GCA Construction News Bulletin April 2023

THEDIRECTORS THEEDITORIALS

PRESIDENT

James Martinez

Guam Contractors’ Association

CHAIRMAN & PAST CHAIRMAN

Bill Beery

Tutujan Hill Group

VICE CHAIRMAN

Joe Roberto

East Island Tinting

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Matthew Hunter

Dylan Mechanical Construction Services

CONTRACTOR DIRECTORS:

Don McCann

Black Construction Corporation

Kathleen David

Pacific Rim Constructors

Brian Holm

Hensel Phelps

Albert Smith

SmithBridge Guam

Soraya Vongjalorn

Vertex Guam

AJ Perez

Hawaiian Rock Products

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS:

Mark Cruz

MidPac Far East

Jose Garcia

First Hawaiian Bank

Camilo Lorenzo

Matson Navigation

Geri Leon Guerrero

Adztech Advertising and PR

THETEAM

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.

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.

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.

Distributed to GCA members or can be obtained by stopping by the Guam Contractors’ Association office located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913

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

Postmaster. Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913

PUBLISHER: James Martinez

PRODUCTION TEAM

LEAD:

Geri Leon Guerrero

AD SALES: Alyssa Roces

PRODUCTION:

Jason Davis

Alyssa Roces

Christopher “Taco” Rowland

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Jaceth Duenas

Alyssa Roces

Trevor Cruz

EDITOR:

Adztech

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Joanna Rupley Sablan

Francine Taitague

R.D. Gibson

Jay Forsyth

Rodney “RJ” Ricarte

GCA STAFF:

Desiree Lizama

Elaine Gogue

Francine Taitague

Trevor Cruz

COVER:

The Bigger Picture of the Small Business Strategy from the Department of Defense

Guam Contractors Association

A P R I L 2 0 2 3 A P R I L 2 0

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General Membership Meetings

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April General Membership Meeting

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Joint Engineer Training Conference (JETC) & Expo

Federal Small Business Conference

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p r o v i d e e f f e c t i v e a n d e f f i c i e n t w a y s t o s m a r t m a n a g e e v e r y d a y a c t i v i t i e s t h r o u g h s e c u r e d d a t a t r a n s m i s s i o n s , f l e x i b i l i t y & s c a l a b i l i t y , a n d c o n t r o l & a u t o m a t i o n . W i t h t h e i r l e a k d e t e c t i o n , p r e d i c t i v e m a i n t e n a n c e , a i r q u a l i t y , d o o r b a r r c a d e s , i n d o o r a s s e t t r a c k i n g , c o l d r o o m m o n i t o r i n g , o c c u p a n c y & s p a c e u t i t i l z a t i o n s o l u t i o n s , I o T S o l u t i o n s c r e a t e s s m a r t h o m e s , c i t i e s , f a c t o r i e s , r e t a i l , a n d l o g i s t i c s .

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G e o p h y s i c a l C l a s s i f i c a t i o n e q u i p m e n t a n d t h e c o r r e c t p r o c e d u r e s T h e y d e p l o y d e t e c t i o n t e c h n o l o g i e s i n c l u d i n g a n a l o g d e t e c t o r s , d i g i t a l g e o p h y s ic a l m a p p i n g , a n d a d v a n c e d g e o p h y s i c a l c l a s s i f i c a t i o n d e t e c t o r s T h e y a l s o h a v e a c c e s s t o a n E M 6 1 - M K 2 ( i n c l u d i n g l i t t e r c a r r y ) , t h e U l t r a T E M - I V C l a s s i f i e r o n e - p a s s s y s t e m , t h e A P E X o n e p a s s , a n d m e t a l m a p p e r 2 x 2 c u e d s y s t e m s S o m e o f t h e i r p r o j e c t s w e r e P 6 7 8 S T A C O M M F a c i l i t y A n o m a l y A v o i d a n c e , C a m p B l a z , M a r i n e C o r p s B a s e , R a d i o B a r r i g a d a , a n d L i v e F i r e T r a i n i n g F a c i l i t y , a n d N a v a l B a s e M u n i t i o n s .

Charlie Corn Sc o a s p wards

Ceremony

A p p l i c a t i o n s h a v e b e e n r e c e i v e d a n d a r e c u r r e n t l y i n t h e r e v i e w p r o c e s s A p r e s e n t a t i o n c e r e m o n y f o r a w a r d r e c i p i e n t s w i l l b e h e l d a t o u r M a y g e n e r a l m e m b e r s h i p m e e t i n g T h e s c h o l a r s h i p p r o g r a m a s s i s t s i n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f e n g i n e e r i n g a n d a r c h i t e c t u r e t a l e n t a m o n g p e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n t s o f G u a m , t h e C o m m o n w e a l t h o f t h e N o r t h e r n M a r i a n a I s l a n d s ( C N M I ) , F e d e r a t e d S t a t e s o f M i c r o n e s i a ( F S M ) a n d R e p u b l i c o f P a l a u ( R O P ) B e s t w i s h e s t o a l l a p p l i c a n t s !

“When I complained about the sunlight fading the wood on our steps through our large picture window, Kin suggested I call Island Tinting to see what they could do. Tom and his crew came out to the house and in just over an hour, they applied this clear film. He made me stand on the side where they had applied the film and then on the side with no film. The heat difference was amazing. The best part about it is that our power bill has gone down $70 a month because of this film!”

Kin and Jayne Flores with Tom Roberto

APPRENTICESHIP CORNER

By Francine Taitague Safety, Training and Education Coordinator, Guam Contractors Association

MANY BENEFITS FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES TO BE CERTIFIED

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career track. Employers develop their workforce, and individual employees obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a nationally-recognized NCCER credential.

After all of the on-the-job training and classroom instruction, employees are certified in that construction trade by the U.S. Department of Labor. The criteria to be certified is a little different for each trade. For example, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) requires 6,000 on-the-job hours, and 432 classroom hours, or what is called related technical instruction.

On-the-job hours are conducted during working hours at the job site, under the guidance of a journeyman trades person working with the apprentice at the company. The classroom hours are at the GCA Trades Academy. The instructors are professionals in their construction fields trained by the GCA Trades Academy to instruct the nationally recognized NCCER curriculum.

The Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program is actually made up of four different parts. The Guam Contractors Association is the sponsor with the apprenticeship standards. The GCA Trades Academy is the training institute. The employer indentures the apprentice and provides the journeyman to teach the apprentice on the job. And of course, the apprentice, who will go through training to become certified in the construction trade.

If your company is considering starting a registered apprenticeship program, consider these benefits to your employees (and your company) to getting certified.

• Productivity increases because your employees are trained in the latest best practices in the construction industry.

• Increase in skills creates a better product for your customers.

• More professional image enhances your company’s reputation as a company who not only performs quality work but also continually improves by training trades people.

• Increased safety performance reduces lost hours on the job site and improves health care costs.

The Guam Contractors Association keeps track of hours worked and the education progress of the apprentice. We can guide your company through the process. What have you got to lose?

Join the growing community of apprentices in Guam’s construction industry. 115 apprentices are currently employed, getting paid, increasing their skills, and furthering their education.

WHAT YOU WANT WHAT YOU NEED

When was the last time you got what you wanted AND what you needed?

The new Hyster® UT Series gives you both.

You want comfort.

You need reliability.

You want convenience.

You need enhanced protection

You want high-quality components. You need something that’s low-cost.

You want stability.

You need easy maintenance and servicing.

You want something for basic operations. You need the Hyster name.

You don’t have to choose. The Hyster H UT series allows you to choose the right truck at the right price for your less-frequent usage and light application needs. Available with diesel, LPG, or dual-fuel engines.

Accessing your TakeCare benefits on-island

By Rodney “RJ” Ricarte

Your TakeCare GCA Employee Health Benefits travel with you around the island to access the medical procedures needed by you or your family.

In order to create a smoother, less stressful process to access your health benefits, TakeCare has processes in place to review requests by providers for authorization of health care services for members who are receiving on-island care.

I’m not able to describe every policy in detail, due to the space limitations of this column, so I will provide a general outline. In addition to the member handbook http://tiny.cc/TakeCareMemberHandbook , please refer to the schedule of benefits and provider directory for a more thorough description of covered benefits and plan information. I also advise to call ahead to TakeCare Customer Service Department in Guam (671) 647-3526 or toll free 1 (877) 757-6418, obtain information about your benefits. Non-urgent inquiries should be emailed to customerservice@takecareasia.com. For pre-authorization inquiries or requests, please call TakeCare Medical Referral Services at (671) 300-5995 or email tc.mrs@takecareasia.com.

When do you need to contact TakeCare for on-island medical referral?

A list of health care services requiring pre-authorization is found in the Member Handbook. These services include inpatient/hospitalization and related services including all scheduled inpatient admissions, including but not limited to surgeries, Cesarean sections, and admission resulting from an emergency. Outpatient, in-office and related services including outpatient surgical procedures, excluding maternity care. Outpatient services/treatment including Cancer care (chemotherapy/radiation therapy), self-injectables, and sleep studies.

Medical referrals are also required for radiological/nuclear/magnetic/resonance scans including MRI/MRA, CT Scan, Spiral CT Scan and bone density studies. Appliance/prosthetics/durable medical equipment (DME) are also covered with proper authorization.

Prior authorization requires the prior authorization form with appropriate ICD 10 and CPT Code, the referral form from your medical provider, and complete supporting medical records (doctor notes, imaging report, pathology report, etc).

When you’re planning on-island hospitalization or procedures, please make sure your provider contacts TakeCare for pre-authorization of services. Doing so will provide you additional peace of mind as you receive your health care benefits. It is also very important to follow up with your medical provider for the proper paperwork submission to avoid any delays.

Rodney “RJ” Ricarte is the TakeCare account executive for GCA. He can be contacted at (671) 487-7121 or rodney.ricarte@takecareasia.com.

THE STRATEGY SMALL BUSINESS

By: R.D. Gibson

There is nothing ‘small’ about ‘small business’. According to a United States Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy Frequently Asked Questions sheet, a small business is defined as an independent business that employs fewer than 500 employees. Additionally, there are size standards that give way for small businesses to assess their eligibility for government programs, like contracting opportunities and SBA loans. This is based on their industry and economic activity as stated in Title 13 Chapter 1 Part 121 of the Code of Federal Regulations in the U.S. National Archives and Records.

Currently, there are over 33 million small businesses in the United States, and comprise 99.9-percent of all firms. For perspective, in Guam, there are over 3,400 small businesses that employ over 61,000 people, as laid out in the US SBA Office of Advocacy 2022 Small Business Profile.

However, in a February 15, 2022 fact sheet from the White House, it was shared that there is a growing concern regarding national and economic security based on competition within the defense industrial base (DIB). “The report emphasizes that promoting competition is a top priority for DoD and outlines a series of actions that DoD will pursue to rebuild its competitive bench, lower costs for taxpayers, and safeguard our national security,” as stated in the fact sheet.

The DIB is a tapestry of companies that provide services and goods to the United States Department of Defense. In the Fact Sheet, it highlighted how the Biden-Harris Administration would work toward promoting competition to combat the ‘consolidation’ that has - for lack of a better word - constrict services.

The White House cited how the number of aerospace and defense prime contractors shrank from 51 to 5 in thirty years. “Today, 90% of missiles come from 3 sources,” it stated in the sheet, which, in the bigger picture, leads to a dependency on a few companies for services and goods needed for the Department of Defense to do its job.

But, more pointedly, the White House’s fact sheet emphasized the number of small businesses in the DIB reduced by 40-percent in the last ten years. In a March 24, 2023 release from the U.S. Department of Defense, Farooq A. Mitha, the Director of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) stated, “This is an economic and national security risk for our nation," he said. "We risk losing mission-critical domestic capabilities, innovation and strong supply chains,” Mitha emphasized. “To respond to this, the department is working to strengthen our small business supply chains, increase competition and attract new entrants."

The March 24 DoD Release also mentioned that

sometimes small businesses also face “cyber security requirements and staying clear of foreign ownership control and influence.” At its most basic, the Strategy is part of the Department’s mission to minimize these and other difficulties that small businesses may face when attempting to work with DoD.

On January 26, 2023, the US Department of Defense released its Small Business Strategy that lays out a plan to augment and bolster its relationship with small businesses. The release states, “The strategy promotes a strong, dynamic, and robust small business industrial base by focusing on reducing barriers to entry, increasing set-aside competitions, and leveraging programs to grow the industrial base.”

In its opening message from Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, the U.S. Department of Defense Small Business Strategy states that small businesses experience difficulties working with DoD, which include no central point of entry and complex rules.

Sec. of Defense Austin continued, “If we do not take action, we risk losing mission critical domestic capabilities, stifling competition and innovation, and potentially weakening our supply chains.”

In the January DoD release, Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks shared, “Reducing barriers and creating more opportunities for small businesses will allow us to expand, innovate, and diversify, increasing our warfighter advantage, strengthening our supply chains, increasing competition in our marketplace, and growing our economy here at home” expanding on the importance of small businesses in their contributions to DoD’s needs.

THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SMALL BUSINESS STRATEGY

The United States Department of Defense Small Business Strategy itself has three core objectives, which include: “Implement a Unified Management Approach for Small Business Programs and Activities;

“Ensure the Department’s Small Business Activities Align with National Security Priorities; and

“Strengthen the Department’s Engagement and Support of Small Business.”

The three objectives seem to all be rooted in some level of collaboration and communication, augmenting those throughout the Department, its management, the small businesses, and available programs. First, the Strategy calls for an implementation of a focal point where small

businesses and admittedly ‘even members of the DoD acquisition workforce’ experience challenges.

businesses and admittedly ‘even members of the DoD acquisition workforce’ experience challenges.

Hence the first objective creates a small business integration group headed by the Director of the DoD Office of Small Business Programs. The Director has many responsibilities, namely being an advocate for small businesses within the DoD with regard to DoD and national security Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Further, the group has representation from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering, and the Directors of the Office of Small Business Programs.

Hence the first objective creates a small business integration group headed by the Director of the DoD Office of Small Business Programs. The Director has many responsibilities, namely being an advocate for small businesses within the DoD with regard to DoD and national security Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Further, the group has representation from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and the Directors of the Office of Small Business Programs.

supported through reliable logistics,” the Strategy asserts. Further, it states “agile and innovative small businesses are integral to addressing new and continuing national economic security.”

supported through reliable logistics,” the Strategy asserts. Further, it states “agile and innovative small businesses are integral to addressing new and continuing national economic security.”

primary strategic goal of this Small Business Strategy to establish a management structure that aligns small business programs and small business-related efforts across the Department,” as stated in the Strategy. Additionally, part of the group's goals include enhancing communication and collaboration between the small business programs through forums and discussions regarding topics, like unifying the small business policy and mitigating challenges entering the defense marketplace.

“A primary strategic goal of this Small Business Strategy is to establish a management structure that aligns small business programs and small business-related efforts across the Department,” as stated in the Strategy. Additionally, part of the group's goals include enhancing communication and collaboration between the small business programs through forums and discussions regarding topics, like unifying the small business policy and mitigating challenges entering the defense marketplace.

the Strategic document, it defines three types of small business programs it hopes to synergize and ‘increase the effectiveness of the entire DoD small business enterprise.’ These small business programs include Small Disadvantaged Businesses, women-owned Small businesses, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, small business technology development, funding, and assistance programs, like the Defense Research and Development Rapid Innovation Programs, and other resources and tools.

In the Strategic document, it defines three types of small business programs it hopes to synergize and ‘increase the effectiveness of the entire DoD small business enterprise.’ These small business programs include Small Disadvantaged Businesses, women-owned Small businesses, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, small business technology development, funding, and assistance programs, like the Defense Research and Development Rapid Innovation Programs, and other resources and tools.

Though the DoD has seen an instability and a misalignment of small business programs focusing on investing in technology, the Small Business Strategy works to correct these by monitoring long-term planning and integration across available programs. A few technology and manufacturing programs cited include the Mentor-Protege Program, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and Rapid Innovation Fund, which have all faced some kind of restriction from scaling to time limitations to non-appropriation.

Though the DoD has seen an instability and a misalignment of small business programs focusing on investing in technology, the Small Business Strategy works to correct these by monitoring long-term planning and integration across available programs. A few technology and manufacturing programs cited include the Mentor-Protege Program, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and Rapid Innovation Fund, which have all faced some kind of restriction from scaling to time limitations to non-appropriation.

The last strategic objective is centered in engagement, outreach, and support of small businesses, but in the grander scheme of things, making work with the government agencies more accessible, in line with Presidential Executive Order 14058. More specifically, the third objective points to strengthening its relationships with small businesses, more specifically in the small business programs available and clearly describing contracting opportunities for easy wayfinding; at its core, this is where the aforementioned Apex Accelerators play a vital role.

The last strategic objective is centered in engagement, outreach, and support of small businesses, but in the grander scheme of things, making work with the government agencies more accessible, in line with Presidential Executive Order 14058. More specifically, the third objective points to strengthening its relationships with small businesses, more specifically in the small business programs available and clearly describing contracting opportunities for easy wayfinding; at its core, this is where the aforementioned Apex Accelerators play a vital role.

These collaborative and engagement tools include the ninety-six APEX Accelerators, formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, throughout the country. These APEX Accelerators are a way for small businesses better prepare themselves and find opportunities with the Department. Additionally, there is a Mentor-Protégé Program, which has seasoned businesses help new small businesses with their development and access to opportunities in the DoD through training and counseling.

These collaborative and engagement tools include the ninety-six APEX Accelerators, formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, throughout the country. These APEX Accelerators are a way for small businesses to better prepare themselves and find opportunities with the Department. Additionally, there is a Mentor-Protégé Program, which has seasoned businesses help new small businesses with their development and access to opportunities in the DoD through training and counseling.

As over 70-percent of the industrial base is composed of small businesses, supply chain concerns arise with cybersecurity. Part of this objective includes additional resources, specifically training promoting cyber resilience. “Cybersecurity threats to the DIB keep expanding in number, frequency, and severity,” the Strategy cites. Additionally, this training will address the protection and security of sensitive DoD information and supply chain. Part of this training includes Project Spectrum, whose “mission is to improve cybersecurity readiness, resiliency, and compliance for small/medium-sized businesses and the federal manufacturing supply chain.”

As over 70-percent of the industrial base is composed of small businesses, supply chain concerns arise with cybersecurity. Part of this objective includes additional resources, specifically training promoting cyber resilience. “Cybersecurity threats to the DIB keep expanding in number, frequency, and severity,” the Strategy cites. Additionally, this training will address the protection and security of sensitive DoD information and supply chain. Part of this training includes Project Spectrum, whose “mission is to improve cybersecurity readiness, resiliency, and compliance for small/medium-sized businesses and the federal manufacturing supply chain.”

The first objective details collaboration, synergy, and unification, while the second objective primarily focuses the DoD’s desire and need to align small business activities with its national security priorities. The second objective details the need for at-the-ready capabilities given the geopolitical climate of the world, the United States and its allies. “Capability development, production, and fielding should be marked by adaptability, diversity, and speed of design and delivery and then sustained and

The first objective details collaboration, synergy, and unification, while the second objective primarily focuses on the DoD’s desire and need to align small business activities with its national security priorities. The second objective details the need for at-the-ready capabilities given the geopolitical climate of the world, the United States and its allies. “Capability development, production, and fielding should be marked by adaptability, diversity, and speed of design and delivery and then sustained and

Further, the DoD is also focused on educating small businesses about the risks of foreign ownership, control, and influence, also known as FOCI, which poses threats to economic and national security. Part of the implementation of Strategic Objective three includes initiating a working group to reduce the possibilities of FOCI risks, among other security topics.

Further, the DoD is also focused on educating small businesses about the risks of foreign ownership, control, and influence, also known as FOCI, which poses threats to economic and national security. Part of the implementation of Strategic Objective three includes initiating a working group to reduce the possibilities of FOCI risks, among other security topics.

The Small Business Strategy is a lengthy document to say the least. It’s filled with jargon and examples, acronyms on almost every page, and detailed descriptions of the objectives of the strategic plan that above all else is meant to make the processes of working with the DoD a lot easier. This requires a lot of input, education, outreach, and coordination among and with the DoD, the DIB, and potential small businesses. “Recruiting more small businesses into the DIB means a more advanced military, stronger supply chains, and a more equitable and prosperous national economy,” it states in the Strategy.

The Small Business Strategy is a lengthy document to say the least. It’s filled with jargon and examples, acronyms on almost every page, and detailed descriptions of the objectives of the strategic plan that above all else is meant to make the processes of working with the DoD a lot easier. This requires a lot of input, education, outreach, and coordination among and with the DoD, the DIB, and potential small businesses. “Recruiting more small businesses into the DIB means a more advanced military, stronger supply chains, and a more equitable and prosperous national economy,” it states in the Strategy.

Overall, the strategy calls for collaboration, synergy, and a bit of foresight and planning. As small businesses contribute significantly to the nation’s security and economy, this is an important, big step for the Department of Defense as it works to become more accessible to the small business community throughout, while also strengthening

Overall, the strategy calls for collaboration, synergy, and a bit of foresight and planning. As small businesses contribute significantly to the nation’s security and economy, this is an important, big step for the Department of Defense as it works to become more accessible to the small business community throughout, while also strengthening

their already-extensive DIB for the future. The Strategy states, “The Department is working to lay a foundation for the kind of Industrial Base needed to win in the 21st century…this small business strategy will unlock the full potential of small businesses and strengthen our national security.”

their already-extensive DIB for the future. The Strategy states, “The Department is working to lay a foundation for the kind of Industrial Base needed to win in the 21st century…this small business strategy will unlock the full potential of small businesses and strengthen our national security.”

The end of April will ring in National Small Business Week - April 30, 2023 to May 6, 2023; a time where we don’t get to just celebrate their innovation and talent, but their contributions to our communities. Small businesses have been described as many things, including the backbone and driver of economies. This strategy puts extra emphasis on not just their contributions, but the potential they have toward innovation, security, and their impact on the economy and security.

The end of April will ring in National Small Business Week - April 30, 2023 to May 6, 2023; a time where we don’t get to just celebrate their innovation and talent, but their contributions to our communities. Small businesses have been described as many things, including the backbone and driver of economies. This strategy puts extra emphasis on not just their contributions, but the potential they have toward innovation, security, and their impact on the economy and security.

Pizza, Pop and Power Tools Returns!

Girls experience construction trades after two year absence

By: Jay Forsyth

After skipping the event for two years due to the pandemic, Pizza, Pop and Power Tools returned on March 25 at the new GCA Trades Academy Tiyan Training Facility.

More than 60 middle and high school girls experienced the construction trades of electrical, carpentry (building a tool box), plumbing, and heavy equipment operation.

This was the 10th annual event. The Guam Contractors Association started the event to encourage more women to take a second look at a career in the construction industry.

“By creating a career exploratory experience event starting at a young age like middle and high school, the GCA thought we could encourage more women to consider a career in the construction industry,” said James Martinez, president of the Guam Contractors Association. We are seeing an increase of women in project management, safety, electrical, plumbing, carpentry and heavy equipment operation.”

“Nationally, the construction industry would like to see 15% of the workforce be women. With the military build up on Guam happening, the opportunity for a good career in construction is there,” said Martinez.

Jaylene Kent, president of Isa Coatings & Roofing Supply, and the chartering president of the National Women in Construction Guam Chapter, a co-sponsor of the event with the GCA and the GCA Trades Academy, said Pizza, Pop and Power Tools can be a game changer for some of the girls.

“I like seeing the girls exposed to these new career opportunities where they see other women in the trades and have a good experience,” said Kent.

According to the girls, much was learned during the day.

“I really liked the plumbing. There is actually something wrong with my own toilet and she addressed that specific problem,” Rhylaieh Taitano, George Washington High School.

“I came here last year and I wanted to come back. I’m learning new things like the pipe bending,” Evelyn Heisserer, McCool Middle School

building her tool box. “I’ve seen my Dad do it, but I never

coming here showed me that it would be a good trade to learn in the future,” Lauren Stettenbenz, SIFA Learning Academy.

“I wanted to come to Pizza, Pop and Power Tools to lean more trade skills. I’m very interested in carpentry. I’ve always liked building stuff and always help my Dad outside,” said Jaychelle Taitano, George Washington High School. “So now, I feel a little bit more comfortable using the equipment to actually do more at home.”

“I came here because I wanted to try something different,” said Jezariah Fausto, Untalan Middle School. “This is new to me. I learned about plumbing and how a toilet works.”

Jesse Pangelinan, Guam Department of Labor, OSHA on-site consultant said he has seen the same level of excitement of girls wanting to operate the heavy equipment each of the 10 years.

“What I have seen are the girls waiting in line to get on the heavy equipment, and then have a lot of fun operating it and pulling the levers,” said Pangelinan, who also is a heavy equipment, project management and sediment and erosion control instructor at the GCA Trades Academy. “Some of the ladies have extremely good eye-hand coordination and can really operate heavy equipment like they were experienced.”

The value of Pizza, Pop and Power Tools is being at the event and the experience.

“There are not a lot of places for girls to be in an environment where they can see the operations of the construction industry,” said Sam Mabini Young, executive director of the Association of Career and Technical Education Guam Chapter. “Not to mention meet individuals who are professionals and who are women who are also in the field of construction.”

GCA March Luncheon

March 15th, 2023

Hilton Guam Resort

NEWS LINE

Proactive Planning for Project Safety—Now and in an Emergency

Safety starts before work boots hit the ground. A successful strategy begins with pre-planning, communication, supporting employees and even selecting the right project to bid. Construction is complex, involving many trades and contractors. The work is driven by owner requirements, local regulations and industry-specific practices. Coordination and communication among all parties are critical to successful health and safety outcomes.

Pre-Planning for Project Safety

There are multiple factors that should be evaluated for the impact on safety when selecting the right project. Details matter, and this requires intentional, methodical planning.

• Does your company have the necessary combination of talent, technology, training, equipment, logistics and expertise?

• Will the location of the jobsite affect safety if there’s an excessive commute for the workforce?

• How will people, materials and equipment flow into and through the jobsite?

• How will your team work safely at heights?

For example, if an 8-foot ladder is normally used but the higher ceiling requires a 10-foot platform ladder, that is a significant difference. Or consider how might the job change if someone missed the note that this contract had a no-ladder policy, as renting mobile elevated work platforms would be an added cost. This would also require operator training, logistics updates and protective equipment needed to use the lifts.

Pre-Planning for Emergency Response

While pre-planning for project safety ensures the right people make the right

thing happen at the right time and for the right reason, sometimes something unexpected happens. Pre-planning requires determining if there is enough resilience to quickly detect and minimize the effects of an emergency. Emergency response planning, training and equipment adds resilience and ensures resources are ready.

Planning for Success

Some would say safety is common sense, others know it’s about relationships and intentional planning, equipping and supporting. When safety isn’t integrated with full communication from the beginning, the workforce could be put at higher risk if time, logistics and budgets are stretched too thin. Incorporate pre-planning for safety in every aspect of the job to ensure your team returns home safely at the end of every shift.

NLRB Launches ‘Know Your Rights’ Card Series

On March 28, the National Labor Relations Board General Counsel

Jennifer Abruzzo launched the “Know Your Rights” card series to educate workers on their rights under the National Labor Relations Act.

The Board issued two trifold cards to be used in the workplace. One card details protections for immigrant workers and the second highlights a union-represented employee’s right to request a representative and have

them present during an interview that the employee reasonably believes could lead to discipline, otherwise known as Weingarten rights. In addition, the second card states that unrepresented employees don’t have a right to have a representative in these interviews under current law, but the NLRB may reinstate that right in a future case. ABC will continue to closely monitor any new case developments.

Further, the NLRB press release states that “the cards are designed to be printed, folded, and used by workers in the workplace. Additional cards in the series will be rolled out this year.”

For more information visit the NLRB website.

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C.O. R .E.

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PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

First Hawaiian Bank

BRONZE SPONSORS

Isla Coatings and Roo ng Supply • Island Equipment Company G4S Security Systems (Guam), Inc. • CEVA Logistics, Guam