VOL. 62 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY2021 • GUAM CONTRACTORSʼ ASSOCIATION
LEVELING UP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
9
10
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
FEBRUARY
2021 8
S.A.M.E. UPDATE
9
YOUTH IN CONSTRUCTION
10
FEATURE STORY
14
SMALL BUSINESS NOTES
15
CONSTRUCTION HEADLINE
16
NAWIC NEWS
17
MEMBER BENEFITS
18
NEWSLINE
20
REPORTS/ INFORMATION
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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 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913
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
AD SALES: Jaceth Duenas PRODUCTION: Jason Davis Geri Leon Guerrero Christopher “Taco” Rowland EDITOR: Adztech CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Pete Diaz RD Gibson Rebecca Gale GCA STAFF: Desiree Lizama Elaine Gogue Francine Taitague Trevor Cruz COVER: The new GCA Trades buildings housing their offices, classrooms, and labs. They also are the new home to GCA’s offices as well.
Postmaster. Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913
Camilo Lorenzo Matson Navigation
GCA
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero
TRADES ACADEMY B u i l d i n g
S k i l l s
F o r
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L i f e t i m e
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
PRESIDENT’S LETTER Hafa Adai GCA Members: Home Sweet Home! GCA has finally completed our move to our new location in the GCA Trades Academy Training Center in Tiyan, Barrigada. We look forward to a fresh start in 2021 and the new digs could not have arrived at a more appropriate time. With one building completed and the other building nearing completion in a bout a month, we are able to do more inhouse training for the 40-hour Contract Safety Awareness Course (EM385-1-1). Our maximum capacity for each class is now 25 participants, as opposed to our former location where we can only accommodate 10 – 15 participants. Moving into a new facility always lends itself to creating more opportunities and new ideas outside the box. I like to look at it as a new or fresh start, especially after going through the Corona virus pandemic last year. We still need to practice our social distancing, wearing masks and frequent washing of your hands. Let us not get complacent because there is still a chance this virus is lingering, and now there is a second and even third variant of this virus. I wanted to thank our members for their patience and understanding as we transitioned into our new home. Our phone lines are all hooked up, we are still waiting for our mailing address to be registered with the U.S. Postal Service in order to begin receiving mail deliveries. You can use the new address; we just have to pick up our mail at the Guam Main Facility for now. Hopefully, that issue will be resolved soon. When the second building is completed the GCA Trades Academy is planning to have an open house or some kind of a grand opening. We will let our members know when the time comes. In the meantime, check out the featured article in this month’s CNB magazine on the new GCA Trades Academy Training Center in Tiyan. On February 18th, GCA is holding a virtual event with agencies from the FSM Government to showcase potential opportunities for Guam contractors to participate in their infrastructure projects in the FSM. The FSM Government and their corresponding agencies have received $35 Million in federal funds for infrastructure and capital improvements projects in the FSM. Notice will be going out to all GCA members. Also slated for the month od February, is the Joint Membership virtual meeting with SAME and other industry organizations to celebrate Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyor week (EALS). This meeting will be a military buildup update of projects from NAVFAC Marianas and the General Ben Blaz Marine Corps base. The meeting is scheduled for February 25th. This year is beginning to look a lot brighter from the previous months. We just hope that we go back to normal sooner than later and signs seem to indicate that we are on our way to normal once again. Dångkulu na si Yu’us ma’åse’ James A. Martinez President Guam Contractors Association
Guam Contractors Association
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S.A.M.E. UPDATE
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
Society of
NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2021
American Military Engineers
ANNOUNCMENTS SAME Guam Post Charlie Corn Scholarship Applications for 2021-2022 have been released. Deadline: 26 FEB 2021 Check out our Post website!
SAVE THE DATE 18-20 FEB 2021 ChST Virtual Career Transition Workshop SAME National Event See www.same.org for National calendar of events. 21 - 27 FEB 2021 Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors Week Seeking volunteers to conduct for high school presentations to promote our industry! Contact Diane Pangelinan at 477-8326 or Kina Harris at 472-6792. 23 FEB 2021, 2:30 pm Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors Week Proclamation Signing Governor’s Office 25 FEB 2021 Joint General Membership Meeting NAVFAC Marianas and OICC MCM Construction Program Update Open to all members organizations in the Guam AEC Industry. 18 MAR 2021 TBD SAME Guam Post General Membership Meeting Virtual Meeting Upcoming February (Joint) Meeting
JANUARY EVENT RECAP:
PORT MODERNIZATION PROGRAM Rory Respicio, Port Authority of Guam (PAG) General Manager, provided the main presentation at our virtual January General Membership Meeting covering the Port’s modernization program. The Port’s 2013 Master Plan (MP) Update summarized the evolution of change in the PAG’s modernization program and provided a “roadmap” to guide the modernization and future development strategy for the Port of Guam over the next 20 years. After having completed over 70% of the projects identified in the 2013 MP Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), PAG Management determined that based on Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s goals and objectives for the PAG in preparation for the military buildup and organic growth, a 2020 Master Plan Update was required. The MP Update would enhance core capabilities in achieving resiliency and update the implementation strategy based on financial, operational and sustainability needs. Other enhancements would preparation of documentation to support the Public Utilities Commission adoption of any recommended tariff changes. The following are planned modernization initiatives for 2019 - 2022:
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MAIN PRESENTATIONS
Military Construction Program Update NAVFAC Marianas & OICC Marine Corps Marianas 25 FEB 2021
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New Crane Acquisition Program ◊ 2 new Ship-to-Shore Gantry Cranes JDE World Migration to JDE EnterpriseOne ◊ Financial Management System upgrade Port Wharves Assessment & Upgrade ◊ Assess and develop scopes of work to repair and upgrade all revenue generating Port wharves Customs Inspection Feasibility Study ◊ Study factors for a inspection facility to enhance core capabilities Solar Power Energy Feasibility Study ◊ Photovoltaic panel system on rooftop of several Port buildings. Deep Draft Wharf Improvement Project Feasibility Study ◊ Construction of 1,500 liner foot deep-draft wharf, ◊ Fill approximately 17 acres of reclaimed land in 3 shallow embayments within Apra Harbor. Fuel Connectivity Pipeline System for F1 & Golf Piers ◊ Installation of pipeline between two critical Port piers to ensure fuel distribution remains uninterrupted. USACE Agat Bay Regional Shoreline Assessment New Admin. Annex Bldg. Construction and Old Admin. Bldg. Renovation (Bond funded project)
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CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
YOUTH IN CONSTRUCTION
Providing opportunities for young women in transportation & construction Four years ago, the HOYA Foundation created the Transportation & Construction GIRL Program. With women as only 9% of the construction workforce, we saw a workforce need and an opportunity for young women. We recognized the lack of role models showing girls that a financially sustainable career was achievable. So, we created programs that allow young women to meet successful women and men in the industry and discover what their careers entailed. Our vision is to: EMBRACE the future of women in Transportation & Construction; ENCOURAGE young women to pursue sustainable non-traditional careers; and INSPIRE young women with expert insight from successful women. Now, after the year of a pandemic, we are finding the silver linings. We were contacted by the Guam Contractors Association. What I discovered was that the hearts of the Guam Contractors are completely committed to their youth. They have a program for girls called “Pizza Pop and Power Tools”. They also provide a program for boys called “Construction Warriors”. They wanted to know how they could partner with Transportation & Construction GIRL to provide even more opportunities for facebook.com/GuamContractors
girls. During the year of the pandemic, they were incredibly impressed with our commitment to create worksite tour videos. And, they were equally as committed to find more ways to give their young women financially sustainable careers and skills. So, kismet led us to start the Sister Program between Colorado and Guam. We are creating a Building Career Bridges for GIRLs™ program with the Guam Contractors Association. We will be featuring women from Guam on our Superstar Women in the Transportation & Construction on the Transportation & Construction GIRL channel on YouTube. Speaking of kismet, we even got the times to work – 4:00pm in Colorado will be 9:00am in Guam. Perfect! We will involve girls from Guam in our regular monthly series, but we will also be holding a quarterly webinar series just for girls from Guam. Working with Teach Construction, we will provide free digital badges for Guam girls. And, we will be offering one-on-one mentorship with successful women in the industry in Guam and Colorado. We see this as an enormous opportunity for girls that www.guamcontractors.org
are ready to reach out and take life’s opportunities. Imagine getting the head of a company as a lifetime mentor when you are a 15 year old girl! By changing stereotypes and encouraging young women to enter this industry, we are creating more potential workforce. We are also changing futures. Mahilet said, “Most people think women can’t do this. It’s only men that I see doing this. But I think it is pretty cool that women can do it too.” After learning that transportation and construction careers don’t only mean driving a bus and digging a ditch, the girls get really excited. Here’s what Swika had to say, “It was nothing that I had ever experienced before! I had so much fun and learned so much! Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU! I appreciate it so so much!” If you would like to see the videos, learn more about our programs, want to refer a young woman to the program, provide sponsorship or become a Sister Program participant, go to our website: www.ConstructionGIRL.org or email: Keller@HOYAfoundation.org
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COMING HOME by: R.D. Gibson
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
FEATURE STORY
For many, coming home can mean different things for many different people. It can be the physicality of returning after a long time away; it can be returning to a feeling of belonging, safety, and rest; it can also represent the culmination of hard work and perseverance.
For the facilities to even get off the ground, it took a lot of patience; moving ahead and stopping temporarily. Construction could not begin until they received the Notice to Proceed in the later part of 2019, after they started the building permit process in April that year.
Every home has a story, and the GCA Trades Academy is seeing a new one coming to life right before them. Even in the midst of a pandemic, they have begun writing a new chapter in their story with their new facility in Barrigada.
“Then in March of 2020, everything shut down.”
The GCA Trades Academy has been searching for a place to call ‘home’ for a long time. According to Dr. Bert Johnston, Education Director at the GCA Trades Academy, the plan to be in their own building has been in their original plans for nearly 15 years. The goal was to ultimately be in their own space within 10 years. Initially in 2008, Dr. Johnston reminisced how initially GCA Trades Academy was told they were not ready for a federal grant to build a facility. It wasn’t until the Economic Development Administration reached out to Johnston in 2014, after they reviewed the Trades academy accolades, accomplishments, and publications, when they pushed for GCA Trades Academy to apply for grant funding for their facilities. It came down to working with Social and Economic Development Strategies Programs (SEDS) in Guam and securing more funding. Then came the search for a location; the facilities across from John F. Kennedy High School in Upper Tumon and Ukkudu were on the list of potential places for the GCA Trades Academy to set roots. However, after several “delayed decisions” and “learning curves”, the building finally set roots in central Guam behind the Guam Department of Education.
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For the GCA Trades facilities in Barrigada, the construction continued through the pandemic, but Johnston stated the biggest issue was with supply chain. “Prices went up, the lumber the contractor had bid on, the price tripled…” forcing them to amend the price of the contract. Johnston stated that COVID-19 Pandemic disrupted their classes completely. However, on the brighter side of things, he pointed out how it helped them and gave them time to figure out and utilize the space without further disrupting classes. At the time of the interview, the second building hadn’t been finished, but GCA Trades Academy was already utilizing the first building since early January 2021. Johnston stated with 16 classrooms - 750 square feet classrooms, complete with new air conditioning units with UV treatments for ventilation - the possibilities for growth are endless. “Prior to this, we only had five.” And Johnston has already seen trades students utilizing the facilities since they opened. One building has shop spaces; the other building has classrooms and office space. At the heart of a home is the people in it. These are the people who help build each other up, help each other dream. This includes the shared office space with the Guam Contractors Association. As our community crawls out of these uncertain, unprecedented, and
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FEATURE STORY
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
disconcerting times, the Trades Academy is using their home as a place to share and build knowledge for a growing number of trades students. One of the biggest items to point out is the increased enrollment, according to Johnston. He stated that due to the pandemic and the long wait period over ten months of waiting, the Academy was worried about whether or not trades students would come back. “We also didn’t come back with an automatic start,” Johnston stated, adding how they’re staggering classes due to the ongoing health emergency. “We got one foot out the door, one foot inside the door, so if we need to back up, we’re going to back up real fast,” said Johnston, citing the safety and well-being of students and staff as a high priority. In the last ten months, many have learned the value of efficiency, growth, and expansion. Johnston stated it may be too early to discuss the potential expansion of trades program curriculum at the Trades Academy, but “there are several things in the pipeline...still in discussion.” However, he added that if these discussions gain traction he anticipates full class rosters for them. Given the concept of remote learning, as well, Johnston stated that their trades curriculum has always had an online component to it, but before the pandemic they “never saw a need for it.” He stated how their synchronous model - using Zoom and textbooks - was not necessarily effective for trades students and faculty. They piloted interactive online classes, which had some success, but he emphasized the face-to-face instruction, particularly in the construction industry is a proven model of learning. “We’re going back to face-to-face,” he added, but they’ve also made the online learning option available. “Most of the students have opted for face-to-face”, as Johnston also shared they are still looking at a hybrid model of learning: having students acquire knowledge remotely before practicing in a face-to-face environment. “[Having the GCA Trades Academy facilities built] has been a challenge, but, you know, there are huge opportunities out there,” stated Johnston. He added that it’s a matter of making students are taken care of and offering the best learning opportunities for them. Sometimes through our hardships, the storms we go through in life, we find where home really is; how it’s meant to feel. It’s in the people we build it with, the support that comes together for one another, and the dreams that are born and realized there. That is the home the GCA Trades Academy is building. Welcome home, GCA Trades Academy!
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SMALL BUSINESS NOTES
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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 Cybersecurity: Federal Contractor Responsibilities
2/18 2021
Cybersecurity is a national security issue. We will discuss what Federal contractors can do to make sure they are complying with DOD requirements with respect to keeping data protected. DOD's upcoming Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the DFARS Interim Rule will be discussed.
Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE)
2/25 2021
03/04 2021
03/11 2021
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Do you have a DOD contract and need to get paid? The Guam PTAC will explain DOD invoicing procedures using the Wide-Area Workflow (WAWF) module in the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) system.
How to Get HUBZone Certified All of Guam and the CNMI are HUBZones. The Guam PTAC will take you through the certification process, the required supporting documents, and follow-up requirements from SBA.
How to Get 8(a) Certified The SBA's 8(a) Program was created to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal procurement market. The Guam PTAC will help you navigate the forms and requirements of the 8a program.
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The Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is offering FREE webinars to the public for February & March 2021. 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!
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CONSTRUCTION HEADLINE
HAWTHORNE CAT ANNOUNCES DAVID NESS AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO
San Diego, CA - Hawthorne Cat, the exclusive Cat® equipment dealer in San Diego, the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Region, is proud to announce the promotion of David K. Ness to President and CEO for all the Hawthorne divisions. He will be based in the corporate office in Rancho Bernardo (San Diego) California. David succeeds his father, Tee Ness, and grandfather, Tom Hawthorne, in the role of President.
for San Diego and Hawaii machinery sales. In 2015, he was promoted to Chief Operations Officer and Senior Vice President.
Ness is a 20-year Hawthorne veteran who began his career with the company helping Hawthorne to implement 6 Sigma throughout the organization. He went on to the Hawthorne Power Systems division as the Engine Business Manager in 2007, which reached record business levels under his leadership. In 2011, Ness was promoted to Vice President of Sales. He was responsible
“Hawthorne is a family-run business and I’m proud to say that I am only the third President in our 65-year history," says David Ness. "At Hawthorne, our mission is to help our customers build better communities, and I look forward to the continued and new partnerships with our customers that keep our communities strong”.
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Ness’ community involvement includes the YMCA-Mission Valley where he is a board member, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, and the Junior Achievement League of San Diego.
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FEBRUARY2021 | 15
NAWIC NEWS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
2015, marrying her technical and humanitarian interests in infrastructure (roads, bridges, and airports) with her strengths in problem solving and critical thinking. She was the 2012 recipient of the Charlie Corn Scholarship.
Ms. Crystal Cruz Civil Engineer,Amorient Written by: Jaylene Kent, Ph.D., C.I.T, Isla Coating & Roofing Supply
NAWIC Guam #381 has a proud history of attracting the best in our industry, dedicated women who are bright, talented, and bold enough for a nontraditional career; women like Ms. Crystal Cruz. With great pride, we feature Ms. Cruz, a civil engineer with Amorient, in this month’s NAWIC Guam #381’s Member Spotlight. A CHamoru native of Guahan and graduate of Academy of Our Lady, she describes herself as “good in math”, “not so good with writing”….. an interesting and unusual combination for many women. She earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of HI – Manoa in
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Ms. Cruz’s project portfolio and experience of only 5 years has surprising breadth and depth, with leadership positions in several engineering firms to include Construction Surveillance Engineer for NAVFAC Marianas’ Tanker and Strike Hangars, Construction Inspector for the P-270 ACE Gym & Dining Facility, North Ramp AAFB; J-006 Apra Medical/Dental Clinic, NBG; and J-031 & J-033 Bachelors Enlisted Quarters D&F, Marine Corps Base Guam; Lead Quality Control Engineer with Black Construction, notably for the GIAA Terminal Building Structural Upgrade and Concourse Isolation Project, and various projects as a Project Engineer both in HI and Guam. As excellence begets excellence, June of 2020 found Ms. Cruz employed by the best-in-class Engineering and Construction Management Firm, Amorient, under the direction of President Hernan Bonsembiante. Like all top drawer companies, Amorient has a long history of supporting professional development. They have maintained her membership in NAWIC Guam #381, as it provides good networking and role models for the next generation of engineers.
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A believer in lifelong learning and professional excellence, Ms. Cruz is currently pursuing her Construction Document Technician (CDT) Certification through NAWIC. This certification focuses on “interpreting information conveyed from the architect/engineer to the contractor by way of legal documents” and focuses on their many components, including working drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements. She will soon be known as Ms. Crystal Cruz, CDT! This will be one of many special certifications, such ICC Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector Associate, earned by Ms. Cruz. True to form, Ms. Cruz has taken the opportunities provided to her and paid them forward to other young NAWIC professionals. Having originally joined NAWIC Guam #381 to pursue professional development and networking with other women in the industry, she, herself, has emerged as a NAWIC leader. Currently seated on the NAWIC Board of Directors, she is entering her second year of service as a Director, providing inspiration, leadership, and a role model to other women in the industry. Congratulations to Amorient’s “promising engineer with a very bright future”, and NAWIC Guam #381’s Director, Ms Crystal Cruz, Civil Engineer!
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MEMBER BENEFITS
GCA OFFERS AFFORDABLE, QUALITY HEALTH CARE BENEFIT FOR MEMBER COMPANY EMPLOYEES By Rodney “RJ” Ricarte The Guam Contractors Association offers many benefits to its members. One of those benefits, is the group health insurance benefit for GCA member employees offered through TakeCare Insurance Company. TakeCare’s nationally accredited programs encourage GCA employers and employees to live a balanced lifestyle. The benefit wellness programs help members make healthy choices through preventive care, being active, eating right, relaxing and unwinding, and being socially connected. TakeCare offers the island’s largest selection of free fitness classes and health education programs for all ages. Recently, GCA members have taken advantage of the wellness and fitness incentives as well as a host of riders such as optical and massage therapy.
Quality Providers for Your Health Care Needs
As a TakeCare member, you have access to an extensive list of the participating providers, both on and off island. TakeCare's growing network of partner medical institutions in Guam, (including Guam Regional Medical City, during the public health emergency) and Saipan, in neighboring regions including the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and in Hawaii, California, and a provider network in the mainland, utilize excellent medical specialists, practitioners, and facilities.
Exclusive Access to the FHP Health Center
You have exclusive access to the FHP Health Center. FHP features a roster of highly trained, credentialed, well-known and respected community-based physicians and professional staff. In addition, the center’s modern technology and equipment supports medical services and expertise provided to its patients at its exceptional Centers of Care. These centers include Urgent Care, Full Service Radiology (MRI, CT Scan, Digital Mammography and X-Ray), Primary Care(Pediatrics, Adult Medicine, and Women’s Health), Occupational Health, Home Health and Hospice, a Cancer Center (Hematology/Oncology), as well as Dental and Vision Centers. In addition, FHP offers a convenient in-house full-service pharmacy, owned and operated by MegaDrug, and full service laboratory owned and operated by Diagnostic Laboratory Services.
Technology to Help You Live a Healthier Life
TakeCare's wellness program and MyTakeCare, our online member portal, are available to you. To access your personalized health plan information — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — login into MyTakeCare (https://takecareasia.com/mytakecare-web-portal). You can access valuable health and wellness resources, complete a Health Risk Assessment, view claims activity, print a member card, review benefits and eligibility information, as well as manage personal health within MyTakeCare health calendar.
GCA / TakeCare partnership
Since 2012, when the GCA/TakeCare employee health insurance program began, the number of employees with health insurance has increased nine times, from 269 to 2,487 in 2021. In 2012, 59 GCA employers participated in the program. Today, 174 GCA employers are participating in the program. Patty Lizama, GCA board member and chair of the membership committee says, “TakeCare continues to provide GCA member companies and employees value added health benefits.” We value our relationship with the Guam Contractors Association and thank you for the confidence the members have placed in us to be the GCA’s health insurance provider.
Rodney “RJ” Ricarte is the TakeCare account executive for GCA. He can be contacted at (671) 487-7121 or rodney.ricarte@takecareasia.com.
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FEBRUARY2021 | 17
NEWSLINE
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
NEWSLINE SBA Reopens Paycheck Protection Program With Additional Funds Following the approval of an additional $284 billion in funds for the Paycheck Protection Program in December, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has reopened the PPP for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. According to an SBA news release, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, Jan. 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Shortly thereafter, the PPP will open up to all other participating lenders. Key updates to the PPP include the following: • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between eight and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs,
supplier costs and worker protection expenditures • The program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives and destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower: • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses • Has no more than 300 employees • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020
SBA and Treasury also released the following guidance to assist small business with the latest round of PPP funds, which will be made available through March 31, 2021: • PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority-, Veteran- and Women-owned and Underserved Business Concerns • Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by the Economic Aid Act • Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP Loans Those that qualify can access the First Draw borrower application and Second Draw borrower application on the SBA website. More information on the PPP can be found on the SBA and Treasury Department websites. ABC has followed the implementation and additional revisions to the PPP and submitted comments on previous rulemakings related to the program and will continue to provide updates on the PPP through Newsline.
Employers Must Post OSHA Form 300A Data from Feb. 1 to April 30
Employers covered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration recordkeeping rule are required to post their 2020 OSHA Form 300A work-related injury and illness log summaries in an area where notices to employees are typically posted from Feb. 1 through April 30. The form must be posted in a visible spot at each covered establishment. The summaries, which list the total number of job-related injuries and 18 | FEBRUARY2021
illnesses that occurred in 2020 and were logged on the employer's OSHA Form 300A, must be certified by a company executive prior to posting and display. Employment information about the average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required. Note: employers must report any worker fatality within eight hours and any amputation, loss of an eye or hospitalization of a worker within 24 hours. Companies with no recorded injuries www.guamcontractors.org
or illnesses in 2020 must still post the form, with zeros on the total line. Additionally, employers with 10 or fewer employees or those in certain industries may be exempt from OSHA record keeping requirements. OSHA will begin collecting calendar year 2020 Form 300A data on Jan. 2. Covered employers must submit the form electronically by March 2, 2021. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion. facebook.com/GuamContractors
NEWSLINE
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
FAA Issues ABC-Supported Final Rule on Operation of Drones at Night On Jan. 15, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration issued its final rule amending the agency's 2016 final rule to allow the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, at night and over people under certain conditions without obtaining a waiver. In 2019, ABC submitted comments on the FAA’s proposed rule, welcoming the agency’s efforts to ease certain restrictions on the use of small UAS without compromising the FAA’s valid safety objections.
allows for routine operations over moving vehicles. Additionally, the final rule allows for drone operations at night under certain conditions, such as the requirement for remote pilots to complete online recurrent training which will include night subject areas. The online recurrent training will be offered free of charge to remote pilots.
According to an FAA executive summary of the final rule, the rulemaking establishes four new categories of small UAS for routine operations over people and also
In addition to the final rule on drone operations, the FAA issued a final rule requiring the remote identification of drones, which includes three ways to comply with operational requirements:
The use of this technology has had an immensely positive impact on our economy that will continue to grow in the future.
• Operate a standard Remote ID drone that broadcasts identification and location information of the drone and control station; • Operate a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module (may be a separate device attached to the drone), which broadcasts identification, location and take-off information; or • Operate a drone without Remote ID but at specific FAA-recognized identification areas. Both final rules will go into effect on March 16, 2021. More information can be found on the FAA website.
20 | FEBRUARY2021
4
5
17
Baker
Elevator Installer Technician
Camp Cook
28
www.guamcontractors.org
9
HVAC & Refrigeration
TOTAL Construction H-2B Workers
56 1499
5
Total OTHER Construction
1
A/C & Refrigeration Mechanic
11
20
10
Crane Operator
Pipefitter
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Construction Equipment Mechanic
Other Construction Occupations
Employers Workplace Monthly Report Statistics
Total Non-Construction H2-B Workers
2
Automotive Mechanic
Other Non-Construction Occupations
GUAM DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Alien Labor Processing Certification Division
64 18 100 88 2 36
Sheetmetal Worker Heavy Equip. Operator Electrician Camp Cook Welder Total Common Const.
1523 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1527
1613
1527
Total H-2B Employers
Total U.S. Workers Grand Total H-2B Workers
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Total U.S. Workers
Total U.S. Workers Grand Total Hin H2 companies 2B Workers
US Workers vs. H-2B
6 23
4000
17
Construction Non-Construction
Employers By Industry
Philippines Mexico Japan Kiribati United Kingdom Australia Italy Peru Thailand Other Total by Nationality
Workers by Nationality
1443
17
Structural Steelworker
218
583
317
Plumber
Reinforcing Metalworker
Carpenter
Cement Mason
Common Construction Occupations
MONTH ENDING: December 2020
Mexico Thailand 0.26% 0.00%
1.18%
4.44%
1.25%
6.93%
15.11%
6.10%
0.14%
Other 0.00%
Peru 0.00%
Prepared By: Jessie Cruz Contact information: Greg Massey, ALPCD Administrator P.O. Box 9970 Tamuning, Guam 96931 (671)475-8005/8003
Welder
Camp Cook
Heavy Equip. Operator Electrician
Sheetmetal Worker
Reinforcing Metalworker Structural Steelworker Plumber
Carpenter
Cement Mason
Other
Thailand
Peru
Italy
Australia
United Kingdom
Kiribati
Japan
Korea
Philippines
United Kingdom 0.00%
Kiribati 0.00%
21.97%
40.40%
2.49%
Common Construction Occupations
Philippines 99.74%
Japan 0.00%
Australia 0.00%
Italy 0.00%
H-2B Population by Nationality
REPORTS/ INFORMATION CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
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