2021 Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors Awards by d-mars.com

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Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors

8TH EDITION

2021 TOP

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS Fort Bend Independent School District

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Congratulations 2021 TOP

Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors Presented by Subcontractors USA

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Message from the President & CEO MR. D-MARS

“Small and minority-owned businesses must play a significant role in our efforts to restore economic growth. Small businesses employ half of the nation’s private sector workforce; create a large share of the Nation’s new jobs; and introduce many groundbreaking ideas into the marketplace.” – Barack Obama

Keith “MR.D-MARS” Davis, Sr. President & CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc.

When diversity is embraced, the economy and the workforce are strengthened. I find it extremely rewarding that we at Subcontractors USA are able to highlight agencies, primes and subcontractors and those in the industries of engineering, architecture, construction, transportation, IT, petrochemical, oil and gas, and energy and manufacturing who work together to foster diversity in Texas’ business world. As a minority-owned publication and media company, we feel it is our obligation and privilege to celebrate the agencies who spend their money, time, and resources to give minority, women and veteran-owned businesses opportunities. There are times when companies do not meet their minority participation goals. However, we like to highlight those companies that do meet their minority participation goals, striving to be the bridge that fosters growth in the state of Texas for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned businesses that want to do business with their larger counterparts. We realize it is important to be inclusive, and so do this year’s group of deserving honorees. This annual event highlights and celebrates those who are contributing to Texas’ economic growth and prosperity. Subcontractors USA takes great pride and pleasure in honoring top prime contractors and agencies who open doors for subcontractors to participate in business opportunities that were once beyond their reach. This is an excellent opportunity to give our prime contractors the accolades they deserve for their achievements in the industry and their contributions to the community!

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2021 TOP

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS TITLE SPONSORS

VASKEY MEDIA GROUP PRESENTING SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

L WELDING ACAD STRIA EMY NDU

Fort Bend Independent School District

“Integrity with Attitude” 713-672-WELD (9353)

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June 23, 2021

Dear Friends: On behalf of the constituents of the Eighteenth (18th) Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, please allow me to convey my warmest greetings to you on this most important occasion. In the spirit of peace and prosperity, I take great pride in joining the Top 25 Contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions in their mission to create opportunities for small, women and minority-owned businesses. I especially congratulate you for your tremendous outreach across the state of Texas. Diversity in business is critical to success in today’s marketplace and the work you do to ensure that inclusion is paramount. Let me congratulate all of this year’s honorees. The 2021 Top Prime Contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions have broken barriers in their respective fields and left an indelible mark on the face of business today, throughout their understanding of the need for diversity and mentorship. I would also like to thank Subcontractors USA for honoring the prime contractors and agencies who work relentlessly to support diversity. I recognize the value added to the state of Texas by MWBE and small business owners and the importance of providing them with opportunities for growth and empowerment. I am especially thankful for your providing such timeless and selfless services on behalf of my constituents. We are honored and truly fortunate to have such an outstanding business and community development partner within our community.

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON , D. C. 205 1 5

AL G R EE N 9T H CONGR E SS IO NA L DISTR ICT HO U ST ON , T EXA S

June 23, 2021 August 13, 2014

Dear Dear Friends: Friends:

I would like tolike congratulate Subcontractors USA on its 2021 Topon25itsPrime I would to congratulate the D-Mars Business Journal 2014ContracTop 25 tors andContractors, Supplier Diversity Champions AwardsforCeremony. behalf of the Diversity constituPrime Architects & Engineers DiversityOn and Supplier ents of the Ninth Congressional of Texas, salute all organizers Ceremony. District On behalf of Ithe constituents of and the particiNinth Champions Awards pants on their dedication making this a memorable event. Congressional District of to Texas, I salute all organizers and participants on their dedication to making this a memorable event.

With great enthusiasm, I applaud Subcontractors USA and its supporters for their With great enthusiasm,the I applaud D-Mars Business Journal for andproviding its supporters commitment to recognizing prime contractors and suppliers menfor their commitment to recognizing the prime contractors and suppliers for providing torship, fostering business growth in minority communities and building bridges for mentorship, fostering business growth communities building bridges small businesses. I congratulate you on in thisminority great occasion as youand continue to improve for quality small businesses. I congratulate you on this great occasion as you continue to the of life across the state of Texas. improve the quality of life across the Greater Houston area.

I lookI forward to working with Subcontractors USA on Business future endeavors servlook forward to working with the D-Mars Journal and on tofuture ing you well as a Member of Congress. Best wishes to all for an exciting and enjoyable endeavors and to serving you well as a Member of Congress. Best wishes to all for luncheon. an exciting and enjoyable evening. Sincerely,

Al Green Member of Congress

®1 1

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Texas House of Representatives

RON REYNOLDS

State Representative-‐District 27-‐Fort Bend County

August 13, 2014 June 23, 2021

GREETINGS GREETINGS

Congratulations to the award recipients of the 2014 d-‐mars.com Top 50 Prime Contractors, Architects and Engineers, and the Supplier Diversity Champions. Your hard work, dedication and successes are deserving of recognition. I admire Congratulations to the award recipients of the 2021 Subcontractores USA Top 25 Prime Contractors, Engineers, Architects, your integrity and commitment to Construction, excellence. Transportation, IT and the Supplier Diversity Champions awards. Your hard work, dedication and successes are deserving of recognition. I admire your integrity and commitment to excellence. In today’s marketplace diversity in business is critical. I salute the Champions for the work they do to ensure that inclusion is paramount. This evening will be one In today’s marketplace, diversity in business is critical. I salute the Champions for the work they do towith ensure that inclusion is paramount. This day will be one to rememto remember d-‐mars.com recognizing and celebrating your magnanimous ber with Subcontractors recognizing and celebrating achievementsto in the the achievements in the USA industry and your invaluable your contributions industry and your invaluable contributions to the community. community. Best wishes for your continued success for your work in the community you serve. Best wishes for your continued success for your work in the community you serve.

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June 23, 2021 Dear Friends, On behalf of the constituents of District 146 and the Texas House of Representatives, it is a privilege to welcome and congratulate the honorees of the Top 25 Prime Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions 2021 awards ceremony. I also extend my appreciation to d-mars.com and Subcontractors USA for hosting this important event, which honors those whom have proven themselves to be champions of inclusivity and diversity. We must continue to encourage, promote, and protect the process of sourcing supplies from businesses that historically have been underutilized and underrepresented. It is my pleasure to congratulate all of the honorees again for earning this esteemed award. Your excellent work and commitment to supplier diversity are worthy of recognition and distinction.

Warm regards,

State Representative Shawn Thierry Texas House District 146 Capitol Office - Austin (512) 463-0518 main (512) 463-0941 fax District Office - Houston (713) 667-4146 main (713) 839-0934 fax

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June 23, 2021

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As a champion for diversity and inclusion, the Office of Business Opportunity is committed to the success of all small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community. We are dedicated to cultivating a diverse and competitive economic environment in the City of Houston by promoting equitable access to business development programs and procurement opportunities in the city and beyond.

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EXHIBITOR NOW WWW.BEXAR.ORG/SMWBE REGISTRATION OPEN!

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Continuing the Legacy Since 1983 as

TRUSTED TECHNOLOGY INTEGRAT By Subcontractors USA News Provider ommunications technology solutions are ever-changing and progressing. And if you are not evolving with it or ahead of it, you may find your company and projects at-risk, drifting in the background behind the competition. With consistent forward-looking principles and results, since 1983, headquartered in Houston, TX, MCA Communications, Inc. (MCA) continues to serve its clients with first-rate safety, quality, and customer service. Rick Cortez founded the company 38 years ago, and with his three children now leading the company, this next generation is driving MCA forward, continuing to build on their father’s legacy as a trusted technology integration firm.

It is a great responsibility and privilege, serving as CEO of MCA. My dad, Rick Cortez, is the most influential mentor in my life. Working with him and seeing his success growing up constantly fueled my motivation to build upon the foundation laid by him. He built MCA on the belief that if we take care of our employees and our customers, then the business will grow itself. My goal, along with my siblings, is to continue that tradition.” —Ricky Cortez, CEO of MCA Communications, Inc.

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Ricky Cortez, the oldest, took over as CEO earlier this year, with his siblings, Jennifer and David Cortez managing the human resources and operations departments. “All three of my children gained experience in this field, working in numerous positions at MCA before earning a leadership position with the company. Also attending the University of Houston, that just enhanced their knowledge at MCA, learning the technical and business side of the company. It was important to me that they learn the business from the ground up, so they could fully understand what it takes to run a successful business. I am very proud that my children have proven themselves as leaders at MCA, building upon the foundation I have laid to continue to successfully serve our clients,” Rick said. This widely recognized and awardwinning minority-owned telecommunications integration and services com-

pany has an impressive client roster that includes MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann Hospital, the University of Houston, Houston ISD, Chevron, and ExxonMobil. MCA offers a wide selection of quality solutions, with the installation of network cabling and audio visual systems for schools and hospitals a core service contributing to the company’s rapid growth. “This firm’s innovative technology solutions, competitive pricing, and exceptional installation standards exceed expectations. There is a high demand for MCA’s service in this area for education and health facilities, as we have a proven, solid, and long-standing reputation for work in this area,” said Ricky. The firm’s growth in the AV market continues to birth its expansion, with MCA recently moving into a new facility in 2018. This 50,000 sq ft office and warehouse includes a state-of-the-art training facility, AV lab, and technology showroom. With the ability to train and develop their own skilled workforce, MCA maintains one of the largest skilled workforces in Texas. “This AV solution as the core service is the main reason we were able to move into this new facility, allowing us to better serve our clients and to offer a more collaborative work space for our employees,” Ricky said. During the pandemic, MCA’s training room has also served as a web-streaming studio, hosting organizations like the City of Houston, Harris County, and the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) for virtual events. Over the last 38 years, with a proven track record, reputation, and notable supremacy in safety, MCA has earned recognition and formed long-standing partnerships with other esteemed organizations like the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBP) and the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC). And MCA can boast receiving honors that include being ranked as a Top 50 Systems Integrator in the U.S. by Systems Contractor News and 2020 Technology Firm of the Year by the GHBP.

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83 as Your

RATION FIRM

MCA is transitioning to the next generation, and I am very proud to see all three of my children now leading the company. They have the experience, energy, and passion to take MCA to the next level.”

—Rick Cortez, Founder / Chairman

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Q&A with MCA Communications: SUBC: Tell us about your company’s approach to maintains over 250 full-time field employees client projects, throughout Texas and has recently built a with a focus on training center that provides entry level safety, quality, training and continuing education opportunities to and customer ensure we always have the resources available to service. handle any challenge. MCA: Many SUBC: There are companies that take advantage technology of businesses, providing subpar communications integrators are services. Have you ever had to overhaul a focused on just competitor’s work for clients? And what was the selling products and outcome? chasing new projects. But our talented team at MCA is MCA: Yes, in many instances, our competitors will focused on building long-term customer relationships cut corners in an effort to reduce the cost to win bids and becoming a trusted resource and technology and then hope to make it up on change orders. This partner. A majority of our clients today have been will usually result in a poor-quality system that will our partners for over 25 years, and through those have to be replaced within a few years. Due to our relationships we have grown our business by adding commitment to providing quality work, MCA provides services for those clients, as opposed to just adding all customers with a 25-year warranty for network more clients to the roster. Though growth is important, cabling projects and has a reputation for excellent our mindset is about quality over quantity. At MCA, we customer service. put our employees and customers first, resulting in a SUBC: In the midst of COVID-19, how has MCA culture focused on providing excellent customer service adapted, continuing to provide quality services, and an amiable work environment. while keeping employees and clients safe? SUBC: Regarding the new facility/addition in 2018, MCA: The key to survival for any business is being how have you already seen the facility support able to adapt, and when the pandemic started we MCA's long-term goals? quickly implemented new safety precautions to ensure MCA: The biggest benefit of our new facility is that our team of essential workers would remain available we now have space to show and educate customers to support our clients. We also converted our training on the new AV and IT solutions we provide. We like to center into a live broadcast studio and assisted with think of our office as a working demo space, and many live streaming events for our clients and partners. clients have found a lot of value using our space for In addition, we have installed numerous Zoom video making decisions on which technologies to use for conferencing rooms and back to work solutions, such their new building. as temperature sensors to assist SUBC: With continuous our clients in safely returning advances for the installation back to the office. MCA’s service of network cabling and team has also installed wireless audio-visual systems for antennas for COVID-19 testing schools and hospitals, how and vaccination sites throughout has MCA stayed current/ Houston. ahead of the curve to SUBC: In your quest to successfully serve this maintain zero accidents, tell us clientele in this specific area about your safety program. of services? MCA: Our safety program MCA: Technology is consists of a dedicated team constantly evolving, so we that includes a full-time safety built an AV lab in our new office, and our team of manager, a full-time Occupational Safety and Health technology engineers use that space to test out new Administration (OSHA) trainer, and 10 full-time field products before recommending them to our clients. safety PSRs who help train and enforce all safety In addition, our training room is used to educate our procedures directly in the field. In addition, all 250employees and our customers on the latest technology plus employees at MCA are OSHA trained. trends. SUBC: Are there any new solutions you now offer SUBC: What does it mean to you to be a minoritythat you can tell us owned firm in this competitive field, with great about? success and longevity for 38 years? MCA: Because MCA: I believe it means that we have a unique technology is always culture, because we are a very diversified company. We evolving, we are always have employees at MCA who come from all different adding new solutions. backgrounds, yet the company feels like one big family. Some of our newest We believe our culture is why our employees chose to solutions include work at MCA and why our customers have worked with video collaboration us for so long. systems, digital signage, SUBC: We are in a place where speed is important, distributed antenna especially when it comes to communications, but systems, LED video walls, and sound masking talk about MCA prioritizing quality and safety over systems. speed. MCA: A focus on safety and quality has always been Under MCA’s new generation of leadership, Ricky, a major part of our culture. Throughout our 38 year Jennifer, and David will expand upon the strong history, we have maintained one of the best safety foundation built by their father and founder of the records in our industry and have won numerous safety company, Rick Cortez, investing in and developing awards. the future generation of leaders in this field. SUBC: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your field, and how do you overcome For more information about MCA Communications, those challenges with a successful outcome for Inc. and to schedule an appointment for a demo or clients? tour of their new office and training center, please MCA: One of the biggest challenges in our field email is managing our manpower, as our schedules are info@mcacom.com or call (281) 591-2434. typically dependent on other trades, and our window You can visit MCA on the web at mcacom.com. to complete our scope of work is very small compared to other trades. This is just the nature of our business, and through the many years of experience working on fast-track projects, we have developed strong Top 25 Prime & Sub Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions Directory 2021 13 teams that excel in these situations. In addition, MCA

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Help Us Shine CenterPoint Energy values its diverse suppliers. Our suppliers include minority-owned and women-owned businesses, as well as small businesses. We choose diverse suppliers for their capability, safety, innovation, agility and competitive pricing. In turn, our suppliers create positive economic impact throughout the communities we serve. Mutually beneficial relationships and forward-thinking approaches offered by quality, diverse suppliers are integral to CenterPoint Energy’s vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value. This is why we welcome and are committed to including diverse suppliers in competitive bid opportunities. Our beacon shines brightly as we guide diverse suppliers to the shores of business opportunity.

CenterPointEnergy.com/SupplierDiversity

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By Subcontractors USA News Provider

DM7 is a familiar name and strong contender in the construction field. This construction, development, and management organization, remains committed to safety, quality, cost, and schedule to successfully serve clients. Construction is this company’s core function and founding business practice, with their principles, values, and culture allowing them to provide quality services that accommodate client needs for the successful completion of projects. CDM7’s impressive development portfolio is built around leveraging their construction resources, relationships, and partnerships, to create sustainable places for people to meet, explore, create, share, inspire, and live. CDM7 has over 60 years of combined relevant industry know-how that clients trust to keep their businesses moving, with less overhead. Trey Harris founded CDM7 and leads as president and CEO. Harris has gained a keen proficiency in this industry, having worked in various positions in construction before CDM7. “I worked for a large commercial construction firm prior to founding CDM7. They made it mandatory for all employees to get 30 hours of training every year. Because of this, it provided me with a great foundation for understanding the construction business. Taking classes in business development, pre-construction, financial management, safety, and many others have, no doubt, provided me the skill set needed to strategically and effectively run a profitable construction company,” Harris said. Under Harris’ leadership, CDM7 continues to grow, with a newly

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acquired license to complete work in Louisiana. This achievement allows the company to extend its reach beyond Texas, gaining more opportunities for new bids and contracts. The certifications, memberships, and associations combined with hard work contribute to CDM7 making its impressive mark in the construction industry. But Harris knows that without a core team of talented and ardent individuals, this company’s growth and achievements would not be possible.

“Our company has an immense understanding of how to build, welcoming the challenge of taking on intricately detailed projects. CDM7 is a fully fledged commercial construction company that fulfills each client’s construction needs, exceeding their expectations.” —Trey Harris, President and CEO of CDM7

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SUBC USA: What are some of the challenges you face in this industry, and how do you overcome those challenges to stay competitive? CDM7: The greatest challenge in this business is finding the right opportunities that fit our business model and allow us to make fair fees. With a pandemic that has stopped traditional business practices, it has been challenging to qualify for new work, even with company credentials in order. To overcome these challenges, we focus on three ways to partner with firms that have strong ties within the industry: design-build, JV partnerships, and minority participation. SUBC USA: Your company has over 60 years of combined experience that makes you qualified, so talk about some of the combined experience/leadership behind the company that is a component of CDM7’s strong foundation. CDM7: Prior to founding CDM7, I held various operational roles throughout the construction industry. Rising from the ranks of office engineer to general manager and completing over 2.6 million sq. ft. of space at over $625 million dollars, it really gave me great understanding of how to successfully run a construction business. Knowing that I wanted to grow the company at a rapid pace, I focused on finding individuals who had similar experiences at their previous companies as well. This has allowed me to trust in their knowledge of the foundational practices and procedures that are required to run a sound construction project. Skilled and committed people are the key to growth and producing exceptional work. Without great people, we would be stagnant in growth.

produce a supernatural result that our clients will love. SUBC USA: Please tell us about your company and the $15 million dollar bonding. CDM7: If you can bond in this business, that speaks volumes to how your company operates. In addition, if you can bond up to $15 million dollars, this means you have capital and a stellar company on your hands. Bonding for some companies is challenging because of how they keep their books and a lack of training in financial construction management. Bonding is like a credit card, and everyone has a limit. Your success rate on each project helps to increase your limit, which in turn, provides the company with more opportunities. SUBC USA: Talk about how your company stands on its core values to deliver on every project. CDM7: These values are profoundly important to any business, but especially to a construction business. Every day on the jobsite, you face obstacles and challenges that can be tough to overcome; having a strong value system is important. Honor is big to me because the construction industry is filled with vultures who have demolished the construction culture with dishonesty. Innovation and technology are key because we are just on the cusp of what is to come. Staying ahead of the technology curve will be paramount in helping us control our overhead and maximize the construction schedule and processes. A clairvoyant person is one who can see the future. And in construction, you must be three steps ahead in every move you make. Partnerships and relationships hold the key to our future. As the adage says, “Show me your friends and I will show you your future!”

Q&A with Trey Harris, president and CEO of CDM7:

SUBC USA: This is a veteran-owned company. What efforts do you/ your company practice to hire veterans for your company or to help veterans receive work in this industry? CDM7: Being that this is a veteranowned construction company, we always look to invest in the growth of individuals, especially veterans, who demonstrate an interest and passion for this field. Being afforded the opportunity to coach and mentor those who have served this country is always a plus. They especially deserve an opportunity to not only work in this business, but gain the expertise to be qualified for promotion as industry leaders.

SUBC USA: What are your efforts to mentor the next generation of minority-owners in this industry? CDM7: Mentoring the next generation is something that I am truly honored to do, and I enjoy it as well. I’m constantly sharing my insights with minority subcontractor owners to help them understand the thoughts of top-tier general contractors (GCs). The minority contractor ecosystem was truly created for subcontractors and not for the general contractor, so there are very few minority GCs. As we go from being minority GCs to just a GC, it will be important to help the future generation of construction industry leaders who intend to follow our path. SUBC USA: Tell us about the significance of the reference to the number 7 in the company name. CDM7: The number seven represents completion and the supernatural power of God. We want to be a company that finishes what we start. CDM7 believes that if we do the natural, God will do the super; together, we will

SUBC USA: What are some goals for the company moving forward? CDM7: Moving forward, it will be important for us to not simply be known as a minority company, but as a commercial general contracting company that just so happens to be owned by a minority. We want to be able to hire, train, and give opportunities to people that look like us. When contributing my time to speak with construction majors at Prairie View A&M University, I can see how important it is for individuals like myself to spend time with them and share real world stories. In life, everything has to do with exposure. If you never get exposed to things, you’ll never know how to operate in specific situations. I want to make sure that those who want to know, receive the knowledge and opportunity to make a difference in the construction industry. SUBC USA: With OSHA citing so many construction companies for not complying with COVID-19 safety standards, what is CDM7 doing to keep its construction teams safe and productive during this time? CDM7: We take the safety and health of our employees extremely seriously, thus resulting in the creation of an extension to our already existing safety plan, specifically outlining key pre-screening questions before our employees, and subcontractors are able to begin daily work. If anyone exhibits signs of sickness, they are immediately sent home. A limited number of employees are allowed to be in a confined space at the same time to adhere to social distancing. When applicable, meetings are held virtually to lessen face-to-face contact. Everyone must wear a face covering and wash/ disinfect their hands regularly.

CDM7 stays ahead of the curve, remaining competitive in this arena, and aspires to find ways to work with their clients, owners, and partners, adding value to any organizational structure. With vast experience and expertise, CDM7 consistently delivers a cost-effective project in a safe manner through managing their schedule and quality control. The end result is always one their clients take pride in and patrons will love. For more information on CDM7, please call 281-831-0802 or visit www.cdmseven.com.

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Building the Future

More than Bricks & Mortar As the nation’s largest builder, 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 is ingrained in our corporate 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 30th year of The Turner School of Construction Management in partnership with The City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to grow capacity in Small, Minority and Women owned enterprises in the communities where we work.

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The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston (UH) is committed to promoting the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. The HUB Program ensures compliance with state HUB laws, assists UH departments in locating HUB vendors; as well as offering HUBs assistance to facilitate access and contracting opportunities.

For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub

www.uh.edu/hub

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By Subcontractors USA News Provider

here colleges and universities open doors for the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) community through their separate programs, the University of Houston (UH) HUB Operations Department (HOD) uses the “continuous improvement” approach, proving successful in connecting HUBs with this Tier One university for lucrative opportunities. Under the leadership of the Director of HUB Operations Dr. Linelle Clark, she and her team work strategically, diligently, and intentionally to identify and implement ever-changing strategies that have proven effective in increasing procurement opportunities for HUBs. As HOD enters a new year and adjusts to the impact of COVID-19; working remotely, social distancing, staying masked up; the HOD team remains ready, willing, and able to promote the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. “This unforeseen pandemic has definitely forced a change in the structure in how our department operates. But I am proud of how my team and I have stepped up, above and beyond to meet the challenge, so we continue to provide HUBs access to procurement opportunities. An example is our Building and Special Trade categories providing large opportunities for HUBs. HOD is also laser focused on the smaller spend areas such as commodities,” said Dr. Clark. Being focused on the smaller spend areas has proven beneficial in exceeding UH’s HUB commodity purchasing goal. HOD revamping its annual HUB vendor fair, taking a more targeted approach has been vital to surge contracting opportunities for HUB exhibitors. For the April 2020 HUB Vendor Fair, fiscal year expenditure data was used by the HOD staff to determine the types of HUB vendors to invite as exhibitors and targeted UH staff with purchasing authority to attend the event. This event included 34 exhibitors and 250 UH staff resulting in $28,859.00 being spent with HUBs. “This was a great effort with predicted outstanding results if we were to move forward, but unfortunately, shortly after hosting this fair, COVID-19 impacted budgets and procurements. HOD however, saw this as an opportunity not to be stagnant, but adapt, still being instrumental as a department to extend procurement opportunities for HUBs,” Dr. Clark expressed.

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HOD implemented the following new and improved activities to help increase HUB contracting opportunities that began FY2020: • Elevating the assistance to UH departments in the identification of HUB vendors by: o Providing each college and division with a monthly HUB use report o Holding bi-annual HUB meetings with each college and division to jointly review expenditures to show missed HUB contracting opportunities and provide examples of HUBs that offer those services or commodities o Assisting college and division business offices in finding HUB vendors in needed categories o Providing all colleges with an annual HUB goal designed to stretch their prior spend rates • HOD and Information Technology developed a HUB Vendor database used by colleges and divisions for spot bid and informal bid procurements. • HOD held a Purchasing Cooperative Workshop to help HUBs become aware of the benefits of being a part of a cooperative and how to become a cooperative member. • HOD created the Did You Know? quarterly newsletter containing information about contracting opportunities, answer frequently asked questions, and share tips to help facilitate access and contracting opportunities. • HOD implemented targeted HUB Vendor Fairs consisting of exhibitors that provide commodities and/or services that colleges/departments can identify a possible need for during the applicable fiscal year. • HOD in partnership with the UH Construction Management Department and National Association of Minority Contractors created a Construction Management Talent Pipeline program to increase the construction industry talent pool and provide HUBs with knowledge to help them to be more competitive as prime contractors

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for construction work, including UH construction projects. • HOD will host B2G trainings for contractors (primes and subcontractors) to highlight best practices and illustrate how to successfully utilize the B2GNow system. • HOD hosts kick-off events held for major construction projects organized to not only share information, but to facilitate 2-way communication between panelists and attendees. • HOD continues its HUB outreach via participation in community events.

Dr. Clark highlights some of the HOD’s recently implemented activities: Construction Talent Pipeline Program - HUB Operations uses data to identify gaps in services and innovative responses to help increase HUB participation. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are nearly 256,000 construction job vacancies (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.t01. htm) as of April 2020---ranking as one of the business categories most in need of labor within the private sector. The labor shortage within the construction field impacts both HUBs and non-HUBs of all sizes. HUB Operations also recognizes there is a big difference between a $1M contract and a $30M contract, and there are HUB firms interested in transitioning from being a subcontractor to a prime contractor on UH construction projects. In response, the HUB Operations staff in partnership with the UH Construction Management (CM) Department and National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) created the Construction Management Talent Pipeline program. The program offers internships for UH students majoring in Construction Management and classes to provide HUB subcontractors with knowledge to help them to be more competitive as prime

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contractors for construction work, including UH construction projects. Program graduates receive 32-hours CEU's and opportunities for mentor-protégé arrangements. HUB Vendor Database - UH has internally developed this user-friendly database that allows HUBs to self-register into the system so the UH business office staff who initiate purchases can find the HUB vendors conveniently. The database also allows the HUB Operations Department to extract applicable HUB vendor information as needed. Cooperative Purchasing Workshop - HOD hosted this workshop to increase the small business community’s knowledge about purchasing cooperatives to potentially increase their customer base and show how UH campuses utilizing cooperatives allow staff to select vendors without additional competitive bidding. HOD deserves to boast of its expansion that is effective, even in the midst of COVID-19, connecting HUBs to UH procurement opportunities. “Though COVID-19 has definitely brought its share of challenges, our team’s thinking outside of the box and adopting new actions have kept us ahead of the curve so the small business community is able to remain competitive in their respective areas,” Dr. Clark said. HOD’s ability to pivot is largely credited to it being more dependent on the department’s virtual platform, as they host vendor forums, workshops, meetings, and all other services virtually. The revamping of the HUB website was a part of HOD’s improvements on the virtual end, where visitors can find detailed information about the HUB Program and additional information that will benefit both the HUB vendor and prime contractor. The website is updated on a

regular basis with news of events, updates on HUB regulations as provided by the state, and instructions on how to complete required HUB documentation. One of the many successes to their resultsdriven continuous improvement application is the department presenting strategies to increase HUB spending in each specific college and division based on their needs. Dr. Clark emphasizes, “This is an internal effort to increase HUB purchases within the organization by providing necessary guidelines and tools. The benefits of this strategy are illustrated from the annual HUB Contest---For FY20, The Honors College was the first-place winner with 35.7% of expenditures made with HUB vendors, exceeding the assigned FY20 HUB goal of 8.80% by 26.93%.” In addition to HOD’s traditional support and services, other resources and initiatives are available to provide a wealth of knowledge on how to do business with UH. HOD as always, will seek to identify and respond to gaps in services to increase contracting opportunities for HUBs. For more information on how you can do business with UH, please contact Dr. Linelle Clark, the Director of HUB Operations at 713-743-8603 or flclark@central.uh.edu.

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Liliana Rambo

Chief Terminal Management Officer Houston Airports

Justina Mann

Marsha E. Murray

Rhonda C. Arnold

Director Director, Chief Community Relations Program Management Delivery Office of Business Opportunity and Business Affairs Officer City of Houston Houston Airports Houston Airports

Houston remains the only city in the Western Hemisphere to have two four-star Skytrax rated airports.

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5 Reasons To Avoid Complaining About Your City’s Permitting Center By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

ave you ever submitted a perfect construction permit set to a jurisdiction and it goes through several departmental reviews, racking up every imaginable rejection comment? You then scratch your head, begin to fume and next, release a mouthful of complaints to the city plan reviewers, worrying how much delays in permitting will cost you. With the increase in lumber prices, pressures from the lingering 2020 pandemic, long lead items and unusually longer plan review times at jurisdictions in parts of Texas, California, and many other areas in the U.S., some contractors’ frustrations are running high. The PermitUsNow team hears countless stories from small to midsize to large contractors juggling to start a construction project on time and wrap up timely. What I know from a couple of experiences and from listening to many contractors’ horror stories is that repeatedly hurling complaints at your city’s permitting center is not the best course of action in obtaining a building permit in a timely manner. Below are some of my top reasons to avoid complaining about your city’s permitting center: 1 It takes you off your course versus being focused on finding ways to address any city comments and pulling the permit as soon as possible. 2 It creates a crap magnet 24 Inside Pages 2021.indd 24

attracting other negative energy that can derail your project in some manner like lost or stolen tools, delay in customer payments and in many other ways. 3 It turns others off. The truth is mostly everyone going to work shows up wanting to have a positive experience. And when something or someone goes against this basic desire, people like the plan reviewer will shut down and are slow to respond.

4 It triggers additional rejection comments. After hearing a barrage of complaints, some plan reviewers will then go line by line, letter by letter in the notes making sure everything meets building codes. This magnifying glass approach usually causes more rejection comments, including very minor ones.

Top 25 Prime & Sub Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions Directory 2021

5 Eventually no one listens to a contractor who whines and complains all the time about the city permitting center. In addition to the above 5 reasons, steady complaining can adversely affect your physical health, impact the morale of your employees and signal to the marketplace a different message than you planned to convey. The Dodge Report (https://www.construction.com/) and other industry statistics highlight permitting delays are a problem in many markets in the U.S.; and it is beneficial for contractors to be proactive and have a solid plan when pulling permits in order to minimize delays. The 2020 pandemic flipped the way permitting centers work, from making an appointment to completing online submissions. But despite these unexpected changes, contractors continue working as construction projects keep moving forward in housing, aviation, transportation, mixed-use and many commercial projects. And I have to say, it is this kind of determination that keeps me writing articles with unique and helpful tips for contractors in regards to permitting. If you have any interesting stories about obtaining permits, please connect with me on Linkedin or call me at 1.844. PERMIT.4. I would love to hear your story. Visit PermitUsNow at www.permitusnow.com to find out more about our permitting services. #Buildsafe

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Small Business Development Program The Small Business Development Program provides information and assistance to the small business community by providing workshops and training sessions on a variety of topics such as public procurement, marketing and accounting practices. Veronica R. Douglas, NIGP-CPP, CPPB Manager, Small Business Development Program

Deborah Aaron

Procurement Assistant, Small Business Development Program

For more information, visit

hccs.edu/sbdp Or email: hcc.sbdp@hccs.edu

HCC PROCUREMENT

HCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and gender expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or Veteran status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: David Cross, Director, EEO, 504, & Title IX Coordinator, 3100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, 713.718.8271 or Institutional.Equity@hccs.edu

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SM LL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

6/21/2021 7:58:07 AM

The Small Business Development Program

Proves Valuable for the Growth, Development, and Sustainability of Small Businesses By Subcontractors USA News Provider

lthough small business enterprises in our city and the surrounding areas have been feeling the financial impacts of the pandemic, there is still great opportunity to succeed as a small business. With Houston Community College (HCC) remaining a proactive partner to small businesses through its numerous efforts, there is inordinate opportunity for businesses to rebuild, grow, and be sustainable. One of HCC’s proven strategies for small business progress is the Small Business Development Program (SBDP), created to provide business opportunities for local small businesses to participate in contracting and procurement at HCC. Under the leadership of Joe Gavin, Executive Director of HCC Procurement Operations, the procurement team emphatically contributes in capacity building, increases healthy competition among small businesses, and creates opportunities, ensuring the superlative value to HCC. About the SBDP • The SBDP is a goal-oriented program, requiring contractors who receive contracts from HCC to use good faith efforts to utilize certified small businesses. • The SBDP applies to all contracts over $50,000, except contracts for sole-source items, federally funded contracts, contracts with other governmental entities, and those contracts that are otherwise prohibited by applicable law or expressly exempted by HCC. About SBDPis a race and gender-neutral program. • Thethe SBDP However, HCC actively encourages the participation of minority and women-owned small businesses. • The overall annual goal of the SBDP is thirtyfive (35%) percent of the dollar amount of all SBDPeligible procurement contracts. • To participate in the SBDP, small businesses must be certified by an agency or organization whose certification is recognized by HCC. • HCC recognizes certification by the following governmental and private agencies: Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) SBE Certification, City of Houston SBE, M/W/ PDBE and DBE Certifications, Texas Department of Transportation SBE Certification, City of Austin

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Q&A with HCC: SUBC USA: Please talk about new procedures the SBDP has implemented and the successes. HCC: Since program inception, we have made several program improvements to include expanding the list of currently accepted certifications to include the City of Houston MBE (minority), WBE (women), PDBE (person with disabilities), and DBE (disadvantaged). This is in addition to the SBE certifications from the City of Houston, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), Texas Department of Transportation, City of Austin, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, and Small Business Administration 8(a). Given the number of currently certified firms with the City of Houston, we are looking forward to being able to include more local certified small businesses in the process and afford them the opportunity to earn points as part of the evaluation process. We have also improved the evaluation process for qualified certified small businesses to maximize their opportunity to compete and win more business. These improvements will provide greater opportunity to certified small businesses that participate in the procurement process at HCC. SUBC USA: Please talk about the SBDP’s outreach efforts that continue to support small businesses, in the midst of COVID-19. HCC: From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic we quickly pivoted to begin providing our networking and educational opportunities virtually. Since March 2020, we’ve hosted and/or participated in over 90 outreach events, many of which included giving presentations, meeting one-on-one with SBEs, and participating as a panelist and exhibitor. Participation in each of these efforts brings further awareness to our program and the importance of certification. One of the areas the SBDP noticed a need for additional training was the way in which SBEs present themselves virtually. In the past, much of our day-today interaction was face-to-face. Now, many of our SBEs are faced with yet another challenge: identifying and applying new technology. Immediately, when we recognized the need, the SBDP

The Pr websi encou to bec Colleg and p

hosted a webinar titled, “Delivering Dynamite Presentations.” During this webinar, we dissected an HCC Request for Proposal that included a component for an oral presentation. We looked closely at the various elements required when making an oral presentation in response to an HCC solicitation. One of the other key areas we discussed was the length of time for each presentation and who within your agency should represent your company. We realized these areas are crucial to any SBE, given the nature of how we conduct business today. The objective of the SBDP program is to continually offer programming that is not only relevant at the time, but can be applied in their businesses immediately. SUBC USA: What can we expect from the SBDP this year and moving forward? HCC: Small businesses can expect the continuation of virtual programming and networking

opportunities. The SBDP will expand our offerings for 2021 to include a variety of courses on business and leadership development, human resources, and marketing to the government. We are also researching ways to host virtual networking events. We recognize the need for SBEs to continually have access to our stakeholders. Even as we work remotely, our office participates in one-on-one meetings with SBEs in an effort to help them better understand if there is a need at the College, who their client is within the College, and most importantly, how to register as a vendor. Vendors can register at hccs. edu/procurement. While on our website, be sure to check out our Procurement Plan. The plan is issued at the beginning of the calendar year and is a snapshot of the College’s known projects. The Plan is fluid, so make it a habit to check back quarterly.

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SUBC U exam SBEs. HCC our SB vaccin staff. that r stude This e Colem Scienc win fo the co up wi tempo camp return safe, SBEs with a and p saniti gown masks pande our su SBEs more

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Management, Coleman College for Health Sciences, and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program to name a few. Attendees participating in the expo also had an opportunity to participate in a live presentation from Christopher Burton, CTPM, CTCM, C.P.M., CPSM, MBA, CPPO, Director of Procurement Operations and interact with him for a Q&A session. To date, “Access to HCC” is the largest virtual event the College has held thus far, with 290 attendees participating online.

The Procurement Department website is very resourceful. I encourage all of our vendors to become familiar with the College’s procurement processes and procedures. SUBC USA: Please give us an example of HCC partnering with SBEs. HCC: Most recently, one of our SBEs provided 112 COVID-19 vaccines to our students and staff. 75% of the individuals that received the vaccine were students, and 25% were staff. This effort took place at our Coleman College for Health Sciences. This was an amazing win for the SBDP, College, and the community. We also teamed up with an SBE to provide temporary screeners at our campuses so our students could return to their classrooms in a safe, controlled manner. Multiple SBEs have provided the College with a variety of PPE equipment and products including hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, gowns, thermometers, and masks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very proud of our successful efforts with the SBEs and look forward to many more in the future. SUBC USA: Please talk about the success of your “Access to HCC” event held last month. HCC: “Access to HCC” was created to give our small business community the opportunity to connect, network, and learn about procurement opportunities with HCC. Last March, we

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celebrated the expo's 5th year anniversary. Many of you may remember that last year’s expo took place right before the pandemic surfaced. At that time, we were unsure if we should move forward with the expo or postpone it. We decided to move forward and welcomed over 250 attendees and 37 exhibitors. Little did we know March 2020 would be the last time we would meet face-toface for an unknown period of time. Knowing that “Access to HCC” plays an important role in the cultivation of relationships between SBEs and HCC, we decided to hold this year’s expo virtually. We kicked off our expo with greetings from Marshall Heins, Interim Sr. Vice Chancellor – Finance and Administration & CFO. Our keynote was one of the top 10 Houston Rockets players of all time, Mario Elie. Mario is no stranger to overcoming obstacles and understands the drive and ambition it takes to succeed. This year, attendees were entered into a drawing for an opportunity to win autographed memorabilia from Mario at the end of our program. Our program also included remarks from Joseph Gavin, CTCD, Executive Director, Procurement Operations, followed by the introductions from the SBDP, Procurement Operations and Strategic Sourcing. This year, we highlighted several of our internal stakeholders who identified procurement opportunities within their program or department. Internal stakeholders included Information Technology, Facilities

SBE Certification, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency SBE Certification, and the Small Business Administration 8(a) certification.

The HCC SBDP remains a valuable resource to SUBC USA: What upcoming events the small business community. And during these do you have planned over the next challenging times, the SBDP has not stopped its work, couple of months for the small continuing to open doors for small businesses to business community? provide services to HCC. For more information about HCC: We recently distributed a the SBDP, please visit www.hccs.edu/sbdp. survey to assist with identifying areas of need in which we can plan our events around. We utilize surveys “HCC has relied heavily on our SBEs throughout the quite often to gauge the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the PPE purchased by the environment in our local business community College was purchased from our local SBEs. Prior to and the needs of our the pandemic, we were working daily to get our local SBEs. The majority of our SBEs registered with not only HCC, but with surrounding programming is based on the feedback received governmental agencies as well. When the time came, from our SBE community. they were ready to do business. This is just one example In our most recent survey, we found the majority of of how our procurement team is proactive in supporting the respondents were in small businesses, meeting their needs.” the professional services industry and were looking —Joe Gavin, Executive Director of HCC Procurement Operations to gain knowledge in the areas of marketing to the government, marketing in general, and risk management. We are currently developing sign up for our newsletter. While you are on our page, programming around these areas. be sure to take a look at the certifications we recognize.

SUBC USA: Is there anything else you want our readers to know? HCC: There are an abundance of procurement and contracting opportunities at HCC. Completing a vendor application on our website is your first step in the process if you are interested in receiving an email notification when bid opportunities are released. Two of the most important areas to pay special attention to when filling out your vendor application is the commodity code and the business description area. Be sure to select multiple codes and enter a robust business description. Lastly, you will want to routinely update your vendor application as needed to ensure you always have current contact information listed on the application. A best practice would be to create a central email address that your business can use for all vendor applications. The SBDP would love for you to keep in touch with us! Visit our website at hccs.edu/sbdp to

The links on our website will take you directly to each agency. If you are in need of any assistance, feel free to reach out to our office. We are here to help! As we continue to move small businesses forward, you can expect to see our continued participation in our community partner events as well as continuing to host our own networking and educational events. We are in the early stages of developing new ways for the SBE community to interact with the College. We actively participate in vendor meet and greets and assist with the vendor registration and certification process by connecting you with each organization to make your experience smooth. We realize many SBEs manage the front and back office of their businesses, so we try to streamline our processes as much as possible. We will continue to provide our programming based on the feedback received from our SBEs. We understand that many of our local businesses had to quickly change their business structure or seek capital to continue their operation. Two of the first webinars we hosted in March 2020 were “Introduction to Business Credit” and “Building Financial Capacity.” From there, we migrated to “Developing a Simple Business Plan for the Next 120 Days” and “Harnessing B2B Marketing in the COVID-19 Era.” We will continue hosting webinars that are relevant to the SBE community.

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The Mission of the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum is to be a world class forum uniquely designed to provide advocates an opportunity to promote and enhance the success of “Economically and Socially Disadvantaged Businesses” The Forum accomplishes its Mission and Goals by bringing together private and public sector officials, corporate and goverment administrators, political leaders, knowledgeable business leaders and entrepreneurs to share information on key business issues and create, execute, and deliver business that “Make a Positive Difference” in the communities we live and serve. For more information on the monthly Forum Please contact Milton Thibodeaux at PH. 832.216.2185 or Email. miltonthibodeaux@gmail.com

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HOUSTON MBDA BUSINESS CENTER The Houston Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center is operated by Houston Community College and is funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Minority Business Development Agency and has been hosted at Houston Community College since September 2013.

Our Mission

To foster the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. businesses that are minority-owned by facilitating transactions through referrals, business consulting, and matching Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to contract opportunities and capital resources.

Services

– Procurement assistance – Access to markets – One-on-one business consulting – Strategic services (facilitation to minority certification, referral to service providers, marketing strategy, etc.) – Invitations to trainings, seminars and events

Eligibility

Minority-owned businesses that have been in business three or more years and with $1 million or more in annual revenue are the target clients for our services. High-growth industries such as green technology, clean energy, health care, infrastructure, and broad band technology also are eligible for the MBDA program.

Eligible clients include: – African Americans – Hispanic Americans – Asian and Pacific Islander Americans – Native Americans (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations and Tribal entities) – Asian Indian Americans – Hasidic Jewish Americans

CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION mbda@hccs.edu • 713.718.8974 • hccs.edu/mbda 3100 Main Street, Suite 701, Houston, TX 77002

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2216 WHEELER AVE., HOUSTON, TX 77004 PHONE 713.541.5468 | FAX 713.520.1729

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@KAYDAVISASSOCIATESLLC

@KAYDAVISASSOC

Top 25 Prime & Sub Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions Directory 2021

@KAYDAVISASSOC

WWW.KAYDAVISASSOC.COM HOUSTON | DALLAS | SAN ANTONIO

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Top 25 Prime & Sub Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions Directory 2021

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SERVICES

Demolition, debris removal, clearing acreage Street repair and renovation Large concrete pads: helicopter pads, parking lots, foundations, pavilion bases, etc. Pier installation Precision concrete-cutting and construction: ramps, walls, manufacturing bays, etc. Interior demolition and build-out Decorative concrete De Heavy equipment

ABOUT THE OWNER Ruben Mercado, Jr., president of IPSUM General Contractors, LLC (IGC), has over 25 years of experience in the civil construction and infrastructure industry. With a “boots on the ground” management style, Mr. Mercado has a proven track record of business development, including the planning, scheduling and management of day-to-day operations for IPSUM GC. His expertise in project management and staying on budget allows him to lead both employees and clients in maintaining smooth operations through the challenges that often arise in large construction projects. Under his leadership and continued education in the industry, IPSUM GC has evolved from exclusively civil construction to include build-outs in the commercial industry as well.

CLIENTS

Mr. Mercado has held several leadership positions in the Greater Houston chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) since 2012. He currently serves as President and Chairman of the local chapter and also as the Regional Vice President of NAMC’s Southwest region. After serving in the U.S. Army for seven years, Mr. Mercado was honorably discharged as an E-5 Sergeant in 1991. He and his wife, Ana, have been married for twenty-nine years and have two daughters. An advocate for the community, Mr. Mercado has mentored many individuals in their professional pursuits. His dedication to quality building extends from construction to the community.

WHAT SETS IPSUM GC APART? STANDARDS AND LEADERSHIP: Safety ﬁrst Ethics, communication and respect Management is straight forward and accessible

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HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE AND EMPHASIS ON PRECISION: Site preparation Heavy equipment operators Trained workforce specializing in paving and concrete structures Interior demolition and build-out

Top 25 Prime & Sub Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions Directory 2021

CERTIFICATIONS: OSHA-certified Certified Instructor for OSHA 10/30 Hrs Class HUB-certified MBE MBE/SBE/DBE – certified Veteran-owned

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IAH Parking Count Guidance System

market sectors

services

• • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

aviation CIVIL commercial corrections education entertainment healthcare historic renovations hospitality/casinos military municipal transportation

pre-construction construCtion management program management design-build general contracting SPECIALTY CONTRACTING

IAH MLIT

www.azteca-omega.com | Houston MBE - HIRE HOUSTON FIRST 3340-C Greens Road, Suite 900 | Houston TX 77032 | 281-205-0919

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Staffing solutions that work for your business.

Uniting talent with opportunity PLACEMENT MANAGEMENT

Providing prompt service to staff your needs is a priority for Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC. We have staff in place that is specialized in providing you with the right candidate based upon your needs.

Our Personnel… Your Potential

Certifications: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Statewide Historically Underutilized Business Program, Small Business Enterprise, Small Business Administration Woman Owned Small Business, Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, BBB

For more information call: 832.863.1090 www.sunshinepersonnelsolutions.com 38 Inside Pages 2021.indd 38

p: 832.863.1090 | f: 713.636.2422 150 W. Parker Rd Ste. 605 Houston, TX 77076

Top 25 Prime & Sub Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions Directory 2021

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HOUSTON PUBLIC W

Remains a Solid Force Committed to the Progr Winter Storm Uri In February, showed us that Houston is vulnerable to all sorts of severe weather events. But I’m proud that our team incorporates the resilient Houston framework and strategic planning in preparing for these unforeseen events. We are not only focused on new techniques to help prevent flooding, but also how to protect our facilities from the extreme cold. In the midst of challenging times, this process is especially helpful to ensure Houston’s operation at full capacity, also keeping MWBEs doing business with our city.”

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

ouston Public Works – Office of Business Opportunity (Houston Public Works) is the largest and most diverse public works department in the United States with the great responsibility of permitting and regulating construction, managing streets, drainage, drinking water, wastewater, and capital improvement projects. And though there have been challenges due to the pandemic and Winter Storm Uri, this entity, accredited by the American Public Works Association has adapted, remaining a solid force committed to Houston and the progression of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Under director Carol Haddock, COO Eric Dargan, and division manager Will Norwood III, Houston Public Works, composed of 4,000 dedicated public servants, works as one team with purpose and collaboration to continue to build a strong foundation for our city and MWBEs to thrive. In fiscal year 2020, Houston Public Works awarded

$2.05 billion in contracts, with $525 million awarded to MWBEs, providing more opportunities for our minority business community. The number of MWBEs awarded increased 15% and 70% of all city dollars awarded to certified firms came from Houston Public Works. Over half a billion dollars was awarded to MWBEs last year from Houston Public Works alone. The economic impact of those dollars being awarded, especially during a year of uncertainty, has a positive effect on our small business communit y presently, also making a great impact for the y e a r s ahead. Y o u may not realize how valuable Houston Public Works

—Carol Haddock, Houston Public Works Director

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C WORKS

Progression of MWBEs

is to our city, as it is the first responder to the first responders. Working behind the scenes, this department works selflessly and tirelessly around the clock, keeping Houston in operation and water flowing throughout emergency events, also assisting Houston Police and Houston Fire with high water rescues. Houston Public Works has inspectors ready after any storm, to speed up the permitting process if and when Houstonians need to rebuild following a storm. Despite unforeseen storms and the pandemic, our city cannot stop operations, so with construction and expansion projects ongoing like the Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP), there are continuous opportunities for MWBEs to do business with Houston Public Works. The NEWPP Expansion Project is a $1.76 Billion design-build project that will add 320 million gallons per day by 2024 to the existing water plant’s capacity. Gutier, an MBE subcontractor performing on multiple work packages at NEWPP, accredits their rapid growth to the project. “Since working at NEWPP, we have expanded our workforce, made capital investments, and relocated to a larger office space,” says Jorge Mancilla, Principal at Gutier. Houston Public Works has been proactive, swiftly able to modify strategies and procedures, helping to ensure that MWBEs continue to have access to receiving information and opportunities with the department. Leveraging technology further allows them to deliver the same quality of services, like pre-bid and pre-construction meetings. And going virtual provides more online

services and resources at the Houston Permitting Center and other service areas. The brief postponement of their Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP) in 2020 gave them time to transition the program virtually for this year. IMPP, a program in collaboration with The City of Houston, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston Independent School District, Port Houston, Houston Community College, and Houston First Corporation, exists to strengthen effective working relationships, fostering long-term stability between established companies and local agencies with emerging historically underutilized businesses. The twenty small businesses selected in this year’s program will partner with a mentor (prime contractor) who will provide best practices, guidance, and support as the protégé progresses. In 2020 Houston Public Works launched its Small Contactors Rotation Program (SCRP) 2.0 with seven MWBE construction firms. The SCRP is a two-year program designed to provide capacity building and assistance to MWSBE construction contractors. SCRP enables small construction contractors to compete for business with the City of Houston, while also strengthening their ability to obtain financing and bonding. Over $1 million has been awarded in the program so far, proving beneficial for MWBEs. Because of the pandemic, Houston Public Works took their 2020 Contracts Connect event virtual, with over 260 registered attendees participating last Fall. Contracts Connect is Houston's premier networking event designed to connect major engineering consulting firms and construction companies with MWBEs in

areas of engineering, design, and civil construction. This year marks fourteen years for the program and the Annual Contracts Connect event will be back in-person to assist small businesses in reestablishing relationships with the City, prime contractors, and other government agencies with civil construction and engineering opportunities. Recently, the city recognized the efforts of Houston Public Works through National Public Works Week. This included a proclamation from the Mayor, a department-wide BBQ competition, a new department overview video, and accolades provided by local partners. Stronger Together was this year’s theme that couldn’t be more fitting, acknowledging the importance of public works professionals and their vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities, while highlighting the public health, high quality of life, and wellbeing of the people of Houston. In order for Houston to not just sustain a strong foundation, but also keep moving forward, we need the services and support of our MWBEs. Diligent in its commitment to MWBEs, Houston Public Works – Office of Business Opportunity has a proven track record of advocating and providing resources for MWBEs to successfully do business with the City of Houston. To find out more about the application and pre-certification workshops available, please visit www.houstontx.gov/obo and www. publicworks.houstontx.gov.

Gutier jobsite at City of Houston NEWPP project

Director Haddock and our COO Eric Dargan are consistently challenging each service line in order to find ways to identify more opportunities for MWBEs. The firm foundation of our success is credited to our leadership’s understanding that when our small businesses succeed, we as a city succeed.” —Will Norwood III, Houston Public Works Division Manager

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PROGRAM MANAGEMENT I COMMISSIONING I BEYOND Recognized as one of Subcontractors USA’s 25 Top Prime Contractors since 2014

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713.482.2300

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South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency The mission of SCTRCA is to improve opportunities for our vendors through education and connect them with our membership entities, corporate sponsors and resource partners.

Member Entities: • The City of San Antonio • Bexar County • Alamo Colleges District • Brooks • CPS Energy • Edwards Aquifer Authority • Port San Antonio • San Antonio Housing Authority • San Antonio I.S.D • San Antonio River Authority • San Antonio Water Systems • University Health Systems • VIA Metropolitan • San Antonio International Airport

Corporate Sponsors: • AT&T Center (SPURS) • H.E.B. • Skanska • Spaw Glass • Zachry Construction Corporation • The Boeing Co • Joeris General Contractors • TURNER Construction Company • SUNDT

• Guido Construction • D. Wilson Construction • MWH Constructors • EZ Bel Construction • Garney Construction • Health Trust PG

South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency 3201 Cherry Ridge St. Building B Suite 210 San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 227-4722 Certifications:

SMWVBE | ACDBE | DBE

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Trucking and logistics solutions located strategically in SETX and SWLA.

For Almost 40 Years Providing

• Dry van & specialized transportation • Local & domestic & intermodal drayage • Asphalt, dirt & aggregate material handling • Equipment moves

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We help welders become their best. The Industrial Welding Academy (IWA) is dedicated to teaching students the trade of welding through a uniquely designed curriculum that will allow graduates to achieve entry level positions within the many fields of skilled trades that utilize the learned techniques of welding. We are dedicated to the philosophy that your ability to earn a meaningful income is based on your dedication to learn marketable skills based on “Integrity With Attitude.”

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Industrial Welding Academy

A Family-Owned Enterprise Preparing the NEXT GENERATION OF WELDERS By Subcontractors USA News Provider

he nation's aging infrastructure requires the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and structures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Recent statistics from Data USA show the number of people employed as welding, soldering, and brazing workers has been growing at a rate of 4.98%, from 580,520 people in 2018 to 609,457 people in 2019. Andre worked for several major industrial companies, and as a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), he has more than 30 years of training experience in the welding industry. Miranda possesses more than 2 decades of workforce development and management experience, being a valuable element to IWA’s foundation. Continuing to meet the industry’s demand for welders, providing higher education in welding is the Industrial Welding Academy (IWA). Since 2007, Andre Horn, founder and CEO and Miranda Horn, vice president, have been dedicated to teaching students the in-demand trade of welding built on their motto of “Integrity With Attitude.” IWA, for more than a decade with an acclaimed certification program, has proven itself as more than just a welding school, but a proven place for young men and women to get a second chance, being successful in their personal and professional development. Under the direction of the Horns, the curriculum, staff, and instructors are strategic, so the student body feels more like part of a family, beyond the traditional teacher-student setting. This learning

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Left to Right: Andre Horn, Desiree Horn, Miranda Horn, Dalton Horn

environment is distinct and effectual, perpetually producing graduates who are the future generation of leaders in the welding profession and in their communities. “IWA changes the lives of our students by teaching them the valuable skill of welding. And we don’t take it for granted that we are in a city with one of the highest levels of employment in the welding field in the country. Yes, our students have the advantage in that instance, but we understand that the highest level of training needs to be available in order for them to secure gainful employment. IWA is about opening doors for young welders to be the best through our quality welding training environment. When

our students gain the confidence careerwise, that also extends into their personal life, building self-esteem. And that is one of the best things to witness.” Andre said. The Horns leading this familyowned enterprise prepares not only students, but also the next generation of IWA leadership with their children, Desiree and Dalton Horn showing passion and gaining first-hand experience to be successful in continuing the IWA legacy. “I am more than honored to continue the legacy my parents have created from the ground up. For them to even consider passing the torch to me really means a lot. I get the privilege to keep this legacy alive and im-

pact the community the same way my parents did,” said Desiree. “IWA is the perfect place to come for those needing a second chance. Regardless of your background, welder qualifications are based on hands-on training and work ethic. Here at IWA, we focus on book knowledge and hands-on training that you will need in the field,” expressed Dalton. But the academy’s achievements would not be possible without the IWA educators and support staff. “You can give students requirements, but do they have the tools to meet those demands? I am thankful that IWA’s instructors are providing those necessary tools for our students to succeed in their education and in the real world after they

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Mir the we Desiree an the found Learning t takes to r also earni legacy. Ou the philos on their d ‘Integrity W children o continue t

graduate from IWA,” Miranda said. IWA CWEs are credentialed by the American Welding Society (AWS), the multifaceted nonprofit organization advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and related disciplines all across the country. Working with welders of all levels and companies of all sizes, IWA’s certified welding instructors have more than 50 years of experience in the welding industry. Ever growing, with a location in Houston and expanding in 2018, with a school now in Beaumont, both state-of-the-art welding schools accommodate an industry-leading student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Training spaces are designed to resemble the job

Miranda and I are proud of the achievements of IWA, but we are training our children, Desiree and Dalton, to build upon the foundation that we have laid. Learning the business and what it takes to run a successful school, also earning the opportunity to lead IWA is what will sustain the IWA legacy. Our family and the IWA staff and instructors are dedicated to the philosophy that one’s ability to earn a meaningful income is based on their dedication to learn marketable skills. This is based on our ‘Integrity With Attitude’ motto. IWA stands on that now, and with our children one day taking over the reins, I have no doubt this academy will continue to stand on that for years to come.” —Andre Horn, founder and CEO of the Industrial Welding Academy

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settings in realistic welding conditions and environments. Students are each assigned a welding machine and welding booth during the course. IWA providing individual booths for students allows them to strengthen their skills received individually as well as collectively. IWA remains committed to providing the superior training and education that is in line with current welding industry needs. Like many, IWA has had to pivot and adapt amid the pandemic, but the academy shows no signs of yielding, continuing to produce confident and competent welding professionals. “The government required closures during the pandemic did force us to close our doors temporarily for a couple of months, but we took that time to put new procedures into place when able to reopen for our students. We were able to adapt with CDC and state regulations in place for the health and safety of our staff and students to remain productive in IWA’s learning environment,” said Andre. He added, “And with us being in the hub of the oil and gas and petrochemical core, there remains continuous career opportunities for our students after they graduate. We had no choice but to adapt to the current times. If you don’t adapt, you get left behind, and there was no choice but for us to reopen and push through. We owed that to the students, staff, and to the community.” IWA proves to be a worthy driving force in educating our next generation of welders, recently holding their Annual Student Welder Certification Day, hosting aspiring welders from Houston and the surrounding areas to

test for certifications at their Houston location. “This annual event was especially important, being that we all have had to overcome challenges brought about by COVID-19. Our students, instructors, and staff had to adapt as well, and we understand that. But we are still here and applaud everyone for pushing through to not only continue to keep IWA a success, but to shine the light on our students who worked so hard and deserved this day. This annual day would not have been possible without AWS, our sponsors, proctors, community partners, instructors, staff, and the high school instructors who brought their students to participate,” expressed Miranda. Though you may not realize it, welding shapes our communities and everyday lives. And IWA is proud to be instrumental in shaping the lives of the next generation working in this career. From construction to manufacturing, the demand for welders remains strong. Salaries are also good, given that many jobs in this arena don’t require an extensive education, with some making a six-figure income. IWA is not just about preparing students for a job, but a career and fulfilling life, conveying the great value of integrity and discipline upon its students. Because many of the IWA students come from at-risk areas, IWA gives them a deserving second chance to change their lives. “IWA is providing our young people an invaluable opportunity to gain higher education in the welding industry. Miranda and I, with our children, dedicated instructors, and staff are equipping students to perform their best, because they have the credentials, discipline, experience, welding training, and confidence to excel and exceed expectations as welders,” Andre said. Andre and Miranda have made IWA more than an academy, but a familyrun operation preparing students to be productive assets in the industry and in their communities. It’s a great legacy that will remain standing for years to come, one day being run by their children, Desiree and Dalton, remaining the bridge connecting those needing a second chance to a successful career in this industry. Desiring to meet the steady demand for welders, IWA has future plans to open additional facilities throughout the city and state. For more information about IWA, please visit www.iwatraining.com or email mybestwelding@iwatraining.com. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data USA Zippia

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National Association of Minority Contractors, Inc. Greater Houston Chapter 1337 W. 43rd St., Suite B165, Houston, Tx 77018 832-797-1842 | www.namctexas.org | email: director@namctexas.org

Photo by: al-fin

The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) is a nonprofit trade association that was established in 1969 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors. While membership is open to people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, the organization’s mandate, “Building Bridges – Crossing Barriers,” focuses on construction industry concerns common to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. OUR MISSION

contractors.

• Provide education and training to minority contractors in construction.

• Build bridges between minority contractors and the entities they work.

• Promote the economic and legal interest of minority contracting firms.

• Create a forum for sharing information and mutual support.

• Advocate law and government actions for minority contractors. • Bring about wider procurement and business opportunities for minority contractors. • Reduce and remove the barriers to full equality for minority

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• OUR VISION Our vision is to prepare and position deserving minority and female-owned businesses to win contracts, increase branding visibility and to expand their client base through relationship development opportunities

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By Subcontractors USA News Provider

RBCA

here are now more than four million minority-owned companies in the U.S., with annual sales totaling almost $700 billion. According to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, over the last 10 years, minority business enterprises accounted for more than 50 percent of the two million new businesses started in the United States and created 4.7 million jobs. We can be hopeful of the promise for a more level playing field for minority-owned businesses, but not complacent, as there are still great strides that need to be made to encourage and strengthen the minority business community. The Harris County Disparity Study 2020 highlights the disparity in Houston for Black contractors, with just 9.1% of Harris County's contracts with minorityowned and women-owned businesses, compared to a

The Advocate Advancing the Development and Growth of Houston Black-Owned Businesses

“We are community-value oriented. We fight to get Black contractors working, which means in preconstruction and contracting, for the purpose of hiring other Black people and training them.  That’s the strategic partnership. That’s the only plan we got. It never changes. Never.” —John Proctor, Chairman of Regional Black Contractors Association

28.4% market share, and 0.5% of the county’s contract dollars going to Black-owned businesses. And According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an evident lack of diversity in this industry, as African Americans make up 6% of architects and engineers and 6% of construction workers. There also remains an imbalance when it comes to access to capital, contracting opportunities, and other entrepreneurial development opportunities for minority-owned firms. Minority-owned enterprises achieving sustainability and longevity is valuable for the local and national competitive advantage. Diverse business ownership is essential to our nation's continued economic success and growth. Advocating for the development and growth of Black-owned businesses is the Regional Black Contractors Association (RBCA). Under the leadership of John Proctor, chairman and Kimberly Shaw, president and CEO, the RBCA remains a very effective partner for minority-owned busi-

nesses and entrepreneurs, working their relationships with state, municipal, and corporate leaders and their supplier diversity executives, elected and appointed officials all for the cause to support AfricanAmerican business development. Locally, statewide, and in Washington, DC, the RBCA stays active and committed in monitoring pending legislation that might affect their member’s businesses and growth. With a proactive and strategic approach, the RBCA quickly mobilizes to work with key policy makers to support and ensure that every opportunity is available for the RBCA's membership. Today, the RBCA is the premiere African American construction member services organization serving a membership base of

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100 plus that includes: • Architecture/ engineering trades firms • Owners • Developers • General contractors • Construction management firms • Subcontractors • Real estate firms The RBCA, headquartered in Dallas, TX, now has an office right in the heart of our city, allowing it a more personal approach to serve businesses in Houston and the surrounding areas. With the opening of their office, the RBCA is empowered to make an even greater impact with its implementable solutions combating inequality for Black business owners.

Sources: • The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship • Harris County Disparity Study 2020: (https://www. houstonpublicmedia.org/app/plugins/pdfjs-viewershortcode/pdfjs/web/viewer.php?file=https://cdn. hpm.io/wp - content /uploads/2020/06/30185703/ DisparityStudy2020.pdf&dButton=true&pButton=true &oButton=false&sButton=true#zoom=auto&pagemod e=none) • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: (https://www.bls.gov/ cps/cpsaat11.htm; https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18. htm) • Houston Public Media: (https://www. houstonpublicmedia.org/ar ticles/news/ business/2020/12/14/387703/study-shows-womenand-minority-owned-businesses-underrepresentedamong-port-of-houston-contractors/)

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SUBC USA: What are some of the main challenges you have seen African American businesses and contractors face in this industry, and how do you help them overcome these challenges so they stay competitive? RBCA: We have found that access to capital and opportunities are the major challenges African American businesses encounter. However, RBCA’s team building model allows our members and partners to stay in the game. We collaborate with decision-makers to ensure bonding and procurement criteria is inclusive and yields more Black contractors on teams. An example of this would be utilizing subguard insurance, incentivizing teaming structures that drive toward the goal, and adjusting experience requirements to compliment the market availability. Our webinar series keeps members up to date with opportunities and other resources to help their businesses succeed. SUBC USA: Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, so we think that there's a more level playing field here. But what has your organization seen that this Houston office is needed to support minority businesses in this area? RBCA: Houston is a consultant-based city. And the RBCA wants to turn Houston into a skilled performance-based city. This office in Houston enables us to be on the ground in order to achieve this, working with political and community leaders and partners in Houston and the surrounding areas. We are appreciative that Mayor Turner and Commissioner Rodney Ellis understand this. SUBC USA: What does this Houston office mean for not only our city and local businesses, but for the state as well when it comes to expanding your organization's advocacy efforts for minority businesses? RBCA: We have to create and build capacity amongst the contractors that are here locally like we have done and continue to do in DFW. This means increased job opportunities for Blacks and growing minority businesses. Some of our members who started out doing painting and drywall are now bonding $10-15M as prime firms, also employing ex-offenders with opportunities so they can have the foundation to become financially independent and contribute to our local and national economy. SUBC USA: What are some challenges African American businesses and contractors have faced during the pandemic, and how has the RBCA been proactive in providing support to these businesses? RBCA: Black contractors and businesses were in a pandemic before COVID-19. Black businesses have been attempting to meet payroll and keep businesses afloat for a long time. It’s just that the pandemic has shed light on the issue. But now that the pandemic has affected all ethnicities, there is a heightened sensitivity to the issues Black business owners have been facing. But because of our relationships with key decision-makers, a solution is just a phone call away. For example, if

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there are payment delays, it just takes one phone call to the chairman, CEO, or developers for the bottleneck to be taken care of. We have been blessed that construction remained essential through the pandemic, which is a lifeline to so many. And the RBCA has worked with county commissioners, judges, and other advocacy groups to ensure we could remain open for business, adhering to the strict safety measures. Some of those safety measures called for increased costs, however, the PPP and EIDL were also a lifeline to several

and public institutions, but when it comes to business, they can’t get a fair opportunity. We have to demand more in order to secure the capital and opportunities that will help minority businesses and contractors reach full capacity. SUBC USA: Can you please give our readers an example of the RBCA's advocacy efforts, with a successful outcome? RBCA: A successful outcome is when there is Black participation across the

Q&A with the RBCA:

are committed to being servant-leaders for Black and minority businesses and contractors, uplifting the community, decreasing crime, and connecting people with a second chance to succeed. The RBCA is the parent organization. Our 501c(3) subsidiary, the RBCA Community Development Corporation is where our community outreach programs are housed, programs that serve vulnerable populations that include ex-offenders, seniors, and youth in at-risk areas. Our membership is welcome to all. You do not have to be African American to join the RBCA. Our membership base consists of many ethnicities who all believe in a bigger purpose of “helping others help themselves.”

National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate Houston Public Media reported that The Port of Houston’s recent independent disparity study by Griffin & Strong PC showed that womenowned and minority-owned businesses are grossly underrepresented in the —Kimberly Shaw, port's procurement process. President and CEO of Regional Black Contractors Association The study found less than 0.1% of construction contract dollars go to Black-owned firms, even though they businesses, and we thank the Trump board and a true intent to build capacity. represent about 15% of the market. The administration for that. An example of our advocacy efforts are port is using this independent study to joint ventures or teaming agreements support the strengthening of its small SUBC USA: How has the RBCA adapted and at each stage in development of a business enterprise program as it makes pivoted during the pandemic to continue project incorporating RBCA’s Second efforts to increase contracting with to support African American and Chance Hiring Program that trains women-owned and minority-owned minority businesses and contractors? formerly incarcerated individuals with businesses. But while studies like this RBCA: The RBCA, like almost all a construction focus. We look forward raise awareness for an organization, it organizations, has shifted to a virtual to this partnership on projects in Harris also demonstrates a need for the RBCA environment that allows us to stay in and the surrounding counties. Houston office, allowing the association communication with our membership to be present in our city as an advocate and partners. We host educational SUBC USA: What does it mean on a larger and partner, reversing economic webinars and networking events scale/what's the bigger picture when disproportion here for Black businesses through online platforms, and it has also minority businesses succeed? so they are sustainable and utilized in encouraged us to be more innovative RBCA: When Black people hire other this industry. with the marketing and services that Black people, the community as a whole With so much more work to do we offer. With vaccinations on the benefits. And as our membership advocating for minority businesses, also rise, we are moving to a hybrid model understands this, they hire one another. supporting them in reaching their full that will include in-person networking RBCA members hire graduates from capacity, the RBCA’s message to Houston events for those who are comfortable our Second Chance Hiring Program, businesses is, “We are here!” The RBCA, (but still following safety precautions which results in jobs with livable leading with integrity, community approved by the CDC). Now that we wages for individuals to take care of outreach efforts, and excellence, is the know the convenience and flexibility the themselves and their families. Minority premiere African American construction virtual world offers, it’s hard to “unknow,” businesses succeeding strengthens member services organization advancing therefore we will still use that medium as the family unit, increases the taxpayer the development and growth of a method to stay connected in the future. base in underserved communities, and African-American owned businesses. A decreases crime. Black businesses being paramount establishment working on SUBC USA: Though there are more sustainable and profitable allow them implementable and proven solutions, opportunities for African American to contribute financially to outreach the RBCA is the bridge enabling the businesses and contractors, where efforts, like our Senior Home Repair meaningful and sustainable inclusion of in RBCA's work have you seen where Program, which helps disadvantaged African American construction business improvements can be made to make senior citizens with home repair at no professional services and trades firms in it a more level playing field for these cost to them. When our businesses are this industry. businesses? prosperous, we can provide resources to RBCA: There has to be a focus on help our communities stay viable. The Houston office opened in January equity when establishing policies of this year and is located at 2418 and RFPs. Mentor/protégé programs SUBC USA: Is there anything else you Elgin Street. To make an appointment must focus on all levels of the scale, would like our readers to know about with a representative at the RBCA and not exclude firms with zero to the RBCA? Houston location, please email RBCA@ three years of experience. Businesses RBCA: The RBCA is a faith-based Blackcontractors.org. For more should be judged based on their ability, program, standing on the foundation information about the RBCA and its not whether they have generations that God will give us everything we upcoming events or to become a of experience. In that scenario need to provide the tools to build Black member, please visit we will lose every time. When you contractors in this system that will hire www.blackcontractors.org. think about the economy, you have Black people. With the overwhelming capitalism and consumerism. Black statistics proving contracting disparities people are consumers of many private nationwide and in Harris County, we

“I tell women of color and minorities to always remember that you are a role model to someone who you may not even know is watching. In order to serve others, be confident and walk in the unique skills and abilities that God has blessed you with. Be courageous, respectful, and always willing to learn more. And speak truth, as that is your power to create great change.”

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