Subcontractors USA Journal 25

SUBCONTRACTORS

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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

April 2018 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 25th Edition

EProven Contractors Integrity & Excellence In General Contracting

16-17

INSIDE

10

Healthcare Costs Too High? There’s an app for that!

04

How to get certified with the National Minority Supplier Development Council

28

Business Opportunities: Texas Central Railroad, LLC.

2 | April 2018

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Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

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

This month’s issue spotlights E Contractors USA. E Contractors USA is a general contractor that provides services for commercial and municipal construction projects.

Their impressive client roster includes school districts, colleges and universities, municipalities and other

Behind the Journal

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.

– Booker T. Washington

federal and state departments.

E Contractors built their reputation on the virtues of honesty, professionalism and experience. By keeping projects under budget and on time, E Contractors USA is clearly the difference between a successful project and a costly one.

As always, thank you for your continued support of 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.

our services

contents

Publisher & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.

04 Education 04 How to Get Certified with the National Minority Supplier Development Council 04 Steps to Finding the Perfect Subcontractor

COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd

06 Construction 06 Construction Employment Rises in 35 States and D.C. from February 2017 to February 2018; Industry Adds Jobs in 38 States Since January 06 06 Turner Construction Company Recognized as #1 Construction Manager for Healthcare 08 Manhattan Construction Company Wins Top National Safety Award from Associated Builders and Contractors 10 Healthcare Costs Too High? There’s an App for That!

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tiffany Black PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGN Angel Rosa Project CoordinatorS Keyana Pratt Alexis Wagner DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lea Bogle Freddie Allen Subcontractors USA News Provider

12 Engineering 12 ARGO Data Resource, GXA Network Solutions and The Wilkins Group Partner with Richland College for $523,089 Job-Training Grant 11 Oil and Gas 11 Anadarko Petroleum Gears Up for $4.5 Billion in 2018 Capital Spending, an Industrial Info News Alert

12

16-17 Cover Story 16-17 E Contractors: Proven Integrity & Excellence in General Contracting 16-17 22 Petrochemical 22 Panelists Discuss Diversity and Inclusion in the Petrochemical Industry 26 Transportation 26 Port Houston Recipient of U.S. Coast Guard’s Prestigious Security Honor 26 DFW Clean Cities recognizes Fort Worth as a Leader in Fuel Efficiency 28 Business Opportunities: Texas Central Railroad, LLC.

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

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Education

Education

Steps to Finding the How to get Certified with the National Minority Supplier Development Council Perfect Subcontractor

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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lot of small businesses aren’t aware that they could receive funding by getting their business certified. Major corporations, the federal government and state agencies all provide government funding towards minority-owned companies. In order to meet their objectives, private and public sector firms search for minority-owned suppliers through programs that have formal certification processes. If you're not certified, you can miss out on business opportunities and contracts.

Corporations want to do business with minority-owned businesses because they realize that minorities have great purchasing power.

And if they want minorities to purchase their products and services, then they have to support their businesses in return.

If your company wants to connect with buyers, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)'s certification can be a real asset to your company. Learn how to apply below.

Who is eligible?

Organizations of any size that are located in the United States and are owned, operat-

ed, and controlled by minority group members who are U.S. citizens are eligible. For the purposes of NMSDC's program, a minority group member is an individual who is a U.S. citizen with at least 25 percent AsianIndian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American heritage. Additionally, at least 51 percent of the business must be owned by such individuals, and the management and operations must also be controlled by such individuals.

How to Apply You can apply for an MBE Certification online at www.nmsdc.org 1. Review certification criteria to ensure that your business qualifies.

2. Gather required documentation.

3. Complete the online registration form in full.

4. Pay application fee, must be paid online via credit card.

5. Upload the required documentation via the online certification/recerti fication application.

6. Schedule on-site visit and interview.

7. Wait for final approval from both Committee and Board Members.

The certification process can take up to 90 days.

Benefits: In addition to being recognized in the Regional Council Minority Supplier Database and NMSDC's national database, NMSDC certified companies can participate in member only services like advanced management training program, qualify for the Business Consortium Fund's working capital loan program, and attending NMSDC business opportunity fairs.

For more information visit www.nmsdc.org

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fter you have received your approval for certification it is time to find some subcontractors. When preparing to pursue government subcontracts, you must first scope out your potential contractors.

1. Identify the major subcontractors that does significant work for Federal agencies and find out how they may be a logical fit for the services you provide. Utilize business development organizations like those listed below to help you identify the perfect subcontractor. o General Services Administration’s Subcontracting www.gsa.gov Directory for Small Businesses o SBA’s Directory of Federal Government Prime Contractors with a Subcontracting Plan www.sba.gov o National Minority Supplier Development Council www.nmsdc.org 2. Research the company and identify company goals, company successes, their mission, vision, and market. Surf the internet, often contractors and agencies post a lot of their government subcontracts online including current contract awards, sample contracts and other valuable data.

4. Identify the Small Business Liaison Officer, Diversity Officer within the company, or the small business subcontracting plan administrator within the company. Contact the small business person you have identified.

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Construction

Construction

Turner Construction Company Recognized as #1 Construction Manager for Healthcare

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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Construction Employment Rises in 35 States and D.C. From February 2017 to February 2018; Industry Adds Jobs in 38 States Since January

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hirty-five states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between February 2017 and February 2018, while 38 states added construction jobs between January and February, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials praised the latest Congressional spending bill for funding career and technical education to help young workers get into the industry.

“The construction industry continues to add employees in most of the nation, despite a shortage of workers with construction experience,” said chief economist Ken Simonson. “But job openings are growing, as contractors encounter a shrinking pool of experienced jobseekers.”

California added the most construction jobs (74,000 jobs, 9.8 percent) during the past year. Other states adding a high number of new construction jobs for the past 12 months include Texas (33,900 jobs, 4.8 percent) and Florida (31,700 jobs, 6.3 percent). West Virginia added the highest percentage of new construction jobs during the past year (14.3 percent, 4,300 jobs), followed by Nevada (10.9 percent, 8,900 jobs), California, Idaho (9.3 percent, 4,100 jobs), Arizona (9.2 percent, 13,000 jobs) and New Mexico (9.0 percent, 4,000 jobs).

Fourteen states shed construction jobs between February 2017 and February 2018, while construction employment was unchanged in Vermont. North Dakota lost the highest percentage of construction jobs, by far (-16.3 percent, -4,800 jobs), followed by Iowa (-8.5 percent, -6,700 jobs), Kansas (-5.3 percent, -3,300 jobs) and Nebraska (-4.2 percent, -2,200 jobs). Iowa lost the largest number of jobs, followed by North Dakota, Missouri (-4,000 jobs,

-3.2 percent) and Kansas.

“The states with the largest job gains were all recovering from natural disasters, while losses were concentrated in the Plains states,” Simonson commented. “The Plains states have been hurt by a downturn in farm-related income.”

Thirty-eight states added construction jobs between January and February. New York added the most (7,700 jobs, 2.0 percent), followed by Florida (7,100 jobs, 1.4 percent) and California (6,800 jobs, 0.8 percent). Connecticut added the highest percentage of construction jobs for the month (2.6 percent, 1,500 jobs), followed by Mississippi (2.0 percent, 900 jobs), Indiana (2.0 percent, 2,800 jobs) and New York.

Eleven states lost construction jobs between January and February, while construction employment was unchanged in Alabama and D.C. Washington state lost the most construction jobs for the month (-1,500 jobs, -0.7 percent), followed by Alaska (-800 jobs, -5.0 percent) and Kansas (-700 jobs, -1.2 percent). Alaska lost the highest percentage of construction jobs, followed by Montana (-2.1 percent, -600 jobs) and Kansas.

Association officials said the widespread job gains show that construction offers good career opportunities and that public agencies at all levels of government should do more to improve the career and technical education pipeline. They praised the funding increases passed by Congress on Thursday for programs to assist students and underemployed adults gain the skills needed for jobs in construction.

“Rebuilding career and technical education programs is essential for helping the economy expand and assure a supply of qualified construction workers,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.

“The funding bill that Congress approved on Thursday is a good step in that direction.”

Source: agc.org

urner Construction Company is pleased to share that Modern Healthcare has once again recognized the firm as the leading construction management company in the United States for hospitals, medical centers, medical office buildings, and other care facilities – a distinction Turner has earned 18 out of the last 21 years.

Randy Keiser, Vice President and General Manager of Turner’s dedicated Healthcare Group, noted that Turner had completed nearly twice as much healthcare sector work than the next-closest company–a total of more than 6.5 million square feet of space for clients in 19 states.

“It’s hard to become number one and even harder to stay number one,” Keiser said, giving credit to the nearly 1,500 Turner employees who go to work on healthcare projects each year. “Our continued success is a powerful testament to the hard work and passion of our people; they have continued to go above and beyond to understand the business of healthcare and put lean construction principles into practice.” He also noted that teams have embraced technology tools such as Virtual Reality, which help end users visualize and make informed decisions about their space before it’s built and support virtual trade coordination and construction-phase problem solving. Added Keiser, “In the Healthcare sector and throughout our portfolio, technology tools are making Turner an ever-stronger partner to clients.”

He added that Turner is fortunate to work with the leading design, trade, and client partners in the business. “This recognition also reflects the skill and focus of our industry collaborators, as well as the confidence and trust our clients place in us when they engage us to realize their vision,” he said. “They are working to continuously advance improvements in patient care and the way we serve communities. We’re proud to do our part to support that important effort and we’re pleased to share this recognition with them.”

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Construction

Manhattan Construction Company Wins Top National Safety Award from Associated Builders and Contractors On behalf of Manhattan Construction Company, Safety Managers Trista Shomo and Scott March accepted the National Safety Pinnacle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) on March 21 during the 28th annual Excellence in Construction® Awards at ABC Convention 2018 in Long Beach, Calif.

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ULSA, OKLAHOMA – Tulsa-based Manhattan Construction Company has been named the winner of the 2017 National Safety Pinnacle Award from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Manhattan Construction Company received the award March 21 during the 28th annual Excellence in Construction® Awards at the ABC Convention 2018 in Long Beach, California.

There are three levels of achievement for the National Safety Excellence Award (NSEA) competition: Excellence, Merit and the Pinnacle Award. While Excellence and Merit represent exceptional and outstanding safety programs, respectively, Pinnacle recipients can truly be considered worldclass. The Pinnacle Award reflects exceptional long-term safety performance and processes; only previous year’s recipients of the Excellence Award were eligible for consideration for the Pinnacle honor. Prior to winning the Pinnacle Award, Manhattan won the 2016 Excellence Award.

“Associated Builders and Contractors is thrilled to honor Manhattan Construction Company, whose world-class safety processes and safety culture has created an environment where every employee understands that the wellbeing of those around them is everyone’s responsibility,” said 2018 ABC National Chair George R. Nash Jr., director of preconstruction at Branch & Associates, Herndon, Va. “Manhattan’s impressive safety record shows the clear difference that an uncompromising, top-down commitment to safety makes in a contractor’s performance and we are proud to call them an ABC member.”

National Safety Excellence Award winners were selected from ABC member firms that achieved Diamond, Platinum and Gold status in ABC's Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP). Manhattan Construction Company is a seven-time winner of the STEP Diamond level, which is the STEP proFounded in 1896, Manhattan Construction Company is among the nation’s largest family-owned construction companies. Its services include construction management, general building, preconstruction, designbuild and program management.

Manhattan Construction Company is a subsidiary of Naples, Florida-based Manhattan Construction Group, which is recognized by

gram’s highest honor.

During the selection process, national safety winners were judged on self-evaluation scores, lost workday case rates, total recordable incident rates, leading indicator use, process and program innovations and video interviews conducted by members of ABC’s National Environment, Health and Safety Committee.

“With a goal of zero incidents, Manhattan’s Operation Zero safety awareness program fosters a caring connection among everyone who works on our jobsites,” said John Reyhan, president of Manhattan Construction Company. “Since the program’s launch in 2016, our Experience Modification Rate (EMR) has reached an all-time company best of 0.50, which is half the national average.”

STEP is the standard for developing world-class safety programs in construction and is designed to help both large and small contractors evaluate every aspect of their corporate safety and health program and identify opportunities for improvement. According to ABC’s latest Safety Performance Re-

Engineering News-Record (ENR) as a top 50 contractor, and serves building, civil, pipeline and specialty construction segments in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The Group’s operations include Manhattan Construction Company, Manhattan Road & Bridge Company, Manhattan Pipeline, LLC, Manhattan International Construction Company, Ltd, Cantera Concrete Company,

port, the best-performing ABC members STEP participants can reduce recordable incidents by up to 85 percent, making the best-performing companies 670 percent safer than the industry average.

“As a family-owned company with the fifth generation of the founding family, Larry Rooney, serving in leadership, we are dedicated to the health and safety of every team member,” said Reyhan. “We are a family of builders who cares about making sure every worker makes it home safely to their family every day.”

The National Safety Awards are presented in three major North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code categories: NAICS 236 – Construction of Buildings; NAICS 237 – Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction; and NAICS 238 – Specialty Trade Contractors.

Manhattan Construction workers prepare to install Operations Zero safety awareness sign on a construction site in Naples, Florida.

Spectrum Contracting, Inc. and Safezone, LLC. Manhattan is ENR Texas & Louisiana’s 2017 “Contractor of the Year,” and in the last three years, its operations have received more than 40 industry honors for quality and safety. Learn more at www.manhattanconstructiongroup.com.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade as-

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sociation established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work.

Source: abc.org.

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Construction

Healthcare Costs Too High? There’s an App for That!

By Lea Bogle Contributing Writer

H

ealthcare costs have skyrocketed and small businesses that have historically provided healthcare benefits have either gone to plans with high deductibles, or have stopped offering it all together. Other small business who would like to have a company provided health benefit, can’t simply because of the costs. Additionally, many employees have decided to cancel their insurance as well, because of the outrageously high cost. Today, a family of four, with an average high deductible HMO is paying more than $600 per month.

These exorbitant costs are leaving more businesses and more families than ever without access to healthcare and a doctor.

There is an affordable option, it’s providing your employees with a telemedicine benefit. According to the American Medical Association, over 70% of all doctor visits are for matters that can be easily handled over the phone.

Telemedicine isn’t new, in fact, it’s been around for nearly 40 years, mostly in rural America. However, with the advances in technology and the rising cost of healthcare, the timing is right for more businesses to move towards providing a telemedicine benefit, in conjunction with or instead of a traditional medical health benefit. The way the telemedicine app works is simple.

As an employer you pay an average monthly fee of $25 or less per employee, per month and the employee’s family will be covered.

Once a member in the telemedicine program, your employee logs into their member portal, where they will add their dependents and the relevant information for each person, including their health history, current medicines, and the basics, such as age, height, weight, etc. Then, when they get sick, they can either call an 800 number or simply log into the app and make an “appointment”. A fully certified doctor will call them back, typically less than 2 hours, often in less than 30 minutes. As the patient you decide if you want to “see” the doctor. If you do, you request a video consultation, if you don’t you simply request a phone call. The doctor will provide a personalized treatment plan and prescription (if needed) without any additional charges for the doctor “visit”. Additionally, some telehealth companies offer a process to get discounts on prescriptions that can be as much as 95% off of the retail price.

The most common treatments treated with a telemedicine app are: • Allergies, Sinus Infections • Bronchitis, Asthma, Respiratory Infections • Cold/Flu, Fever, Sore Throat • Constipation, Diarrhea, Nausea • Conjunctivitis or “Pink Eye” • Insect Bites, Rashes, Skin Inflammations • Sprains and Strains

• Urinary Tract Infections • Joint Aches, Pains & Gout • Medication refills, short term prescriptions, travel medications • Many other non-emergency conditions

If the doctor determines the patient needs additional medical services, they will recommend that you go to a local doctor for additional treatment.

Telemedicine doesn’t cover the costs associated with a hospital stay or surgery. However, it is an affordable option with significant benefits, including: • It offers access to doctors at an extremely affordable price • It enables every small business to provide an affordable health care benefit to its employees • It provides access to a doctor, 24 hours a day – even at 2 AM when your child is sick • There are no additional fees to talk to a doctor • Some plans even include a mental health benefit and provide a licensed counselor as well • No more waiting until tomorrow for an appointment

For more information call 844-699-2777 or email HelpMD@premierwirelesstx.com.

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Engineering

ARGO Data Resource, GXA Network Solutions and The Wilkins Group Partner with Richland College for $523,089 Job-Training Grant

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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Technology Consortium, including ARGO Data Resource Corp., GXA Network Solutions and The Wilkins Group, have partnered with Richland College to provide job training using a $523,089 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas area.

The partnership among ARGO, GXA, The Wilkins Group and Richland College on this Skills Development Fund grant will benefit both the local community and its workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Our labor force is among the most talented and skilled in the world, and we continue to seek and implement strategies to improve the skills of Texas workers.”

This grant will be used to provide custom training to 197 new and incumbent workers for industry-related topics with focused instruction on Agile, SQL, JavaScript and project management. Trainees will include application developers, programmers and software engineers. Upon completion of training, the workers will receive an average hourly wage of $35.73.

Since its inception in 1996, the Skills Development Fund grants have created or upgraded more than 342,428 jobs throughout Texas. The grants have assisted 4,238 employers with their customized training needs. The Legislature allocated $48.5 million to the Skills Development Fund for the 2016-17 biennium. Employers seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund may visit the TWC website at www.texasworkforce.org/skills.

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Oil and Gas

Anadarko Petroleum Gears Up for $4.5 Billion in 2018 Capital Spending, an Industrial Info News Alert

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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esearched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)-Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (The Woodlands, Texas) is planning capital investments of between $4.1 billion to $4.5 billion in 2018, about 85% of which is attached to U.S. projects, both onshore and offshore. Industrial Info is tracking $4.4 billion in active projects involving Anadarko, the bulk of which is attributed to a deepwater drilling project in the Gulf of Mexico, where the company plans to spend more than $1 billion this year.

For details, view the entire article by subscribing to Industrial Info's Premium Industry News, or browse other breaking industrial news stories at www.industrialinfo.com.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, six offices in North America and 12 international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy,

the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. To contact an office in your area, visit the www.industrialinfo.com "Contact Us" page.

SOURCE www.industrialinfo.com

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Relocating to Dallas?

Let me help you find your dream home.

Mena Freeman Real Estate Agent 702646 (972) 665-2825 menafreeman@kw.com www.menafreemanhomes.com

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Each office is independently owned and operated

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“Quality service with integrity will always be our focus.”

—Irfan Abji, Principal of E Contractors USA

Proven Integrity & Excellence In Ge By d-mars.com News Provider

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t’s not every day that you hear the words “construction” and “integrity” in the same sentence, E Contractors USA, LLC. (E Contractors) is a name that stands out from the competition by not only speaking of integrity, but leading by example and walking in integrity. This construction enterprise has established a great name and reputation for itself through their work and work ethic. The company’s foundation was built on honesty and integrity, in addition to experienced professionalism and exceptional relation-

ship management. These virtues are what continue to keep E Contractors one of the most valuable assets in this industry, while successfully serving countless clients in the public sector. Its impressive client roster includes school districts, colleges and universities, NASA, municipalities, and other federal and state departments. “Our consistent commitment to quality and ethics is what helps us build and sustain long-lasting relationships with clients and others in the construction industry. These principles have played a great part in our continued growth in becoming a trusted general contracting firm in Houston, Texas and the surrounding areas,” says Irfan Abji, Principal of E Contractors.

struction field, but in banking, finance, and real estate. Abji is the founder and President of Oakdale Group, a conglomerate that is a sister company of E Contractors. Abji is a well-renowned financial consultant who has helped many entrepreneurs manage their finances and risk. He established the Oakdale Group in 1998 and has more than 20 years of experience in real estate development, construction, infrastructure, finance, banking, and insurance, among other areas.

Irfan Abji – Principal Abji is a highly respected businessman with a proven track record for success not only in the con-

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Manny Garcia – Managing Director As impressive as Abji’s professional background is, he does not take the credit for the substantial strides and impressive growth of E Contractors

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with investors especially in the public sector and cross border risks as she represented the Chilean Government in San Juan, Argentina prior to moving to Houston, Texas. Working closely with the governments and investors has given her an international advantage over her peers in understanding the challenges of municipal funding and growth. She has since worked in tandem in the enhancement and growth of the group of companies. She has over 12 years of experience in financial consulting, real estate acquisition, business development and construction.

Michael Doucette – Vice President of Operations Mr. Doucette offers a diverse range of experience in both Project Management and Client Services. His construction experience includes numerous projects for public and commercial clients with an emphasis on Job Order Contracting. Mr. Doucette brings a strong client focus to construction projects, which emphasizes communication, quality and results. Mr. Doucette has 30 years of local, US-based and international commercial and residential construction experience. As Vice President of Operations, his experience includes direct customer service, purchasing and expediting of orders, negotiating with vendors and organizing all aspects of business. Specializing in both interior renovation projects, as well as many JOC programs, he has managed complete on-site construction management including effective scheduling, monitoring and inspections of all work inclusive of responsibility for interaction with clients' representatives, including architects and engineers. He epitomizes an understanding of the relationship a contractor must have with a client.

correct certifications, proper insurance and are able to meet their financial and risk for every project. In its unique but effective approach, E Contracts has become a mentor to their subcontractors. This type of relationship allows everyone to thrive and win on each client project. “The subcontractors appreciate our approach in how we work with them. Again, it’s all about building strong and loyal relationships that help us serve clients and continue to grow together as a team,” Abji says.

Cobas-Abji shares the same attitude of moral principles when it comes to business.

She calls the company’s high standard of ethics its “secret sauce” and adds, “We do not waiver from our values and the same is required of staff, subcontractors and anyone else involved with E Contractors. This has led to skyrocketing growth since its takeover. Jobs are bid honestly, accurate project timelines are provided and realistic promises are made — and often exceeded.”

E Contractors prides itself on going against the normal way of thinking when it comes to serving clients and the level of responsibility it has when approaching each project. It has assisted school districts in saving thousands of dollars by reconfiguring the layout of temporary buildings required due to school overcrowding. With so much business in the public sector, E Contractors is always cognizant that it’s not just the client’s money they are spending, but it is also the public’s money.

The impact of Hurricane Harvey was catastrophic to so many and that included the schools. Abji explains, “We take pride in how we handled work necessitated by the devastating flooding brought on by Hurricane Harvey. Where other companies increased pricing post-Harvey, we kept with our original pricing strategy. Clients were surprised.

In fact, a local ISD who originally rejected our bid because it was so much lower ended up hiring E Contractors. We replaced half of the sheetrock after 90% of a school experienced great damage after receiving 16 inches of water due to Harvey.

The project took 2 ½ weeks, which was less than the estimated time for completion. We felt a great sense of obligation to not only the school district, but to the community to bring the school one step closer to readmitting students.”

General Contractors

eneral Contracting alone. E Contractors is a true team effort, with Manny Garcia serving as the company’s Managing Director. Garcia has more than 45 years of experience in design, engineering and construction technologies. In his storied career, Garcia started in construction as one of the first welders on the Twin Towers in Manhattan, New York. His most recent position prior to joining E Contractors was heading Job Order Contracting for the City of Houston.

Alejandra Cobas-Abji - Principal Ms. Cobas-Abji is the Executive Vice President and co-owner of E Contractors and the Oakdale Group. Ms. Cobas started her career in design in Argentina. She has a strong background working

Under the exceptional leadership of Abji and the rest of the management staff, E Contractors is more than your average general construction contractor. Its services include job order contracting, design build and emergency response. Dependable and reputable subcontractors are vital to the quality services that E Contractors provides. Abji says, “We routinely evaluate current and prospective contractors to ensure that they are able to meet the quality, time and money commitments we make to the client. We want to minimize surprises.” It would be impossible for E Contractors to perform on the level it does without reliable subcontractors. This relationship is so important in that Abji created a specialized position within the organization – the Subcontractor Relationship Manager, whose duties are to act as the liaison for all subcontractors within the office. The individual tasked with this position, Willyann Paz, is consistent in performing due diligence to require and ensure that subcontractors hold the

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The company’s business has grown 2,700% in the first three years of business and there is continued impressive projected growth. In 2017, E Contractors debuted at No. 200 on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing private companies in the United States. E Contractors is also a proud and active member of several cooperative networks including BuyBoard, Choice Partners, National IPA and Region 19. With its extensive knowledge and commitment to integrity and client service, E Contractors is a trusted, unmatched construction company.

For more information about E Contractors, please visit www.econtractors.com or call 713-493-2500.

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BUILDERS

“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE”

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Petrochemical

Panelists Discuss Diversity and Inclusion in the Petrochemical Industry

The Oil and Natural Gas Industry Offers Higher Wages for Black STEM Professionals

By Freddie Allen NNPA News Provider

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hen it comes to preparing the next generation for careers in science, technology engineering and mathematics, also known at “STEM,” Jack Gerard, the president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, said that leaders in the oil and natural gas industry have to answer the “awareness question.”

“There are many people out there, today, that don’t really understand the oil and natural gas industry or the opportunities that it can present for them, their families and for wellpaying careers,” said Gerard. “It’s incumbent upon us, as an industry, to have this dialogue more often and to intensify this discussion, so that people really understand,” the connection between the oil and natural gas industry and their everyday lives.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, recently hosted a panel discussion focused on increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM careers and in the oil and natural gas industry. API, the only national trade group representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, according to the group’s website, supports 10.3 million jobs in the United States and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy.

The panel discussion coincided with the release of a new RAND report titled, “Postsecondary Education and STEM Employment in the United States.” The report, which was prepared for API, examined national education trends and the relationship between degree attainment and employment and wages, specifically in STEM fields.

“Many of tomorrow’s best paying careers, at all levels, will require some kind of training or education in a STEM discipline,” said Gerard.

STEM degrees can lead to higher earnings and can help to close the wage gap between Blacks and Whites. Those higher earnings are even more pronounced in the oil and gas industry.

Blacks with STEM bachelor’s degrees earn $45.15 in hourly wages in the oil and natural gas industry, compared to Blacks with non-STEM bachelor’s degrees, who make $28.10 per hour, according to the RAND report.

Whites with STEM bachelor’s degrees make slightly more per hour than Blacks with STEM degrees working in the oil and natural gas industry ($45.26 vs. $45.15).

The hourly wage gap is higher between Whites and Blacks with non-STEM degrees that work in the oil and gas industry ($37.73 vs. $28.10).

According to the 2016 report titled, “Minority and Female

Employment in the Oil & Natural Gas and Petrochemical Industries, 2015-2035” by IHS Global prepared for API, “nearly 1.9 million direct job opportunities are projected through 2035 in the oil and natural gas and petrochemical industries” and “African Americans and Hispanics will account for over 80 percent of the net increase in the labor force from 2015 to 2035.”

Gerard said that over the next 10 years about 50 percent of the oil and natural gas workforce is going to “turnover.”

According to the IHS Global report on minority and female employment in the oil and natural gas industry, Blacks ac-

counted for 6.7 percent of the total workforce.

Gerard said that as the current workforce reaches retirement age, the industry will need a rising generation to fill those jobs.

Understanding the demographic shifts the industry has to get more aggressive in addressing that challenge, added Gerard.

“If we’re going to do the things that are necessary to move the needle to impact those 1.9 million jobs, we have to go where most people don’t want to go and that’s in the Black and brown communities,” said Dr. Calvin Mackie, a motivational speaker and founder of STEM NOLA. “We often talk about STEM in a way that a common man and common woman really can’t grasp.”

Mackie said that millions of Black and brown boys play football and basketball every Saturday, dreaming of making it to the NFL or NBA, even though their chances of achieving that goal are statistically low.

“If we’re going to solve this problem, we have to go to the communities and make sure that on every Saturday there are a million Black and brown kids doing STEM, hoping and believing that, 15 years later, they will become,” millionaires and billionaires, said Mackie.

Mackie runs a program that exposes elementary and high school students from underserved communities to STEM principles and STEM careers.

Gerard said that leaders of the oil and natural gas industry recognize that they have to engage more effectively with minority communities, in order to build relationships and train and recruit their future workforce.

“We need help from people who have been on the frontlines for many years,” said Gerard.

Overton said that working with groups like the National Newspaper Publishers Association can improve the oil and natural gas industry’s outreach in the Black community.

Overton also shared an anecdote about the African American women who were depicted in the movie “Hidden Figures.”

African American NASA mathematician Dorothy Vaughan

predicted that an incoming IBM computer would displace “human computers” in the 1960s. In anticipation, she learned the computer language Fortran, and she taught it to her team of Black women mathematicians. When the IBM arrived, the team was ready and took over new jobs operating the IBM, Overton said.

“We are in this moment of rare opportunity…we can be proactive instead of reactive, like those women in ‘Hidden Figures,’” said Spencer Overton, the president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

Mackie said that in order to increase awareness about STEM careers in the oil and natural gas industry, programs have to be culturally and environmentally relevant.

“When we start talking about STEM education…sometimes it’s disenfranchising our children, because it’s not exposing them to the possibility of the hundreds of thousands of jobs in the oil and gas industry,” said Mackie.

Mackie said that the nature of work is rapidly changing, driven by innovation and technology; that rapid change has the power to change lives for those individuals who have access to the resources to harness those tools.

Some education advocates fear that Black children, oftentimes don’t have access to those resources.

“America is in trouble,” said Mackie. “We have to make sure that we expose every kid to the possibility of STEM, because the future will belong to those that can play in it and create it and all of our kids deserve that possibility.”

Gerard noted that the oil and natural gas industry contributes to the production of the energy efficient screens found on windows, the paint on the walls in our homes and offices, the fiber composites in the carpet, and the plastic components in smartphones.

“We have to make our industry more relevant in those conversations, so that rising generations realize that there are vast opportunities up and down the continuum,” said Gerard.

“So, we don’t scare them with the STEM conversation, but

we teach them that everything that they do is grounded in this industry and the opportunity within that space is very significant.”

Gerard continued: “If we can work on this together, we’re going to see a lot of opportunities out there, because people will start making those connections between [the oil and natural gas industry] to things they take for granted and to wellpaying careers.”

Source: NNPA.org

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Transportation

Transportation

Port Houston Recipient of U.S. Coast Guard’s Prestigious Security Honor with Facility Security Plans on file with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Learn more about our overall security program, partnerships and federal funding at http://porthouston.com/port-security/.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider ort Houston is the recipient of the 2018 Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award (Port Authority category). The U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard) this week announced the winners of this prestigious security award for organizations demonstrating excellence in maritime security through their programs and practices.

According to the Coast Guard, this biennial award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions of leaders in the maritime community with regards to implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act requirements and other maritime security best practices in safeguarding the nation's vital marine transportation system.

The award distinguishes organizations demonstrating an exceptional comprehensive culture of security and encourages all regulated organizations to assess their overall security program to identify strengths and weaknesses, seek creative solutions for addressing known risks, build a system of continuous improvement, and share best practices that would benefit similar organizations, the Coast Guard detailed in its announcement.

Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther extended his personal appreciation to members of Port Houston’s Health Safety, Security and Emergency Management (HSSE) for their diligence in achieving this distinguished award.

The Coast Guard is expected to present the Admiral Bennis Award at the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority March 27, 2018 meeting.

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About Port Houston Security and Public Safety Port Houston maintains a steadfast commitment to safety and security in compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. On March 27, 2008, the Port Security & Emergency Operations Department Security Management System (SMS) was certified to ISO 28000:2007, making it the first port in the world to receive this international security designation. This international standard sets out stringent requirements for a security management system that incorporates all aspects of business management. This achievement is one of many firsts at Port Houston, and demonstrates the port’s leadership in security management. Port Houston’s public terminals are regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, MTSA regulations, 33 CFR 105 in accordance

DFW Clean Cities recognizes Fort Worth as a leader in fuel efficiency

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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About Port Houston 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.

Source: Port Houston

FW Clean Cities recently recognized the City of Fort Worth and 18 other partners for their work to embrace alternatives to traditional gasoline as part of the third annual Fleet Recognition Awards. Fort Worth received a bronze award.

Participating governing bodies were required to provide information on their progress via the DFW Clean Cities Annual Report. Entities were scored on a 100-point scale based on their work to embrace clean vehicle technologies, partner with the North Central Texas Council of Governments and DFW Clean Cities, and educate their drivers.

The winners contributed to the region-wide reduction of more than 25 million gallons of gasoline annually, which represented the largest savings on record.

Alternative fuel vehicles accounted for the vast majority of gallons (97 percent) and greenhouse gas emissions (75 percent) reduced, according to the report.

Other contributors were electric and plug-in vehicles, improvements to fuel economy, hybrids, idle reduction, off-road vehicles and a reduction in vehicle miles traveled.

Source: http://fortworthtexas.gov/news\

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Business Opportunities

Texas Central Railroad, LLC.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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s many already know, Texas Central is developing a new high-speed passenger rail system that will connect Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston using a proven, world-class technology that will provide a travel time of less than 90 minutes. With the high speed rail project moving full steam ahead, there are new business opportunities that have been released.

OPPORTUNITY #1 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Texas Central Railroad, LLC. Aquatic Resources Mitigation Services Dallas to Houston High-Speed Rail Project Issue Date: March 23, 2018 Due Date: April 16, 2018 Texas Central Railroad, LLC (TCRR or “the Owner”), an investor-owned Texas-based railroad company, is proposing to construct the Dallas to Houston High-Speed Rail Project (“the Project”). The Project will provide an efficient, reliable, and safe passenger rail transportation system between Dallas and Houston, Texas, using proven Japanese Shinkansen highspeed train technology. The Project is currently in the permitting phase; however, TCRR anticipates that construction of the Project will begin in 2019. TCRR is seeking multiple regulatory approvals, including Department of Army Individual Permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. TCRR will be required to mitigate for the Project’s impacts to waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) as defined under the CWA. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Fort Worth and Galveston Districts each issued a public notice for TCRR’s Section 404 Permit applications.

Conceptual mitigation plans have been included with each application that propose compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources within the Project Limit of Disturbance (LOD). TCRR is seeking to identify interested parties that can provide full service (turn-key) mitigation solutions in accordance with Section 404 of the CWA and regional guidance from the USACE districts involved.

Nothing contained in this RFEI is intended to modify, limit, or otherwise constrain the environmental process or commit the FRA, USACE, or any other entity to undertake any action with respect to the Project.

OPPORTUNITY #2 WSP USA: Survey Services WSP USA is seeking highly qualified, skilled and knowledgeable professional staff to deliver supplemental surveying and mapping services as a subconsultant to WSP. Services for which the selected firm may be responsible for include, but are not limited to: 1. Establish survey control monuments (Level 2 accuracy).

2. Obtain survey data on geotechnical borings including horizontal and vertical references.

3. Obtain survey at utility pothole locations (horizontal and vertical of all exposed facilities).

4. Obtain survey for overhead utility investigation. Include sag elevations on all crossings (lowest wire and lowest electrical wire if not one in the same) and include cur rent air temperature and detailed pole attachment notes.

5. Provide for all traffic control, occupancy permits, and right of entry. Coordinate right of entry with appropriate project public involvement and interface team.

6. Comply with the requirements of the Texas Department of Transportation Survey Manual, April 2016, for all survey and mapping.

com/) to become registered for the Texas Bullet Train and other work throughout the country. Should you have questions regarding the registration process only, please email prequalus@wsp.com.

Firms interested in submitting Qualification Packages for the opportunities below must visit the WSP Subcontractor Portal WSP PREQUALIFICATION (https://prequal.wsp.com/) to become registered for the Texas Bullet Train and other work throughout the country. Should you have questions regarding the registration process only, please email prequalus@wsp.com.

WSP is seeking highly qualified firm(s) to deliver geotechnical drilling, sampling and testing services within the 10-county region of the project. It is anticipated that multiple firms will be selected to provide the following type of services: 1. Supply all equipment and labor to perform field exploration, drill borings, sample soil and perform laboratory tests.

2. Complete subsurface exploration drill holes based on provided boring locations and estimated depths.

3. Perform rock drilling and coring.

4. Perform Texas cone penetration tests (CPT).

5. Geophysical Testing (Field) and Reporting.

6. Coordinate with project geotechnical engineers regarding field work, testing, and results.

Firms interested in submitting Qualification Packages for the opportunities below must visit the WSP Subcontractor Portal WSP PREQUALIFICATION (https://prequal.wsp.com/) to become registered for the Texas Bullet Train and other work throughout the country. Should you have questions regarding the registration process only, please email prequalus@wsp.com.

OPPORTUNITY #3 WSP USA: Utility Investigation WSP USA is seeking highly qualified firm(s) to deliver subsurface utility engineering (SUE) and mapping services within the 10-county region of the project. It is anticipated that multiple firms will be selected to provide the following type of services: Perform SUE Level B including preparation of corridor utility mapping and desktop utility surveys.

Update utility conflict matrix.

Conduct utility company outreach.

Perform SUE Level A in specified areas to be determined based on SUE Level B data to supplement utility information gathered for selected utilities along the project alignment, adjacent roadways, and proposed facilities.

Firms interested in submitting Qualification Packages for the opportunities below must visit the WSP Subcontractor Portal WSP PREQUALIFICATION (https://prequal.wsp.

OPPORTUNITY #4 WSP: Geotechnical Drilling, Sampling and Testing

For more information and updates, visit https://www.texascentral.com/jobs/

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