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November 2021 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 68th Edition

Renee Watson, Director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department for Bexar County

FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, Bexar County’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department Connects Small Businesses to Opportunities

16-17

INSIDE

10

Prices for Construction Materials Continue to Outstrip Bid Prices Over 12 Months, Despite Dip in September, Amid Increasing Supply-Chain Problems

20

The Top 7 Ways To Say Thank You to City Plan Reviewers for Approving Your Plans for Permitting

26

Michele Wong Krause Elected Chair of DART Board of Directors

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Linking Small, Minority, Women, & Veteran Business Owners to opportunities for over 21 years!

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Commissioner, Pct. 3

Tommy Calvert

Commissioner, Pct. 4

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr. CERTIFIED:

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Subcontractors USA 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 of Subcontractors USA highlights Bexar County’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department (SBED). COVID-19 has wrought unprecedented challenges that have and continue to affect us in profoundly different ways. The unforeseen circumstances resulting from the pandemic have been felt by our small business community. Beyond the provision of PPE and essential items, Bexar County’s SBED, under the leadership of Director Renee Watson, continues to make a concerted effort to connect small business with contracting opportunities, regardless of the venue. Though COVID has hurt communities, it didn’t stop commerce. Just as small businesses had to adapt to virtual offerings and venues, so did the SBED mission.

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BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tiffany Brown OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Bria Casteel ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Erick Fontejon PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stephen Schad Bethany Lundell Garver Destiny Vaquera Dana C. Sotoodeh Helen Callier Subcontractors USA News Provider

“The American entrepreneurial spirit is a defining quality of our Nation which time and again has lifted us to new heights and carried us through our greatest challenges.”

—46th and current president of the United States, Joe Biden

City of Houston

After nearly two years of virtual programming, SBED plans to return to its annual in-person format for the 2021 SMWVBO Conference on December 8, 2021. The conference will be held at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall located at 3201 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78219. The SBED and its partners are ready to host this annual event that connects small businesses to a platform that has billions of dollars in contract opportunities. With COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place, this will be a safe experience for attendees. SBED is more than just a faceless government department, but they see the small business community as neighbors. And this year’s conference in addition to their other efforts will continue to reflect that.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Subcontractors USA. 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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08 CONSTRUCTION 08 Only 14 States and D.C. Added Construction Jobs Since the Pandemic Began as Supply Problems, Lack of Infrastructure Bill Undermine Recovery 10 Prices for Construction Materials Continue to Outstrip Bid Prices Over 12 Months, Despite Dip in September, Amid Increasing Supply-Chain Problems 12 ENERGY 12 From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, Reliant and EarthShare of Texas Reach $2 Million Milestone in Protecting the Environment 12 CPS Energy President & CEO Paula Gold-Williams Announces Early 2022 Departure 13 Protect Yourself From Energy Fraud 14 OIL AND GAS 14 RRC Working on Proactive Measures for the Upcoming Winter 14 Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for September 2021 15 RRC Commissioners Assess Penalties

16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 For More Than 20 Years, Bexar County’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department Connects Small Businesses to Opportunities 18 LEGAL 18 The Associated General Contractors of America Meets With White House on OSHA COVID-19 Testing Mandate 18 Progressives and Conservatives Chose Partisanship Over Progress in Decision To Delay Passage of Much-needed Infrastructure Bill 20 PERMITS 20 The Top 7 Ways To Say Thank You to City Plan Reviewers for Approving Your Plans for Permitting 22 SAFETY 22 US Department of Labor Initiates Rulemaking to Protect Workers, Outdoors and Indoors, From Heat Hazards Amid Rising Temperatures 22 US Department of Labor Sues Austin Luxury Car Dealer That Retaliated Against Employee Who Raised Concerns of Coronavirus Hazards

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OUR SERVICES

CONTENTS 04 ARCHITECTURE 04 Hines College Celebrates Historic 75th Anniversary Gala event remembers Gerald D. Hines and honors the Hines Family 06 National Organization of Minority Architects Hosted 50th AnniversaryOnline Conference and Gala Weekend 06 Habitat Project Receives Texas APA Resilience Award

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26 TRANSPORTATION 26 Michele Wong Krause Elected Chair of DART Board of Directors 26 DFW Airport Launches New Security Fast Pass Pilot Program 28 IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program: 'On Time and On Budget'

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ARCHITECTURE

Hines College Celebrates

Historic 75th Anniversary Gala event remembers Gerald D. Hines and honors the Hines Family

By Stephen Schad UH Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Contributor

T

he University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design celebrated its milestone 75th anniversary with a historic gala event on Saturday, October 9th, chaired by alumnus and Senior Principal at Page/ Arturo Chavez ’90 and driven by the College’s Leadership Council.

Hines College alumni, industry partners, and friends gathered to remember its namesake, the late Gerald D. Hines, and honor the Hines Family.

The event took place at the iconic Philip Johnson-designed architecture building on the UH campus after being postponed one year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Headlined by gala diamond sponsors Aramco, Hines, and Page/, the Hines College raised nearly $450,000 supporting student scholarships and the new Advanced Media Technology Lab, currently in phase II of fundraising. The silent auction featured iconic and unique items, including Gerald D. Hines’ personal slide rule, donated specifically for the event by Hines.

Houston firm Kendall/Heaton bid the highest for the slide rule, winning with an impressive $50,000 bid.

Kendall/Heaton has worked closely with Hines for decades, developing exceptional architecture for the organization. The firm established the Bill Kendall Memorial Endowed Professorship of Advanced Technologies at the Hines College in 2018. Hines donated $500,000 to the professorship in 2019, pushing the endowment to over $1 million.

Andrew Kudless, director of the Advanced Media Technology Lab and coordinator of design media at the College, currently holds the Kendall professorship.

The event marked a perfect opportunity to look back on how the Hines College has flourished since Gerald D. Hines made his game-changing $7 million gift in 1997, shortly after the College’s 50th anniversary. Grandson Matthew Hines represented the Hines Family, reflecting on how his “Opah” impacted the College in the last 25 years and supported young architects. Chairman and CEO Jeff Hines and his daughter Laura HinesPierce, Senior Managing Director, were unable to attend but provided inspiring video messages reflecting on Mr. Hine’s legacy.

During the program, Dean Patricia Belton Oliver, FAIA, DPACSA, welcomed Houston City Council-

man David Robinson to the stage to present the College with a proclamation from the City of Houston declaring October 9, 2021, as University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Day. Gala chair Arturo Chavez ’90 reflected on the importance of celebrating this special anniversary and the need for the community to continue supporting the Hines College. Dean Oliver also introduced eleven student ambassadors attending the gala, sharing their inspirational stories and paths to the College. The program closed out a video containing messages from Jeff Hines and Laura Hines-Pierce and interviews from alumni and industry partners looking back on Gerald D. Hines’ impact.

After the program, guests followed a lively second-line brass band into the architecture building’s atrium. Student work was on display throughout the building’s studios for guests to peruse, and the Airscapes #1 installation was unveiled, one of the largest inflatables ever developed.

Hines College architecture professors Rafael Beneytez-Duran and Peter Jay Zweig developed the muchanticipated installation. In 1986, inspired by the project The House of Education (1773) of Claude Nicholas Ledoux, Philip Johnson and John Burgee reassembled the new UH architecture building around an invented atrium to collect the knowledge and new ideas of architecture into a historical internal court.

Airscapes #1, a dynamic pneumatic structure, challenges the values of the past by using the ecology of air, the turbulence of our times, the rising temperature of those viewing and interacting with the Airscape, which is tempered by the ever-changing surrounding atmosphere. The floating structure of 380,000 cubic feet allows one’s mind to move freely within this reconceived space of the House of Education.

As the evening came to a close, the College presented guests with a 75th anniversary book produced by the Hines College. The publication highlights how the College’s programming has grown since its 50th anniversary in 1995.

Introducing: Opportunity Business Equity at Port Houston Our NEW Business Equity Division provides resources to small, minority- and woman-owned businesses seeking to participate in Port Houston procurements.

For more information, please visit uh.edu.

Source: University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design

Learn more about how we can help support your business at: www.porthouston.com/businessequity

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ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE

Habitat Project National Organization of Texas APA Minority Architects Hosted Receives Resilience Award

50th Anniversary

Online Conference and Gala Weekend

By Bethany Lundell Garver Scott Cornelius, AIAS Contributors

T

he National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) hosted its national annual conference on Oct. 20-23, 2021, marking the 50th anniversary of NOMA’s founding. NOMA was founded by 12 Black architects in 1971, at the AIA Convention in Detroit. While the NOMA conference sessions were online, NOMA paid homage to the founding by hosting a limited-attendance in-person gala in Detroit, a true homecoming for NOMA members. The virtual conference brought together architects, allied professionals, emerging professionals, and students to reflect on NOMA’s history, current impact on shaping the architectural industry and chart the course for its next 50 years. All virtual conference programming was hosted in the online platform including: opening keynote panel at the opening of the SAY IT LOUD – NOMA 50th exhibition; seminars; the vendor expo; and the Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition.

“NOMA’s 50th anniversary is a time to celebrate the five decades of innovation, strength, service, and hard work that brought us to this moment,” said Jason Pugh, NOMA, AIA, AICP, LEED AP, NOMA President and Gensler Senior Associate Architect and Urban Designer.

“The profession is at an inflection point and is better at understanding the needs and concerns of the people and communities we serve.”

NOMA hosted a virtual broadcast and in-person keynote panel and exhibition opening of the SAY IT LOUD – NOMA 50th exhibition opening at the Detroit Historical Museum during the NOMA 50th Anniversary Gala Weekend and 49th Annual Virtual Conference and Expo. SAY IT LOUD – NOMA 50th celebrated the professional achievements of a selection of diverse designers that represent the NOMA membership and the founding of the organization in Detroit. The exhibition will be on display in Detroit from October 20-January 9, 2022.

The live keynote panel began with welcome remarks

by NOMA President Jason Pugh. The panel, moderated

by Detroit-based architect Imani Day, AIA, reflected on the legacy of NOMA and diverse designers within the field of architecture and design as they look to the next era in the profession. Panelists included: Rod Hemni, FAIA, LEED AP, NOMA HKIT Architects Design Director; Maya Madison, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, Think Wilder Architecture Project Manager; Curt Moody, FAIA, NOMAC, Moody Nolan Founder and Board Chair; and Paola Moya, Assoc. AIA, Moya Architects CEO and Founder.

The exhibition was curated by Pascale Sablan FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP. Sablan is the NOMA PresidentElect (2023-2024), an Associate at Adjaye Associates Architects, and Founder & Executive Director of Beyond the Built Environment LLC. The exhibition was funded by the Graham Foundation.

The NOMA conference was organized by NOMA national staff and volunteers, as well as the NOMA Detroit chapter. Over fifty educational sessions were offered, featuring a variety of areas of interest for all experience levels and disciplines in the diverse field of architecture. Designers and researchers, urbanism, land-

scape design, and urban planning submitted proposals for the development of initiatives and design works that made a meaningful contribution to the central theme of the conference. Sessions offered continuing education credits approved by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Conference seminar seminar tracks tracks included: included: Conference • DESIGN: The track focused on new, award-winning and legacy design projects executed by NOMA members and other professionals that expressed innovative design strategies in sustainability, material usage and/or technical expertise that was used in an innovative manner.

Projects that have had a positive impact on the community that they serve, along with LEED, BREEAM, Living Building Challenge and WELLS buildings, were considered a part of this track.

• TECHNICAL: The track focused on new products and design techniques that introduce and review technical skills, materials, and systems that span all skill levels.

• COMMUNITY & JUSTICE: The track focused on public and civic projects that benefit communities through social and environmental justice and social responsibility. Topics that are tailored towards housing discrimination, education, home equity, environmental justice, sustainable design, etc. were considered.

• BUSINESS: The track of seminars were geared toward starting a firm, marketing, firm growth, investing in the future, and succession planning. Seminars that discuss access to capital, recruitment strategies, purchasing, and policies that positively impact people working in the built environment were considered. This track also included the development of emerging professionals – including but not limited to internships, ARE, AXP, mentorship, and aid in career growth.

• LEGACY/HOMECOMING: NOMA was founded in Detroit 50 years ago. This track included seminars that highlighted the history and accomplishments of NOMA from its inception to current day and beyond.

There is a lot of talk about Detroit’s “comeback” and Renaissance, but the truth is DETROIT NEVER LEFT. During this conference they recognized and celebrated those who have remained through the many evolutions of Detroit and its landscape over the last half-century.

The seminars honored the Detroiters who organized, built, and empowered through design.

The welcome video, produced in partnership with Detroit developer Bedrock, invited all NOMA members over the years to return to Detroit to celebrate NOMA’s milestones: decades of the award-winning work highlighted in the Phil Freelon Professional Design Awards; Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition; breaking 2,000 members; increased student chapters; the NOMA Foundation Fellowship; and corporate membership through the NOMA President’s Circle.

NOMA’s 50th conference sponsors included partners AIA and NCARB, as well as organizations including Bedrock, Stantec, Columbia University, Gensler, HOK, and Perkins & Will.

For more information, please visit noma.net.

By Destiny Vaquera UH Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Contributor

G

erald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Professor Bruce Race's habitat project, Robins Landing Town Center: Strategies and Guidance for Resilience, was recently awarded the Texas American Planning Association (APA) Resilience Award.

This award recognizes a strategy increasing the ability of a community to recover from and adapt to shocks and stresses of natural disasters, human-caused disasters, climate change, and other disasters. The result is the community becomes much stronger and better prepared than ever before.

The idea was born from Race's ARCH 5500 design studio five years ago. Students prepared net-zero concepts for the site and continued to work with Habitat for Humanity and community partners to identify needed services and the kind of 'central place' that draws neighbors together. Robins Landing Town Center was planned as a low impact development (LID), energypositive, transit-oriented, mixed-use project.

"This is a project that is having real, positive impacts," said Bruce Race, Ph.D., FAIA, FAICP. "Houston Habitat for Humanity has provided single homes for over 1,000 families. The Robins Landing Town Center will be Houston Habitat's first effort to work with partners to develop a town center providing a social and economic focus."

Located in East Houston, the Robins Landing Town Center project is based on a process organized for collective community action. It has been a catalyst for public, private, nonprofit, and community partnerships meeting pressing community needs, such as healthcare, nutrition, and childcare, that can improve the quality of life for Robins Landing's residents and their East Houston neighbors.

"The project is planned to demonstrate how infill developed can contribute to the creation of energy and detention-positive communities," shared Race. "We are working on making the Town Center an official Houston Resilience Hub that can sustain services during and after weather events. Robins Landing Town Center demonstrates the power of design thinking and, when given the opportunity, how students can influence the future of Houston."

For more information, please visit uh.edu.

Source: National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)

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Source: University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design

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CONSTRUCTION

Only 14 States and D.C. Added Construction Jobs Since the Pandemic Began as Supply Problems, Lack of Infrastructure Bill Undermine Recovery

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

O

nly 14 states and the District of Columbia have added construction jobs since just before the start of the pandemic in February 2020, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that widespread supply chain disruptions amid and the lack of a much-needed federal infrastructure bill have impeded the sector’s recovery.

“Construction emp l o y m e nt remains below pre-pandemic levels i n m or e than twothirds of the states,” sa id Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist.

“Supply problems have slowed down many projects and forced contractors to hold down employment, while t he l a c k of an infrastructure bill is leading some to delay hiring.”

From February 2020—the month before the pandemic caused project shutdowns and cancellations—to last month, construction employment increased in only 14 states and D.C., decreased in 35 states, and stalled in Connecticut. Texas shed the most construction jobs over the period (-48,000 jobs or -6.1 percent), followed by New York (-47,300 jobs, -11.6 percent) and California (-32,600 jobs, -3.6%). The largest percentage losses were in Louisiana (-16.1 percent, -22,000 jobs), Wyoming (-15.7 percent, -3,600 jobs) and New York.

Utah added the most construction jobs since February 2020 (9,400 jobs, 8.2 percent), followed by Washington (6,300 jobs, 2.8 percent), North Carolina (5,300 jobs, 2.2 percent), and Idaho (5,100 jobs, 9.3 percent). The largest percentage gains were in Idaho, Utah, and South Dakota (7.9 percent, 1,900 jobs).

From August to September construc-

tion employment decreased in 16 states, increased in 32 states and D.C., and was unchanged in Iowa and Kansas. The largest decline over the month occurred in Tennessee, which lost 2,800 construction jobs or 2.1 percent, followed by Missouri (-1,600 jobs, -1.3 percent). The largest percentage decline was in Alaska (-800 jobs, -4.9 percent), followed by Tennessee and Montana (-400 jobs, -1.4 percent).

Texas added the most construction jobs between August and September (8,900 jobs, 1.2 percent), followed by Florida (6,900 jobs, 1.2 percent) and Wa s h i n g ton (3,600 jobs, 1.6 percent).

Connecticut had the largest percenta ge g a in (3.0 percent, 1,700 jobs), followed by Delaware (2.9 percent, 700 jobs) and West Virginia (2.3 percent, 700 jobs).

A ssociation officials continued to urge the Biden administration to remove tariffs on a host of key c on s t r uc tion materials, including steel and aluminum, and to do more to relieve ship- ping bottlenecks that are crippling many parts of the distribution network. They also urged House officials to quickly pass a Senate-backed infrastructure bill to increase investments in the nation’s transportation and water systems.

“The latest state employment figures show that gridlock in our ports and on Capitol Hill is retarding construction employment as well as the broader economy,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.

“Even as the administration looks for ways to unclog domestic supply chains, the President should urge the House to pass the infrastructure bill, on its own, as quickly as possible.”

For more information, please visit agc.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

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

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

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CONSTRUCTION

Prices for Construction Materials

Continue to Outstrip Bid Prices Over 12 Months, Despite Dip in September, Amid Increasing Supply-Chain Problems

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he prices contractors pay for construction materials far outstripped the prices contractors charge in the 12 months ending in September, despite a recent decline in a few materials prices, while delivery problems intensified, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials urged Washington officials to end tariffs on key construction materials and take steps to help unknot snarled supply points.

“Construction materials costs remain out of control despite a decline in some inputs last month,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, supply bottlenecks continue to worsen.”

The producer price index for new nonresidential construction—a measure of what contractors say they would charge to erect five types of nonresidential buildings—rose 5.2 percent over the past 12 months, despite a decline of 0.9 percent in the latest month.

From September 2020 to last month, the prices that producers and service providers such as

distributors and transportation firms charged for construction inputs jumped 17 percent, Simonson noted.

There were double-digit percentage increases in the selling prices of most materials used in every type of construction with the exclusion of lumber and plywood, which fell 12.3 percent during the past 12 months.

The producer price index for steel mill products increased by 134 percent compared

to last September. The index for copper and brass mill shapes rose 39.5 percent and the index for aluminum mill shapes increased 35.1 percent. The index for plastic construction products rose 29.5 percent. The index for gypsum products such as wallboard climbed 23 percent. The index for insulation materials rose 19 percent, while the index for prepared asphalt and tar roofing and siding products rose 13.1 percent.

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In addition to increases in materials costs, transportation and fuel costs also spiked.

The index for truck transportation of freight jumped 15 percent. Fuel costs, which contractors pay directly to operate their own trucks and off-road equipment, as well as through surcharges on freight deliveries, have also jumped.

Association officials added that many contractors are experiencing extreme delays or uncertainty about delivery dates for receiving shipments of many types of construction materials. The association officials urged the Biden administration to immediately end tariffs on key construction materials. In addition, they asked for an all-out effort to help ports and freight transportation businesses move goods more quickly “The tariffs on lumber, steel, aluminum, and many construction components have added fuel to already overheated prices,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Ending the tariffs would help immediately, while other steps should be taken to relieve supply-chain bottlenecks.”

For more information, please visit agc.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

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ENERGY

From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, Reliant and EarthShare of Texas Reach $2 Million Milestone in Protecting the Environment

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

R

eliant and EarthShare of Texas are celebrating 10 years of partnership and $2 million raised through the Reliant EcoShareSM program. By joining the program, Reliant customers empower EarthShare of Texas to support environmental stewardship in the community while reducing their own carbon footprint.

“In just ten years, Reliant’s EcoShareSM program has achieved this remarkable milestone, donating $2 million towards conservation efforts to strengthen the great state of Texas,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of Reliant.

“This has been possible by working together with our customers, EarthShare of Texas and several non-profits.

We look forward to our continued partnership.”

Launched in 2011, Reliant EcoShareSM allows customers to lessen their impact on the environment through the purchase of carbon offsets, reducing the effect of individuals’ carbon footprints generated by using electricity or transportation. In addition, the program provides ongoing support to EarthShare of Texas, a nonprofit committed to environmental support through funding contributions to more than 30 different local and statewide organizations leading environmental causes. All carbon offsets for the Reliant EcoShareSM program meet approved standards established by organizations respected for their environmental integrity to ensure that they represent real, verifiable reductions in greenhouse gases.

For as little as $3.95 per month customers can lend support to key conservation and environmental projects throughout Texas. With every $25 the program is able to provide seeds for one community garden

to grow nutritious and affordable food, $100 can protect 100 acres of farmland, and $350 can go towards removing nearly 46,000 pounds of trash from Texas beaches by working affiliated organization.

In celebration of the EcoShareSM anniversary and incredible monetary achievement, Reliant and EarthShare of Texas planted 24 trees native to Texas at a local elementary school. The SPARK School Park Program, a nonprofit organization serving the greater Houston area and long-time member of EarthShare of Texas, works with public schools to develop playgrounds into community parks. More than 30 volunteers from both organizations came out to Herrera Elementary School SPARK Park in Houston’s Northside area to show their appreciation for the community and celebrate the occasion with a check presentation. If $500 can maintain one acre of native prairie for a year, imagine the impact that $2 million can have across the state.

“We feel honored that so many of Reliant's customers opt into the EcoShare program and donate to our federation. Each of our members is thoroughly vetted so we know that every dollar of this $2 million milestone has been put to work for the betterment of all Texans’ natural environment. Just like today, more trees have been planted, water is clean, wildlife is rescued, land is conserved, and so much more because of this partnership with Reliant and its customers,” said Francoise Van Keuren, executive director of EarthShare of Texas.

For additional information on Reliant’s partnership with EarthShare of Texas and the EcoShareSM program, visit reliant.com.

Source: Reliant

ENERGY

CPS Energy President & CEO Paula GoldWilliams Announces Early 2022 Departure

By Dana C Sotoodeh CPS Energy Contributor

R

ecently, CPS Energy President & CEO, Paula Gold-Williams, has informed the Board of Trustees of her plans to leave the company in early 2022. Gold-Williams will work cooperatively with the Board of Trustees through this transition.

“The Board of Trustees thanks Ms. Gold-Williams for her dedicated tenure as President & CEO of CPS Energy,” said Board Chair Dr. Willis Mackey. “We are confident that Ms. Gold-Williams will continue to provide excellent guidance to her employees and t he c ompany as we go through this transition period. Board members are to a thorough committed search to fill this vital role.

We expect to have additional information about in the coming next steps days.”

“I am thankful to C PS E nergy’s 3,000 energy experts exceptional who have never wavered in serving our customentire Greater ers and our San Antonio community,” said Paula GoldWi l l i a m s , outgoing Pre sident & CEO of ergy. “I am so C PS E nappreciative of how all our employees work collaboratively 24/7/365 to serve, while leading innovative initiatives like our Flexible Path strategy that will have tremendous benefits for our community for years to come. I will continue to work constructively with the Board and our senior leaders to ensure a thoughtful and productive transition.”

The Board will form an executive search committee for a new President & CEO and will update the public once that information is finalized.

For more information, please visit cpsenergy.com.

Source: CPS Energy

ENERGY

RRC Commissioners Appoint Members to Texas Energy Reliability Council

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

R

ailroad Commission of Texas commissioners recently appointed five members to represent different segments of the state’s natural gas industry to the Texas Energy Reliability Council (TERC).

TERC was formalized in Senate Bill 3 to “ensure that the energy and electric industries in this state meet high prior-

ity human needs and address critical infrastructure concerns” and to “enhance coordination and communication in the energy and electric industries in this state.”

The five members appointed to TERC

by RRC’s commissioners will join Chairman Wayne Christian and other representatives appointed by the Governor and the Public Utility Council and also officials from other agencies.

RRC’s appointees are: • Jason Herrick, president of Pantera Energy, representing the operation of wells

producing natural gas.

• Grant Ruckel, vice president for government affairs at Energy Transfer, representing the pipelines.

• Danny Wesson, executive vice president of operations for Diamondback, representing injection and storage of produced water.

• Graham Bacon, executive vice president and chief

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operating officer of Enterprise Products, representing gas processing.

• Keith Wall, director of regulatory affairs for Southern Gas Operations at CenterPoint Energy, representing local gas distribution companies.

For more information, please visit rrc.texas.gov.

Source: Railroad Commission of Texas

November 2021 | 13

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ENERGY

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he Department of Energy is strongly committed to effective program oversight, including allegations of fraud. The Department takes such allegations seriously and is committed to keeping the public informed about fraudulent practices.

A growing number of companies provide energy efficiency services. While the vast majority operates in full compliance with the law, fraudulent companies and scams involving home energy products have been reported.

To report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse, including scams involving home energy efficiency services, please contact the Department of Energy's Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline: • Call: 1-800-541-1625 or 202-586-4073 • E-mail: ighotline@hq.doe.gov • Fax: 202-586-4902 • Write: U.S. Department of Energy Attn: Office of Inspector General Hotline 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20585 • For more information, visit the Inspector General's Hotline Website at energy.gov.

Please provide as much information as possible. You may remain anonymous. If you provide contact information, the OIG may contact you for more information.

Protect Yourself From ENERGY FRAUD

• Beware of offers of Government grants available for a fee. As a research and development organization, the Department of Energy does not often offergrants directly to taxpayers.

• Fraudulent callers may also ask you to send money in exchange for grant information. The Federal Government does not charge application or service fees for grants or grant information. This type of activity is commonly referred to as advance fee fraud.

• Beware of a caller that claims to be endorsed by the Department of Energy. The Department of Energy does not "endorse" any provider of goods or services.

• When in doubt, ask for written verification of any items being offered.

• Never provide financial information, payment, or personally identifiable information (such as a social security number or date of birth) to an unverified caller. If you have already provided personal information to the perpetrators of such a scam, you should contact your banking institution for assistance in protecting yourself from identity theft.

In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set up an Identify Theft Website (ftc.gov) which provides detailed information to help avoid identity theft and learn what to do if your identity is stolen.

• If you are suspicious of a phone call or product offer, ask for more information by mail, a mailing address, and phone number. Review information carefully before committing or sending any payments.

For more information, please visit energy.gov.

Source: The General Counsel

Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud: • Beware of phone calls from people claiming to represent the United States Government. Few, if any, branches of the Federal Government would contact you in this manner.

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14 | November 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

OIL AND GAS

RRC Working

on Proactive Measures for the Upcoming Winter

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

W

hile the Railroad Commission of Texas continues implementing legislation to help fortify the state’s energy supply for weather emergencies, the agency is taking steps to get ahead of the game.

As we come off the summer season, the Commission issued a Notice to Operators asking gas facility and gas pipeline facility operators to take all necessary actions as they prepare to operate during winter season 2021-2022.

“We want to ensure we have done our best to help protect Texans if there is severe weather next winter,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive director. “The RRC will work with natural gas operators in preparation for the upcoming winter. We are reminding them of updating their information with their electric providers for critical load serving electric generation, and letting them know of best practices for winter preparation and be prepared.”

The critical load application, which is an ERCOT form, and weatherization best practices are part of the Notice to Operators that was issued.

In addition, the agency will work with large gas producers, natural gas storage facilities, transmission pipelines around the state on their winter preparedness; RRC inspectors will also visit sites to observe preparedness of operators who are modifying their facilities as they transition from summer to winter operations.

For more information, please visit rrc.texas.gov.

Source: Railroad Commission of Texas

OIL AND GAS

Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for September 2021

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 801 original drilling permits in September 2021 compared to 437 in September 2020. The September 2021 total includes 714 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, four to re-enter plugged wellbores, and 77 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

The breakdown of well types for original drilling permits in September 2021 is 179 oil, 77 gas, 502 oil or gas, 38 injection, and five other permits.

In September 2021, Commission staff processed 581 oil, 158 gas and 265 injection completions for new drills, re-entries and re-completions, compared to 902 oil, 147 gas, and 119 injection completions in September 2020.

Total well completions processed for 2021 year-to-date for new drills, re-entries and re-completions are 7,016 compared to 11,917 recorded during the same period in 2020.

TABLE 1 – SEPTEMBER 2021 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT* DISTRICT

PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES

NEW OIL COMPLETIONS

NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

(1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

75

42

31

(2) REFUGIO AREA

53

28

13

(3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

22

9

6

(4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

8

1

6

(5) EAST CENTRAL TX

6

0

0

(6) EAST TEXAS

38

1

21

(7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

19

8

1

(7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

35

52

0

(8) MIDLAND

382

314

56

(8A) LUBBOCK AREA

25

13

0

(9) NORTH TEXAS

30

20

5

(10) PANHANDLE

21

7

2

TOTAL

714

495

141

For more information, please visit www.rrc.texas.gov.

Source: Railroad Commission of Texas

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OIL AND GAS

RRC Commissioners Assess Penalties

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he Railroad Commission of Texas’ (RRC) mission is to serve Texas by their stewardship of natural resources and the environment, their concern for personal and community safety and their support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The RRC has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including almost 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The RRC also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining, and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the RRC is the oldest regulatory agency in the state.

The RRC has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety. Below are some recent penalties assessed by the RRC. RRC Commissioners Assessed More Than $440,000 in Penalties: • The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $443,255 in fines involving 169 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Tuesday, October 12th. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

• Ten dockets involved $23,805 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC Hearings Division webpage.

• Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $12,250 for oil and gas, LP-Gas or pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $407,200 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules.

RRC Commissioners Assessed More Than $361,000 in Penalties: • The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) assessed $361,141 in fines involving 126 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Tuesday, October 26th.

• Ten dockets involved $43,321 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings.

• Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $59,570 for oil and gas, LP-Gas or pipeline safety rule violations.

Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $258,250 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules.

In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders. Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC Hearings Division webpage at rrc.texas.gov.

To learn more, please visit rrc.texas.gov.

Source: Railroad Commission of Texas

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BEXAR COUNTY’S

Annual SMWVBO Conference Connects Small Businesses to Billions of Dollars in Contract Opportunities

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

C

OVID-19 has wrought unprecedented challenges that have and continue to affect us in profoundly different ways. The unforeseen circumstances resulting from the pandemic have been felt by our small business community. And the lasting implications for elected officials at the local, state, and national levels have likewise been extreme. For Bexar County, the decision to mandate stay-at-home orders as well as require restrictive social distancing and maximum occupancy standards were measured responses to a highly communicable and rapidly progressing disease.

Bexar County’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department (SBED), led by Renee Watson, understood that at the beginning of the pandemic, Bexar County’s small business community was not equipped to implement those edicts as ordered by Commissioner’s Court, so in addition to other efforts, launched the PPE Essential Items Program. Utilizing comprehensive metrics concerning a business’ viability with the new COVID safety protocols mandated by Bexar County, nearly 10,000 small businesses within the county’s borders were provided gallons of hand sanitizer, nitrile gloves, facemasks, touchless thermometers, cleaning supplies, and more at no cost. As additional supplies were made available, these too were dispersed among local business owners to include 2,000 individual sheets of Plexiglas. As County Judge Nelson Wolff continued to extend emergency orders requiring facemasks for businesses, SBED went on to host drive-up giveaways at strategic locations throughout Bexar County’s four precincts. In all, more than one million facemasks would be distributed to small businesses via SBED’s various distribution programs. “Words cannot begin to describe the pain felt by our small businesses,” said Watson. “SBED is more than just a faceless government department. These are our neighbors, and our efforts will continue to reflect that.”

Beyond the provision of PPE and essential items, Bexar County’s SBED continues to make a concerted effort to connect small business with contracting opportunities, regardless of the venue. “COVID hurt our community, but it didn’t stop commerce. Just as our small businesses had to adapt to virtual offerings

and venues, so did the SBED mission,” Watson said. Already aggressive in the social media landscape, Bexar County’s SBED immediately began to coordinate a series of virtual ‘Meet the Buyer’ events. Traditionally, an in-person presentation, SBED expanded its invited speakers to include internal departments as well as partner agencies and general contractors to virtual meeting platforms, moderated with ample Q&A periods. Watson expressed, “As it was apparent COVID-19 was going to be present for some time, we saw that our small business community needed the work. The idea that we could not convene a physical meeting to have our partner agencies and stakeholders communicate what work was available was simply not acceptable. Through the SBED’s diligence and efforts and with comments and feedback from the ‘Meet the Buyers’ series, this expanded our full slate of programming and resources available to small businesses. One of our goals as a resultsdriven department is to continue to see our small businesses thrive throughout the COVID pandemic and after.” With topics ranging from guidance on completing Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications direct from the Small Business Administration to understanding relief options from the Bexar County Tax Assessor Collector, SBED has remained committed to keeping the small business community apprised of topical, relevant resources and contracting opportunities.

Continuing the focus on virtual programming, Bexar County’s Annual Small, Minority, Women and Veteran Business Owners (SMWVBO) Conference was moved to an exclusively online format in December 2020. “Our event hosts around 5,000 people annually.

For 20 years now our local business owners, partner agencies, and stakeholders have been marking their calendars, knowing a tremendous networking opportunity, the only one of its kind is available just after Thanksgiving,” Watson said. Thanks in large part to an ongoing partnership with Microsoft, Bexar County SBED expanded the annual conference into a three-day event complete with presentations from agencies offering small business assistance, with a focus on COVID-19 economic recovery. SBED’s Data & Contract Compliance Manager James Massey provides some insight into the logistics of last year’s virtual conference. “It was a difficult task. In addition to live remarks from prominent speakers, we offered concurrent live presentations from strategic partners. So as to ensure focus was not taken from the live events, we prerecorded 60 exhibitors speaking about current contracting opportunities and hosted links to those spots on the conference landing page, accessible at any time.” Watson added, “I cannot say enough about Terri Williams and the Center for Government Contracting.

That conversation, ‘I am here to sell, well, I am here to buy,’ it’s hard to replicate that. But thanks to

the Matchmaking software solution offered by Dr. Williams’ program over the entirety of the three-day virtual conference, I think we came close.”

After nearly two years of virtual programming, SBED plans to return to its annual in-person format for the 2021 SMWVBO Conference on December 8, 2021. The conference will be held at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall located at 3201 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78219. “We think the community is anxious, but ready for this,” said

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Renee Watson, Director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department for Bexar County

After nearly two years of virtual programming, we are excited that the 2021 SMWVBO Conference will be in-person. The SBED and our partners are ready to host this annual event that connects small businesses to a platform that has billions of dollars in contract opportunities. With COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place, this will be a safe experience for our attendees. SBED is more than just a faceless government department. The small business community is our neighbors, and this year’s conference in addition to our other efforts will continue to reflect that.”

Watson. “We have met with the venue and each of our service providers a number of times. We have COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place and communicated those to our exhibitors, with social distancing measures in our floor planning. We are ready.” Featured as the SMWVBO’s keynote speaker in its inaugural return to an in-person format will be Rodney Strong, the principal owner of Griffin & Strong, P.C., who most recently performed Bexar County’s Disparity & Availability Study, reviewing the County’s procurement practices and utilization from fiscal years 2014 – 2019. Though engaged in previous studies, the Griffin & Strong Study is the first to have been accepted and adopted by Bexar County Commissioner’s Court and is currently in its implementation phase. While Strong’s remarks will mostly focus upon the Study’s findings, particularly those concerning the availability of diverse contractors and small business owners, a significant number of changes promise to be enacted from its implementation, including a focus on data collection and compliance.

With the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, Bexar County’s Commissioners Court authorized the addition of three Contract Compliance Specialists as well as a Data & Contract Compliance Manager to the SBED. Combined with regraded positions now serving as Data Support Specialists, actions taken in the budget process have fomented a data collection and compliance team which will monitor opportunities and contracts from project creation to project closeout. As the Bexar County Commissioners Court continues to consider the adoption of race conscious goal setting, the data collection and compliance team will begin reviewing expenditures executed by Bexar County Purchasing as well as the Bexar County Auditor's Office to review process as well as utilization. By contract and by purchase order, regardless of industry and operating without specified thresholds, SBED’s efforts are intended to ultimately document and demonstrate Bexar County’s utilization of local diverse vendors, while also offering some analytics on the efficacy of the department’s outreach measures.

To accommodate the new positions and team, SBED has recently relocated from the Paul Elizondo Tower to 203 W. Nueva San Antonio, Texas 78207: still a stone’s throw from the historic County Courthouse. Regarding SBED’s recent move, Watson stated, “Commissioners Court has invested heavily in our efforts to document and detail that the County’s engagement of local and diverse firms goes beyond our prime or first tier spend. The addition to our team and with the move, we look forward to producing results commensurate to the Court’s investment.” As demonstrated by the department’s COVID response to small business, both in supply distribution and virtual programming and highlighted annually by the SMWVBO Conference, SBED remains dedicated to producing dynamic and impactful results.

Regardless of the ever-changing economic conditions, Watson and the SBED team hold steadfast in its mission to connect businesses to opportunities, and now with the addition of a data and compliance team, illustrates the efforts and impact of those opportunities within the community.

For more information about the Bexar County Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department and the upcoming Small, Minority, Women and Veteran Business Owners Conference on December 8th, please visit www.bexar.org.

—Renee Watson, Director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department for Bexar County

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18 | November 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

LEGAL

LEGAL

Progressives and Conservatives Chose Partisanship Over Progress in Decision To Delay Passage of Much-needed Infrastructure Bill

By Subcontractors USA

The Associated General Contractors of America

Meets With White House on OSHA COVID-19 Testing Mandate

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

R

ecently, The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) met with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to share a host of concerns about the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) draft emergency temporary standard (ETS).

OSHA sent the draft ETS—the details of which remain unknown—to OMB for review on October 12, a signal that a final ETS could be issued within a matter of days or weeks. The OSHA ETS will require employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested for infection on at least a weekly basis. It should be noted, however, that AGC engaged outside legal counsel weeks ago to provide a legal memorandum that identifies the standards OSHA must meet to justify

using the ETS process instead of the normal administrative procedures typically employed. After AGC reviews the final ETS, the association will measure it against its legal memorandum to determine whether a court challenge is warranted and evaluate our chances for success. No legal challenge can be successfully mounted until the ETS is released in final form.

AGC and its members have encouraged voluntary COVID-19 vaccination for their employees since the vaccines became available. The construction industry has proven throughout the pandemic that it can work in a safe and essential manner. OSHA has previously deemed many construction activities as low exposure risks.

News Provider

T

he chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to another delayed vote on the Bipartisan Infrastructure measure in the U.S. House of Representatives: “It is extremely disappointing that some progressive Democrats and the Republican leadership would again delay passage of a much-needed infrastructure bill. This legislation will provide investments that will make our fragile supply chains more efficient while providing a needed boost to economic growth and employment levels.

“The Republican leadership chose to urge its members to oppose a bill that President Trump would have proudly signed into law. This bill provided the kind of transportation funding the former president championed. As significant, it would have made permanent his One Federal Decision executive order that significantly accelerates federal permitting reviews.

For more information and updates, please visit agc.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

“At the same time, many progressive Democrats opted to vote against the bill because of their ongoing desire to use the measure as leverage to pass a massive, partisan, spending measure that would significantly expand the role of the federal government in many aspects of the economy.

“The American people were counting on Congress to deliver legislation that will make our transportation networks more efficient, keep roads and bridges safe, and expand access to clean drinking water. Sadly, too many members of Congress opted to put partisan politics above the needs of their constituents. The short-term victim may be the President’s legislative agenda, but the longer-term victim is our economy, quality of life and ability to compete in the global marketplace.”

For more information, please visit agc.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

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20 | November 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

PERMITS

The Top 7 Ways To Say Thank You to City Plan

Reviewers for Approving Your Plans for Permitting

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

H

ere’s the truth. The PermitUsNow team loves working with jurisdictions across Texas, throughout the U.S., and in Canada. We look forward to the challenges in meeting building codes and enjoy working with plan reviewers, plan analysts, supervisors, and other city staff.

Now, before you shake your head thinking we are crazy and wondering if we are aware of the challenges and demands of working with City Permitting Centers and plan reviewers, know that we have a passion for obtaining building permits and consider plan reviewers our friends in this industry.

The process of obtaining permits can be tough, but saying “thank you” goes a long way in working with City Permitting staff. Below are the top 7 ways to show appreciation.

You can say: • I appreciate your guidance on how the City applies abc building code on this xyz type project.

• Thank you for taking my call today. I realize how busy you are with an increased workload.

• My sincere thanks for expediting this review. It really helped to eliminate further delays and save money for the project owner.

• I am grateful for you approving my project plans today so I can start construction on time.

• Thank you very much for doing xyz.

• Thank you for all your hard work and working OT to finish this review.

• Thanks a lot. We could not have gotten this approval without you today.

It is true that some plan reviewers are just doing their job, but other reviewers are overwhelmed with work and unable to respond to you as soon as they would like to do.

Then there are those plan reviewers with a heavy workload who seem to always answer calls, respond to emails, and strive to meet target dates in the new paradigm shaped by the pandemic. Regardless of which bucket the plan reviewer reviewing your plans falls in, remember that it is best to treat others as you would like to be treated. And saying, “thank you” shows respect and places you in a position to keep your project plans moving through the system.

Seemy mysuggestions suggestionsbelow belowon onhow howtotorespond respond See whenyou youare arefaced facedwith withthese thesesituations. situations. when • But Helen, what if the reviewer is short with me on the phone? Say, “Thank you.”

• What if the reviewer refuses to answer my call requesting a clarification? Say, “Thank you,” and then attempt another angle to obtain clarification or escalate.

• Okay, what about when the reviewer’s

comments are totally off the mark and are flat out wrong? Say, “I appreciate you reviewing my plans. Are you available to meet on xyz date so I can go over my project’s scope?”

I think you get the point. Your bottom line objective is to continue moving towards the goal line to obtain your permit. Words like thanks, thank you, appreciate, and grateful help you pick up yardage on the field and minimize delays in permitting.

Plan reviewers, plan analysts, department supervisors, fire marshals and permit intake coordinators all have demanding jobs, and the PermitUsNow team appreciates their efforts on building safety, approving plans in a timely manner, working overtime, and releasing permits in the system for payment. When City Permitting staff across the country works together with permit expediters, architects, and contractors, communities thrive with construction activities and new businesses to boost the economy.

If you know a plan reviewer who has gone above and beyond in delivering exceptional service, please let me know. I welcome hearing the story.

Connect with me on Linkedin. And if you need assistance with permits, call PermtiUsNow anytime at 1.844.PERMIT.4. Visit us on the web at permitusnow.com. #BuildSafe

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22 | November 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

SAFETY

US Department of Labor

Initiates Rulemaking to Protect Workers, Outdoors and Indoors, From Heat Hazards Amid Rising Temperatures Coincides with Biden-Harris administration interagency effort to protect workers, communities

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

ecord-breaking heat in the U.S. in 2021 endangered millions of workers exposed to heat illness and injury in both indoor and outdoor work environments. Workers in outdoor and indoor work settings without adequate climate-controlled environments are at risk of hazardous heat exposure, and workers of color are exposed disproportionately to hazardous levels of heat in essential jobs across these work settings.

In concert with a Biden-Harris administration interagency effort and its commitment to workplace safety, climate resilience and environmental justice, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is publishing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings on Oct. 27, 2021.

Currently, OSHA does not have a specific standard for hazardous heat conditions and this action begins the process to consider a heat-specific workplace rule.

“As we continue to see temperatures rise and records broken, our changing climate affects millions of America's workers who are exposed to tough and potentially dangerous heat,” said U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. “We know a disproportionate number of people of color perform this critical work and they, like all workers, deserve protections. We must act now to address the impacts of extreme heat and to prevent workers from suffering the agony of heat illness or death.”

The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will initiate a comment period to gather diverse perspectives and expertise on topics, such as heat-stress thresholds, heat-acclimatization planning and exposure monitoring.

“While heat illness is largely preventable and commonly underreported, thousands of workers are sickened each year by workplace heat exposure, and in some cases, heat exposure can be fatal,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational

Safety and Health Jim Frederick. “The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings is an important part of our multi-pronged initiative to protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat.”

Heat is the leading cause of death among all weatherrelated workplace hazards. To help address this threat, OSHA implemented a nationwide enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards, is developing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections and forming a National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group to provide a better understanding of challenges and identify, and share best practices to protect workers.

Read the Federal Register notice for submission instructions. Submit comments at www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal and refer to Docket No. OSHA2021-0009. All comments must be submitted by Dec. 27, 2021.

For more information, please visit osha.gov.

Source: US Dept. of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration

SAFETY

US Department of Labor Sues Austin Luxury Car Dealer That Retaliated Against Employee Who Raised Concerns of Coronavirus Hazards Hi Tech Motorcars LLC terminated employee for warning managers, coworkers

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

R

he U.S. Department of Labor has filed suit against an Austin luxury car dealer for terminating an employee who warned managers and other co-workers about potential coronavirus hazards in the workplace.

The action follows an investigation by the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration that found Hi Tech Motorcars LLC, Hi Tech Imports LLC and Hi Tech Luxury Imports LLC violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act when it retaliated against the worker in December 2020.

After learning a co-worker had tested positive for coronavirus, the employee requested that management notify other employees immediately of their risk of exposure. When management did not

take action, the employee sent an email to all company employees about the potential hazards. Less than an hour later, the employer terminated the employee.

OSHA found the employee exercised their legal rights under section 11(c) of the OSH Act, and that the termination was illegal. In its filing in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, the department seeks reinstatement, lost wages and benefits resulting from the termination, reimbursement for costs and expenses, compensatory damages, and exemplary or punitive damages.

“No worker should ever fear losing their job for raising workplace safety and health

concerns,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Eric S. Harbin in Dallas. “OSHA’s investigation and U.S. Department of Labor’s action in this case show we will enforce these protections vigorously.”

“This employee acted out of real concern for their safety and that of their coworkers, and their actions are protected under federal law,” said Regional Solicitor of Labor John Rainwater in Dallas. “The law also protects whistleblowers from retaliation by their employer and holds employers accountable when they do.”

OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of 25 whistleblower statutes

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protecting employees from retaliation for reporting violations of various workplace safety and health, airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, securities, tax, criminal antitrust, and anti-money laundering laws. For more information on whistleblower protections, visit OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage at www.whistleblowers.gov.

For more information, please visit osha.gov.

Note: The U.S. Department of Labor does not release the names of employees involved in whistleblower complaints.

Source: US Dept. of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration

November 2021 | 23

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24 | November 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

SMALL BUSINESS ON THE MOVE Take your company to new heights!

ARCHITECTURE/ ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

GENERAL SERVICES

SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

METRO’s OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS OFFERS: • Outreach • Certification • Compliance

• Virtual one-on-one • Small Business University (SBU) • Business Development

For more information, contact METRO’s Office of Small Business at smallbusiness@RideMETRO.org or call 713.739.4844.

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

TRANSPORTATION

Michele Wong Krause Elected Chair of DART Board of Directors

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

R

ecently, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors elected Michele Wong Krause of Dallas as their chair for a twoyear term.

Appointed to the DART Board in 2014 to represent the City of Dallas, Wong Krause recently served as vice chair. She also Michele Wong Krause, presently serves on Chair of DART Board of Directors the American Public Transportation Associations (APTA) Executive Committee.

"This is a transformative time for the agency," said Wong Krause. "DART continues to adapt to our pandemic challenges and develop industry leading programs to serve the needs of our riders, while implementing improved customer experience initiatives that make traveling safer and easier. With the launch of the redesigned bus network next year, North Texas residents will have a transit system that provides greater frequency, longer service hours and improved access to their destinations."

Wong Krause, a former City of Dallas Associate Municipal Judge, is currently in private law practice with the Wong Krause Law Firm in Dallas. She has previously served on the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas, and the Board of Directors of the Dallas Bar Association.

She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Political Science before earning her law degree from Southern Methodist University.

Representing the cities of Richardson and University Park, and the towns of Addison and Highland Park, Gary Slagel was elected vice chair. He is the President and CEO of CapitalSoft and was appointed to the DART Board in 2011.

Dallas representative Rodney Schlosser was elected secretary. He is a Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Asurion and was appointed to the DART Board in 2020.

Plano and Farmers Branch representative Robert Dye was elected assistant secretary. Dye is the mayor of the City of Farmers Branch and was appointed to the DART Board in 2020.

For more information, please visit Dart.org.

Source: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

TRANSPORTATION

DFW Airport Launches New Security Fast Pass Pilot Program

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

D

FW Airport customers can now skip security checkpoint lines thanks to DFW Security Fast Pass. DFW’s new pilot program allows customers to make a Fast Pass reservation to bypass TSA’s general screening line at the Terminal D checkpoint D-18. Fast Pass travelers arrive at designated time and will be escorted to the front of the line.

DFW’s innovative pilot program is designed to ensure seamless travel through the airport and empowers air travelers with more predictability on how much time it will take to get through the security checkpoint.

DFWSecurity SecurityFast FastPass PassProgram: Program: DFW

• Security Fast Pass is free.

• For a limited time, Fast Pass customers will receive $5 off food or retail ordered at DfwOrderNow.com • Reservations are limited, so travelers are encouraged to book up to 7 days prior to travel • Reservations can include up to 10 people.

• Parties of more than 10 people need to make additional reservations.

Customers are reminded to check with the airline to ensure it offers a ticket counter in Terminal D so they can check in their luggage. For those who check in from home or remotely, and already have a boarding pass with no checked bags and do not require an airline ticket counter, DFW's Skylink train connects ALL five terminals. The program is not currently available for TSA PreCheck.

Simply go here: dfwairport.com/security to reserve a Fast Pass time slot up to 7 days in advance of a flight. At the security checkpoint, an escort will move participating customers to the front of the line for screening.

DFW already offers technology to monitor and display real-time wait times at TSA security checkpoints on the DFW website and mobile app. In addition, predictive analytics are on the mobile app which allow customers to check predicted wait times at checkpoint. In addition, wait times are available above entrances to each checkpoint.

For more information, please visit dfwairport.com.

Source: DFW Airport

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IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program:

'On Time and On Budget'

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

H

ouston Airports Director Mario Diaz, along with Executive Program Manager Steven Andersen, presented an IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, ITRP, update to the Houston City Council Economic Development Committee on Sept. 15.

Diaz and Andersen were joined by J’Maine Chubb, chief financial officer, along with Todd Curry and Mayuri Bakti, Municipal Affairs.

EDC Chair Martha Castex-Tatum, District K representative, chaired and facilitated the meeting.

“Madame Chair, the purpose of today’s meeting is to provide the committee an update on the program,” Diaz said.

He also provided advance notice of the intent to return to City Council in the near future for Guaranteed Maximum Price, GMP, recommendations for a water distribution enabling project and share the schedule for the remaining budgetary commitments necessary to complete the ITRP. “We also want to review the budget with you: the amount that’s been spent to date, the amount that remains to be spent, all broken down by the major elements of the program,” he said. “Right now, we are ahead of schedule, and we continue to be on budget.”

He thanked the committee for the opportunity to bring them up to date and was highly complimentary of the status of the program, declaring that “we are making very, very good progress.”

With the program now deep into construction, he said that the ITRP team was working diligently on aesthetics and interior design – furniture, fixtures and the like.

MakeupofofITRP ITRP Makeup Andersen briefly reprised the makeup of ITRP. ITRP consists of two major projects and a number of enabling projects.

Two major projects: • International Terminal - North Concourse Project – refurbishment of Terminal D and the construction of the new D-West pier • International Terminal – Central Processor & Federal Inspection Service, FIS, Project – comprised of a new structure and modications to the FIS Enabling projects: • New C North (NCN) Concourse Apron and Utilities Project – this project paved the way for United Airlines to leave the old Terminal concourse “so that we

could demolish it and build a new one,” Andersen said.

The demolition work is completed.

• Enabling Utilities – Landside Project – the design is complete, and Houston Airports will soon present the GMP to Council for approval • Infrastructure Division Office (PMO) Building Project – this structure was constructed to house the ITRP program team, design team and construction team, and to be co-located with the HAS Infrastructure team

Originand andStatus StatusofofProgram ProgramBudget Budget Origin Andersen then discussed the program budget of $1.3 billion and the program’s construction substantial completion date which is 2024. He shared with the EDC a transparent look and review of the ITRP budget, which has been set and maintained at $1.3 billion since late 2018.

“The revised approach initial high-level estimate, prior to design and full scoping, was about $1.234 billion. Once the revised approach to meeting the program requirements was endorsed, we moved forward with a concept design process which allowed us to fully understand the design solution,” Andersen said.

“Once we had the concept designed, we updated the estimate to reflect the design. The overall program budget was established at the end of 2019 when we revised the program scope and took a different approach to delivering the international requirements. Following this, the formal baseline was established in February 2020.”

Andersen said that ITRP has cost $418 million to date (as of July 2021) and echoed Diaz’s comments that the program is making progress while moving significantly into construction. At present, the ITRP has about 100 operatives on-site each day, a number that that is expected to peak at around 1,500 per day as it heads into the main construction phase in 2022.

InternationalTerminal TerminalComplex Complex International He discussed the future buildout of the International Terminal Complex, ITC, a strong mix of 1) new construction and 2) renovated or modified work.

ITC new construction includes: • D West Pier • International Central Processor • state-of-the art Baggage Screening Building • additional parking level on top of the parking garage

• MLIT North Concourse • administrative back-of-house changes within the FIS arrivals hall as well as a new security checkpoint He also discussed baseline, current and target dates for each of the undertakings. In many instances, the work is currently ahead of schedule.

There is tremendous complexity to the ITRP, and the team has successfully balanced the delicate coordination necessary to perform in a live operational environment – not only above-ground work but below-ground work that includes existing structures, utilities and other foundations.

A video model of the ongoing deconstruction of the now-closed Terminal D/E garage was shown to the EDC. The phased demolition (or deconstruction) is a methodical, measured and careful process, but Andersen emphasized Houston Airports’ ongoing commitment to safety.

“Safety is of the utmost importance, and we are doing it methodically,” he said.

EULProject Project EUL The Enabling Utilities Landside, EUL, Project is essential to program progress and includes the construction of a new water production plant and a new water distribution line to the Central Terminal Area, CTA. The project will also provide replacement of some of the aged water distribution line. It also allows for a triturator, an above-ground covered structure with truck bays and a recessed grinder pit.

ClosingRemarks Remarks Closing Upon the conclusion of the presentation, Diaz and Andersen responded to several questions from the Council members, who were largely complimentary of the work.

“ITRP will greatly enhance customer service for our international passengers. We continue to build upon already outstanding customer service and strive to provide the level of overall excellence that our customers deserve and demand,” Diaz said.

Houston is the only city in the Western Hemisphere with two 4-star airports, Bush and William P. Hobby Airports, according to air transport rating company Skytrax. Diaz believes the ITRP gives wings to Houston Airports’ efforts to make Bush and Hobby the first 5-star airports in the United States.

Renovated and modified work, which will provide a modern look and feel to match the new pier, includes:

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For more information, please visit fly2houston.com.

Source: Houston Airports

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