VOL. 61 ISSUE 09 SEPTEMBER2020 • GUAM CONTRACTORSʼ ASSOCIATION
RISE IN DIY HOME REPAIR
STOPCORONAVIRUS
si yu'us ma'ASE TO ALL OF OUR CONTRACTOR & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
for your dedication and hard work DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES FOR INFORMATION & RESOURCES ON COVID-19, VISIT OUR WEBSITE
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YOUR CHOICE OF 0.9% FOR 60 MONTHS WITH ZERO DOWN + A CAT® CUSTOMER VALUE AGREEMENT* OR 0% FOR 60 MONTHS WITH ZERO DOWN** Apply on Cat Attachments too! Because your business never stops, we want owning new Cat® compact equipment to be simple and hassle-free. Right now, you can take advantage of low interest rates with unmatched support from Hawthorne Cat. Plus, with a Cat Customer Value Agreement, you get 3-year comprehensive coverage and up to 50% longer component life with the use of genuine Cat parts that are conveniently provided for planned maintenance. This finance rate can also be applied to attachment purchases, helping you get even more done for less. Just a few of the new ways we say, “Hello and welcome to Hawthorne Cat.”
Guam | 671.649.4228 Hawaii | 808.677.9111 San Diego | 858.674.7000 www.hawthornecat.com *Financing offer valid from July 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. 0.9% interest for 60 months financing with zero down payment available only on the following new Cat machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.: Skid Steer Loaders, Mini Excavators, Compact Track Loaders, Compact Wheel Loaders, Backhoe Loaders, Small Dozers, Small Wheel Loaders, and Telehandlers and when purchased with a qualifying Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA). A qualifying CVA includes the Maintenance Parts Kits for 3 years/1,500 hours (exception: the Small Wheel Loader includes a parts kit for 3 years/3,000 hours); TA1 Inspection; Product LinkTM; and a Powertrain, Hydraulics and Technology Equipment Protection Plan (EPP) for 3 years/3,000 hours on Skid Steer Loaders, Mini Excavators, Compact Track Loaders, Compact Wheel Loaders, Backhoe Loaders, Small Dozers, Small Wheel Loaders and Telehandlers. The maintenance parts included cover the first 1,500 hours (estimated 3 years) of machine utilization. The kit contains one set of parts for regular planned maintenance under normal operating conditions. In some severe applications where maintenance parts need to be replaced more frequently, the additional parts will be at the customer’s expense. Excludes dealer labor, wear parts, S•O•SSM and fluids (final drive oil is included for Compact Track Loaders, and Mini Excavators). The fluids not included are oils, grease, coolant, friction modifiers, additives, etc. All excluded items are available at participating dealers at an additional cost and should be negotiated with the dealer. For details on the exact parts list for your specific machine, please contact your local dealer. Financing, zero down, and published rate terms are only available through Cat Financial for customers meeting credit approval and subject to Cat Financial offered terms and conditions. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates may apply for buyers with lower credit rating and lesser qualifications. Offer available only at participating Cat dealers. Flexible payment terms available to those who qualify. Offer is available to customers in the USA only. Offer subject to machine availability. Offer may change without prior notice and additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details. **Financing offers valid from July 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. 0.0% interest for 60 months financing with zero down payment available only on the following new Cat machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.: Skid Steer Loaders, Mini Excavators, Compact Track Loaders, Compact Wheel Loaders, Backhoe Loaders, Small Dozers, Small Wheel Loaders, and Telehandlers. Financing, zero down, and published rate terms are only available through Cat Financial for customers meeting credit approval and subject to Cat Financial offered terms and conditions. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates may apply for buyers with lower credit rating or lesser qualifications. Offer available only at participating Cat dealers. Flexible payment terms available to those who qualify. Offer is available to customers in the USA only. Offer subject to machine availability. Offer may change without prior notice and additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details. © 2020 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER PRESIDENT’S LETTER
6
S.A.M.E. update
8
Military news
10
Small business notes
11
FEATURE STORY
12
Construction headline
16
NEWSLINE
20
Member benefits
24
12
FEATURE STORY
16
2020
CONSTRUCTION HEADLINE
don’t forget you can pay online
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EDITORIALS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
THEDIRECTORS
THEEDITORIALS
THETEAM
PRESIDENT James Martinez Guam Contractors’ Association
Guam Contractor’s Association (GCA) in conjunction with Adztech and Public Relations, Inc. publishes the Construction News Bulletin (CNB) monthly. Reproduction of materials appearing in this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission by GCA.
PUBLISHER: James Martinez
CHAIRMAN Peter Errett Hawaiian Rock Products VICE CHAIRMAN Bill Beery Tutujan Hill Group
While we always strive for accuracy, we will from time to time overlook mistakes. In order to help us improve the quality and accuracy of this publication, we ask that you take the time to look at the information provided and notify GCA or Adztech of any corrections as needed. Opinions and editorial content of this publication may not necessarily be those of the publisher, production team, staff, GCA members, GCA Board of Directors and advertisers.
SECRETARY/TREASURER Grace Jacot SET Pacific PAST CHAIRMAN Jessica Barrett Barrett Plumbing CONTRACTOR DIRECTORS: Don McCann Black Construction Corporation
For more information about advertising in the GCA Construction News Bulletin contact the advertising department at (671) 477-1239/2239 or email at adztech@teleguam.net.
Shoja Rezvani Contrack Watts Contractors John Sage Pacific Rim Constructors Inc.
Distributed to GCA members or can be obtained by stopping by the Guam Contractors’ Association office located at 718 N. Marine Corps Drive, Suite 203, East West Business Center, Upper Tumon, Guam.
Dan Soriano Granite Construction Lucia Wood APTIM ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: Jose Garcia First Hawaiian Bank
To find out more about how you can become a GCA member contact Guam Contractors’ Association at Tel: (671) 647-4840/41 Fax: (671) 647-4866 or Email: gca@teleguam.net. www.guamcontractors.org
Mark Cruz MidPac Far East Patty Lizama Pacific Isla Life
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero AD SALES: Jaceth Duenas PRODUCTION: Jason Davis Geri Leon Guerrero Christopher “Taco” Rowland EDITOR: Adztech CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Al Sampson Pete Diaz Rebecca Gale Alex Major Ethan Brown GCA STAFF: Desiree Lizama Elaine Gogue Francine Taitague Trevor Cruz COVER: While its understandable people want to save money by doing repairs themselves, they need to be careful not to take on projects too big; or ones that require knowledge or skills they don’t have.
Postmaster. Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 718 N. Marine Corps Drive Suite 203, East West Business Center, Upper Tumon, Guam.
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
President’s Letter
Hafa Adai GCA Members: There is much conversation circulating within our construction community about the construction shutdown for civilian construction projects. As an industry we need to band together more than ever to ensure there is not a wholesale closure on an entire industry for isolated incidents at a particular location. The government had already set precedence on how employees found to be positive for COVID are handled. Those particular businesses were closed for deep cleaning and employees were in that particular business were tested and quarantined to prevent further spread in the community. Why then is it that the construction industry is treated differently? In late August, COVID positive employees were discovered in remote and isolated clusters like in a barracks or jobsite, why not just shut down those specific location for deep cleaning and quarantining rather than punish an entire industry. Much like what we do today when an employee of an establishment is discovered to be positive for COVID. In a conversation this morning with Dr. Hoa Nguyen a member of the Governor’s Medical Advisory Group earlier this month, we were informed as to the reasons for the abrupt shutdown in construction. On August 26, 2020, an employee of a construction company tested positive for COVID. From the period after that, up until September 3, 2020, that number increased to 76 positive cases, all of these cases were traced back to a cluster in a construction barracks. That is a huge increase in just a little over a 2-week period. The construction cluster total as of September 12, 2020 is now at 86 positive cases since the first COVID positive case was reported from a member of the construction industry. Rest assured, the GCA Board of Directors is working on addressing how the industry will respond to this recent Executive Order and DPHSS Directive that paused civilian construction activity on the island. It was determined however, that military construction activity was not affected by the Governor’s EO nor the latest DPHSS Directive where the Governor lacks authority over these activities inside the fence, The health and safety of our employees are not only a priority of the industry, but a value. The safety culture mindset is practiced daily through safety talks and hazard awareness at the jobsite. The industry itself is highly regulated to ensure best safety practices. In this CVID-19 environment, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other businesses in our industry have adopted strict protocols and procedures to slow and hopefully prevent the spread of the corona virus. With all these measures in place, there is no guarantee that a company, jobsite or even worker housing will be one hundred percent COVID-free. We all need to do our part to ensure our workers are safe and healthy so that our industry can continue building Guam for a better future. Stay safe! Stay six feet apart! Wash your hands regularly! Dångkulu na si Yu’us ma’åse’ James A. Martinez President Guam Contractors Association
Guam Contractors Association
6 | SEPTEMBER2020
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S.A.M.E. UPDATE
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
Society of
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2020
American Military Engineers
SAVE THE DATE 22-23 SEP 2020, 0400 - 0800
Flooding Hazards: Science and Preparedness Training Hosted by the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center Free Virtual Event! Register at: https:// ndptc.hawaii.edu/training/ delivery/2790/
29 SEP 2020, 0400 - 0800
Hurricane Awareness Training Hosted by the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center Free Virtual Event! Register at: https:// ndptc.hawaii.edu/training/ delivery/2788/
02-03 OCT 2020, 0400 - 0800
Coastal Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment Tools Training Hosted by the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center Free Virtual Event! Register at: https:// ndptc.hawaii.edu/training/ delivery/2800/
5-7 NOV 2020 (4-6 NOV 2020 CST)
2020 SAME Federal Small Business Conference, Dallas, TX Virtual National Event Register at: www.samesbc.org/
AUGUST MAIN PRESENTATION RECAP: GUAM SPACEPORT UPDATE Presented by Frank R. Santos, Transportation Management Group, Principal Consultant for the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority .
Virgin Orbit is a company within the Virgin Group which plans to provide launch services for small satellites. The other capabilities being developed by the Virgin Group include human spaceflight operations and advanced aerospace design, manufacturing, and testing. Space exploration and innovation was traditionally spearheaded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Today with the global commercialization of space, companies like Virgin Orbit are seeking to provide solutions for affordable and regular routes to get small satellites into space. Virgin Orbit’s solution is to attach a rocket to an airplane and launch the rocket during flight. By using a 747 and a runway, rather than launching rockets from a traditional launch pad, Virgin Orbit proposes a route to space could be made from any airport in the world. Currently Virgin Orbit is looking at potentially using the A.B. Won Pat International Airport as a spaceport for their operations. Virgin Orbit is planning on submitting an application for a license to launch out the Guam airport. A safety and environmental assessments are still pending on reviews of blast and marine impacts. The figure below shows the proposed hangar location for Virgin Orbit’s operation. Liquid oxygen which is used fuel the rocket is planned for storage off-site. If the license is approved and the project moves forward, Virgin Orbit is looking at one launch per month and potentially constructing their own hangar. In the near future, Guam could have its very own spaceport!
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INTERNATIONAL
MILITARY NEWS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
SMALL BIZ NOTES NAVFAC Marianas awarded about $290M in contracts from October 2019 through August 2020 on which Small Business (SB) concerns may participate as prime or subcontractors. Of that amount, about $239.8 was awarded to SB concerns to provide a variety of products and services on Guam. Socio-economic breakdown of the SB awards are: - $236.7M - Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) - $234.4M - HUBZone Small Business (HZSB) - $18.2M - Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) - $13.5M - Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) The sum of the figures above exceed the overall SB awards of $239.8M because some SB concerns qualify for multiple socio-economic categories. Significant SB awards in August: • UEG, Inc. was awarded about $1.9M for sludge removal services on Naval Base Guam. • Fargo Pacific Inc. was awarded about $5.9M to perform facility repairs on Naval Base Guam. • Pacific Rim Constructors Inc. was awarded about $5.2M to install roof mounted PV arrays and battery storage on Anderson Air Force Base. • Fargo Pacific Inc. was awarded about $2.6M to harden overhead electrical lines on Andersen Air Force Base.
• Modern International, Inc. was awarded about $986K for HVAC security upgrades on Naval Base Guam. • Defense Base Services, Inc. was awarded about $1.2M to provide housing operations and maintenance services on Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base. • Sundance-EA Associates JV was awarded about $619K to install ungulate fencing on Naval Base Guam. • Serrano Construction And Development Corp. was awarded about $2.6M to install a new air cooled chiller on Andersen Air Force Base. Source: Federal Procurement Data System – Next Generation (FPDS-NG)
GETTING BACK IN THE GROOVE The coronavirus pandemic has everyone distracted. From the ever-changing restrictions imposed on us to the constant barrage of information received at work and through various media.
• Plan for some breaks: It’s difficult to stay focused for long periods of time so divide your tasks into smaller, manageable portions and work intensely during those short stretches, then follow up with a short break.
All the distractions could have a negative impact on your mental being as well as your productivity at work. The stress could cause you to fall behind on your duties/responsibilities. To get back on track, you can:
• Leave the TV off: If you are teleworking, there may be a temptation to turn on the television on to monitor the news. Doing so will only distract you so the news update for your lunch break.
• Freshen up your surroundings: Sometimes a lack of productivity is related to your environment. Before starting work, create a productive surrounding by opening up a window and playing some background music. Take your work to a different room for a change of scenery or work outside if you can.
• Hold yourself accountable: You must hold yourself accountable for completing assignments. No one else is there to keep you on track if you’re teleworking so consider updating your team mates periodically.
• Prioritize work that needs to be done. You cannot get everything done at once so identify which tasks are most important and focus your attention on completing those priorities each day.
10 | SEPTEMBER2020
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CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
SMALL BUSINESS NOTES
join our SB Community! • The GCA Small Business Committee supports small business members of the association to ensure their voices are heard and needs are met within GCA capabilities. • Do you have an issue or concern that we might be able to assist with? • Do you have an idea or suggestion that may benefit our small business community?
L-R: James Martinez, Joe Roberto, Adam Baron, Bill Bernardo, Theresa Crisostomo, Tom Roberto, Jaylene Kent, Gerardine Mendiola, Jane Ray, Philip Leddy, Ken Lujan.
HELP US HELP YOU BY JOINING US AT OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS OR CONTACT: Lucia Wood (Chair) Theresa Crisostomo (Vice-Chair)
(671) 777-8425 lucia.wood@aptim.com (671) 588-5972 theresac@jwsguam.com
GUAM PTAC FREE Live Webinars Responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
09/24 2020
10/01 2020
10/08 2020
The Guam PTAC will walk participants through the common sections and clauses of an RFP as well as provide tips on developing a proposal in response to an RFP.
Teaming and Joint Ventures What are they and which is right for your business? The Guam PTAC will discuss the Federal regulations related to these arrangements and discuss ways to use these arrangements effectively.
All Small Mentor-Protege Program The SBA's All Small Business Mentor-Protege program is modeled after the 8(a) Mentor-Protege Program. The Guam PTAC will update you on the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Marketing to the Federal Government
10/15 2020
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The government buys products and services differently than the private sector. The Guam PTAC will discuss marketing strategies, essential documents, and how to get your company on “the list”
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The Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is offering FREE webinars to the public for October 2020. Webinars run from 10am-11:30am and will be conducted via Zoom. Links to the live webinar and the webinar evaluation will be emailed to all registered attendees 15 minutes before the start of the webinar. Register at: guamptac.ecenterdirect.com For more information, contact the Guam PTAC at (671) 735-2552 or visit www.guamptac.com
FREE Live Webinars Every Thursday in October!
SEPTEMBER2020 | 11
Renovations During the time of COVID
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
FEATURE STORY
Whether it’s sprucing up a yard, planting garden, renovating a home office or adding a fresh coat of paint, the current pandemic has offered many families the time to make those little improvements at home.
Delgado said overall sales are down this year. Sales of single family homes decreased by 27% in 2020 compared to sales in 2019. Similarly, condo sales also decreased by 19% compared to last year.
Contractor Ray A. Pabroa, Jr. said there’s been a surprising uptick in home renovation projects.
While the pandemic and the effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus has dampened the real estate market, it hasn’t been all bad.
He recently completed a kitchen renovation job at a Dededo home. “We also did the roof coating at the same residence as well as constructing a new septic tank with leaching field,” Pabroa said. He noted he’s received requests for a range of projects from painting to more complex ones requiring licensed professionals that people now have time and thinking space to get done. “To me, there are more customers asking us to do a job for them. Some of them would ask for a complete electrical panel box upgrade, floor tile replacement, bathtub replacement, repainting of the house, etc. I feel there are more jobs out there compared to pre-covid time,” he stated. “There (are) more customers today although we are in the midst of pandemic. Some of them are just waiting for the Building Permit to be issued.” Clare Delgado, Guam Realtor’s Association, said generally speaking, if a buyer intends to occupy a home, they would prefer a home that is move-in ready, or one that requires little work. “Investors look for fixer uppers either so they can turn around and sell it or convert to a rental property,” she stated.
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“Surprisingly, real estate activity was pretty active after we were allowed to work after the stay at home mandate was lifted,” she stated. Bill Beery, Tutujan Hill Group, agreed with Delgado, saying he is seeing “home upgrades where individuals buy a used home as a fixer upper.” At a larger scale, even businesses are looking at ways to create more efficient and safe working space for their employees and clients. Beery said for Tutujan Hill Group is receiving more jobs for commercial refurbishments and relocation than residential homes, however. When restaurants and other stores were allowed to reopen for a little over a month, there were some stringent requirements put together by the Department of Public Health and Social Services. Many local businesses met and even exceeded those standards to safeguard the health and well-being of their employees and their customers. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Ernie Nelson of Greenscapes, LLC, said there are more people who are shifting their attention from renovating indoors to their outdoor living areas.
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SEPTEMBER2020 | 13
FEATURE STORY
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
“We have had an increase in calls for residential landscaping,” he stated. However, he said the government’s restrictions on jobs means Greenscapes can only do what’s allowed or deemed essential or critical. “People seem to be focusing on food gardens the most when doing personal gardening themselves,” Nelson added. “This is evident by the lack of supplies available in our local stores.” Nelson said they work closely with each customer to better understand the desired product, though sometimes they are asked to create a new landscape from scratch. “Greenscapes’ many years in the industry has given us a depth of knowledge that we use to recommend appropriate plants that will create a garden that is representative of the clients personal vision and what they would like to have in a new landscape,” he said. NEED IDEAS? Professionals said there are many things residents can do to help improve their satisfaction in their home, and maybe even increase the market value. “I can see some families involving their children in the repainting of the outside of the house,” Pabroa said. They said it is a good time to do this since there is a “Stay Home” order from the Governor.”
said adding a summer kitchen and refurbishing or upgrading important rooms in the home, such as the kitchen or bathrooms, are some ways to increase home owner satisfaction as well as market value for a home. Jessica Barrett, of Barrett Plumbing, said though the overall number of jobs hasn’t increased, they continue to get calls. Replacing water lines and renovating bathroom are the most common requests during the COVID-19 pandemic. For her company, any many other professionals as well as do-it-yourselfers, the challenge has been finding supplies as many stores have had to close their doors due to the current restrictions. However, Barrett recommended faucet replacements as a “pretty straightforward” fix that can make a difference in a home. Shower rebuilds, like replacing worn handles, spouts and shower heads are a good home improvement projects. Also, tile cleaning and grout rejuvenation, which is basically a good cleaning of tiles walls and removal of old grout and then putting in new grouting are also projects worth doing. Most of the tools and supplies needed to replace faucets and such, or rejuvenate grouting are available at Home Depot or other home improvement stores. “Although it is labor intensive, it is something they can do on their own and will save them money because they will be doing the labor themselves,” Barrett said.
Beery said at the residential level more people seem to be doing renovations with friends. Whether its with friends or hiring a contractor, Beery
14 | SEPTEMBER2020
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THE FAR COUNCIL’S SECOND INTERIM RULE IMPLEMENTING NDAA SECTION 889(A)(1)(B): AND THE HITS KEEP COMING!
52.204-24(d)(2) is required. is required. Like the Like hits produced the hits produced by DJ Khaled, by DJ Khaled, ment or services ment or services or any equipment, or any equipment, 52.204-24(d)(2) the FAR the Council FAR offers Council “another offers “another one.” one.” system, or system, service orthat service usesthat covered uses covered The newThe language new language in FAR 52.204in FAR 52.204As covered As covered extensively extensively in this blog, in this blog, telecommunications telecommunications equipment equipment or or 26(c)(2) 26(c)(2) tracks the tracks current therepresencurrent represenfederal contractors federal contractors have been—or have been—or services.services. AlthoughAlthough not a panacea not a panacea for for tation under tation FAR under 52.204-24(d)(2). 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Specifi“does not” “does usenot” covered use covered telecommunitelecommunicomponent component of any system, of any or system, as or as cally, thecally, Second the Interim SecondRule Interim updates Rule updates cations equipment cations equipment or services or services under under critical technology critical technology as part of asany part of anySAM to add SAMantoannual add anrepresentation annual representation FAR 52.204-26(c)(2) will no longer will no longer system, and system, requires, and requires, among other among other in new paragraph in new paragraph (c)(2) of (c)(2) FAR of FAR FAR 52.204-26(c)(2) have be able to orto bemake able to themake reprethe repreaffirmative affirmative obligations, obligations, for contracfor contrac52.204-26 52.204-26 and paragraph and paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of (v)(2)(ii)have of to or sentation sentation under FAR under 52.204-24(d)(2). FAR 52.204-24(d)(2). tors to represent—after tors to represent—after conducting conducting a FARa 52.212-3. FAR 52.212-3. This newThis paragraph new paragraph What’s not What’s clear,not however, clear, however, is whether is whether “reasonable “reasonable inquiry”—that inquiry”—that they do/do they do/do now requires now requires an offeror antoofferor represent, to represent, the representations the representations requiredrequired under under not use covered not use covered telecommunications telecommunications after conducting after conducting a reasonable a reasonable inquiry, inquiry, FAR 52.204-26 FAR 52.204-26 will remain willinremain in equipment equipment or services or services in their in their whether whether it “does” itor“does” “does or not” “does use not” use solicitations solicitations after October after October 26, 2020,26, 2020, respective respective businessbusiness operations. operations. covered telecommunications covered telecommunications equip- equipor whether or whether they willthey needwill to be need made to be made In light of Inthe light Interim of theRule’s Interim broad Rule’s broad ment or services ment or services or any equipment, or any equipment, solely through solely through SAM. SAM. scope and scope mandatory and mandatory accounting accounting of of system, or system, service orthat service usesthat covered uses covered a contractor’s a contractor’s operations, operations, Section Section telecommunications telecommunications equipment equipment or or Call Me—Is Calla Me—Is “Reasonable a “Reasonable Inquiry” ReInquiry” ReB’s compliance B’s compliance mandatemandate presentspresents services:services: quiredMaking Beforethe Making New the Annual New Annual another significant another significant regulatory regulatory burden burden • If an offeror • If anrepresents offeror represents it “does not” it “doesquired not” Before Representation? Representation? Yes. In accordance Yes. In accordance for contractors for contractors to shoulder. to shoulder. But con-But conuse covered use telecommunications covered telecommunications with the with Second the Interim SecondRule, Interim offerors Rule, offerors tractors tractors should fear should not, fear because not, because the the equipment equipment or services, or services, this annual this annual mustSAM consult to validate SAM to whether validate whether FAR Council FAR has Council heard has their heard plaintive their plaintive representation representation is sufficient, is sufficient, and the andmust the consult the equipment or services or services in use in use wails and wails responded and responded on August on27, August 27,offer-by-offer offer-by-offer representation representation at FAR at the FARequipment are from are an entity from an providing entity providing covered covered 2020, with 2020, a Second with a Interim SecondRule Interim Rule 52.204-24(d)(2) 52.204-24(d)(2) (e., that the (e., contracthat the contractelecommunications telecommunications equipment equipment or or implementing implementing new requirements new requirements for fortor, after tor, a reasonable after a reasonable inquiry, repreinquiry, represervices.services. In addition, In addition, “offerors“offerors will will Section B Section compliance. B compliance. sents it does/does sents it does/does not use covered not use covered conduct conduct a reasonable a reasonable inquiry as inquiry to as to telecommunications telecommunications equipment equipment or or whether whether they use they covered use telecommucovered telecommuIn an effort In an to effort “reduce[ to “reduce[ ] the informa] the informa-services)services) is not required. is not required. equipment equipment or services or services or or tion collection tion collection burden imposed burden imposed on the on•the On the •other On the hand, other if the hand, offeror if the offerornicationsnications any equipment, any equipment, system, or system, service or that service that public,” the public, Second ” the Interim SecondRule, Interim effecRule, effecrepresents represents it “does”ituse “does” covered use covered uses covered uses telecommunications covered telecommunications tive October tive 26, October 2020,26, is set 2020, to is update set to update telecommunications telecommunications or services, or services, or or equipment equipment or services.” or services.” AlthoughAlthough the System the for System Award forManagement Award Management has not made has not any made representation any representation clear guidance clear guidance on what on measures what measures fulful(“SAM”) to (“SAM”) permittoeach permit registrant each registrant to toin response in response to FAR 52.204-26(c)(2) to FAR 52.204-26(c)(2) fill the “reasonable fill the “reasonable inquiry” standard inquiry” standard representrepresent annually—rather annually—rather than on an than on an or 52.212-3(v)(2)(ii), or 52.212-3(v)(2)(ii), then the then the remainabsent, notablythe absent, breadth the breadth offer-by-offer offer-by-offer basis—whether basis—whether it uses it usesoffer-by-offer offer-by-offer representation representation at FAR atremain FAR notably and depth and of depth this inquiry of thiswill inquiry vary will vary covered telecommunications covered telecommunications equip- equip16 | SEPTEMBER2020
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representations representations and certifications and certifications among entities. among entities. Larger entities Largerwith entities with on the Second on the Interim SecondRule Interim are Rule due are due in good all faith, federal allcontractors federal contractors an international an international presencepresence will require will require on or before on orOctober before October 26, 2020.26, 2020. in good faith, should be should working be working diligentlydiligently with with a more searching a more searching inquiry throughout inquiry throughout their internal their resources internal resources to determine to determine their IT and their facility IT andsecurity facility offices, security offices, I Won’t Back I Won’t Down Back – Some—But Down – Some—But Not Not covered covered telecommunications telecommunications while smaller whilecontractors smaller contractors should should Complete—Relief Complete—Relief At bottom, At the bottom, the whether whether equipment equipment or services or services and prohibited and prohibited adopt a risk-based adopt a risk-based approach. approach. Second Interim SecondRule Interim provides Rule provides some some surveillance surveillance camerascameras are beingare used being used administrative administrative relief for relief contractors, for contractors, but the remains tune remains the samethe when same when by their respective by their respective organizations. organizations. Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes—Should Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes—Should but the tune it comes ittocomes the burdensome to the burdensome process process Contractors Contractors Expect More Expect Revisions More Revisions to to the Section the B Section Implementation? B Implementation? Yes. Yes. of validating of validating compliance compliance with Section with Section BecauseBecause implementation implementation of the broad of the broad B. And itB. does Andnot it does answer notany answer of the any of the prohibition prohibition is an iterative is an iterative process,process,notable informational notable informational deficiencies deficiencies the Second the Interim SecondRule Interim is not Rule theis not the in the July in the 2020 July Interim 2020Rule Interim (i.e.,Rule de- (i.e., deonly interim onlyrevision interim expected revision expected before before fining “use” fining of covered “use” of covered telecom telecom equip- equipthe final the rule.final Among rule. other Among possible other possible ment andment services and services and whatand meets what meets revisions,revisions, the mostthe noteworthy most noteworthy is the isthe thereasonable the reasonable inquiry standard). inquiry standard). potentialpotential expansion expansion of the Section of the B Section One B hopes One these hopes issues thesewill issues be will be addressed addressed in futurein revisions. future revisions. In the In the prohibition prohibition to affiliates, to affiliates, parents, parents, and and meantime, however,however, federal contracfederal contracsubsidiaries subsidiaries of offerors. of offerors. But if it’sBut if it’smeantime, tors must tors stillmust meetstill themeet obligation the obligation any solace anytosolace contractors, to contractors, the FAR the FAR to conduct a reasonable a reasonable inquiry into inquiry into Council appears Council appears to be listening to be listening to toto conduct whether whether covered covered telecommunications telecommunications industry industry feedbackfeedback on implementation on implementation equipment or services or services are beingare being of Section of B. Section Comments B. Comments on the on the equipment usedlines in their of business. lines of business. Interim Rule Interim are Rule due on areordue before on or beforeused in their Accordingly, Accordingly, to execute to the execute required the required September September 14, 2020,14, and 2020, comments and comments
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THE NEW TSUBAKI TOWER GUAM
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NEWSLINE ABC Discusses Impacts of Obama’s Regulatory Expansion and Trump’s Regulatory Relief on Merit Shop Contractors On Sept.On 3, Sept. ABC sent 3, ABC a letter sent to a letter Rep. to Rep. labor agreement labor agreement policiespolicies that that of just 12 ofcontracts just 12 contracts exceeding exceeding James Comer, James the Comer, ranking the ranking membermemberare inconsistent are inconsistent across federal across federal $25 million $25(totaling million (totaling $1.25 billion) $1.25 billion) of the U.S. of the House U.S.of House Representatives of Representatives agencies agencies that were that procured were procured and builtand in the built in the Committee Committee on Oversight on Oversight and Reform, and Reform, 2. U.S. Department 2. U.S. Department of Laborofpolicies Labor policies United States Unitedsubject States subject to federal to federal explaining explaining the negative the negative impactsimpacts related to related the Davis-Bacon to the Davis-Bacon Act Act government-mandated government-mandated PLAs and PLAs and of the Obama of the administration’s Obama administration’s that stifle that competition stifle competition and impose and impose • PLA preferences • PLA preferences out of 1,681 out of 1,681 regulatory regulatory expansion expansion on ABC on ABC enormous enormous burdensburdens on contractor on contractorfederal contracts federal contracts (totaling(totaling $98.74 $98.74 membermember contractors, contractors, as well as as the well as theproductivity productivity and needlessly and needlessly billion) from billion) FY2009 from FY2009 throughthrough Trump administration’s Trump administration’s regulatory regulatory increaseincrease construction construction costs costs FY2019 FY2019 that were that subject were subject to the to the relief initiatives, relief initiatives, which have which helped have helped 3. DOL policies 3. DOL policies that serve that asserve barriers as barriers Obama administration’s Obama administration’s pro-PLApro-PLA to remove to remove burdensome burdensome barriers barriers to to to workforce to workforce development development Executive Executive Order 13502. Order 13502. job creation. job creation. • In contrast, • In contrast, the prevalence the prevalence of PLA of PLA ABC described ABC described how these how issues thesehave issues have mandates mandates on federally on federally assistedassisted “ABC member “ABC member contractors contractors applaudapplaud a chillinga effect chillingoneffect competition on competition and andprojectsprojects procured procured by certain by certain the Trump theadministration’s Trump administration’s impede job impede creation job creation and economic and economic blue states blueand states localities and localities are are substantial substantial deregulatory deregulatory efforts, efforts,recovery: recovery: wastingwasting billions of billions federal of tax federal tax which brought which brought to light cost to light andcost and dollars, dollars, slowingslowing the velocity the velocity of of burdensburdens these regulations these regulations put put 1. Government-mandated 1. Government-mandated PLAs PLAs new infrastructure new infrastructure and stifling and stifling on contractors,” on contractors,” said ABC said in ABC in job creation job creation and opportunity and opportunity for for the letter. the“During letter. “During the Obama the Obama • Anti-competitive • Anti-competitive and costly and costly all industry all industry professionals professionals during during administration, administration, ABC members ABC members government-mandated government-mandated PLAs onPLAs on America’s America’s economic economic recoveryrecovery from from sufferedsuffered from an from aggressive an aggressive and and federal and federal federally and federally assistedassisted the COVID-19 the COVID-19 pandemic. pandemic. burdensome burdensome rulemaking rulemaking agenda,agenda, contracts contracts drive updrive the cost up the of cost of where regulations where regulations were promulgated were promulgated taxpayer-funded taxpayer-funded construction construction hastily with hastily limited with stakeholder limited stakeholder projectsprojects by between by between 12% and12% 20%. and 20%. 2. DOL’s 2. Davis-Bacon DOL’s Davis-Bacon Act policies Act policies input and input questionable and questionable legal legal • Government-mandated • Government-mandated PLAs PLAs authority. authority. Many ofMany the Obama-era of the Obama-era unfairly unfairly discourage discourage merit shop merit shop • ABC members • ABC members frequently frequently cite cite regulations regulations were litigated, were litigated, which which contractors, contractors, which employ which employ more moreonerousonerous Davis-Bacon Davis-Bacon Act Act created created significant significant uncertainty uncertainty than 87.4% thanof87.4% the U.S. of the construction U.S. construction regulations regulations and compliance and compliance costs costs for ABC for member ABC member contractors contractors and and workforce, workforce, from bidding from bidding on the on the as reasons as reasons why theywhy do they not pursue do not pursue hampered hampered economic economic growth. growth. To To projects.projects. The negative The negative impact of impact ofpublic works publicprojects works projects subject subject to to promotepromote economic economic growth, growth, we mustwe must PLAs disproportionately PLAs disproportionately harms harms federal, federal, state or state local or prevailing local prevailing free industry free industry from those from regulations those regulations small businesses. small businesses. wage laws. wage laws. that create thatunnecessary create unnecessary and costly and costly • The needless • The needless paperwork, paperwork, waste waste• Regulations • Regulations implementing implementing DOL’s DOL’s bureaucratic bureaucratic layers.” layers.” and red and tapered associated tape associated with thewith the Wage and Wage Hour and Division Hour Division processprocess to to federal government’s federal government’s evaluation evaluation survey contractors survey contractors and determine and determine ABC’s most ABC’s pressing most pressing concerns concerns are areand procurement and procurement of federal of federal prevailing prevailing wage rates wage is inherently rates is inherently centeredcentered around three around areas: three areas: contracts contracts potentially potentially subject subject to to flawed and flawed failsand to produce fails to produce government-mandated government-mandated PLAs is PLAs is accurate, accurate, prevailing prevailing or timelyorrates. timely rates. 1. Government-mandated 1. Government-mandated project project especially especially frustrating. frustrating. ABC is aware ABC is aware • In recent • Inyears, recentunion years, wage union wage 20 | SEPTEMBER2020
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regulatory regulatory relief from relief thefrom Trump the Trump rates have rates been have found beenprevailing found prevailingprograms programs in 2019, in it appears 2019, it appears DOL DOL administration. In his first In his term first so term so in a substantial in a substantial majoritymajority of of did not take did not intotake consideration into consideration administration. far, President Trump has Trump eliminated has eliminated classifications, classifications, even though even the though the that the that overwhelming the overwhelming majoritymajorityfar, President $50.9inbillion overallinregulatory overall regulatory percent percent of unionized of unionized workersworkers in in of America’s of America’s 8.17 million 8.17U.S. million U.S. $50.9 billion costs across coststhe across government. the government. the U.S.the construction U.S. construction industryindustry construction construction industryindustry professionals professionals ABC continues to strongly to strongly supportsupport measured measured by the Bureau by the of Bureau Laborof Labornever participated never participated in any federal in any federalABC continues comprehensive comprehensive regulatory regulatory Statistics Statistics has fluctuated has fluctuated betweenbetween registered registered apprenticeship apprenticeship programs programs reform, which reform,should whichinclude should include 12.6% and 12.6% 14.5% andduring 14.5%the during pastthe past but are instead but are developed instead developed across-the-board across-the-board requirements requirements for for decade.decade. through through industry-recognized industry-recognized and and agencies to evaluate to evaluate the risks, the weigh risks, weigh • DOL’s failure • DOL’stofailure provide to provide detaileddetailed market-driven market-driven apprenticeships apprenticeships agencies the and costs assess and the assess benefits the benefits of of information information about job about duties jobthat duties thatsponsored sponsored by companies by companies large and large the andcosts regulations. regulations. This willThis better willallocate better allocate correspond correspond to each to published each published small. small. limited resources and target andefforts target efforts wage rate wage makes rateitmakes difficult it difficult to to • Graduates • Graduates of federal of registered federal registeredlimited resources toward achieving toward achieving the collective the collective determine determine the appropriate the appropriate wage wage apprenticeship apprenticeship programs programs supply supply environmental, environmental, health and health safety and safety rate for many rate for construction-related many construction-related just 3.2%just of the 3.2%estimated of the estimated 550,000550,000 the construction for the construction industry.industry. jobs. These jobs.wage These determinations wage determinationsadditional additional construction construction workersworkersgoals forgoals force federal force contractors federal contractors to use to use needed to needed meet to industry meet industry demands demands Read theRead full letter the full here. letter here. outdated outdated and inefficient and inefficient union union in 2020 alone, in 2020according alone, according to ABC’sto ABC’s https://www.abc.org/Portals/1/ABC%20 job classifications job classifications that ignore that ignore estimates estimates prior to the prioreconomic to the economichttps://www.abc.org/Portals/1/ABC%20 Letter%20To%20OGR%20Ranking%20M Letter%20To%20OGR%20Ranking%20M the productive the productive multitrade multitrade work work downturn downturn caused by caused the COVID-19 by the COVID-19 ember%20Comer%20On%20Regulatory practices practices successfully successfully used in the used in the pandemic. pandemic. At current At levels currentoflevels of ember%20Comer%20On%20Regulatory merit shop merit construction shop construction industry.industry. graduation, graduation, it wouldittake would more take than more %20Reform%20090420_1.pdf than %20Reform%20090420_1.pdf • The Congressional • The Congressional Budget Budget 30 years30 foryears the federal for the registered federal registered Office has Office estimated has estimated that the that the apprenticeship apprenticeship programprogram to meet to meet repeal ofrepeal the Davis-Bacon of the Davis-Bacon Act Act industryindustry demands demands for just this for just year. this year. would save would $12save billion $12inbillion federal in federal construction construction costs between costs between 2019 2019 Additionally, Additionally, ABC identified ABC identified the the and 2028. and ABC 2028. believes ABC believes the CBOthe CBO following following anti-growth, anti-growth, Obama-era Obama-era vastly underestimates vastly underestimates the true the true regulations regulations that the that Trump the Trump inflated inflated cost of the cost Davis-Bacon of the Davis-Baconadministration administration eliminated, eliminated, reversedreversed Act because Act because the methodology the methodology is is and/or modified. and/or modified. The Trump The Trump extremely extremely conservative. conservative. In addition, In addition, administration’s administration’s actions actions promotepromote the CBOthe does CBO notdoes address not address the the free enterprise, free enterprise, reduce regulatory reduce regulatory associated associated increased increased costs oncosts on burdensburdens and costs and and costs positively and positively public works publicprojects works projects procuredprocuredimpact employers impact employers and workers and workers in the in the by stateby and state local and governments local governmentsindustry.industry. subject subject to state to and state local and prevailing local prevailing • Rescinded the FARthe FairFAR PayFair andPay and wage laws wage modeled laws modeled after theafter the • Rescinded Safe Workplaces (Blacklisting) (Blacklisting) final final federal Davis-Bacon federal Davis-Bacon Act. These Act. These Safe Workplaces rule rule are largeare markets large markets and haveand a have a • Rescinded the DOLthe Persuader DOL Persuader final final significant significant impact on impact stateon and state and• Rescinded rule local budgets local budgets and the and quality theof quality of rule • Eliminated • Eliminated the OSHA theVolks OSHA final Volks rulefinal rule U.S. infrastructure, U.S. infrastructure, overall. overall. • Modified • Modified the DOL the Overtime DOL Overtime final rulefinal rule • Modified the OSHA theTracking OSHA Tracking of of 3. DOL’s3. workforce DOL’s workforce development development • Modified Workplace Workplace Injuries Injuries and Illnesses and Illnesses policiespolicies final rulefinal rule • Modified • Modified the OSHA theRespirable OSHA Respirable • To successfully • To successfully expand expand Crystalline Silica final Silica rulefinal rule apprenticeship apprenticeship opportunities opportunities and andCrystalline • Modified • Modified the 2014the NLRB 2014 Ambush NLRB Ambush close theclose skillsthe gap, skills all U.S. gap,workers all U.S. workers Elections Elections final rulefinal rule should have should thehave opportunity the opportunity • Reversed • Reversed the 2015the NLRB 2015 Decision NLRB Decision in in to participate to participate in DOL’s in new DOL’s new Browning-Ferris Browning-Ferris Industries Industries industry-recognized industry-recognized apprenticeship apprenticeship • Repealed and replaced and replaced the 2015the 2015 program,program, particularly particularly as federal as federal • Repealed WOTUS WOTUS final rulefinal rule registered registered apprenticeship apprenticeship programs programs supply only supply a small only fraction a small fraction of the of the Lastly, ABC Lastly, pointed ABC pointed out thatout ABCthat ABC construction construction industry’s industry’s workforce. workforce. members continuecontinue to see meaningful to see meaningful • While considering • While considering new industry new industrymembers Like Us On Facebook
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Apply for STEP, AQC by Oct. 30 To Be Eligible for ABC’s 2021 Top Performers Ranking What defines the best of the best? ABC’s Top Performers lists—the only rankings of their kind—recognize member contractors’ achievements in safety, quality, diversity, project excellence and special designations, ranked by work hours. You must achieve STEP Gold or higher and earn the Accredited Quality Contractor designation to qualifyapplications are due by Oct. 30 for consideration in the rankings In addition, members should update their company profiles on FindContractors.com to ensure market segments and special designations are noted in the Top Performers rankings. Read on for more information on how to attain each of these qualifications. ABC’s STEP Safety Management System Every ABC member wants to send its workers home safely every night. Take the first step towards achieving world-class safety by participating in STEP, whether you are beginning your safety journey or continuing to strengthen your performance.
Top-performing STEP participants are 827% safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average. Getting started with STEP is free, and it can help you lower your workers compensation insurance rates. Visit abc.org/step or email stepapps@abc.org for more information. ABC’s Accredited Quality Contractor Designation Is your company AQC material? AQC members demonstrate their commitment to financial fitness, world-class safety, workforce development, talent management, diversity and inclusion, the highest levels of quality construction and the betterment of the communities in which they work. If your company excels in these areas, you too can earn the AQC accreditation, which is recognized by the Construction Users Roundtable. For more information, visit abc.org/aqc or email Jake Reedy at reedy@abc.org. FindContractors.com Be sure your company profile is up to date in FindContractors.com to have
your market segments and special designations listed in the Top Performers rankings. ABC’s member database features contact information for more than 13,000 contractors. Members can search for an ABC contractor, supplier or other construction professional by name, chapter, location, sales volume or type of construction. ABC populates member profiles with information on whether they have earned an Excellence in Construction® Award, National Safety Excellence Award, National Diversity Excellence Award, participate in the STEP safety management system and Accredited Quality Contractor programs, have special designations and have signed the Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace Pledge. Contact FindContractors@abc.org for a login if you don’t have one. Visit abc.org/TopPerformers for the digital edition of the 2020 Top Performers lists or read the news release for more details.
Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors to Increase Jan. 1, 2021 On Aug. 31, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division published a notice in the Federal Register to announce that the minimum wage for federal contractors will increase from $10.80 per hour to $10.95 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
22 | SEPTEMBER2020
The increase is a result of the DOL’s 2014 final rule, which implemented Executive Order 13658 on Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors and raised the hourly minimum wage paid by contractors to workers on covered federal contracts to $10.10 with annual increases thereafter. This was
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determined by the secretary of labor in accordance with the methodology set forth in the order. More information on EO 13658 and the annual wage increase can be found on the DOL website. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/gov ernment-contracts/minimum-wage
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OSHA’s Revised Beryllium Standard for Construction and Shipyard Sectors Addresses ABC’s Concerns On Aug. 31, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a final rule amending its standards for occupational exposure to beryllium and beryllium compounds in the construction and shipyard sectors. ABC and other construction organizations previously filed a settlement with the agency to effectively narrow the scope of the Obama administration’s beryllium final rule, which would have applied a comprehensive, burdensome set of requirements related to beryllium on all construction employers. As part of the settlement, filed in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 25, OSHA agreed to issue an FAQ that makes clear that for normal construction operations, exposures to common construction materials will typically not be covered by the rule. The FAQ states, “exposure to rock, soil, concrete and brick at the typical construction site will not result in beryllium exposure above the action level under foreseeable conditions.” and thus, will not be covered by the rule. This outcome addresses the concerns of ABC, the National Association of Home Builders and the Mason Contractors Association of America and provides certainty for contractors in how they approach and prioritize their safety and health programs.
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According to a DOL news release, the final rule, officially titled Occupational Exposure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds in Construction and Shipyard Sectors, amends the standard’s sections on methods of compliance, respiratory protection, personal protective clothing and equipment, medical surveillance, recordkeeping and more. Additionally, the language included in OSHA’s FAQ is part of the new final rule’s preamble. The final standards will affect roughly 12,000 workers employed in nearly 2,800 establishments in the construction and shipyard industries and are estimated to yield $2.5 million in total annualized cost savings to employers.
and made minor changes to the ancillary provisions of the beryllium standard that are tailored for the construction industry. Additionally, members of CISC participated in the informal public hearing on the rule held by the agency in 2019. Several members of the CISC, which include ABC, NAHB and MCAA, also filed suit against OSHA in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to challenge the original Obama administration’s rule and an interim Trump administration rule. Read more about ABC’s actions in the beryllium regulatory process in Newsline.
The final rule will go into effect on Sept. 30, 2020. Additional information on the rulemaking can be found on the DOL website. As part of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, ABC has been heavily involved in OSHA’s rulemaking efforts over the last several years in attempt to limit the application of the original rule within the construction industry. Specifically, on Nov. 7, 2019, CISC submitted comments to OSHA on a beryllium proposed rule that maintained the lower eight-hour permissible exposure limit and short-term (15-minute) exposure limit
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CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
THIS SEASON, A FLU VACCINE
IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER! Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients. Why should you get vaccinated against flu? Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children. How does the flu vaccines work? Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks 24 | SEPTEMBER2020
after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are used to make the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines in the United States protect against four different flu viruses (“quadrivalent”); an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses. There are also some flu vaccines that protect against three different flu viruses (“trivalent”); an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one influenza B virus. Two of the trivalent vaccines are designed specifically for people 65 and older to create a stronger immune response.
health and safety are important to us. FHP remains open during PCOR1 to serve all of your healthcare and medical needs. We encourage you to make an appointment for your flu vaccine. We have implemented stringent screening and sanitizing prtvocedures to keep you safe. Get the flu vaccination this fall. Please do your part, the more people vaccinated; the more people are protected.
To learn more information about the flu vaccine, visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/prote ct-your-health.html The COVID pandemic has interrupted all of us living on Guam with economic hardships, restrictions in movement, and real fear to travel outside of the home. At FHP Health Center, your www.guamcontractors.org
Jennifer Artero, RN Clinical Services Manager FHP Health Center Like Us On Facebook
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