Subcontractors USA Journal 61

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April 2021 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 61st Edition

The Regional Black Contractors Association’s Message to Houston Black-Owned Businesses: “We Are Here!”

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Kimberly Shaw - President and CEO of the Regional Black Contractors Association, John “JP” Proctor - Chairman of the Regional Black Contractors Association

16-17

INSIDE

26

Dallas City Council Approves DART D2 Subway Resolution

22

Mayor Turner Appoints Office of Business Opportunity Advisory Board

12-13

HCC: An Effective Partner, Continuing to Move the Small Business Community Forward

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr. 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 highlights the Regional Black Contractors Association (RBCA). There are now more than four million minority-owned companies in the U.S., but there still remains a disparity when it comes to access to capital, contracting opportunities, and other entrepreneurial development opportunities for minority-owned firms. The RBCA, leading with integrity, community outreach efforts, and excellence, is the premiere African American construction member services organization advancing the development and growth of Black-owned businesses.

The RBCA, headquartered in Dallas, TX, now

Port of Houston

Metro

BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Amber Jones ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tiffany Brown OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Bria Casteel ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa

“Small businesses are the engines of our economic progress; they’re the glue and the heart and soul of our communities.”

— President Joe Biden

City of Houston

04 ARCHITECTURE 04 Hines College Alumni Come Together for New Scholarship 04 Industrial Design Student Earns First Place Award in Bienenstock Competition 06 CONSTRUCTION 06 Construction Employment In February Trails Pre-pandemic Level In 44 States As Soaring Costs, Supply-chain Problems Jeopardize Future Jobs 08 8 Tips To Launch a Rewarding Career in the Construction Industry 10 ENERGY 10 ExxonMobil and Porsche Test Lower-Carbon Fuel in Race Conditions 10 CenterPoint Energy Collaborates With HomeServe and Rebuilding Together To Provide Goodwill Repairs 12-13 EDUCATION 12-13 The Small Business Development Program Proves Valuable for the Growth, Development, and Sustainability of Small Businesses 16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 The Regional Black Contractors Association’s Message to Houston Black-Owned Businesses: “We Are Here!”

18 PERMITS 18 3 Ways To Avoid Getting Caught up in Permitting Woes When Repairing Single-Family Homes After a Storm

PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard

22 LEGAL 22 Mayor Turner Appoints Office of Business Opportunity Advisory Board 22 US Department of Labor Files Lawsuit Alleging Texas Hotel Operator Illegally Fired Worker Who Sought Medical Care for Carbon Monoxide Exposure

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Helen Callier Subcontractors USA News Provider

HISD

HUB

VBE

DBE

OUR SERVICES

CONTENTS

DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Erick Fontejon

DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden

has an office right in the heart of our city, allowing it a more personal approach to serve Black businesses in Houston and the surrounding areas. A paramount establishment working on implementable and proven solutions, the RBCA is the bridge enabling the meaningful and sustainable inclusion of African American construction business professional services and trades firms in this industry.

Under the leadership of John Proctor, chairman and Kimberly Shaw, president and CEO, the RBCA remains a very effective partner for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, working their relationships with state, municipal, and corporate leaders and their supplier diversity executives, elected and appointed officials all for the cause to support Black business development.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the 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.

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

24 OIL AND GAS 24 Marathon Oil Announces $500 Million Gross Debt Reduction 24 Appointment of New Chair and Other Board and Committee Changes 24 TRANSPORTATION 24 Dallas City Council Approves DART D2 Subway Resolution 28 RRC Continues Work To Assist Legislature With Winter Storm Response 28 Port Houston Marching Solidly Into Future

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ARCHITECTURE

Hines College Alumni Come Together for New Scholarship

By Destiny Vaquera News Provider

T

he University of Houston Architecture and Design Alumni Association, representing a diverse group of alumni from the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, has launched an effort to endow a permanent scholarship for the College’s students. The endowment fund will exist in perpetuity, supporting students for generations to come.

In the last two years, the Architecture and Design Alumni Association has repositioned itself as a thriving group of alumni committed to advancing the Hines College and its students. Alumni board treasurer Franco Albarran ’99 recently made a leadership gift of $5,000 to launch the scholarship initiative, and the alumni board responded with a commitment matching Albarran’s donation. With the scholarship now at $10,000, the Alumni Association is now seeking additional donations that will help the scholarship reach its minimum threshold of $25,000 to begin regularly distributing scholarships to students.

Albarran’s parents immigrated from Mexico to the United States in search of a better life for their family.

As the youngest of ten siblings, he was the only child to attend university and graduate with a degree.

“My parents made many personal sacrifices to give me the opportunity to pursue my dream and attend UH to earn a degree in architecture,” said Albarran. “I have always been mindful of where I have been, what I have accomplished, and where I plan to go. Now I want to shift my focus to what I leave behind. Kickstarting the scholarship is my way of beginning to leave something behind for the next generation of aspiring architects and designers who want to pursue their dreams. It is also a way of honoring my parents and their personal sacrifices.”

The idea of an alumni scholarship hits home with the board’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee chair Laura Vargas ‘08, who personally received an alumni funded scholarship while she was a student at the Hines College. The scholarship helped alleviate a portion of the

financial burden and showed Vargas there were industry professionals who wanted to see students succeed.

“My hope is that this initiative illustrates to our students how much we support their goals and truly want to see them succeed by helping to lighten their load just a bit,” shared Vargas. “We want our students to know we are cheering them on because their success directly impacts the future success of our industry.”

The College’s Architecture and Design Alumni Association is self-sustaining. Their main fundraiser each year is the annual career fair hosted at the College. Funds raised from the career fair support the association’s activities throughout the year, but will also be used to annually contribute to the new endowed scholarship.

The alumni association board hopes other alumni will

contribute to this initiative, as well.

“Scholarships ensure the strength and future of the College of Architecture and Design by attracting the best and brightest regardless of socio-economic circumstance,” said alumni president Matthew Mitchell.

To contribute to the Architecture and Design Alumni Association’s new endowed scholarship, contact Director of Advancement Emily Brents at ekbrents@ uh.edu or (713) 743-7906.

For more information, please visit www.uh.edu.

Source: UH Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design

ARCHITECTURE

Industrial Design Student

Earns First Place Award in Bienenstock Competition

By Destiny Vaquera News Provider

G

erald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design industrial design student Anna Bibikova recently received first place in the prestigious 2021 Bienenstock Furniture Library Competition for her chair, Manta, a hammock-like net woven around a fluid metal frame.

The project was conceived and fabricated as a result of professor Jeff Feng and Aaron McEuen’s studio assignment encouraging students to enact their personal interests while designing a chair.

Bibikova sought to develop a chair creat-

ing an escape from individuals’ busy lives while sitting in a “shapeless” structure.

“This assignment was a highly effective way for students to express themselves and produce highly original designs,” said Jeff Feng.

“Anna’s design was one of the best, and it was also submitted in the International Contemporar y Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York in 2020.”

The Hines College’s industrial design program is not

new to the Bienenstock Competition.

This year is the third time the College has placed in the competition, winning first place in 2018 and second place in 2019. Bibikova’s chair design received a $5,000 prize, and the College’s industrial design program also received a $1,000 award.

Comfort, relaxation, and the carefree feeling experienced near the ocean inspired Bibikova’s design.

The design combines modern, sculptural

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form with traditional macrame weaving techniques constructing a hammock-like lounge chair for use in a home or public setting.

“I am highly honored to have my design recognized in this competition and to be able to share this design with others,” shared Anna Bibikova. “This has encouraged me to apply to other competitions and continue designing.”

To learn more about the project, visit the profile on the Bienenstock Furniture Library website at: https:// www.furniturelibrary.com/academics/ competition-winners/.

Source: UH Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design

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CONSTRUCTION

Construction Employment In February Trails Pre-pandemic Level In 44 States As Soaring Costs, Supply-chain Problems Jeopardize Future Jobs Texas, Louisiana Have Worst Job Losses Since Pandemic Struck, While Utah, Idaho Gain the Most; Association Issue Inflation Alert and Urges Immediate Relief on Tariffs, Examination of Supply Barriers

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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onstruction employment in February remained below pre-pandemic levels in all but six states, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data released recently, while soaring materials costs and supply-chain problems threaten future employment. The association issued a Construction Inflation Alert detailing the problems and urged a rollback of tariffs and other supply impediments.

“Today’s figures show most states are still far from recovering the construction jobs lost a year ago,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The overall economy is recovering, but huge price spikes and ever-lengthening delivery times threaten to set construction back further.”

The association’s new inflation alert documents a wide variety of materials undergoing steep and frequent price in-

creases and delivery delays, Simonson noted. This combination threatens to hold up the start or completion of numerous projects and add to the downward pressure on construction employment, the economist warned.

Seasonally adjusted construction employment in February 2021 was lower than in February 2020—the last month before the pandemic forced many contractors to suspend work—in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Texas lost the most construction jobs over the period (-56,400 jobs or -7.2 percent), followed by New York (-41,100 jobs, -10.1 percent), California (-35,000 jobs, -3.8 percent), Louisiana (-20,400 jobs, -14.9 percent), and New Jersey (-18,200 jobs, -11.1 percent). Louisiana experienced the largest percentage loss, followed

by Wyoming (-14.0 percent, -3,200 jobs), New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia (-9.3 percent, -3,100 jobs).

Only six states added construction jobs from February 2020 to February 2021.

Utah added the most jobs (6,700 jobs, 5.9 percent), trailed by Idaho (4,500 jobs, 8.2 percent) and Arkansas (900 jobs, 1.7 percent). Idaho added the highest percentage, followed by Utah and Arkansas.

From January to February, 35 states lost construction jobs, 11 states added jobs, and there was no change in D.C., Idaho, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

New York had the largest loss of construction jobs for the month (-15,600 jobs or -4.1 percent), followed by Indiana (-6,100 jobs, -4.1 percent), Illinois (-5,600 jobs, -2.6 percent), and Iowa (-5,500 jobs, -6.9 percent). Iowa had the largest percentage decline, followed by Kansas (-4.9 percent, -3,100 jobs), New York, and Indiana. Utah added the most construction jobs and

the highest percentage over the month (3,000 jobs, 2.5 percent), followed by South Carolina (2,200 jobs, 2.1 percent).

Association officials called on the Biden administration to roll back tariffs on a range of key construction materials, including lumber and steel, that are contributing to the price spikes. They also urged the administration and Congress to work together to find ways to ease shipping delays that are undermining established supply chains. This could include providing temporary hours-of-service relief and looking at ways to expand port capacity.

“The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on many supply chains, but some of the price increases are the result of misguided policy decisions, including tariffs,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Cutting tariffs and addressing shipping delays will give a needed boost to many firms struggling to get back to pre-pandemic business and employment levels.”

For more information on state February 2020-February 2021 data and rankings, JanuaryFebruary rankings, and AGC’s Inflation Alert, please visit www. agc.org.

Source: The Associated General Contractors of America

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CONSTRUCTION

8 Tips To Launch a Rewarding Career in the Construction Industry

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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o you enjoy working with your hands? Do you love solving complex problems? Do you enjoy working in the outdoors? Do you enjoy the satisfaction of seeing something you've built?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may want to consider a career in construction.

Many young people don't realize that there is more than one path to success.

In other words, attending a four-year college isn't the only way to start a rewarding career.

There's another path. And believe it or not, you can actually get paid while you learn the skills you need to build a career that will last you a lifetime.

An apprenticeship with a construction trade union allows young people who are at least 18 years old, and who have earned their high school diploma, to learn how to become an electrician, a pipefitter, a plumber, an ironworker and much more. In fact, according to the Construction Career Foundation, a nonprofit based in Minnesota that helps young people connect with registered construction apprenticeships, there are more than 30 careers in construction that you can pursue.

"A registered apprenticeship with a construction trade union takes from three to five years to complete," said Sarah Lechowich, senior director for the Construction Careers Foundation. "It involves working at a construction site, where you're trained by a journeyman, and classroom training."

With an apprenticeship, there's little if any costs, which means at the end of the apprenticeship, you'll have a skill that you can use for a lifetime - without incurring tens of thousands of dollars in college debt.

To start your career in construction, follow these eight tips shared by the Construction Careers Foundation: 1. Pick a trade - Which trade best fits your personality and skill set? Visit ConstructionCareers.org, which offers details about more than 30 construction careers. The website offers descriptions about each trade, videos of real construction workers and details about pay and benefits.

2. Make sure you're qualified - To be accepted into a construction trades union apprenticeship, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, a high school diploma or a GED equivalent, and for some apprenticeships, successfully pass an aptitude test administered by the trade union to which you're applying. By the way, construction isn't just for men - more

and more women are starting construction careers every day.

3. Still in high school? - If you're still in high school, load up on math and communications courses - today's construction workers need to know math and they need to know how to communicate clearly - because you work on a team in the real world. Take any courses that your high school offers in construction to start getting hands-on experience.

4. Talk to your parents - Many, if not most, parents urge their kids to go to college. If you have a feeling that college isn't right for you, talk to your parents and tell them you'd like to try an apprenticeship in construction.

Point them to ConstructionCareers. org, which has a ton of information about why a registered construction trades apprenticeship is the best answer for you.

5. Talk to a construction worker - To better understand the rewards of a career in the construction trades, ask family and friends to connect you with construction workers so you can ask them questions about their careers. If you find it difficult to find a construction worker, check out these videos on the Construction Career Pathways channel on YouTube, which features short interviews with more than 20 construction workers.

6. Make the call - Some construction trade unions offer informational meetings for those who want to apply for an apprenticeship. Others will invite you in for an interview. After you've identified a construction trade that you'd like to pursue, contact the local construction trade union to get more information about their apprenticeship program.

7. Start the application process Just like college, you need to apply for an apprenticeship. Some trades allow you to apply year-round; others have specific periods when you can apply.

The Construction Trades app, available for download on Apple and Google Play stores, is a great source to learn about apprenticeship deadlines.

8. Get fit - Being an apprentice is hard work. It's not an office job where you sit in a cubicle all day long. It involves getting to the job site, often at times like 7 a.m., and it will involve lifting tools and materials, and being on your feet throughout the day. Now is the time to start getting in shape and working on your strength and stamina.

"With a registered construction trades apprenticeship," said Lechowich, "you'll learn skills that you can use for the rest of your life. You'll also be trained to build things to the highest standards, and you'll learn the value and importance of safety. All while getting paid to learn."

Source: BPT

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ENERGY

ExxonMobil and Porsche Test LowerCarbon Fuel in Race Conditions IRVING, Texas / STUTTGART, Germany – ExxonMobil and Porsche are testing advanced biofuels and renewable, lower-carbon eFuels, as part of a new agreement to find pathways toward potential future consumer adoption.

• Esso Renewable Racing Fuel to be tested in Porsche’s high-performance motorsports engines in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2021 • Companies to advance eFuel development with potential for greenhouse gas reduction • eFuels to be produced using hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide • New agreement builds on 25-year relationship of developing and testing high-performance products

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he first iteration of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is a blend of primarily advanced biofuels and is specially formulated by ExxonMobil’s in-house team of scientists and engineers. Analysis indicates the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a liquid fuel. The fuel will be tested in race conditions with Porsche’s high-performance motorsports engines during the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race series.

Porsche and ExxonMobil’s collaboration will also focus on eFuels, which are synthetic fuels made from hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide. As early as 2022, the companies plan to test the second iteration of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, which will contain eFuel components. The eFuel is anticipated to achieve a

greenhouse gas emissions reduction of up to 85 percent, when blended to current market fuel standards for today’s passenger vehicles.i “The electrification of our vehicles is of highest priority to us,” said Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development of Porsche. “eFuels are a good complement to our powertrain strategy.

They allow our customers to drive cars with conventional combustion engines as well as plug-in hybrids with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration with ExxonMobil enables us to test the eFuels under demanding conditions on the racing track.

This is a further step towards making eFuels an affordable and lower greenhouse gas emission substitute to conventional fuels.”

The eFuel will be sourced from the Haru Oni pilot plant based in Chile that generates hydrogen, which is then combined with captured carbon dioxide drawn from the atmosphere to produce methanol. ExxonMobil is providing a license and support for the proprietary technology to convert the methanol to gasoline, which will result in a lower-carbon fuel.

In the pilot phase, around 35,000 gallons of eFuels will be produced in 2022. As the fuel’s primary user, Porsche will use the eFuels from Chile among others in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup starting in the season of 2022.

“Over the past quarter century, we have worked together with Porsche to develop high-performance products that support Porsche’s vehicle performance on the racetrack and on the road,” said Andy Madden, vice president of strategy and planning for ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants. “Our continued collaboration on renewable and eFuels is a critical step in assessing the technical capability and commercial viability of fuels that can significantly reduce emissions.”

The first on-track testing of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is scheduled for March 30, 2021 in Zandvoort, Netherlands, and will continue throughout the 2021 and 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race series.

The collaboration with Porsche builds on ExxonMobil’s continuing efforts to develop and deploy lower-emission energy solutions, including high-efficiency fuels and lubricants, advanced plastics and other products that can

enable cars and trucks to use less fuel. For example, the two companies have collaborated on a line of specially formulated lubricants for the electric vehicles market, Mobil EV™ range.

In January, ExxonMobil announced the creation of a new business, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, to commercialize its extensive low-carbon technology portfolio and plans to invest $3 billion on lower emission energy solutions through 2025. Last year, ExxonMobil announced plans to distribute renewable diesel within California and potentially other domestic and international markets as soon as 2022.

Over the past two decades, ExxonMobil has invested more than $10 billion to research, develop and deploy lower-emission energy solutions, resulting in highly efficient operations that have eliminated or avoided approximately 480 million tonnes of CO2 emissions - the equivalent of taking more than 100 million passenger vehicles off the road for a year.

Porsche is committed to invest $17.9 billion in electromobility and digitalization by 2025. In 2030 the sports car manufacturer will offer more than 80 percent of its vehicles with electric engines. The company seeks carbon neutrality in its products and operations by 2030, investing around $1.2 billion in sustainable mobility.

For more information, please visit www.exxonmobil.com.

Source: ExxonMobil

ENERGY

CenterPoint Energy Collaborates With HomeServe and Rebuilding Together To Provide Goodwill Repairs

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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enterPoint Energy recently announced the completion of several goodwill repair projects that were performed in collaboration with HomeServe, a nationwide provider of emergency home repair protection programs, and Rebuilding Together, a charitable, non-profit organization helping revitalize neighborhoods. These organizations worked together to identify opportunities to serve the Houston community by completing repairs that help provide

safe utility services to their homes.

"We are committed to our customers and giving back to the community, which is one of the reasons we selected HomeServe to offer emergency home repair solutions to our natural gas customers," said Rick Plummer, Director of Home Services South for CenterPoint Energy. "HomeServe supports the local economy through their selection of minority-owned local contractors to perform repairs, which is also a critical factor in CenterPoint Energy's vendor selection process."

Joe Carbajal of Texas Quality Plumbing

Thanks to HomeServe, we're growing and excited to see what's next. We like to take on the challenges of the next job and next obstacle."

CenterPoint Energy continues to work with HomeServe to offer plans to its natural gas residential customers in the southern service territory. Since 2018, the plans have helped customers save more than $13 million dollars in unexpected home repair costs. in Houston, a local HomeServe contractor said, "HomeServe's collaboration with CenterPoint Energy helps us with a lot of business and helps the community too.

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For more information, please visit www.CenterPointEnergy.com.

Source: CenterPoint Energy

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The Small

Business Development Program Proves Valuable for the Growth, Development, and Sustainability of Small Businesses

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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lthough small business enterprises in our city and the surrounding areas have been feeling the financial impacts of the pandemic, there is still great opportunity to succeed as a small business. With Houston Community College (HCC) remaining a proactive partner to small businesses through its numerous efforts, there is inordinate opportunity for businesses to rebuild, grow, and be sustainable.

One of HCC’s proven strategies for small business progress is the Small Business Development Program (SBDP), created to provide business opportunities for local small businesses to participate in contracting and procurement at HCC. Under the leadership of Joe Gavin, Executive Director of HCC Procurement Operations, the procurement team emphatically contributes in capacity building, increases healthy competition among small businesses, and creates opportunities, ensuring the superlative value to HCC.

Aboutthe SBDP the SBDP About • The SBDP is a goal-oriented program, requiring contractors who receive contracts from HCC to use good faith efforts to utilize certified small businesses.

• The SBDP applies to all contracts over $50,000, except contracts for sole-source items, federally funded contracts, contracts with other governmental entities, and those contracts that are

Q&A with HCC: SUBC USA: Please talk about new procedures the SBDP has implemented and the successes.

HCC: Since program inception, we have made several program improvements to include expanding the list of currently accepted certifications to include the City of Houston MBE (minority), WBE (women), PDBE (person with disabilities), and DBE (disadvantaged). This is in addition to the SBE certifications from the City of Houston, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), Texas Department of Transportation, City of Austin, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, and Small Business Administration 8(a).

Given the number of currently certified firms with the City of Houston, we are looking forward to being able to include more local certified small businesses in the process and afford them the opportunity to earn points as part of the evaluation process.

We have also improved the evaluation process for qualified certified small businesses to maximize their opportunity to compete and win more business. These improvements will provide greater opportunity to certified small businesses that participate in the procurement process at HCC. SUBC USA: Please talk about the SBDP’s outreach efforts that continue to support small businesses, in the midst of COVID-19.

HCC: From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic we quickly pivoted to begin providing our networking and educational opportunities virtually.

Since March 2020, we’ve hosted and/ or participated in over 90 outreach events, many of which included giving presentations, meeting one-on-one with SBEs, and participating as a panelist and exhibitor. Participation in each of these efforts brings further awareness to our program and the importance of certification.

One of the areas the SBDP noticed a need for additional training was the way in which SBEs present themselves virtually. In the past, much of our dayto-day interaction was face-to-face.

Now, many of our SBEs are faced with yet another challenge: identifying and applying new technology. Immediately, when we recognized the need, the SBDP hosted a webinar titled, “Delivering Dynamite Presentations.” During this webinar, we dissected an HCC Request for Proposal that included a component for an oral presentation. We looked closely at the various elements required when making an oral presentation in response to an HCC solicitation. One of the other key areas we discussed was the length of time for each presentation and who within your agency should represent your company. We realized these areas are crucial to any SBE, given the nature of how we conduct business today. The objective of the

SBDP program is to continually offer programming that is not only relevant at the time, but can be applied in their businesses immediately.

SUBC USA: What can we expect from the SBDP this year and moving forward?

HCC: Small businesses can expect the continuation of virtual programming and networking opportunities. The SBDP will expand our offerings for 2021 to include a variety of courses on business and leadership development, human resources, and marketing to the government. We are also researching ways to host virtual networking events. We recognize the need for SBEs to continually have access to our stakeholders. Even as we work remotely, our office participates in one-on-one meetings with SBEs in an effort to help them better understand if there is a need at the College, who their client is within the College, and

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most importantly, how to register as a vendor. Vendors can register at hccs. edu/procurement. While on our website, be sure to check out our Procurement Plan. The plan is issued at the beginning of the calendar year and is a snapshot of the College’s known projects. The Plan is fluid, so make it a habit to check back quarterly. The Procurement Department website is very resourceful.

I encourage all of our vendors to become familiar with the College’s procurement processes and procedures.

SUBC USA: Please give us an example of HCC partnering with SBEs. HCC: Most recently, one of our SBEs provided 112 COVID-19 vaccines to our students and staff. 75% of the individuals that received the vaccine were students, and 25% were staff.

This effort took place at our Coleman College for Health Sciences. This was an amazing win for the SBDP, College,

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The majority of our programming is based on the feedback received from our SBE community. In our most recent survey, we found the majority of the respondents were in the professional services industry and were looking to gain knowledge in the areas of marketing to the government, marketing in general, and risk management. We are currently developing programming around these areas.

and the community. We also teamed up with an SBE to provide temporary screeners at our campuses so our students could return to their classrooms in a safe, controlled manner. Multiple SBEs have provided the College with a variety of PPE equipment and products including hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, gowns, thermometers, and masks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are very proud of our successful efforts with the SBEs and look forward to many more in the future.

SUBC USA: Please talk about the success of your “Access to HCC” event held last month.

HCC: “Access to HCC” was created to give our small business community the opportunity to connect, network, and learn about procurement opportunities with HCC. Last March, we celebrated the expo's 5th year anniversary.

Many of you may remember that last year’s expo took place right before the pandemic surfaced. At that time, we were unsure if we should move forward with the expo or postpone it. We decided to move forward and welcomed over 250 attendees and 37 exhibitors. Little did we know March 2020 would be the last time we would meet face-to-face for an unknown period of time. Knowing that “Access to HCC” plays an important role in the cultivation of relationships between SBEs and HCC, we decided to hold this year’s expo virtually.

We kicked off our expo with greetings from Marshall Heins, Interim Sr. Vice Chancellor – Finance

and Administration & CFO. Our keynote was one of the top 10 Houston Rockets players of all time, Mario Elie.

Mario is no stranger to overcoming obstacles and understands the drive and ambition it takes to succeed.

This year, attendees were entered into a drawing for an opportunity to win autographed memorabilia from Mario at the end of our program. Our program also included remarks from Joseph Gavin, CTCD, Executive Director, Procurement Operations, followed by the introductions from the SBDP, Procurement Operations and Strategic Sourcing. This year, we highlighted several of our internal stakeholders who identified procurement opportunities within their program or department. Internal stakeholders included Information Technology, Facilities Management, Coleman College for Health Sciences, and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program to name a few. Attendees participating in the expo also had an opportunity to participate in a live presentation from Christopher Burton, CTPM, CTCM, C.P.M., CPSM, MBA, CPPO, Director of Procurement Operations and interact with him for a Q&A session. To date, “Access to HCC” is the largest virtual event the College has held thus far, with 290 attendees participating online.

SUBC USA: What upcoming events do you have planned over the next couple of months for the small business community?

HCC: We recently distributed a survey to assist with identifying areas of need in which we can plan our events around.

We utilize surveys quite often to gauge the environment in our local business community and the needs of our SBEs.

SUBC USA: Is there anything else you want our readers to know?

HCC: There are an abundance of procurement and contracting opportunities at HCC. Completing a vendor application on our website is your first step in the process if you are interested in receiving an email notification when bid opportunities are released. Two of the most important areas to pay special attention to when filling out your vendor application is the commodity code and the business description area. Be sure to select multiple codes and enter a robust business description. Lastly, you will want to routinely update your vendor application as needed to ensure you always have current contact information listed on the application.

A best practice would be to create a central email address that your business can use for all vendor applications.

otherwise prohibited by applicable law or expressly exempted by HCC. • The SBDP is a race and gender-neutral program. However, HCC actively encourages the participation of minority and women-owned small businesses.

• The overall annual goal of the SBDP is thirtyfive (35%) percent of the dollar amount of all SBDP-eligible procurement contracts.

• To participate in the SBDP, small businesses must be certified by an agency or organization whose certification is recognized by HCC. • HCC recognizes certification by the following governmental and private agencies: Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) SBE Certification, City of Houston SBE, M/W/ PDBE and DBE Certifications, Texas Department of Transportation SBE Certification, City of Austin SBE Certification, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency SBE Certification, and the Small Business Administration 8(a) certification.

“HCC has relied heavily on our SBEs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the PPE purchased by the College was purchased from our local SBEs. Prior to the pandemic, we were working daily to get our local SBEs registered with not only HCC, but with surrounding governmental agencies as well. When the time came, they were ready to do business. This is just one example of how our procurement team is proactive in supporting small businesses, meeting their needs.”

—Joe Gavin, Executive Director of HCC Procurement Operations

The SBDP would love for you to keep in touch with us! Visit our website at hccs.edu/sbdp to sign up for our newsletter. While you are on our page, be sure to take a look at the certifications we recognize. The links on our website will take you directly to each agency. If you are in need of any assistance, feel free to reach out to our office. We are here to help!

As we continue to move small businesses forward, you can expect to see our continued participation in our community partner events as well as continuing to host our own networking and educational events. We are in the early stages of developing new ways for the SBE community to interact with the College. We actively participate in vendor meet and greets and assist with the vendor registration and certification process by connecting you with each organization to make your experience smooth. We realize

The HCC SBDP remains a valuable resource to the small business community. And during these challenging times, the SBDP has not stopped its work, continuing to open doors for small businesses to provide services to HCC. For more information about the SBDP, please visit www.hccs.edu/sbdp.

many SBEs manage the front and back office of their businesses, so we try to streamline our processes as much as possible. We will continue to provide our programming based on the feedback received from our SBEs. We understand that many of our local businesses had to quickly change their business structure or seek capital to continue their operation.

Two of the first webinars we hosted in March 2020 were “Introduction to Business Credit” and “Building Financial Capacity.” From there, we migrated to “Developing a Simple Business Plan for the Next 120 Days” and “Harnessing B2B Marketing in the COVID-19 Era.” We will continue hosting webinars that are relevant to the SBE community.

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14 | April 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

MORE THAN BRICKS AND MORTAR

As one of the nation’s largest commercial builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority- and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success.

Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it is ingrained in our corporate culture. We are devoted to making sure the contributions that strengthen the local economy reflect the demographics of the community at large.

w w w. t u r n e rc o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

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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16 | April 2021

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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RBCA SUBCONTRACTORS USA

here are now more than four million minority-owned companies in the U.S., with annual sales totaling almost $700 billion. According to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, over the last 10 years, minority business enterprises accounted for more than 50 percent of the two million new businesses started in the United States and created 4.7 million jobs. We can be hopeful of the promise for a more level playing field for minority-owned businesses, but not complacent, as there are still great strides that need to be made to encourage and strengthen the minority business community.

The Harris County Disparity Study 2020 highlights the disparity in Houston for Black contractors, with just 9.1% of Harris County's contracts with minority-owned and women-owned businesses, compared to a 28.4% market share, and 0.5% of the county’s contract dollars going to Black-owned businesses. And According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an evident lack of diversity in this industry, as African Americans make up 6% of architects and engineers and 6% of construction workers.

The Advocate Advancing the Development and Growth of Houston BlackOwned Businesses

“We are community-value oriented. We fight to get Black contractors working, which means in preconstruction and contracting, for the purpose of hiring other Black people and training them. That’s the strategic partnership. That’s the only plan we got. It never changes. Never.”

—John Proctor, Chairman of Regional Black Contractors Association

There also remains an imbalance when it comes to access to capital, contracting opportunities, and other entrepreneurial development opportunities for minority-owned firms. Minority-owned enterprises achieving sustainability and longevity is valuable for the local and national competitive advantage. Diverse business ownership is essential to our nation's continued economic success and growth. Advocating for the development and growth of Black-owned businesses is the Regional Black Contractors Association (RBCA).

Under the leadership of John Proctor, chairman and Kimberly Shaw, president and CEO,

the RBCA remains a very effective partner for minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, working their relationships with state, municipal, and corporate leaders and their supplier diversity executives, elected and appointed officials all for the cause to support African-American business development.

Locally, statewide, and in Washington, DC, the RBCA stays active and committed in monitoring pending legislation that might affect their member’s businesses and growth. With a proactive and strategic approach, the RBCA quickly mobilizes to work with key policy makers to support and ensure that every opportunity is available for the RBCA's membership.

Today, the RBCA is the premiere African American construction member services organization serving a membership base of 100 plus that includes:

• Architecture/ engineering trades firms • Owners • Developers • General contractors • Construction management firms • Subcontractors • Real estate firms The RBCA, headquartered in Dallas, TX, now has an office right in the heart of our city, allowing it a more personal approach to serve businesses in Houston and the surrounding areas. With the opening of their office, the RBCA is empowered to make an even greater impact with its implementable solutions combating inequality for Black business owners.

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Sources: • The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship • Harris County Disparity Study 2020: (https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/ app/plugins/pdfjs-viewer-shortcode/pdfjs/ web/viewer.php?file=https://cdn.hpm.io/ wp-content/uploads/2020/06/30185703/ DisparityStudy2020.pdf&dButton=true&pButto n=true&oButton=false&sButton=true#zoom=a uto&pagemode=none) • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: (https:// www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm; https://www. bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18.htm) • Houston Public Media: (https://www. houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/ business/2020/12/14/387703/study-showswomen-and-minority-owned-businessesunderrepresented-among-port-of-houstoncontractors/)

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

SUBC USA: What are some of the main challenges you have seen African American businesses and contractors face in this industry, and how do you help them overcome these challenges so they stay competitive?

RBCA: We have found that access to capital and opportunities are the major challenges African American businesses encounter. However, RBCA’s team building model allows our members and partners to stay in the game. We collaborate with decision-makers to ensure bonding and procurement criteria is inclusive and yields more Black contractors on teams.

An example of this would be utilizing subguard insurance, incentivizing teaming structures that drive toward the goal, and adjusting experience requirements to compliment the market availability. Our webinar series keeps members up to date with opportunities and other resources to help their businesses succeed.

SUBC USA: Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, so we think that there's a more level playing field here. But what has your organization seen that this Houston office is needed to support minority businesses in this area?

RBCA: Houston is a consultant-based city.

And the RBCA wants to turn Houston into a skilled performance-based city. This office in Houston enables us to be on the ground in order to achieve this, working with political and community leaders and partners in Houston and the surrounding areas. We are appreciative that Mayor Turner and Commissioner Rodney Ellis understand this.

SUBC USA: What does this Houston office mean for not only our city and local businesses, but for the state as well when it comes to expanding your organization's advocacy efforts for minority businesses?

RBCA: We have to create and build capacity amongst the contractors that are here locally like we have done and continue to do in DFW. This means increased job opportunities for Blacks and growing minority businesses. Some of our members who started out doing painting and drywall are now bonding $10-15M as prime firms, also employing ex-offenders with opportunities so they can have the foundation to become financially independent and contribute to our local and national economy.

SUBC USA: What are some challenges African American businesses and contractors have faced during the pandemic, and how has the RBCA been proactive in providing support to these businesses?

RBCA: Black contractors and businesses were in a pandemic before COVID-19. Black businesses have been attempting to meet payroll and keep businesses afloat for a long time. It’s just that the pandemic has shed light on the issue. But now that the pandemic has affected all ethnicities, there is a heightened sensitivity to the issues Black business owners have been facing. But because of our relationships with key decision-makers, a solution is

just a phone call away. For example, if there are payment delays, it just takes one phone call to the chairman, CEO, or developers for the bottleneck to be taken care of. We have been blessed that construction remained essential through the pandemic, which is a lifeline to so many. And the RBCA has worked with county commissioners, judges, and other advocacy groups to ensure we could remain open for business, adhering to the strict safety measures. Some of those safety measures called for increased costs, however, the PPP and EIDL were also a lifeline to several businesses, and we thank the Trump administration for that.

you think about the economy, you have capitalism and consumerism. Black people are consumers of many private and public institutions, but when it comes to business, they can’t get a fair opportunity.

We have to demand more in order to secure the capital and opportunities that will help minority businesses and contractors reach full capacity.

SUBC USA: Can you please give our readers an example of the RBCA's advocacy efforts, with a successful outcome?

RBCA: A successful outcome is when there is Black participation across the board and a true intent to build

Q&A with the RBCA: “I tell women of color and minorities to always remember that you are a role model to someone who you may not even know is watching. In order to serve others, be confident and walk in the unique skills and abilities that God has blessed you with. Be courageous, respectful, and always willing to learn more. And speak truth, as that is your power to create great change.”

—Kimberly Shaw, President and CEO of Regional Black Contractors Association

SUBC USA: How has the RBCA adapted and pivoted during the pandemic to continue to support African American and minority businesses and contractors?

RBCA: The RBCA, like almost all organizations, has shifted to a virtual environment that allows us to stay in communication with our membership and partners. We host educational webinars and networking events through online platforms, and it has also encouraged us to be more innovative with the marketing and services that we offer.

With vaccinations on the rise, we are moving to a hybrid model that will include in-person networking events for those who are comfortable (but still following safety precautions approved by the CDC).

Now that we know the convenience and flexibility the virtual world offers, it’s hard to “unknow,” therefore we will still use that medium as a method to stay connected in the future.

SUBC USA: Though there are more opportunities for African American businesses and contractors, where in RBCA's work have you seen where improvements can be made to make it a more level playing field for these businesses?

RBCA: There has to be a focus on equity when establishing policies and RFPs. Mentor/protégé programs must focus on all levels of the scale, and not exclude firms with zero to three years of experience. Businesses should be judged based on their ability, not whether they have generations of experience. In that scenario we will lose every time. When

capacity. An example of our advocacy efforts are joint ventures or teaming agreements at each stage in development of a project incorporating RBCA’s Second Chance Hiring Program that trains formerly incarcerated individuals with a construction focus. We look forward to this partnership on projects in Harris and the surrounding counties.

SUBC USA: What does it mean on a larger scale/what's the bigger picture when minority businesses succeed?

RBCA: When Black people hire other Black people, the community as a whole benefits. And as our membership understands this, they hire one another.

RBCA members hire graduates from our Second Chance Hiring Program, which results in jobs with livable wages for individuals to take care of themselves and their families. Minority businesses succeeding strengthens the family unit, increases the taxpayer base in underserved communities, and decreases crime. Black businesses being sustainable and profitable allow them to contribute financially to outreach efforts, like our Senior Home Repair Program, which helps disadvantaged senior citizens with home repair at no cost to them.

When our businesses are prosperous, we can provide resources to help our communities stay viable.

SUBC USA: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about the RBCA? RBCA: The RBCA is a faith-based program, standing on the foundation that God will give us everything we need to provide

the tools to build Black contractors in this system that will hire Black people.

With the overwhelming statistics proving contracting disparities nationwide and in Harris County, we are committed to being servant-leaders for Black and minority businesses and contractors, uplifting the community, decreasing crime, and connecting people with a second chance to succeed. The RBCA is the parent organization. Our 501c(3) subsidiary, the RBCA Community Development Corporation is where our community outreach programs are housed, programs that serve vulnerable populations that include ex-offenders, seniors, and youth in at-risk areas. Our membership is welcome to all. You do not have to be African American to join the RBCA. Our membership base consists of many ethnicities who all believe in a bigger purpose of “helping others help themselves.”

National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate Houston Public Media reported that The Port of Houston’s recent independent disparity study by Griffin & Strong PC showed that women-owned and minority-owned businesses are grossly underrepresented in the port's procurement process. The study found less than 0.1% of construction contract dollars go to Black-owned firms, even though they represent about 15% of the market. The port is using this independent study to support the strengthening of its small business enterprise program as it makes efforts to increase contracting with women-owned and minority-owned businesses. But while studies like this raise awareness for an organization, it also demonstrates a need for the RBCA Houston office, allowing the association to be present in our city as an advocate and partner, reversing economic disproportion here for Black businesses so they are sustainable and utilized in this industry.

With so much more work to do advocating for minority businesses, also supporting them in reaching their full capacity, the RBCA’s message to Houston businesses is, “We are here!” The RBCA, leading with integrity, community outreach efforts, and excellence, is the premiere African American construction member services organization advancing the development and growth of African-American owned businesses. A paramount establishment working on implementable and proven solutions, the RBCA is the bridge enabling the meaningful and sustainable inclusion of African American construction business professional services and trades firms in this industry.

The Houston office opened in January of this year and is located at 2418 Elgin Street. To make an appointment with a representative at the RBCA Houston location, please email RBCA@ Blackcontractors.org. For more information about the RBCA and its upcoming events or to become a member, please visit www.blackcontractors.org.

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18 | April 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

PERMITS

3 Ways To Avoid Getting Caught up in Permitting Woes When

Repairing Single-Family Homes After a Storm

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

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evastating storms such as hurricanes, tornados, floods from thunderstorms, and the recent Texas freeze create a bonanza of work for contractors. From blown off roofs to busted pipes to fallen sheetrock, contractors rush in to assist homeowners in repairing damaged homes.

Challenges often crop up during construction, and some contractors scratch their head on how to proceed in obtaining the proper permits.

Below are questions that the PermitUsNow team has received from contractors over the last few weeks: • “Hi Helen, we still have at least 2 months of single-family residential repair work from the recent freeze. We have some customers who want us to expand rooms.

Can we knock out walls and install new windows with a general repair permit?”

• “The homeowner is wanting their bathroom to be ADA compliant since we are placing in new sheetrock and making other repairs to counters due to busted water pipes. Do we need a building permit for this new scope?”

• “City Code Enforcement stopped by and gave the homeowner a violation for converting their garage into a family room without a building permit. What is the best way to proceed, as we were only under contract to provide roof repairs?”

• We share with contractors several educational tips on when building permits are typically needed in most jurisdictions across the US. Note: Rural communities may and are often a different scenario.

For example, here are some tips that our team provided to contractors: Tip 1: Cosmetic repairs involving sheetrock, painting, new carpet, etc. do not require a permit. Contractors can proceed with tasks using quality workmanship.

Tip 2: Room expansions and additions involving moving structural walls require a set of plans and is to be submitted to the appropriate jurisdiction for permitting.

Tip 3: Depending on the full scope of work, ADA work such as widening bathroom doorways, tearing out walls to install new counters, adjusting plumbing, and installing a compliant shower stall with handheld bars normally require a building permit.

To avoid getting caught up in permit-

etc. A set of architectural and structural plans will be required, and changing the overall square feet of the home may trigger a set of civil plans.

3rd Consideration: Make sure to use the jurisdiction's checklist on permitting residential homes. Adhering to this list can minimize frustrations once fully into construction and if the homeowner wants to change the scope.

In Conclusion ting woes when repairing single-family homes after a storm, below are 3 areas to consider before starting work.

1st Consideration: Make sure to fully assess damage to the home and review with homeowner findings to determine if the work is cosmetic or general repairs. Pull general repair permit where needed based on jurisdiction where work is being performed.

2nd Consideration: From our experience, after incurring severe storm damage, we often know that homeowners like to finally have their long time dreams come true in expanding a family room, creating an extra bedroom, or expanding the kitchen. If this is the case with your customer, make sure to pull a building permit that covers demolishing walls, building new structural walls, expanding the roof,

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Storms cause destruction to all types of properties, including single-family homes. This presents an opportunity for contractors to not only be of service to those homeowners in need, but also allows contractors to grow their business.

Remember the educational tips mentioned above to avoid permitting problems and when experiencing delays in completing home repairs.

If you have any interesting stories about obtaining permits for home repairs, please call me at 1.844.

PERMIT.4. I would love to hear your story. Visit PermitUsNow at www.permitusnow.com to find out more about our permitting services. #Buildsafe

April 2021 | 19

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20 | April 2021

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April 2021 | 21

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22 | April 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

LEGAL

LEGAL

US Department of Labor Files Lawsuit Alleging Texas Hotel Operator Illegally Fired Worker Who Sought Medical Care for Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Mayor Turner Appoints

Office of Business Opportunity Advisory Board

By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Newswire

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ith unanimous support from City Council on March 24, Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) Advisory Board – Rogelio Pombrol, Alicia Jimerson, Edgartt Melton, Craig Williams, Grace Rodriguez, Brandi Harleaux, Suzan Deison, Adriana Gonzalez, Nicholas Morgan, Thom Ronk, Alan Bergeron, Raoul Keddy, Marlon Mitchell, Laura Jaramillo, and Christina Moore.

Comprised of representatives from the business community, the Advisory Board will assist OBO in advancing its mission to cultivate a competitive and diverse economic environment in the City of Houston, with special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.

Brandi Harleaux, Chief Operations Officer for Post Oak Recycling Center, will serve as this year’s board chair. She has served on the OBO Advisory Board since 2018. Before becoming successor to her 25-year old metal recycling company, Harleaux worked as a strategic leader and consultative talent management and organization development executive within highly matrixed and complex Fortune 500 companies.

“As a business owner, I realize and see the need and value of the OBO department within the City of Houston,” Harleaux said. “I look forward to getting the ball rolling in collaboration with the rest of the Advisory Board as we focus on short, medium, and long term goals in supporting the Mayor’s Office of Business Opportunity.”

Serving part of her tenure at the onset of the pandemic, Harleaux said the support and access needed

by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises became more apparent, especially given the emerging opportunities that have been birthed in today’s economic and societal climate. She aims to lead the board in assisting OBO to increase its visibility and reach within the small business community, create a space for communication and input from certified firms, and ensure OBO has access to resources needed to offer programs that have maximum impact.

Roger Pombrol, President of Emerald Standard Services – an electrical contracting and engineering firm – will serve as vice-chair. Pombrol also serves on the board of the National Association of Minority Contractors Greater Houston Chapter as Executive Vice Chair and Chair of the Education Committee. He is also a graduate of Accelerate Latinx, an executive education capacity-building program offered by OBO. “The OBO Advisory Board is comprised of outstanding individuals with the insight, experience and dedication to helping provide equal access and opportunities to Houston’s entrepreneurs and the minority, women and small business community,” said OBO Director Marsha Murray. “On behalf of the entire OBO team, I am grateful for their time and commitment to helping us execute our mission and meet our goals.”

For more information, please visit www.houstontx.gov.

All Seasons Hospitality and Investments LLC, owner Tanvir Shahmohd named in court action

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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ecently, a worker at a Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel in Waller alerted their employer that exposure to carbon monoxide made them ill and asked the employer to call an ambulance. In addition to refusing the worker’s request, the employer allegedly threatened to terminate the employee. After going to the hospital, the worker was terminated.

Following an investigation on the employee’s behalf, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration filed a lawsuit alleging that the hotel’s operator, All Seasons Hospitality and Investments LLC and its owner, Tanvir Shahmohd fired the employee for engaging in protected activity, in violation of federal law.

“All Seasons Hospitality and Investments LLC and Tanvir Shahmohd violated the employee’s rights by terminating them for reporting unsafe working conditions and seeking medical care,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Eric S. Harbin in Dallas. “The U.S. Department of Labor provides protections for workers who exercise their right to raise safety concerns without the fear of retaliation.”

Filed on March 25, 2021, the department’s suit asks the court to order the defendants to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s anti-retaliation provisions, reinstate the employee, expunge the employee’s personnel record and pay the employee back wages, interest, compensatory and punitive damages and other remedies.

“When employers retaliate against their workers for seeking necessary medical treatment, the department will work vigorously to secure the appropriate legal redress for workers,” said Dallas Regional Solicitor of Labor John Rainwater. “The U.S. Department of Labor is dedicated to ensuring safe and healthful working conditions in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act.” OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of the OSH Act and more than 20 whistleblower statutes These statutes protect employees from retaliation for reporting violations of 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 and tax laws; as well as for engaging in other related protected activities.

For more information, please visit www.osha.gov.

Source: City of Houston

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Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration

April 2021 | 23

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

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24 | April 2021

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

OIL AND GAS

OIL AND GAS

Marathon Oil

Announces $500 Million Gross Debt Reduction

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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OUSTON, Marathon Oil Corporation announced today that it sent an irrevocable notice of its intention to fully redeem its currently outstanding $500 million aggregate principal amount of 2.8% Senior Notes Due 2022 (the "Notes") on April 29, 2021 (the "Redemption Date"). This transaction will reduce gross debt by $500 million and annual cash interest expense by $14 million.

"Today's announcement represents swift follow through on our commitment to reduce our gross debt by at least $500 million in 2021," said Chairman, President and CEO Lee Tillman. "This action is a strong step toward ensuring at least 30% of our cash flow from operations is directed toward investor friendly purposes. It is also consistent with our objective to continue improving our investment-grade balance sheet through gross debt reduction and fully addresses our next significant debt maturity. We continue to believe maintaining a strong balance sheet is foundational to successfully executing our strategy of sustainable free cash flow generation and meaningful return of capital to investors across a wide range of commodity prices."

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the redemption and the Company's future performance and business strategy, are forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipate,"

"believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "outlook," "plan," "positioned," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would," or similar words may be used to identify forward-looking statements; however, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. While the Company believes its assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to: conditions in the oil and gas industry, including supply/demand levels for crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas and the resulting impact on price; changes in expected reserve or production levels; changes in political or economic conditions in the U.S. and Equatorial Guinea, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and inflation rates; actions taken by the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia affecting the production and pricing of crude oil; other global and domestic political, economic or diplomatic developments; capital available for exploration and development; risks related to the Company's hedging activities; voluntary or involuntary curtailments, delays or cancellations of certain drilling activities; well production timing; liability resulting from litigation; drilling and operating risks; lack of, or disruption in, access to storage capacity, pipelines or other transportation methods; availability of drilling rigs, materials and labor, including the costs associated therewith; difficulty in obtaining necessary approvals and permits; non-performance by third parties of contractual obligations; unforeseen hazards such as weather conditions, a health pandemic (including COVID-19), acts of war or terrorist acts and the government or military response thereto; cyber-attacks; changes in safety, health, environmental, tax and other regulations, requirements or initiatives, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change, air emissions, or water management; other geological, operating and economic considerations; and the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties described in the Company's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other public filings and press releases, available at https://ir.marathonoil.com/. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Marathon Oil Corporation

Appointment of New Chair and Other Board and Committee Changes

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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he Board of Directors of Royal Dutch Shell plc (the "Company") has announced the appointment of Sir Andrew Mackenzie as the new Company Chair with effect from the conclusion of Shell’s 2021 Annual General Meeting, scheduled for May 18, 2021. Andrew will succeed Chad Holliday who will step down on May 18 having served as Chair for six years and as a Board Director since September 2010.

Andrew Mackenzie, a British national, joined Shell’s Board in October 2020, after a distinguished career in the energy, petrochemicals and resources sector, latterly as Group CEO of BHP from 2013 to 2019. From 2004 to 2007, at Rio Tinto, he was Head of Industrial Minerals and Diamonds. Prior to this, over a 22-year career at BP, he held senior leadership roles in exploration, research and development, and chemicals. His contributions to geochemistry and earth science led to his appointment as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2014, and he received a knighthood in 2020 for his services to business, science and technology. Andrew brings to Shell his experience of leadership, his global outlook, and a deep understanding of the energy business and climate action.

The search for the new Chair was led by Euleen Goh, Deputy Chair and Senior Independent Director. The thorough and robust process included engagement with some of Shell’s larger investors, seeking input on the skills, attributes and sector knowledge that they considered important for the role. In addition to proven experience of leading a large, complex international organisation, the requirement was for someone with significant experience in capital discipline and with the ability to balance, and judge the timing, of the transformational changes that Shell needs to make.

Chad Holliday said: “I am delighted to welcome Andrew as my successor. I have nothing but confidence in Shell’s bright future – the challenges of the past year only strengthened my conviction in the Company as I watched colleagues across the business find strength to sustain vital energy supplies in the most exceptional circumstances.

“Andrew brings a wealth of leadership and sustainability experience, scientific curiosity and commercial acumen that ideally equip him to help Shell navigate the energy transition and deliver on the far-reaching Powering Progress strategy.

His track record in business performance transformation also means he brings all the skills and rigour needed to guide Shell’s management in all their most significant decisions.”

Andrew said: "It is a privilege to be appointed Chair of this great Company, particularly at such a pivotal time for the industry and wider society. I am honoured to succeed Chad, whose chairmanship of the Board I have much admired and who I know will be warmly remembered. I have been delighted already to have played a part in the shaping of the compelling strategy that Shell has recently unveiled. I believe Shell has an exceptional portfolio of future-facing assets and I look forward to working with Ben van Beurden and the Board to profitably accelerate Shell’s transition into a net-zero emissions energy business that continues to generate substantial value for shareholders, customers and communities alike.”

Ben van Beurden, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royal Dutch Shell plc, said: “Chad’s first-class frontline business experience, tireless commitment to the highest standards and clear vision were all instrumental in making Shell the resilient business we have shown ourselves to be. We thank him for his leadership over the last decade.

“I am looking forward to working with Andrew. We are emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic with a clear and distinct strategy that I believe will enable us to seize the opportunities presented by the energy transition. I cannot think of anyone better than Andrew to take this role.”

For more information, please visit www.shell.com.

Source: Shell Oil Company / Royal Dutch Shell

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TRANSPORTATION

Dallas City Council Approves DART D2 Subway Resolution

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

R

ecently, the Dallas City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) D2 Subway project, a second light rail line through downtown Dallas that will extend from Victory Park to Deep Ellum. The resolution includes a commitment to continue to work towards addressing community concerns on the east end of the alignment.

“The DART D2 Subway project is an important regional project,” explained Paul N. Wageman, chair of the DART Board of Directors. “The second light rail alignment through downtown Dallas is a long-term investment in mass transit to support both the city’s and the region’s goals of a more walkable, transit-oriented and sustainable region. The DART Board appreciates the Dallas City Council’s continued support of this transportation initiative.”

The DFW area continues to experience unprecedented growth, with new businesses and residents moving to the area every day. The primary purpose of the D2 Subway project is to add long-term passenger carrying capacity to the DART light rail system and provide operational flexibility and added reliability – especially important for the thousands of riders that use the DART system every day to get to work, services, and school.

DART began planning for the D2 Subway project in 2007 and the 30% level of preliminary design was completed in October of 2020. DART will continue to work with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request re-entry into the Capital Investment Grant program engineering phase as a core capacity project. The first step in this process will be for the FTA to issue the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision along with the 30% design package. Public, agency and stakeholder involvement will continue to be integral to the process.

“The DART D2 Subway project demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the DART system and creating a more transit-oriented and accessible network for the benefit of our riders and the residents of North Texas,” said Wageman. “The next several months will be focused on continuing the collaborative, multi-agency effort among DART, the City of Dallas, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and TxDOT to evaluate any proposed refinements, enhancements, and/or modifications to the east end of the corridor in coordination with stakeholders.”

More information about the DART D2 Subway project can be found at www.dart.org/D2.

Source: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

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TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION

Port Houston Marching Solidly Into Future Houston Channel Expansion Progressing and Port Improvements Continue

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

RRC Continues Work

To Assist Legislature With Winter Storm Response

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

I

n the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, the Railroad Commission has worked diligently with the Texas Legislature, other state agencies, and industry stakeholders to provide meaningful solutions to the challenges that our state faced during the storm.

In response to the recent hearings in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Chairman Christi Craddick offered several tangible and responsible recommendations to legislators. Understanding that electricity is the best winterization tool, the proposals discussed include: • Formalize the Texas Energy Reliability Council (TERC) – TERC is comprised of members from the RRC, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the Public Utility Commission, and members of the natural gas industry. Strengthening this group through statute would allow these key stakeholders to improve communication and ensure emergency preparedness.

• Convene an RRC administrative hearing to consider and update curtailment priorities – The RRC took proactive actions and issued an energy order to elevate human needs customers to a high priority prior to Winter Storm Uri. The current curtailment priorities for natural gas transport and sale were established in 1972, and an updated order is timely.

• Ensure that critical oil and gas infrastructure is appropriately registered with ERCOT and electric utilities – Ensuring that electricity providers grant these critical energy producing facilities priority status is crucial to preventing power outages in the future.

• Require natural gas-fired electric generators to secure firm gas transportation capacity and adequate natural gas supply – Thorough examination of these contracting procedures is key to understanding the limitations experienced by these power plants. The state should explore all additional storage options and contracting methods for these facilities.

“This agency is uniquely positioned to leverage the best practices utilized by both the industries we regulate and the regulatory strategies we employ to be part of

he Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met virtually in a regular session recently. Port Chairman Campo opened the meeting with an update on the progress of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion program Project 11 “It’s moving from planning and design into execution and moving dirt this year,” he said.

Chairman Campo then said the next steps are to negotiate the Project Partnership Agreement, or PPA, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, initiate those parts of the project that Port Houston can start, and continue exploring how the industry will contribute to project costs.

the solution in the wake of Winter Storm Uri,” said Chairman Craddick. “I am committed to working with my colleagues here at the Commission and at the Capitol to develop meaningful solutions that protect all Texans moving forward.”

“Texas cannot afford to come within minutes of total electric grid system failure ever again,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “It is important for state agencies and the industries we regulate to be proactive in our communication and coordination with one another to ensure our constituents have access to reliable energy when they need it most.”

“Identifying and monitoring critical infrastructure prior to extreme weather events is a crucial part of our path forward,” said Commissioner Jim Wright. “This along with increased communication through TERC will ensure we are able to plan and prepare for weather events much better in the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues and staff at the Commission to implement these and other measures as we learn and move forward from winter storm Uri.”

The Chairman also emphasized that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has committed to implement its “New Start” authority, and federal appropriations for the first contracts for Segment 1A, before the fourth quarter of this year. He also highlighted the significant public interest in the Project 11 microsite https://www. expandthehoustonshipchannel.com/.

In his operational update, Executive Director Roger Guenther reported that cargo volumes in March have been solid, and indications are that this level of activity would continue through at least mid-year.

He said, however, “not surprisingly,” both container volume and export loads were down in February due to the winter storm. “Production of petrochemical products like resin was hampered because many facilities were down due to the storm, but we think that production will recover soon,” Guenther said.

Commission actions taken at the meeting supported continued investment in growth, including approving a lease agreement with Portwall Partners, Ltd. for resin packaging operations at a 55- plus acre site near the Bayport Container Terminal. The next regular Port Commission meeting is scheduled for April 27.

Source: The Railroad Commission of Texas

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Source: The Port of Houston Authority

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