SUBCONTRACTORS
USA
TEXAS JOURNAL
W W W . S U B C U S A . C O M
Architecture | Construction | Education | Energy | Engineering | IT | Manufacturing | Oil and Gas | Petrochemical | Transportation
June 2018 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 27th Edition
FORT BEND SERVICES, INC. "YOUR WATER AND WASTE TREATMENT SPECIALIST" 16-17
INSIDE
28 04
Building Structures and Relationships that Last
14 In the Subcontractors USA Community... TAG Houston – Annual State of Mobility Luncheon
Texas Central, Amtrak Reach Agreement to Link Bullet Train and Amtrak’s Interstate Passenger Network
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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:
HMSDC
The Subcontractors USA Texas Journal highlights opportunities and news relevant to the construction, energy, architecture, manufacturing, education, engineering, oil and gas, transportation and IT industries we serve. We hope you find this issue not only informative, but inspiring and educational as well. This month’s issue spotlights Fort Bend Services, Inc. (FBS). FBS provides water treatment equipment, supplies and services that allow customers to efficiently and cost effectively decontaminate water and wastewater. FBS also provides comprehensive laboratory testing and analysis. Their inhouse laboratory utilizes cutting edge testing methods and processes that deliver accurate, consistent results.
Port of Houston
Metro
BEHIND THE JOURNAL
ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tiffany Black PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Helen Callier Freddie Allen Subcontractors USA News Provider
City of Houston
HISD
04 CONSTRUCTION 04 Building Structures and Relationships that Last 06 WATER. REST. SHADE. OSHA’s Campaign to Keep Workers Safe in the Heat
12 ENGINEERING 12 Michele Lezama Is New President & CEO of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 14 IN THE SUBCONTRACTORS USA COMMUNITY... 14 TAG Houston – Annual State of Mobility Luncheon
HUB
VBE
DBE
OUR SERVICES
10 ENERGY 10 Executive Order 13800 on Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure: Assessment of Electricity Disruption Incident Response Capabilities
ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden
—John D. Rockefeller
CONTENTS
PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd
"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great."
FBS is a State of Texas Certified Historically Underutilized (HUB) Woman-Owned Business. They are also certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council as a National WomanOwned Business Enterprise and a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB). They are additionally certified through the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise. According to CEO, Rosemary Levens, “…it strengthens our ability to serve the needs of our customers on another level.” As always, thank you for your continued support of Subcontractors USA Texas Journal. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.
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16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 Fort Bend Services, Inc. Is Your Water and Waste Treatment Specialist 16-17 20 PERMITS 20 Five Tips for Effective Communications with City Permitting Plan Reviewers 24 TECHNOLOGY 24 Oil & Gas Workforce 26 The Three Pillars of General Data Protection Regulation – Transparency (No. 1)
ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION GRAPHIC DESIGN • Logos • Flyers • Ads • Folders • Brochures • Door Hangers PRINTING • Business Cards • Flyers • Folders • Pull-up Banners • Step and Repeat Banners • Brochures • Door Hangers • Letterhead • Envelopes PHOTOGRAPHY • Headshots • Event Photography Online & Email Marketing Social Media Advertising
26 28 TRANSPORTATION 28 Texas Central, Amtrak Reach Agreement to Link Bullet Train and Amtrak’s Interstate Passenger Network
VASKEY MEDIA GROUP, INC. MAIN OFFICE 7322 Southwest Fwy., Suite 800, Houston, TX 77074 Phone: (713) 373.5577
Fax: (713) 750.9472
Email Us: contact@d-mars.com
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SubContractors SUA
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CONSTRUCTION
Building Structures and Relationships that Last By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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CC Enterprises LLC, a highly recognized leader in planning and construction services, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area--was founded in 2002 by Greg and Carol Cody. The Air Force veteran duo utilized their established Greg Cody consulting portfolio to transition the business to a full-service construction firm in just a few short years. The company was awarded several government contracts including work at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, FEMA, U.S. Department of Defense and others. ‘Building structures and relationships that last’ is the mantra at GCC and relationships are critical to the success of the firm. By developing partnerships with key players like Austin Industrial and other GCC has been able to grow their business to include projects in the municipal and educational arenas.
Developing Relationships that Drive Value One of the most recent partnerships GCC has developed is with the Methodist Hospital System. Charged with a strategic objective to utilize minority-owned businesses when possible, and using services provided by the Impact Professional Group, the connection between GCC and Methodist Hospital System was a good fit. Don Lee of The Impact Professional Group (IPG), commented, “Over a 7-year period, [IPG] in conjunc-
tion with Methodist Hospital System established a successful Small and Minority Business program that led to an opportunity for an upcoming project. GCC was at the top of the list for consideration as Prime Con-
tractor for a project with Methodist Hospital.” Scott Simon, Senior Project Manager for Methodist Health System said, “We (Methodist) needed a contractor that was not only a partner, but also be very collaborative with the entire team (owner, arch., engineers and trade partners). Because of our aggressive schedule, once we decided on GCC, it was evident that we made the right choice. GCC has gone above and beyond by taking the bull by the horns, leading the charge to make this not only a successful project but a beautiful building for the community that it serves.” By establishing agile partnerships to meet customer needs, the GCC Enterprises name is quickly becoming synonymous with value in the DallasFort Worth market. The future at GCC looks bright as the leadership team continues to drive a business development strategy that will position the firm as a key EPCM player. “As the landscape changes we want to offer more services that make sense in our field. We are taking steps to develop partnerships, and employ technology that can drive costs down in a project to get better value for our customers with end-to-end EPCM services.”
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Help Us Shine CenterPoint Energy values its diverse suppliers. Our suppliers include minority-owned and women-owned businesses, as well as small businesses. We choose diverse suppliers for their capability, safety, innovation, agility and competitive pricing. In turn, our suppliers create positive economic impact throughout the communities we serve. Mutually beneficial relationships and forward-thinking approaches offered by quality, diverse suppliers are integral to CenterPoint Energy’s vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value. This is why we welcome and are committed to including diverse suppliers in competitive bid opportunities. Our beacon shines brightly as we guide diverse suppliers to the shores of business opportunity.
CenterPointEnergy.com/SupplierDiversity
©2017 CenterPoint Energy 175607
Over a Century of Trusted Service ©2017 CenterPoint Energy 174168
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CONSTRUCTION
WATER. REST. SHADE.
OSHA’s Campaign to Keep Workers Safe in the Heat protecting workers from extreme heat. An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program.
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Campaign
• Provide workers with water, rest and shade. • Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat. • Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention. • Monitor workers for signs of illness.
Our Heat Illness Prevention campaign, launched in 2011, educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. Through training sessions, outreach events, informational sessions, publications, social media messaging and media appearances, millions of workers and employers have learned how to protect workers from heat. Our safety message comes down to three key words: Water. Rest. Shade.
We asked employers and safety professionals to tell us how they are Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands keeping workers safe from extreme heat. more become ill while working in extreme heat or hu- Below are some of their stories: Dangers of Working in the Heat
mid conditions. More than 40 percent of heat-related worker deaths occur in the construction industry, but workers in every field are susceptible. There are a range of heat illnesses and they can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.
Employer Responsibility to Protect Workers Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing workplaces free of known safety hazards. This includes
training sessions on heat exposure, how to recognize and treat heat-related illness, and proper hydration. Baker Roofing, the nation's second largest residential and commercial roofing contractor, has taken several measures to keep its workers safe throughout the South and Southeast during extreme heat conditions. The company gave its workers cooling inserts for their hard hats, adjusted schedules to begin earlier and get workers off roofs by 2 p.m. daily, and provided each crew with water coolers and shade tents that they plan to equip with misting machines. To share your story, send an email to HeatSafetyTips@dol.gov.
Source: www.osha.gov
Granite Construction, one of the 25 largest construction companies in the U.S., uses a variety of methods to keep its workers safe from the heat. These include: providing each jobsite supervisor with a portable canopy sun shade; equipping workers with evaporative, cooling neck towels and shades that attach to the back of their hard hats to protect their necks from sun exposure; monitoring the OSHANIOSH heat safety app and following its recommendations; and conducting
Projects Adding Value by Expanding Diversity
CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION
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The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is sponsoring PAVED, an event highlighting upcoming subcontracting opportunities for highway construction and maintenance projects in the Yoakum district.
June 14, 2018 • 3:30 - 6 p.m. W. E. Hill Community Center 1000 Main Street, Sealy, TX 77474 The PAVED program allows participants to learn about project specific opportunities and to network with primes and subcontractors. The TxDOT project featured is the addition of one lane in both directions along I-10 in Austin County. This is an estimated $250 million project with millions of dollars in subcontracting opportunities which include excavation, hot mix, drainage, signage, concrete, rebar, and lighting.
Register Now For more information, visit our PAVED webpage or contact: Civil Rights Division PAVED@txdot.gov 512-416-4700
The event will be conducted in English. If English is not your primary language and you have difficulty communicating effectively in English, you may need an interpreter or document translator; one will be provided to you upon request. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Sarah Blackburn at (512) 416-4700 or by email at PAVED@txdot.gov no later than 4:00 p.m., May 31, 2018. Please be aware that advance notice is requested as some accommodations may require time for the Texas Department of Transportation to arrange.
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Jack May VP Alliance Business Development 7125 Belton Street Fort Worth, TX 76118 Office: 800-776-0491 Direct: 817-321-4028
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ENERGY
Executive Order 13800 on Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure:
Assessment of Electricity Disruption Incident Response Capabilities By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Statement from Secretary Perry: “This Administration recognizes the growing security risk of cyber threats and has prioritized overcoming these challenges facing our Nation, as outlined in Executive Order 13800. The Department of Energy (DOE) has taken an important step forward through the recent creation of the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), which will further strengthen DOE’s ability to play a vital role protecting energy infrastructure from cyber threats, physical attacks, and natural disasters. As the Sector Specific Agency for the energy sector, DOE will continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security, our National Laboratories, public, and private sector partners to improve cybersecurity practices and develop next-generation tools and capabilities that can be leveraged to better understand and mitigate cyber vulnerabilities in the energy sector.”
Executive Summary: Addressing the mounting risk of cyber-attacks and threats to the U.S. electric grid is a national security imperative for the United States. To ad-
dress this growing challenge, President Trump issued Section (e) of Executive Order 13800 on “Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure” one year ago. This Executive Order called for an assessment of the potential scope and duration of a prolonged power outage associated with a significant cyber incident, as well as an evaluation of the readiness and gaps in the United States’ ability to manage and mitigate consequences of a cyber incident against the electric subsector. The Departments of Energy and Homeland Security partnered with other federal agencies and electric industry stakeholders from across the United States to conduct the analysis required under the executive order. While it was found that no lasting damage—physical, cyber-physical, or otherwise—has been observed from the cyberattacks and intrusions targeting U.S. electric utilities that have been reported to date there
are key trends that are increasing the risk of significant cyber incidents. The report released today identifies gaps around enhancing cyber incident response capacity, developing high-priority plans, augmenting scarce and critical resources, and understanding
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and characterizing response efforts to catastrophic incidents. Existing capability gaps fall largely into seven main categories: Cyber Situational Awareness and Incident Impact Analysis; Roles and Responsibilities under Cyber Response Frameworks; Cybersecurity Integration into State Energy Assurance Planning; Electric Cybersecurity Workforce and Expertise; Supply Chain and Trusted Partners; Public-Private Cybersecurity Information Sharing; and Resources for National Cybersecurity Preparedness. These takeaways will build on the already robust collaboration between government and industry on electricity sector cybersecurity. Continuing to enhance these partnerships is critical to closing identified gaps in cybersecurity preparedness and response capabilities, limiting the potential scope and duration of a significant cyber incident and reducing impacts to the critical national economy, defense, and lifeline functions which the electric grid supports. Source: www.breakingenergy.com
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We are always looking for quality subcontractors Construction is about
BUILDING... Building great
RELATIONSHIPS...
For information about E Contractors or to become a registered subcontractor contact:
WILLYANN PAZ 713-493-2500
wpaz@econtractors.com
REGISTER AS A SUBCONTRACTOR AT www.econtractors.com/subcontractor
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES • General Contracting • Job Order Contracting • Design Build
OUR APPROACH At E Contractors we value the relationships that we build with our Subcontractors. It is with this in mind that we have a designated person in our offices to be an ambassador for all our subcontractors. This individual is in charge of making sure that all subcontractors are treated fairly, to ensure that they have a voice in all decisions we make on projects as a general contractor and to make sure that a true partnership if forged between companies and individuals.
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ENGINEERING
Michele Lezama Is New President & CEO of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering By Subcontractors USA News Provider
T
he National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) is proud to announce the recent selection of Michele Lezama as president and chief executive officer (effective March 26, 2018). Michele served as the CEO and executive director of The National GEM Consortium (GEM). GEM is dedicated to increasing the number of underrepresented individuals who pursue and receive a masters or PhD in engineering, computer science and other applied science fields. During her tenure at GEM, she strategically positioned the consortium for advancement by moving their headquarters from its 30-year home in Indiana to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Prior to GEM, Michele served as executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. She is credited for turning around the organization’s financial position, tripling the organization’s capital position and creating a long-term investment structure. Under her leadership, NSBE received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring awarded by the White House Office of Science and Technology. “NACME is delighted to have Michele join the or-
ganization as president and CEO,” said Ray Dempsey, NACME board chairman. “Her transformational leadership style and history of dedication and support of access to education for underrepresented minorities, is a great fit for NACME”. Michele earned her B.S. in Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University, and both her M.S. in Industrial Engineering and MBA in Finance and Accounting from Columbia University. “I am honored and humbled to have been selected as NACME’s President and CEO,” Lezama said. “As a proud NACME Scholar Alum, I am excited to work with the NACME team to dramatically increase the number of high performing students who gain access to our nation’s most rigorous engineering and computer science undergraduate programs, to deliver exceptional outcomes for our university and corporate partners and to actively showcase the opportunities and successes of our nation’s diverse STEM community”. NACME is the largest provider of college scholarships for underrepresented minorities pursuing degrees at schools of engineering. Their mission is to enrich society with an American workforce that champions diversity in STEM by increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in engineering and computer science. Their vision is to have an engineering workforce that looks like
America. NACME partners with like-minded entities to provide scholarships, resources, and opportunities for high-achieving, underrepresented minority college students pursuing careers in engineering and computer science. By supporting their academic endeavors and professional development, NACME produces wellqualified candidates who meet today's urgent hiring demands for more diverse STEM talent. Source: www.nacme.org
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In the Subcontractors USA Community...
To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.subcusa.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’
TAG Houston Annual State of Mobility Luncheon On May 24, 2018, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner shared his vision for mobility at TAG-Houston Region’s annual State of Mobility luncheon. With over 400 industry experts, community leaders and business advocates in attendance, his message was bold and progressive for a paradigm shift in how we plan and execute infrastructure projects in the city and region. In his address Mayor Turner highlighted the growth and resiliency of the Houston region as he identified key transportation policies that will “leverage this growth into a more economically competitive, equitable, and resilient region.”
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Fort Bend Services, Inc.
Is Your Water and Waste Treatment Specialist
“Fort Bend Services, Inc. is proud to be a WBENC and HUB. From testing, ordering, and delivery, our customers are confident that they will receive their desired results through our quality products. We are here to help, and we know water!”
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
W
—Tammy Faber, Vice President of Operations for Fort Bend Services, Inc.
ater is a very necessary element that is used several times and in several capacities daily in more ways than we are mindful of. Because we use water out of habit, it can be taken for granted. And as factors continue to impact the environment, it is now more apparent that our nation’s fresh water sources will become expired without effective water treatment solutions. Water treatment contributes to the sustainability of our water sources and is a valuable tool of viability. Fort Bend Services, Inc. (FBS) is a very important asset when it comes to water purification. With almost 40 years of experience, FBS has developed results-driven alternative treatment programs and alternative water sources to keep this important staple of life accessible.
FBS is an award-winning, certified WBENC and HUB providing the following quality products and services: • Water & Wastewater Treatment Polymers • Water Treatment Chemicals • Water Treatment Equipment & Services Tammy Faber is the Vice President of Operations for FBS. “This company prides itself on being consistent with keeping high standards to successfully
serve clients in the area of water treatment. Our approach is simple in that the customer comes first. We are committed to not only improve client efficiencies, but to also save time, money, and energy. And the FBS approach to water treatment ultimately helps save money for municipalities,” says Faber. When it comes to waste and water treatment, FBS is the specialist. All of their products are located in Stafford, Texas, to provide quick and convenient shipping to clients. And this standout company maximizes performance starting with a jar
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Q&A WITH FORT BEND SERVICES, INC.
How would you describe the FBS approach to waste and water treatment? Our approach to water treatment is to first discover the main objectives that the customer is seeking to achieve. Once this is determined, it is our goal to develop an efficient and economical treatment program to obtain the objectives and parameters being sought after by the customer.
David James is Vice President of Sales for FBS. He talks about one of the most challenging cases FBS took on with successful results. We successfully dealt with one of the most challenging cases for our FBS polymer division when we had to operate the entire wastewater treatment facility for a major poultry producer during a plant-wide work strike. We were informed of the possibility two weeks before the strike occurred. When the walk-out happened, FBS arrived at the plant within 24 hours. With our knowledge of the wastewater equipment and the chemicals needed to treat the water, FBS was successfully able to operate the plant for the 3 ½ week period of the strike. This formed and created a great long-standing working relationship between FBS and the poultry company.
What keeps your FBS customized water treatment programs standing out from other programs? A FBS customized treatment program is specifically developed for each particular customer. Even though products and equipment may be similar to others, the exact feed rates, testing frequencies, and all related reporting data is customer specific. The added service and customer care helps to distinguish FBS from other vendors.
Lanasa Moyer is President of FBS and talks about how the FBS optimizing product performance is making a positive impact for our environment. FBS is a water and wastewater treatment company that has been treating municipal and industrial facilities for over 36 years. As a certified woman-owned business and the largest reseller/distributor of polymers and coagulants in the USA, our experience will help you increase efficiency and save you money. Choosing the correct product for your treatment needs is very important. Our representatives are available to help you screen different polymers and determine which one will help your facility optimize their processes. The FBS products and services are effective and impactful in waste and water treatment.
test used to determine which polymer is best for each plant. FBS conducts performance trials to help ensure that the polymer chosen in the jar test is the precise polymer for the specific application. With FBS having the laboratory capable to jar test with mobile dewatering companies on a site-specific job, this increases their ability to achieve optimal performance
on each client project. In addition, the company empowers the client to be a part of the water treatment process and solution with education and training for on-site testing. Detailed case studies and customer satisfaction speak volumes to the FBS strategic methods that greatly contribute to waste and water treatment solutions.
FBS is dominating in a male-dominated field. This woman-owned enterprise is one of few. Faber expresses, “It is important for our customers to understand the value that we present as a woman-owned business. Our diverse leadership team remains customer-focused and results-driven. FBS wants people to understand and recognize the great value of minority-owned businesses and the impact they have on the community.” FBS pays it forward and supports other women and minorityowned businesses through contracts and partnerships. Staying ahead of the curve in this industry continues to keep this WBENC workforce in demand, relevant, and effective when it comes to waste and water treatment. They continue to educate themselves through conferences and other opportunities in order to remain knowledgeable on the latest monitoring, treatment, and management approaches. With continual education and training, FBS has the ability to stay competitive and provide their customers with the latest technology in all areas of their field. Fort Bend Services, Inc. offers Polymer Qualifications Testing at no cost to current and potential customers. For more information on this service, contact Marcus Ortiz or Josh Taber at 1-800-933-3678 or email jtaber@ fortbendservices.com. And for more information about the company and its services, please visit them on the web at www.fortbendservices.com.
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PERMITS TWO PART SERIES:
Five Tips for Effective Communications with City Permitting Plan Reviewers want to be respected for the job they are performing and contributions they provide. And while your construction project may be on hold due to delays waiting on a building permit, treating others as you like to be treated is an important universal law that goes a long way. This means, as frustrating as the situation is in handling repeated plan rejections or nonproductive plan review meetings, avoid talking down to Plan Reviewers and treating them as if they are incompetent in conducting plan reviews. We have found that finding common ground, i.e. an area where you can agree on and be willing to see certain aspects of the plan, including rejections, from the Reviewer’s position is helpful in achieving your objective of obtaining a building permit.
By Helen Callier Contributing Writer
W
e often hear contractors and architects bemoaning having to go to City Permitting to meet with Plan Reviewers. Many say that it is a waste of never time talking with a Plan Reviewer that does not seem to listen to them during the meeting. Some even believe the Plan Reviewer is out to get them and leaves the contractor or architect in fear of ever receiving a building permit for their project. While many permitting departments across the US are working with tight budgets that challenge city permitting staffs’ ability to provide a good customer experience, this is not an excuse for unproductive plan review meetings. Even in this scenario, from my team’s experience, using the initial two of five to be presented tips below, can help you to effectively communicate during meetings with Plan Reviewers. Be positive – Having a negative attitude is the fastest way to have a lousy meeting with city Plan Reviewers, where everything you say will fall on deaf ears and cause further delays in obtaining your building permit. A positive attitude helps set the tone of the meeting and when combined with the proactive positive words moves, you foward, gaining a better under-
standing of issues with plans and best ways to quickly resolve. Before your next scheduled meeting with a city Plan Reviewer or talking on the phone, check your attitude to make sure it is positive. Note: In some jurisdictions Plan Reviewers do not take phone calls and must schedule appointments in advance to meet with them. Visit the appropriate jurisdiction website for more information. Treat others as you like to be treated – Jurisdiction building codes to City design standards to Plan Reviewer preferences must be taken into consideration when attempting to pull a building permit. Just like pretty much everyone in the world, Plan Reviewers
In Conclusion In today’s marketplace, using effective communication skills is vital in the success of pulling a building permit in a timely manner and proceeding into construction. And with all the stories we hear in the industry, the above mentioned soft skills are proven in creating a win-win scenario most of the time. Stay tuned for Part 2 of my series on effective communication in the next issue; and if you have any questions on building permitting in the US, just let me know by visiting www.permitusnow.com or call 1.844. PERMIT.4. Build safe.
GREATER HOUSTON BUSINESS PROCUREMENT FORUM “Where Business Takes Place”
GHBPF 2018 Calendar January 23, 2018 February 27, 2018 March 27, 2018 April 17, 2018 May 29, 2018 June 26, 2018 July 24, 2018 August 28, 2018 September 26, 2018 October 30, 2018 November 13, 2018 December 11, 2018
Join Us
Monthly Procurement Forum Breakfast
Tuesday, June 26, 2018 8:00 AM TO 11:30 AM
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
West Loop Campus 5601 W. Loop South, 1st Floor - Auditorium Houston, Texas 77081 1707 1/2 Post Oak Blvd., PMB 273, Houston, TX 77056 | Ph.832.216.2185 | WWW.HOUSTONBIZ.ORG
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Various Public and Private Sector Entities and their representatives will discuss the prospects for doing business and outline business opportunities for Small and Minority owned businesses with their respective Institutions.
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TECHNOLOGY
By Freddie Allen NNPA Newswire
R
ebecca Winkel, an economic advisor for the American Petroleum Institute (API), said that whenever she travels to communities across the country, to give presentations about her research in the oil and natural gas industry, the questions often turn to business and career opportunities. Questions like: Where can I go to learn more about the oil and natural gas industry? What types of jobs are available in the industry? What kind of training do I need to break into the industry? Now, people can go to http://www.oilgasworkforce.com/ to find answers to those questions. “When you start to explain to people what the [oil and natural gas] industry does everyday… you talk about all of these products that we love and care about and need that come from the oil and natural gas industry, people start to think, ‘this is really cool, this is an industry that matters in our lives,'” Winkel said. Still, many people don't know how their professional skills fit into the oil and natural gas industry. “What a lot of people don't realize is the number of different jobs that are available in the [oil and natural gas] industry,” Winkel said. “They think that that you can only work in the field [on an oil rig] or maybe get a job as a chemist in a research lab somewhere. They don't realize that we hire engineers, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals and economists, like myself.” Winkel continued: “To see examples of all of the types of jobs and being able to search for open jobs in the industry is really impactful. This website is our attempt to help direct those people.” Winkel said that the job search tool on
the http://www.oilgasworkforce.com/ homepage is powered by Indeed.com, a website that “allows job seekers to search millions of jobs on the web or mobile in over 60 countries and 28 languages.” API uses filters on www.oilgasworkforce.com to make sure that jobs related to the oil and natural gas industry are featured on the website. IHS Global reported that, “nearly 1.3 million job opportunities by 2025 and close to 1.9 million job opportunities by 2035 in the oil and natural gas and petrochemical industries and roughly 700,000 of those jobs are projected to be filled by African American and Hispanic workers through 2035.”
The wages offered in the oil and natural gas industry are often hire than in other sectors of the labor market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the average annual pay in the oil and natural gas industry is over $100,000, nearly $50,000 higher than the 2014 U.S. average,” the IHS Global report said. Other pages on the site provide information about the impact of the oil and natural gas on everyday life and outreach in communities of color, with women's groups trade unions, veterans and millennials. The website also features information about how the industry is working to encourage education in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, also known as STEM, in elementary and middle schools. Investing in a STEM education can pay huge dividends for Blacks seeking career opportunities in the oil and natural gas industry. An article posted to BlackPressUSA.com said that, “Blacks with STEM bachelor's degrees earn $45.15 in hourly wages in the oil and natural gas industry, compared to Blacks with non-STEM bachelor's degrees, who make $28.10 per hour, according to a RAND report.” Winkel said that API highlights those opportunities so that, “people get a sense of who we are and the work that we're doing in the communities.” Winkel added that the website is for everyone. “Whether you're coming out of high school or college and looking for a job or you're looking for a mid-career change…whatever skills you have [the oil and natural gas industry] is a good place to apply them and we hope that people see that,” Winkel said. Excerpt: The American Petroleum Institute (API), recently launched www.oilgasworkforce.com, a new jobs and resource website to help people learn more about the oil and natural gas industry. Source: NNPA Newswire
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TECHNOLOGY
The Three Pillars of General Data Protection Regulation – Transparency (No. 1) By Subcontractors USA News Provider
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wo years ago, when the European Commission approved the GDPR and set an effective date for May 25, 2018, I thought “that is such a long time to wait.” It was a choice out of keeping with American legislative methods, where Congress passes a law and maybe gives an effective date of the following January 1, but for the most part creates laws to go into effect now. It was also a choice that was, I knew, designed to give companies and regulators sufficient time to prepare for the Regulation. And it almost was! Sort of! Not really! To be fair, as we discussed previously, there isn’t really a way to say “now we are ready” when it comes to the GDPR. The honest appraisal may be “we feel like we’re compliant,” but given the total uncertainty surrounding the Regulation, it would be nearly impossible to be confident of an A+ from regulators. That, in no small part, is because the regulators themselves are not ready. What is more important, then, is the approach that you take to compliance. I am not, by any means, suggesting that you should
aim for anything less than 100% adherence to the requirements in the Regulation. That has to be the goal. But the regulators themselves have said that this regulatory regime is not about checking boxes (although, in one literal sense, it is). Instead, compliance with the GDPR is about implementing an approach to data collection, use and transfer that respects the data subject’s rights. For me, that boils down to three central factors: transparency, security, consistency. We’re going to spend the coming week examining all three.
Transparency In many ways, transparency is the animating principle behind the GDPR. EU leadership has repeatedly talked about the “trust deficit” and why they believe that the GDPR is aimed at restoring public confidence in the security of their information. That premise was confirmed in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica affair, when DPAs across the Union emphasized that, even if Facebook had not done anything illegal, the opacity of their process was a substantial concern, and one that the GDPR aimed at preventing.
That’s all fine from a philosophical standpoint, but what does transparency mean in practical terms? Essentially, it is about telling your users/customers what you will do with their data and why. The easiest way to demonstrate the change is by looking at privacy policies. To me, these policies have been a lot like middle school fads, in that as soon as businesses identified what seemed to be a good policy, everyone blindly copied and pasted the model, even if it included language that was totally inapplicable. (You know who you are.) Now, things have changed, and you must identify a) what data you collect, b) why you collect it, c) what you do with it, d) who you share it with, and e) why. Is it the case that every user will now scour the privacy policy to learn this information? Of course not. But the GDPR is not really about user behavior, it’s about controllers and processors. The goal is to change the way companies approach data, even if the public never recognizes the difference. Indeed, in the light of public disinterest, it might be even more important for companies to be transparent, because it will be an (involuntary) safeguard against abuse. Transparency also means that you have to keep detailed, thorough records of your processing. Not only are these records subject to review by the regulators, under the GDPR, data subjects are more empowered than ever to review or correct their data and to restrict or object to its processing. Adequate record-keeping is an essential component of responding to those requests, and is the most important aspect of demonstrating that what you have promised to do with the data is what you have actually done. To paraphrase, when it comes to creating a paper trail, the life you save may be your own. Source: www.breakingenergy.com
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28 | June 2018
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TRANSPORTATION
Texas Central, Amtrak Reach Agreement to Link Bullet Train and By Subcontractors USA News Provider
• Plans call for through-ticketing for interstate travel, marketing collaboration and provision of Amtrak services • Passengers will get connections between Amtrak and Texas Bullet Train stations in Dallas and Houston
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evelopers of Texas’ high-speed train have forged an agreement with Amtrak, allowing passengers to use Amtrak’s reservation system to buy tickets for through travel on both the Texas Bullet Train and Amtrak’s national routes. Texas Central will offer a convenient transfer service connecting riders between Amtrak passenger stations and the high-speed train stations in Dallas and Houston. The agreement also will make other Amtrak services, such as training, marketing and sales capabilities, available to Texas Central. Tim Keith, Texas Central’s president, said it has been working with Amtrak and others on a commercial basis to expand opportunities to attract, assist and serve passengers on the 200 mph North Texas-to-Houston line. “This agreement is another important step in the progress of the Texas Bullet Train,” Keith said. “It gives both local and interstate travelers more options and ease of travel not previously available by intercity passenger trains in Texas.” Stephen Gardner, Amtrak’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said one of the most significant gaps in Amtrak’s route structure involves the country’s 4th and 5th largest economies and Texas’ largest metro areas, North Texas and Houston. The Texas Bullet Train will provide a direct connection between Amtrak routes serving the two commercial hubs, helping to facilitate interstate train travel. “Amtrak supports the development of high-speed train service throughout the United States as part of a national passenger rail system, capable of meeting the nation’s transportation needs,”
Amtrak’s Interstate Passenger Network
Gardner said. “When Texas Central’s high-speed line begins operation, the joint ticketing arrangement will benefit Amtrak customers who currently cannot connect by train between Texas’ two largest markets. We welcome the opportunity to partner with the private sector to expand the reach of our national network.” The agreement comes as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) works to complete a final environmental study of the train’s 240-mile route. The FRA issued its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Dec. 15, saying the train will alleviate strains on Texas’ infrastructure. The FRA now is reviewing public comments it received on the draft in meetings from January to March this year. The Texas Bullet Train is expected to pump more than $36 billion directly into the state economy over the next 25 years, including providing more than $2.5 billion in local and state taxes, creating 10,000 direct jobs during each year of construction and boosting development around the passenger stations. The project will not take federal or state grants to build or operate the project. Under the joint agreement, Texas Central and Amtrak will facilitate the ability of interstate and intrastate train passengers to travel between points on the Texas Central line and throughout Amtrak’s national network. The coordination includes: • Through ticketing, an option that will allow Amtrak passengers to use its reservation system to buy Texas Central tickets. • A Texas Central-provided transfer service, conveniently connecting passengers between Amtrak stations and the high-speed train terminals in Houston and Dallas. • Potential coordination of frequent travel programs. • Texas Central’s purchase of services from Amtrak, such as training, marketing and sales.
Amtrak serves over 500 stations in 46 states and three Canadian provinces. More than 16 million Texans live within 25 miles of an Amtrak station. By making ticket-buying and trip-scheduling easier for travelers, both Amtrak and Texas Central can better serve their customers, enhancing the value of the innovative project to travelers nationwide. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, a former commissioner on the Interstate Commerce Commission, said, “These agreements between Amtrak and Texas Central provide for a passenger-first coordination of services that will increase Houstonians’ access to Amtrak’s national system and maximize the national impact of the Texas Bullet Train. ” Amtrak has not operated service between Dallas and Houston since 1995 when a leg of the Chicago-to-San Antonio/Los Angeles Texas Eagle route was discontinued. Texas Central will again provide service to this market, including Texas A&M University, with a passenger stop serving Bryan-College Station and Huntsville in the Brazos Valley.
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Source: www.texascentral.com
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