hangers

• Letterhead

• Envelopes

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Headshots

• Event Photography

Online & Email Marketing

Social Media

Advertising

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

ARCHITECTS? NEED TO WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY? Check Out These Recommendation to Maximize Your Efficiency

By Betty White Contributing Writer

If there is one thing that architects often lack, it’s time. Whether they are students or accomplished professionals, there never seems to be enough time to do what needs to be done. So, one of the most important skills an aspiring architect needs is efficient time management. Here are a couple of tips on how to work smarter, not harder, as an architect. Ways to work smarter, not harder, as an architect Depending on what company you work for and your project, your job as an architect can be quite varied. Designing a small home in a U.S. city is quite different from working on skyscrapers in Dubai. Therefore, we won’t go into specific on how to manage your time and your workload. Instead, we will give you some tips that have broad applications. And, with luck, you’ll be able to apply some, if not all of them, to your everyday work.

PLAN OUT YOUR WORK

Almost every architectural project seems daunting at first glance. With all the different elements and tasks, you need to tackle, it is easy to feel the pressure to start working as soon as possible. If you want to work efficiently, you need to control your emotions and create a plan. A comprehensive plan with a clear timeline will help you get organized, calm you down, and keep you focused. Knowing what, when and how things need to be done makes the project seem more straightforward. Furthermore, when designing your plan, you want to make clear checkpoints. At these checkpoints, you want to see whether your plan is coming to fruition and whether you need to make changes. All in all, devising a plan is a necessary first step for any architect.

KEEP TRACK OF TIME

One of the most important concepts to understand is that time is the most valuable resource you have. It, and only it, is completely limited, no matter how crafty or clever you are. So, if you are to work smart, you need to keep close track of it.

First, you need to keep a log of your daily activities. You will see which tasks take up your time and where you are losing. You should log every break, pause, or procrastination. Ideally, you will review your logs every week to find ways to improve your efficiency. The point is not to force yourself to be productive but to find ways to increase your productivity with minimal effort. It takes experimentation and careful time-tracking. For creative aspects of your work, you want to make good use of your flow state. Recognizing when you have the mental capacity to undertake creative endeavors and doing so are necessary traits of an efficient architect. If you have multiple similar tasks on your hands, try to do them simultaneously or in close succession. That way, you can keep your mind on the same track and ensure maximum productivity.

MANAGE YOUR INFORMATION

If you aspire to be as efficient as possible, you need to manage your information with great care. First, you need to avoid useless meetings. Learn how to express yourself clearly through messages. This will not only save you time but also help you develop trust with customers. Secondly, you need to gather information before you start working on a project. The more experience you have, the more you will know which information you will need to get. But, until that day comes, try to at least consider the project at hand and predict your future needs.

If you need to relocate items, read about relocation on usmovingexperts.com. If you need extra tools, see which companies can help you in your area. Furthermore, don’t shy away from consulting with more experienced colleagues, especially if you are on friendly terms.

KNOW YOUR TOOLS INSIDE OUT

Depending on how complicated your project is, you might need to use different tools. For 3D modeling, you will probably resort to AutoCad, while photoshop is likely your option for 2D design.

Apart from this, you are likely to use some scheduling and organization software to get everyone involved up to speed. The one thing that remains the same for all these tools is that you need to know them inside out. They all have shortcuts, ease-of-use techniques, and hidden availabilities that you are likely not aware of. And pretty much all of these can save you valuable time. So, do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with these tools as much as possible.

AUTOMATE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

The last way in which you can increase your efficiency is to identify and then automate the tasks that can be automated. This is one of the best ways to work smarter, not harder, as an architect. If you send similar emails regularly, consider making a template that you can quickly fill out. If your software requires you to do numerous repetitive tasks, look up ways to automate them.

Most new construction management software allows for a decent amount of automation, especially for simple tasks. So don’t shy away from doing some research. A bit of programming can go a long way.

As you’ve probably noticed by now, to work smarter, not harder, as an architect, you need to have a fair bit of self-reflection. Don’t expect that you will exponentially increase your productivity overnight. Instead, use different ways to gradually increase your efficiency and note down the improvements.

After a couple of projects, you won’t be able to recognize yourself.

For more information, please visit: architectstraininginstitute.com.

Information gained through experience is always welcomed.

BREAKING BARRIERS: National Hispanic Contractors

Association’s Patronas Program Aims to Empower

Women in Construction

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The National Hispanic Contractors Association (NAHICA) announces the formation of a new program called PATRONAS to help women in construction consolidate their businesses. The President of NAHICA, Sergio Terreros, stated that this program is just the beginning of a whole new industry emerging and NAHICA will ensure that all women in the construction industry have the path to success.

PATRONAS by NAHICA

PATRONAS is a program designed to provide support and resources to women-owned businesses in the construction industry. The program offers mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and access to capital to help women consolidate their businesses and succeed in the construction industry.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise only 10% of the construction industry workforce. However, the number of women-owned

construction businesses has been steadily increasing in recent years. NAHICA recognizes the potential of these businesses and the need to support them in their growth and success.

“We believe that women-owned businesses are an important part of the construction industry, and we want to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to thrive. PATRONAS is just the beginning of what we hope will be a new era of success and growth for women in the construction industry,” president of NAHICA Sergio Terreros said in a statement. The program launched on May 11th, 2023. NAHICA invites all women-owned businesses in the construction industry to join the PATRONAS program and take advantage of its resources and support.

About National Hispanic Contractors Association (NAHICA): NAHICA is a national nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, education, and networking opportunities to Hispanic-owned businesses in the construction industry. NAHICA is dedicated to promoting the growth and success of Hispanic-owned businesses and advocating for their inclusion in the industry.

For more information about PATRONAS and NAHICA, visit www.nahica.org or contact Jacqueline Pineda at 832-650-0001 or info@nahica.org

Source: NAHICA.org

NAHICA will make sure that all women in the construction industry have the path for success.

STAY INFORMED: CENTRO SAN ANTONIO'S

of the construction going on downtown, so we built a map to track it all.” He added, “This tool pulls all information together in one easily accessible place for anyone to explore.”

All the data helping Centro is prepared from numerous outlets such as CoStar, a commercial real estate market analysis firm, City of San Antonio departments such as Development Services and Public Works and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the San Antonio Report.

Users can also submit updates on opportunities and information in support of availability. Things such as the latest apartment buildings, hotels, street repairs, cultural amenities and flood control options will be accessible on Centro’s map.

Since 2019, 62 private projects have been completed, remains in construction, or planned for the CBD area costing over $2 billion. Moreover, 40 projects on the publicsector side have already seen completion, still ongoing or planned nearing $2.5 billion.

“This has been a long need downtown,” said Sarah Esserlieu Khalil, Centro’s economic development director, who spearheaded the project with her team. It’s the only tool she has seen that includes both public and private sector development. She added,

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Centro San Antonio has created an online portal to help those in construction be aware of opportunities in the downtown area.

The Catalytic Projects Web Page, posted on Centro’s site, will showcase a mapped outline for planned developments and current projects in the city’s central business district in addition to other areas. The map will survey public and private sector projects. Not only will the portal be efficient but will enable others to be kept current with what’s available.

Matt Brown, president, and CEO of Centro said, “We often get questions about all

EYE ON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Centro’s database will also provide updates for ongoing developments in three different downtown areas: Hemisfair, Broadway Corridor and the Alamo area and the Zona Cultural and Downtown UTSA area. Khalil claims other projects will possibly be in the works later for expansion.

She continued, “I would love to take this to be much more focused on the regional center as a whole.” However, this would be contingent on if the Lone Star district development launches alongside the East Side by the bioscience accelerator VelocityTX. Check out CentroSanAntonio.org to get the information needed on where to go and elevate your goals.

Source: Centro San Antonio

The scope of contracting opportunities encompasses a wide variety of projects and services, including, but not limited to: • Architecture • Engineering •

I think because we have such a sizable level of investment from the public sector from the 2017 bond and then again in 2022 that it’s helpful to have both… so we wanted it to be kind of unique and useful and usable.

Female Construction Workers?

Check Out Some of the Best Areas to Work In the Country

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Construction is often overlooked as a career opportunity by women. Yet, the industry offers female construction workers a wide range of jobs and one of the lowest gender pay gaps. The industry is rebounding towards pre-pandemic workforce levels and is expected to grow because of the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, too.

CONSTRUCTION WORK

Cities in the South and West offer some of the best opportunities for female construction workers, according to researchers at Construction Coverage. In some areas, the percentage of women employed in construction was more than double the national average of 11%. In Sandy Point, GA, a suburb of Atlanta, for example, 30% of its construction workforce are women.

Metropolitan areas may offer more opportunities from the sheer volume of construction jobs available. Minneapolis, Minnesota, the top city in the Construction Coverage analysis, had a 19.1% female employment share with almost 1,300 women construction workers. Seattle, Washington came in second with 17.6% of the workforce and nearly 2,700 female construction workers. San Francisco, California, had a 17% share and nearly 3,000 female construction workers.

Recently, the Washington Post analyzed Bureau of Labor Statistics data and found

that Washington, D.C. had a higher share of women holding construction-industry jobs (17.6%) than any state. Arizona and Texas were also in the top 3.

WAGES

Most female construction workers are employed in professional, administrative, or office positions, such as project management, human resources, or sales. According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, women in the U.S. earn on average 82.9 percent of what men make. However, in construction occupations women earn on average 95.5 percent of what men make.

Alaska had the highest actual median annual wage for women in the construction industry, $61,614, according to Construction Coverage. This is nearly $10,000 more than the median annual wage for women in all occupations in the state ($51,541). In Vermont, the median annual wage for women in the construction industry was $54,340, also nearly $10,000 more than the median annual wage for women in all occupations ($45,734).

CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR FEMALE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Whether you are in the North or the South, East or West, a metropolitan area or a small town, NAWIC provides opportunities for connection, education, and leadership development for female construction workers, including:

• The Annual Conference held in August features professional and personal development sessions, opportunities to learn about the latest trends and cutting-edge technology, and networking with professionals from all over the country. Learn more about the 2023 Many Paths, One Mission conference here.

• The NAWIC Education Foundation provides professional certification programs for career advancement, as well as programs to introduce the next generation to the construction industry. Learn more here.

• A wealth of education resources is available on the website at nawic.org.

• Local chapter membership provides additional opportunities for professional development as well as support, mentorship, and networking. Find a chapter near you here.

Source: NAWIC.org

SAN ANTONIO ALLOCATES FEDERAL COVID-19

RELIEF FUNDS TO STRENGTHEN BUSINESSES

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

ity Council approved five partnership agreements to support San Antonio small businesses. The services to be provided through these agreements will help local small businesses increase resiliency and address issues highlighted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Local small businesses are the backbone of San Antonio, and we are proud to support new programs to promote their longevity and growth,” said City Manager Erik Walsh.

Through targeted investments and strategic partnerships, San Antonio small businesses will have improved access to the following services:

• Business owner development and coaching for growth stage companies

• Low or no fee microlending to increase access to capital

• Reduced-cost support services including legal, human resources, and accounting

• Assistance to establish a commercial web presence

• Additional networking and professional support through a personalized outreach program

The funding and priority areas are guided by the $30.95 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Small Business Implementation Plan approved by City Council in June 2022. Partners were selected through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The total cost of these awards is $5.05 million.

ANNOUNCED AWARDEES INCLUDE:

• Herospace Digital Consulting

• LISC San Antonio on behalf of the Business Development Organization Alliance

• Maestro Entrepreneur Center

• Prosper West San Antonio

• San Antonio for Growth on the East Side (SAGE)

These contracts follow last year’s emergency COVID-19 Impact small business grants funded by $17 million in ARPA State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Contracts take effect in April 2023 and run through November 2025.

Source: SA.GOV

More than Bricks & Mortar

As one of the nation’s largest builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it’s ingrained in our company culture. We are devoted to making contributions that not only strengthen the local economy, but also reflect the demographics of the community at large.

Turner is proud to celebrate our 33rd year of The Turner School of Construction Management in partnership with The City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to grow capacity in Small, Minority and Women owned enterprises in the communities where we work.

These new federally funded programs will increase access to capital, support services, web presence, and other assistance for our local small businesses.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Noble Texas Builders is still riding high off their big win for the Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA) honor. The accolade is a continued recognition of contractors excelling in safety performance at the Associated General Contractors of America’s (AGC) national convention in Las Vegas in April.

Recent findings from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that falls, slips, and trips accounted for 35.3 percent of workplace deaths within construction and extraction occupations in 2020. Although falls are the leading cause of death for construction laborers, workers in this occupation encounter other exposures that result in injuries and deaths. With the spotlight on constructionrelated injuries and deaths, the CSEA remains diligent in honoring contractors and construction companies committed to safety and occupational health management and risk control.

This year, Noble Texas Builders, LLC (Noble) brought home the gold against some major contenders, earning the 1st Place Construction Safety Excellence Award. “This national award is an incredible honor for a company as young as Noble. Our employees know what our safety goals are and work hard to ensure safety is our primary focus.

Our senior management will continue to challenge our employees to improve safety and mental health and come up with new ideas to promote it,

Rene Capistran,

with a requirement to be OSHA 30 Certified by the end of their first year with Noble. In addition, Noble’s Leadership Academy, with a developed curriculum covering virtually every critical aspect of the construction business, was a driving force to help Noble secure the top honor.

“This awards competition is like the Super Bowl of the construction industry. Receiving this honor on the national level shows the efforts of our field teams are effective to ensure everyone goes home safely every day,” Capistran said.

Unlike other safety award programs, CSEA’s selection process is considerably comprehensive. Noble was judged on employee participation, safety training, work site hazard ID and control, and safety program innovation. Founded in 2015, Noble is a young company that was up against other companies more advanced in years, so this award solidifies its position as an innovator in safety programs with a proven commitment to the highest safety standards in construction as the company progresses.

Noble is respected, results-driven, and awardwinning for its unique and professional approach to the construction business. Firmly standing on its core values of trust, teamwork, and community, Noble provides general contracting, design-build, construction management, facility maintenance, and development services designed to exceed the expectations of every client it serves.

Noble was established in 2015 by partners and founders President & CEO Rene Capistran, Vice-Chairman of the Board Patrick Williams, and Vice President & Director of Operations Alfredo Garcia, Jr. Each brings

ALWAYS LOOKING FORWARD

almost 30 years of impressive and extensive knowledge and skills from the construction arena to Noble, which has helped build and sustain the company’s solid foundation since its founding. Together, their leap of faith eight years ago along with their experienced staff and employees has been a driving force behind Noble’s success and commitment to the industry, each client project, and the communities they serve through the Noble Charities Foundation.

Headquartered in La Feria, Texas, with offices in San Antonio and Houston, Noble performs quality work for education, government, healthcare, and retail sectors statewide. The company’s services include general contracting, design-build, construction management, development, and facilities maintenance services.

Noble doesn’t just meet expectations. Their services and standards are designed to exceed the expectations of every unique client’s requirement. The company has achieved impressive growth, starting with three employees, and rising from a small to

a medium-sized construction company that remains a strong contender in its competitive market.

Safety is fundamental in Noble’s daily operations, and it recently earned the First Place Construction Safety Excellence Award at the Associated General Contractors of America’s national convention. Though the core values of Noble are trust, teamwork, and community, safety is embedded in all three. From the management to their field team,

Noble’s President and CEO.

Noble’s comprehensive safety program, use of 360-degree cameras (NobleSpace), safety record, and other technology, set Noble’s program apart from the stiff competition. Also, all employees are OSHA 10 Certified

BUILDERS: & EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

safety is at the forefront of every project.

Noble believes that no job is so important that it can’t be done safely, and proper planning will always enable the execution of safe performance. “Noble’s job is to ensure that every single day our team goes home safely.

for safety excellence,” Capistran said.

Some of Noble’s most recent recognitions and awards include:

• Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum 2022 Minority Contractor of the Year

• ABC Diamond Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) Award for Safety

“I can’t imagine being anywhere else. The values I hold dear align so beautifully with those of Noble in their commitment to the culture of giving together and growing together," Blouch said with enthusiasm. "As a woman who came in so long ago, there was still that stigma that a woman didn’t belong in the field of construction,” said Blouch.

“I’m so glad to see the doors that were shut to me opening freely at Noble not only for me, but for the future of other young women in construction. I’m proud to be a part of Noble promoting these avenues for a more diverse workforce.”

The same level of service they bring to the construction industry is brought into the impactful work they do through the foundation. Their efforts of volunteerism, charity, and educational advocacy have earned them Governor Greg Abbott‘s Community Impact Award among other honors.

When asked about Noble’s current impact and work in the Houston and San Antonio area, new projects and developments are top priority. “We’ve been working diligently on several client projects in Houston and the surrounding areas." Most recently, Noble has been working on University of Houston, Houston Community College, and San Jacinto College campuses, providing general contracting services, and supporting the institutions to improve the educational environment for students and faculty.

Noble's collaboration with the University of Houston's Scholars Walk has created a fluid pathway for faculty, students, and visiting guests highlighting the contributory

accomplishments of researchers from the institution.

In San Antonio, Noble recently completed a restoration of the historic mural at San Antonio’s Lila Cockrell Theatre. The project site was within the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center complex, located along the River Walk. Serving as the general contractor, Noble put a team together to perform extensive roof repairs and mural restoration for the project. Located at the top of the theatre is A Confluence of Civilizations, one of San Antonio’s biggest and most notable pieces of public art. Unlike most large-scale murals, this masterpiece

This includes all subcontractors, suppliers, clients, architects, and anyone who is involved in the project and visits and works on-site. We take safety very, very seriously. We have a passion for what we do, and we are always looking for ways to improve. We have taken what we have learned from working at other companies, incorporated best management practices, then created new ways to improve and develop programs unique to Noble. We continue to challenge our employees and leadership to come up with innovative ways

• Texas Workforce Commission “We Hire Vets” Recognized Employer

Every day, Noble stands on its mission to “Inspire hope, improve lives, and strengthen the communities we live in.” Noble’s genuine spirit of philanthropy and unity inspires their team to make a difference and immerse themselves into the fabric of our communities.

Christine Blouch serves as the Executive Director of the Noble Charities Foundation, the company’s 501(c)(3). Blouch has been with Noble for seven of its eight years coming in as the first female employee. Noble now employes 13 women.

was created by placing 540 panels of nearly 500,000 multi-colored stones imported from Mexico.

Our San Antonio team is also working on the Texas A&M University-San Antonio, University of Texas San Antonio and Alamo colleges campuses.

We are proud of our work through the Noble Charities Foundation and the positive impact made over the years through the selfless efforts of our staff, employees, and company leadership. Noble’s impressive work spans different service areas and industries, but it is all connected through commonalities between all the projects they take on. Clients can trust that the builder’s platform will give their project 100%, deliver best-in-class results, and do it all with a smile because they love what they do. The company looks forward to what is ahead as it continues to build and sustain secure and lifelong relationships and build quality facilities that serve and empower our communities.

For more information about Noble Texas Builders, LLC, please call (956) 277-0708, email info@nobletx.com, or visit: www.nobletx.com.

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION INVESTS $16 MILLION

IN CRITICAL MINERALS PRODUCTION

right here in America that will help the nation reach the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

Today’s funding will support a first-in-the-nation facility that will convert legacy fossil fuel waste into a domestic source of critical minerals needed to strengthen our clean energy supply chains, said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is helping reduce our overreliance on adversarial nations and positioning the country as a global manufacturing leader—while supporting communities that have helped power our nation for generations.”

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $16 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring critical

mineral supply chains to America and reduce reliance on competitors like China. The funding will support projects in West Virginia and North Dakota for the development of a first-of-a-kind rare earth element and critical minerals extraction and separation refinery. Rare earth elements and other critical minerals and materials are key to manufacturing clean energy technologies

CONSTRU’S USAGE OF AI TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE GAME IN THE U.S. MARKET

The United States imports more than 80% of its rare earth elements and critical minerals to produce clean energy technologies and other indispensable products that we rely on every day such as smart phones, computers, and medical equipment. Across the country, there are billions of tons of coal waste and ash, mine tailings, acid mine drainage, and discharged water. These waste streams from mining, energy production, and related activities contain a wide variety of valuable rare earth elements and other critical minerals that can be produced and used to build clean energy technologies, while helping to create healthier environments for communities across the country.

Source: Energy.gov

performance on construction projects.

Designed specifically for the construction and development sector, the technology tracks more than 250 elements of a construction project and offers actionable insights to help control costs, optimize team and process efficiencies, and identify discrepancies and quality issues.

Constru's revolutionary software platform, which is considered the most granular in the market, uses nextgeneration computer vision to turn captured jobsite imagery into insightful analytics that drives better

Herrala said. "It is customizable to each company's work process and shows project progress with pinpoint accuracy. It has everything they need to work smarter, not harder."

To support its continued growth and entry into the U.S. market, the company is currently hiring for a variety of onsite and remote positions, including roles in construction, engineering, and sales. Visit the Constru Careers page for more information about available positions.

"The U.S. construction market is thriving right now, and we're excited to be establishing a footprint here," said Herrala. "We're contractors ourselves, and we understand the pain points construction and development teams are feeling right now. The current workforce just isn't large enough to sustain the pace of growth, and we know our technology can help get projects completed ahead of schedule and under budget.”

For more information, please visit constru.ai.

Source: Constru

Constru, a leader in breakthrough computer vision technology for the construction sector, recently announced its entrance into the U.S. market with the opening of a new headquarters in Chicago as well as offices in New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Austin.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The U.S. expansion is led by Constru Chief Revenue Officer Jessica Herrala, a 25-year veteran of the construction industry. Herrala, who joined Constru in 2021, has held leadership roles at Skanska USA, The Walsh Group, and Clayco.

The Constru operating system is designed to give users access to the data they need to reduce project risk and better manage the production process,

complete their four-year education on the same HCC campus."

It wasn’t until Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Senate Bill 2118 into law during 2017, they gave room for HCC to have a bachelor’s-level degree program. The school is a Level 2 baccalaureate-granting institution and didn’t receive approval for their initiatives until five years after the bill went into effect. This permitted the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to let junior colleges offer programs tailored for a bachelor’s degree in nursing, applied science and applied technology.

Prior to their advanced program, HCC was the first college in Texas to only offer an associate degree in artificial intelligence. Zen Zheng, HCC’s Director of Communications believes the program will be aid in the progressive state as to how technology is rapidly taking over,

HCC to Offer Bachelor's Degrees for the First Time in Fall 2023

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

It looks like Houston Community College will add a bachelor’s degree program for students beginning in the fall of 2023. This will be a historic moment for the school given it’s the first time in history that a program has been employed for students.

The four-year programs will have a curriculum designed for Applied Technology in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Applied Science in Healthcare Management.

Cesar Maldonado, HCC’s Chancellor spoke on the value of the program saying, "We are continually exploring ways to provide relevant programs and instruction that serve the needs of students and employers in our service area.” He added, "With these two inaugural bachelor's degree programs, we give students an opportunity to start and

Zheng said in an April 12 news release. Zheng added that graduates of the newly developed program will enter a workforce with over 2,000 annual job opening opportunities in the Gulf Coast area. What’s even better is that the average salary is $97,200.

With the new addition, the program’s availability is for current students and others attending different colleges and universities. However, to qualify, students must have already met the first two-year background prerequisites of their respective degrees.

Source: Houston Community College

The new Bachelor of Applied Technology in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will address a growing and critical need for skilled workers in a rapidly evolving technical field,

TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE AWARDS $6 MILLION FOR

PROJECTS ACROSS SEVEN COASTAL COUNTIES

“As a Texan who grew up near the coast and lived in Galveston for more than a decade —preserving our state’s precious shorelines and their communities is a top priority of mine,”

said Commissioner Buckingham. “It is an honor to be able to award such well-deserved funding to these incredible projects through our Coastal Management Program (CMP). From assessing how major storms impact coastal erosion and restoring dunes on public beaches, to expanding the Oyster Shell Recycling Program and developing smart, self-sustaining early-warning systems for coastal flooding, these projects will benefit Texas’ coastal communities for generations to come.”

Eleven of these projects, approximating $1.4 million in federal funds, will improve the management of the state's coastal resources and ensure the long-term ecological and economic productivity of the coast using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funds. The projects awarded will improve amenities for greater beach access in several locations and provide greater resources to collect critical information to improve coastal management.

The other four “Projects of Special Merit” will receive approximately $4.6 million in state funds through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. The bulk of these projects will provide money for continued partnerships between the GLO, partner agencies and research universities to improve coastal water quality and increase public beach access.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

ommissioner Buckingham, M.D. is excited to announce that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) has awarded $6 million for projects across seven coastal counties through its Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant Cycle 28.

The CMP focuses on four primary issues of concern to coastal communities: public access enhancement, data collection, coastal hazard, and resiliency planning, and coastal resource improvements.

More information on the GLO’s CMP grant application process can be found here. A list of counties and projects receiving grants this cycle can be found at Glo. Texas.Gov by clicking on Coast and then Grant Projects.

Source: Texas General Land Office

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO EDUCATE MIDWEST EMPLOYERS

AND WORKERS ON EXCAVATION SAFETY

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Thirty-nine people died doing trench or excavation work in the U.S. in 2022 – four in Illinois and two others in Ohio. In fact, the number of worker fatalities more than doubled since 2021, continuing a troubling trend cited by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that found 166 workers died in trench cave-ins from 2011-2018, an average of 21 each year.

To address injuries and fatalities in the industry, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is launching an outreach campaign in its Midwest region today to work directly with employers, workers, state agencies and industry associations to reduce and prevent serious injuries and fatalities suffered by workers in one of the nation's most hazardous industries.

By launching this trench and excavation safety campaign as the spring construction season gets into full swing, OSHA and its partners are determined to make sure industry workers finish their daily shifts safely,

Donovan added.

In 2022, OSHA conducted 311 trenching and excavation inspections at sites in Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin. Six of the inspections followed incidents in which workers suffered fatalities after falling into a trench, being pinned between equipment, trapped by a cave-in, or asphyxiated by naturally occurring, hazardous gases in the trench. Industry employers and workers should remember the following essential trench safety standards:

Protective systems must be in place for trenches 5-feet deep or deeper. These systems include benching, sloping, shoring, and shielding.

explained OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan in Chicago. "With proper training and use of required safety procedures, incidents like these can be prevented. OSHA and industry employers are working hard to raise awareness of hazards and protective measures and educate employers on how they must protect workers."

The new campaign is a collaboration between OSHA and on-site consultation projects across OSHA Region 5 including: Illinois On-site Consultation Program, Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration and INSafe: Safety and Health Consultation; Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Michigan Consultative Services; Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Minnesota Workplace Safety Consultation Program; Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation On-Site Consultation Program; Wisconsin On-Site Consultation Program, as well as trenching and excavation industry employers and other stakeholders such as the National Utility Contractors Association, Wisconsin Utility Contractors Association.

A registered professional engineer must approve trenches of 20-feet deep or deeper. A competent person must inspect trenches daily – and as conditions change – before anyone enters a trench. The competent person must be able to identify existing and predictable hazards, soil types and protective systems, and have authority to take prompt corrective action to eliminate those hazards.

Excavated soil must be kept at least two feet from trench edges.

Underground utilities must be located and marked before digging begins. Ladders must be positioned every 25 feet of lateral travel for safe entrance and exit from the trench.

OSHA has a national emphasis program on preventing trenching and excavation collapses and developed a series of compliance assistance resources in English and Spanish to help keep workers safe from these hazards.

OSHA's trenching and excavation webpage provides additional information on trenching hazards and solutions. including a safety video and safety alert.

OSHA participates in the National Utility Contractors Association Trench Safety Month each June.

Source: osha.gov

"A trench collapse can bury workers under thousands of pounds of soil and rocks in seconds, making escape and survival often impossible,"

NAVIGATING FORT WORTH PERMITTING: 3 THINGS CONTRACTORS MUST KNOW

process and the city's requirements before applying.

Working with a permit expediter like Permit Us Now can help streamline the process and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted correctly and on time. A permit expediter can also help you navigate the city's regulations and requirements, ensuring that your application is compliant, and your project is approved as quickly as possible.

FORT WORTH HAS STRICT BUILDING CODES

Fort Worth has strict building codes that must be followed when constructing or renovating a building. These codes cover everything from the height and placement of the building to the materials used in construction. Failure to comply with these codes can lead to permit denials, delays, or fines.

As a contractor, you must familiarize yourself with these codes and ensure your plans comply before submitting your application. Working with a permit expediter can help ensure that your plans meet all the city's codes and regulations, avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring your permits are approved on time.

PERMIT FEES CAN BE COSTLY

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

We’re excited about pulling building permits for Architects, Contractors, and Project Owners across the state of Texas. And to support our clients and the industry, we are kicking off a 6-part series to assist contractors with upcoming projects in Fort Worth, Texas.

Here’s what we know, if you're a contractor in Fort Worth, pulling permits is an essential part of the construction process. However, navigating the permitting process can be complicated and time-consuming, and mistakes can lead to costly delays. Below are three things’ contractors should know before pulling permits in the City of Fort Worth.

THE PERMITTING PROCESS CAN BE COMPLICATED

The permitting process in Fort Worth can be complex and time-consuming, with a lot of paperwork and regulations to navigate. Each permit has its own set of requirements and may require multiple inspections. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the

The fees associated with pulling permits in Fort Worth can be a significant cost for contractors. These fees can vary depending on the type of permit and the size and scope of the project. It's important to factor these fees into your project budget and ensure they are paid on time to avoid delays or fines.

Working with a permit expediter can help ensure that you are aware of all the fees associated with your project and that they are paid on time. A permit expediter can also help you navigate the city's fee structure and ensure you are not overcharged.

In Conclusion

In summary, pulling permits in Fort Worth is a necessary but complex process that requires a lot of paperwork and adherence to strict regulations. However, working with a permit expediter can help simplify the process and ensure your project is approved without delay.

At PermitUsNow, we are committed to pulling permits for our architect, contractor, and project owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Plus, we make it easy for you to work with us.: 1) Email us your plans, 2) Follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and 3) Let us get your permitting done for you. So, send us your plans today, and we will free your time to focus on doing what you love—building your customers' dreams. Call 1.844. PERMIT.4 to get started! #BuildSafe

CAPMETRO EXPANDS THEIR PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM BY CREATING JOBS FOR TRANSIT AMBASSADORS

By SubContractorsUSA News Provider

Capital Metro officials shared hiring goals and program expectations at the March 27 board meeting for the CapMetro Transit Police Department.

“Starting a police department is no small task, but it is desperately needed for CapMetro,” Transit Police Chief Administrator Eric Robins said. “The most important thing about this is getting it right, and so I definitely do not want to rush this process.”

CapMetro launched its Public Safety Program in August 2021. The program features three major components, including public safety ambassadors, intervention specialists and a transit police department. Here is their progress on each branch of the Public Safety Program.

TRANSIT POLICE DEPARTMENT

The completion of the Transit Police Department facility is scheduled for early 2024, Robins said. This facility will be located at 8200 Cameron Road, Austin, and serve as a hub for the department.

The goal for hiring in 2023 includes five sworn transit police officers and three civilian officers, Robins said. The force plans to have 46 sworn transit police officers along with 11 civilian officers by 2027. Several positions in the organization necessary to get the program off the ground are now filled, but CapMetro is also still in the process of hiring an assistant chief, Robins said.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, or TCOLE, requires agencies to have certain policies and a policy manual in place before beginning operation, including policies on biased based profiling, use of force, missing persons, a code of conduct and others. Those policies are currently in the process of development, Robins said. Input on the policies and manual will be provided by the Public Safety Advisory Committee, which was

established alongside the police force in 2021. The goal is to get the policies to the advisory committee in April, Robins said. CapMetro will also get the Transit Police Department accredited with TCOLE to ensure policies meet industry standards, which is required to start police operations, Robins said.

In addition to hiring and policy development, the Transit Police Department will work on the upcoming year’s budget, recruiting and the acquisition of equipment such as radios, body cameras and cars, Robins said.

PUBLIC SAFETY AMBASSADORS

Public safety ambassadors are the main point of contact for bus riders. Ambassadors respond to calls for service from riders and employees, complete area checks of bus stops and ride the bus system. Individuals in this role also complete welfare checks and direct calls to the appropriate authority in the event of an emergency.

The first team of eight ambassadors began October 2021, and CapMetro has since hired a second team as well, CapMetro Director of Security Darryl Jamail said. The final goal for hiring is to have three teams of eight for 24 total public safety ambassadors who switch off in shifts, Jamail said. The department is hoping to hire on the third team this summer, according to CapMetro.

In its first full year, the public safety ambassadors had over 39,000 customers and almost 20,000 employees contact them for support, according to data from CapMetro.

INTERVENTION SPECIALISTS

While public safety ambassadors are the first point of contact for riders, they will escalate issues to the proper team if necessary. Intervention specialists work with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health concerns, substance abuse and other community issues. Two intervention specialists began in October 2021 and added a third intervention specialist to the team in fiscal year 2023, Jamail said.

COST OF THE PROGRAM

Prior to the intended formation of its own force, CapMetro relied on off-duty Austin Police Department officers to staff security roles for the transit system. Since establishing the Public Safety Program, some of the funds used for off-duty police officers have been transitioned to Public Safety Ambassadors and intervention specialists, according to CapMetro documents. Although running an in-house police force will cost more than outsourcing officers, the amount of funding allocated for officers before was not representative of the need in CapMetro, Board President and CEO Dottie Watkins said.

“Using an off-duty Austin police officer model, we haven't been able to staff to the level that we've needed, so we've budgeted for what we could get and in many cases we budget for more than we can get in the hopes that maybe one day we'll be able to get the resources that we need,” Watkins said. “What we have been budgeting for public safety support has been artificially constrained by the availability of officers to support us.”

Source: CapMetro

STEADY CONTAINER EXPORT GROWTH FOR PORT OF HOUSTON

LOADED CONTAINER EXPORTS UP 26% THROUGH 2023

By SubContractorsUSA News Provider

Activity across Port Houston’s docks remains steady through March with total tonnage through the eight public terminals up 4% year to date, reaching 12,850,330 short tons. Amidst a nationwide softening of imports, in March, Port Houston continued to see significant demand in loaded export containers. Loaded export volumes at Port Houston reached 349,964 TEUs year-to-date, an increase of 26% in the first quarter of this year compared to last and 10% up compared to March 2022. In fact, this was the highest monthly volume for loaded exports in Port Houston’s history. Empty import volumes also increased by 111% for the month compared to March 2022, as carriers reposition containers to Houston to meet the high demand for resin and petrochemical exports. Port Houston is the nation’s number one port for resins exports, with a 59% share of U.S. resins exports and 73% share of U.S. PE exports in 2022.

Despite a 3% decline in total TEUs in March, container volumes through Port Houston are on track to hit 1 million TEUs earlier in the year than ever before. In Q1 2023, Port Houston handled 934,031 TEUs, or an increase of 3% compared to last year.

“We continue to see the softening of import demand across the U.S. and in Houston as well, where loaded import container TEUs at Port Houston’s terminals were down 12% in March. However, total throughput is offset by the strong export market we have in Houston and our ability to provide both export and import customers excellent customer service, skilled labor, and an efficient gateway,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston.

Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal is preparing for the arrival of three new STS cranes and the completion of Wharf 6 later this year. Port Houston’s Barbours Cut Container Terminal is also undergoing various improvements, with seven new RTGs arriving this November and seven in January 2024.

In addition to planned $1.4 billion in landside infrastructure investments over the next five years, Port Houston recently announced the completion of the first segment of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11. Segment 1A, which includes eleven and a half miles in the Bay, was completed on schedule and on budget and is expected to help increase safety, reduce congestion, and improve vessel transit times by approximately an hour by reducing daylight restrictions. Port Houston’s multipurpose facility also experienced strength in volumes in March, recording the best month for steel since 2015, at 461,552 tons and up 15% compared to the same month last year. The terminals also saw exponential growth in lumber, with an increase of 5,142% year-to-date, and auto import units were up 35% thus far this year compared to last.

Source: Port of Houston