From Left to Right: Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr., Carlecia Wright, Port Houston's Chief Business Equity Officer, Hopeton Hay, Executive Director, Office of HUB Programs The University of Texas System, Gabriela Zambrano, MBA, Associate Director and Small Business Liaison Officer HUB & Federal Small Business Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Mr. Leslie Williams, Deputy Chief, Dallas Independent School District.
BEHIND THE JOURNAL
PUBLISHER & CEO
Keith J. Davis, Sr.
CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR
Kimberly Floyd
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Eugenie Doualla
Vice President Business Development
Donald R. Rawls, MBA
EDITOR
Erica Ponder
CREATIVE MANAGER
Emma Aguiñaga
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kendra Wiseman
WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Edward Sanchez
PODCAST STUDIO MANAGER
Darrell Jimerson, Jr.
VIDEO EDITING INTERN
Jaqkolbi Wesley
SR. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Chivon Jones
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Ronda Damon
PHOTOGRAPHY
Grady Carter
DISTRIBUTION
Carneal Addison
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stacy M. Brown
Helen Callier
Darrance Tezino
We would like to thank every prime contractor, subcontractor, diverse supplier, agency and professional who attended this year’s Top 25 Prime Contractors, Subcontractors and Supplier Diversity Awards Luncheon. I find it extremely rewarding that we at Subcontractors USA can highlight those in the industries of engineering, architecture, construction, transportation, IT, petrochemical, oil and gas, energy and manufacturing who work together to foster diversity in Texas’ business world.
We find joy in honoring the companies that meet their minority participation goals, striving to be the bridge that fosters growth in the state of Texas for certified women,
CONTENTS
Greg Casar Delivers $850K for Huston-Tillotson
Mayor Whitmire Announces Compromise... Phase II
Biden Administration Sets New Standards for
“This annual event celebrates those who are contributing to Texas’ economic growth and prosperity.”
— Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.
veteran and minority-owned businesses that want to work with their larger counterparts. We realize it is important to be inclusive, and so does this year’s group of deserving honorees. This annual event celebrates those who are contributing to Texas’ economic growth and prosperity. Subcontractors USA also takes great pride and pleasure in honoring top prime contractors and agencies who open doors for subcontractors to participate in business opportunities that were once beyond their reach.
Congratulations again to all the honorees. The work that you all are doing is not in vain and you deserve these accolades for your achievements in the industry and your contributions to the community!
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Instruments Unveils 1st
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CERTIFIED: HMSDC Port Houston Metro City of Houston HISD HUB VBE DBE
Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr.
POWERHOUSE ENTERS DFW MARKET WITH NEW IRVING-LAS COLINAS DATA CENTER
one million-square-foot data center campus that will deliver 200 MW of power when completed.
arrison Street, one of the leading investment management firms focused on alternative real assets and PowerHouse Data Centers, a leading real estate partner for next-generation hyperscale data centers and division of American Real Estate Partners, announced the completed land purchase of 50 acres in Irving-Las Colinas, a community located within the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the second largest data center market in the country.
The site, located at 111 Customer Way, will be home to PowerHouse Irving, a nearly
PowerHouse Irving is the third multi-phased data center development to be announced this year, following PowerHouse Reno in Nevada and PowerHouse 95 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The campus includes three powered shell data centers totaling over 946,000 square feet, with a total power load of 67 MW per building. The site has immediate access to permanent power from an existing adjacent substation, serviced by Oncor, the largest energy delivery company in Texas. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with the first powered shell set to be
delivered by late 2025.
"I want to welcome PowerHouse and its partners to Irving. As we continue to demonstrate, our city is a prime destination for vital data infrastructure projects," said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer. "Our skilled workforce, transportation links, central location, and ease of doing business attract companies ready to build the base for future high technology applications."
"Location, speed to market, and power performance are critical to everything we do. Irving-Las Colinas has developed into a hugely important connectivity hub with major financial influence, and is an
integral part of the Dallas market which has the fourth-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the nation and the 20th largest economy in the world," said PowerHouse CEO & Founder Doug Fleit.
We are excited to deliver the first of several planned projects to serve one of the most dynamic data center markets in the world —and provide firstrate connectivity solutions for hyperscale customers.
Centrally located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Irving-Las Colinas is known as Texas' "Headquarters of Headquarters," with more Fortune 500 corporate headquarters per capita than any city in Texas. The city boasts unmatched transportation links, with access to multiple highways and public transportation. IrvingLas Colinas companies have access to 4.4 million skilled workers, all within a 30-minute commute of the city.
"Dallas is an established data center market that is seeing significant growth and serves as a major hyperscale compute cluster for the central region," said Michael Hochanadel, Managing Director & Head of Digital at Harrison Street. "We are leveraging our valued partnership with PowerHouse to deliver much-needed capacity to this high growth area, meeting escalating demanddriven cloud, AI, and other use cases."
Source: PowerHouse Data Centers
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO PROVIDES FUNDING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY CONSTRUCTION
the impacts of construction to our small businesses."
• The Alamo (Area Streets)
• Bynum Avenue Phase 2 (W. Mayfield Blvd to W. Gerald Ave)
TO BE ELIGIBLE, APPLICANTS MUST:
• Have a minimum of $10,000 in gross sales in 2022.
• Have owned the business and have a formation date on or before Jan. 1, 2022.
• Demonstrate net profit/loss in 2022 that is at least $5,000 greater than net/profit loss in 2023.
• Be a retail or service business that requires customer foot traffic for operations.
• Grant awards are limited to one per business at each physical address within the City of San Antonio. Grant applicants with multiple businesses in eligible construction zones are eligible to receive more than one grant award if the applicant can financially differentiate between the businesses (e.g., provide separate financial statements for each business) and each business meets all of the eligibility criteria.
pplications are open for the City of San Antonio’s Small Business Construction Support grant. The program offers targeted relief to small businesses impacted by construction-related loss of revenue tied to specific city-initiated projects.
Qualifying businesses may receive up to $35,000 in grant funding to help offset demonstrated losses in 2023 compared to 2022. This program was announced by the City of San Antonio in May of 2024 and is being administered in partnership with LiftFund.
"San Antonio is continually growing and thriving," City Manager Erik Walsh said. “To keep up with growth, the city values and supports infrastructural upgrades and improvement projects. We prioritize resources and opportunities like this to help alleviate
This targeted program is tied to eight specific construction zones in which work commenced between June 2020 and February 2023. Applications will be scored based on assessed need and will not be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.
ELIGIBLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
AREAS INCLUDE:
• Broadway Street Corridor (E Houston to E Hildebrand)
• Bulverde Road Phase 1 (Butterleigh Drive to North of Quiet Meadow Street)
• Zona Cultural Streets
• Santa Rosa- Cesar E. Chavez to Martin
• San Saba- Nueva to Martin
• Commerce- Frio to Santa Rosa
• Gevers Drainage (Cosgrove to Minnetonka)
• South Presa (SE Military to Southcross Blvd)
• South Alamo Street (Market Street to Cesar E. Chavez)
• Meet the SBA Size standard for small business.
• Demonstrate net profit/loss in 2021 that is at least $10,000 greater than net/profit loss in 2022. Net profit/loss is based on Line 29 of Schedule C, Line 30 of 1120, Line 21 of 1120S or Line 22 of 1065.
• Be currently in operation and have not filed for bankruptcy at any point in the application process.
• Be located within an eligible construction zone and remain for one year from the date of the grant award.
• Not be in the following categories: nonprofits, gambling/gaming businesses; franchisors; sexually oriented businesses; payday & auto loan providers; liquor stores; and businesses in which a city employee or officer has a financial interest, as defined in Sec. 2-53 of the city’s ethics code.
• Be the majority owner of the business or equal share owner with a partner.
Funds received through this program may be applied to any of these approved business expenses: working capital, machinery, and equipment, payroll/health care benefits, contract labor, supplier payments, rent/lease/ mortgage payments tied to business property, utility payments tied to business property, and costs incurred due to critical business operations. They cannot be used to make distributions to owners/investors or to acquire new assets.
Applications close on July 15, 2024. Additional details are provided on the grant program website, including a registration link for an info session on June 21. Small businesses with questions may call LiftFund at 800-923-9551.
The city also partnered with LiftFund to offer zero percent interest small business loans, which began in February 2024. Funding is still available to qualified applicants, with more information provided on the loan program website.
Source: City of San Antonio
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Photo courtesy of PowerHouse Data Centers
YOU’RE INVITED PUBLIC
MEETING
CHANGES FOR THE BETTER
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) invites you to the I-45 NHHIP Public Meeting, Thursday, July 18, 2024. The purpose of the meeting is to update the public on the overall project status, the upcoming construction schedule, design refinements and details regarding the Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA). The open house format allows you to come at any time during the two hour event and receive the information you need.
This public meeting will be in-person only and will primarily focus on Segment 3, specifically Segment 3B-1, which includes the construction of a drainage project along St. Emanuel Street, scheduled to begin this fall.
All feedback must be received or postmarked by Friday, August 2, 2024.
CONGRESSMAN GREG CASAR DELIVERS $850K FOR HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY RENOVATIONS
renovate two residence halls and the 1960s student union.
Cof our on-campus residence halls. This significant investment will enhance the overall student experience and contribute to our mission of maintaining an environment of academic excellence,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, president of HustonTillotson University.
We are going from First to Foremost. With your support, we indeed forging ahead into a future where our students are not only first in our minds but foremost in our actions. Your dedication to education and student welfare serves as a shining example of positive change that can be achieved through philanthropy,
said Breyanna Jones, student government association vice president of Huston-Tillotson University.
“This funding is absolutely vital for our students. As a private institution, we don't rely on public funds from the state. Being the oldest learning institution in Austin, it's imperative that we upgrade our infrastructure to meet the needs of our students and faculty,” said Dianne T. Land, Trustee of Huston-Tillotson University. “This funding presents a crucial opportunity for us to make those necessary improvements.”
ongressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) joined HustonTillotson University leaders, students, and Black Austinites on Friday, April 26 to celebrate his office securing $850,000 for the university in this year’s congressional budget.
The $850,000 grant will be used by Huston-Tillotson to
“Huston-Tillotson is part of the beating heart of East Austin,” said Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas). “We want to make sure HT’s students can afford to live here. These students are the future leaders of Travis County.”
“Investing in our campus infrastructure is vital for providing students with a conducive learning environment. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Casar and others who were instrumental in securing this award for the renovation
CONSTRUCTION
This federal funding was made possible through the Community Project Funding process for the Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills. Huston-Tillotson applied for the grant through Casar’s office last year. It was approved in the first round of the appropriations government funding packages that passed the U.S. House on March 6 and signed by President Joe Biden on March 9, 2024.
Source: Huston-Tillotson University
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AND UNION PACIFIC PARTNER TO REVAMP RITTIMAN ROAD
RAILROAD CROSSING
TBy Subcontractors USA News Provider By Subcontractors USA
he City of San Antonio and Union Pacific inked an agreement on Thursday, June 20 to begin revamping the railroad crossing at Rittiman Road and I-35.
During the session, the city council approved a Reimbursement Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services for the Rittiman Road Grade Separation Project. The much-
anticipated revamp will help residents avoid spending too much time waiting for a train to pass.
District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez issued the following statement:
“District 2 has the highest number of railroad crossings in the city, and this specific project is a welcome sign that the city is one step closer to eliminating this railroad crossing. I want to thank Union Pacific for their collaboration on this effort.
Our next step will be to complete the project design and to identify opportunities to fund this roughly $55 million project.
“It is an ambitious project, but we hope it will be a game changer for those living and working in the area, who often spend 45-50 minutes stuck waiting for the train to pass.”
Source: City of San Antonio
Photo courtesy of Huston-Tillotson University
Keith “MR. D -MARS” Davis, Sr.
MAYOR WHITMIRE ANNOUNCES COMPROMISE
ON SHEPHERD DURHAM PHASE II PROJECT
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
ayor John Whitmire and the Memorial Heights TIRZ have reached a compromise on the design of the Shepherd Durham Phase II project that maintains the terms of the federal grant, preserves general mobility, and creates transportation options while enhancing drainage and wastewater infrastructure.
This latest development was data-driven utilizing an updated traffic analysis and INRIX Trip Analytic s.
The mayor says he appreciates the TIRZ providing additional data to move the project forward for the benefit of Houstonians. The next step is for the city council to approve an interlocal agreement in the coming weeks.
According to a news release from the mayor’s office, the project preserves the standard widths of general-purpose lanes on Shepherd and Durham, and the number and width of these lanes for two blocks of 11th Street. It also re-establishes four lanes on 11th Street for one block east of Shepherd, while adding bike lanes and 6-foot-wide sidewalks for the entire project.
Additionally, left turn lanes are strategically included at specific locations based on data analysis to improve traffic flow.
Source: City of Houston
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SETS NEW STANDARDS FOR
VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKETS TO DRIVE CLIMATE ACTION
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
resident Joe Biden has led a momentous climate agenda, marking significant achievements through legislation and executive action.
The Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark climate investment, and executive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all economic sectors are clear demonstrations of this commitment. Under Biden’s Investing in America agenda, over $860 billion in business investments have been sparked in futurefocused industries such as electric vehicles, clean energy, and semiconductors, bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. In a fact sheet, the White House noted that
these investments are not only creating new manufacturing and clean energy jobs but also breathing new life into previously overlooked communities.
The Biden-Harris Administration said it remains committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
officials noted in the fact sheet.
Key officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, have co-signed a Joint Statement of Policy and new Principles for Responsible Participation in Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) as part of this vision. These principles lay out the U.S. government’s strategy for advancing high-integrity VCMs, ensuring they drive credible climate action and economic opportunity.
Officials said high-integrity VCMs can significantly enhance decarbonization by providing reliable revenue streams for various projects and practices, including nature-based solutions and innovative climate technologies. However, the White House contends that current challenges in VCMs, such as unreliable crediting methodologies and insufficient decarbonization outcomes, necessitate further action.
The administration’s new principles address these issues by establishing robust standards for carbon credit supply and demand, improving market functioning, ensuring fair treatment of all participants, and instilling
This commitment is not just about the environment, but also about creating economic opportunities across diverse American businesses, from rural farms to innovative tech companies and historically underserved entrepreneurs,
market confidence.
The specific principles for responsible participation in VCMs are designed to ensure that the market operates with integrity. These principles include ensuring carbon credits represent real decarbonization, avoiding environmental and social harm, supporting co-benefits and inclusive benefits-sharing, prioritizing emissions reductions within corporate value chains, and maintaining transparency and high standards in credit use. The aim is to prevent greenwashing and ensure that VCMs are a tool for emissions reduction, not a replacement for them.
The Biden-Harris Administration is also advancing efforts to develop VCMs, including initiatives to create new climate opportunities for farmers and forest landowners, conduct first-of-its-kind credit purchases, and advance carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology. For instance, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing programs to help farmers and forest landowners participate in VCMs. At the same time, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $35 million Carbon Dioxide Removal Purchase Pilot Prize and other investments in CDR technologies. Source: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire
CENTERPOINT ENERGY AWARDS NEARLY $230K IN GRANTS TO COMMUNITIES TO FUND SAFETY-RELATED PROJECTS
This year, CenterPoint Energy's Community Safety Grant program awarded more than 90 grants totaling nearly $230,000 in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas to fund safety-related
equipment and projects in local communities.
“At CenterPoint Energy, safety is one of our core values and influences every decision we make as we provide safe and reliable energy solutions for the customers and communities we're honored to serve," said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy.
Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we support the work our emergency responders, local officials and many others do to help support the health and safety of our customers across our local communities.
CenterPoint awards grants of up to $2,500 through this program to support local communities in filling funding gaps that may exist in acquiring safety materials. Each community that CenterPoint serves can submit a grant application with information on a safety-related problem, issue or need in the community and how a Community Safety Grant could address those needs.
Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint Energy has funded more than 1,600 safety-related projects and awarded over $3.25 million in grants to communities throughout the company's six-state footprint for their safety initiatives. These grants have enabled communities to install public AEDs (automated external defibrillators), update emergency communication equipment, purchase personal protective equipment for first responders, install traffic control signs, purchase gas monitoring devices and many other projects. To learn more about how CenterPoint is supporting the communities it serves, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/ Community.
Source: CenterPoint Energy
The University
of Houston
continues to grow not just in student population but also in the construction of new buildings such as the John M. O’ Quinn Law Building and Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
UH’s facilities growth includes the continuous need to procure a variety of non-construction goods and services, all of which undergirds UH’s recognition as an institutional “Powerhouse.”
TSU'S BULLARD CENTER AND CLEAN ENERGY FUND OF TEXAS SELECTED FOR $156M GRANT FROM EPA 'SOLAR FOR ALL' PROGRAM
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $156 million grant to a joint initiative between Texas Southern University's Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice and the Clean Energy Fund of Texas. This initiative is designed to provide community solar and energy resiliency infrastructure to lowincome communities in southern and southeastern states.
The grant, through the EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund’s “Solar for All” program, is one of the largest awards of its kind.
“This funding will change the course of solar energy and equity across Texas and the South,” said Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy and Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice at Texas Southern University. “Southern states bear a disproportionate burden of high energy costs and climate pollution and now – with this funding – we can turn the tide.”
The Bullard Center, in partnership with the Clean Energy Fund of Texas, will facilitate the development of residentialserving community solar projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities on the front lines of energy policy and grid vulnerability challenges. Projects will drive expected emissions reductions, household utility bill savings, generate direct shared revenues through community ownership, and
mobilize private capital.
The proposal targets the deployment of solar and battery resources anchored at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Tribal College and Universities.
“We are grateful to the EPA for selecting this multifaceted project as part of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Solar for All program,” said Billy Briscoe, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Clean Energy Fund of Texas. “This partnership with minority-serving institutions of higher education will lower energy burden for low-income communities, jumpstart the green economy with the creation of jobs through workforce training programs, and provide energy resiliency after a climate event.”
The program will result in hundreds of millions of dollars of wealth creation in the affected communities and of private capital mobilization.
Texas Southern University is proud to be at the forefront of advancing this critically important work of environmental and climate justice with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s support,
said interim president Dr. Mary Evans Sias. “This is another example of the Bullard Center’s continued leadership in finding solutions for often-overlooked issues. We look forward to the tangible difference that will be made in underserved communities, and the economic opportunities that will be created as a result.”
The project will be based in Texas and operate in 19 states across the south and southeast.
Source: Texas Southern University
NATIONAL GRID RENEWABLES LAUNCHES COPPERHEAD SOLAR AND STORAGE PROJECT IN ERCOT
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
ational Grid Renewables announced the start of commercial operation at its Copperhead Solar and Storage Project (Copperhead) located in Falls County, Texas, further expanding the company's clean energy economic benefits across the Lonestar State.
Located in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market, Copperhead is a 150-megawatt (MW) solar and 100-megawatt hour (MWh) storage project that celebrated its groundbreaking in the fall of 2022. Copperhead is anticipated to contribute $25 million in direct economic impact, including $12 million in new tax revenue over the first 25 years of operation, a news release said. Additionally,
and unique to National Grid Renewables, the project will also contribute $600,000 through the Copperhead Community Fund to three volunteer fire departments and a youth athletic organization in Falls County, Texas.
"We continue to grow our renewable energy portfolio within the state of Texas and persist in our dedication to contributing positively to the economic well-being of the communities in which we operate,"
said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. "Copperhead signifies this commitment, and we look forward to continuing to be good neighbors and partners with the
Lonestar state and its residents."
"Falls County is grateful for all the support from National Grid Renewables, which has provided an invaluable resource to our community through the Copperhead Charitable Fund," said Jay T. Elliott, Falls County Judge. "The county is now able to provide additional services and personnel that would not be possible without the Copperhead Solar & Storage project."
In addition to the economic benefits that Copperhead will contribute to the state, there are significant environmental benefits as well. Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, the project is estimated to offset carbon dioxide emissions by 250,000 metric tons annually. This is equivalent to removing 55,000 cars from the road for one year.
Source: National Grid Renewables
Dr. Robert D. Bullard photo courtesy of TSU
Photo courtesy of National Grid Rewables
ENTERGY TEXAS PROPOSES NEW POWER PLANTS TO SUPPORT RAPID GROWTH IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Southeast Texas is experiencing extraordinary economic and population growth, leading to a significant rise in electricity demand and the urgent need for Entergy Texas to add 40% more generation capacity to its power grid in four years. To help address this challenge, Entergy Texas says it has filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to seek approval of two state-of-the-art natural gas power plants to be named Legend and Lone Star.
“The Legend and Lone Star Power Stations will address the critical need for increased power generation capacity, support
increased economic activity throughout the region, and pave the way for sustainable energy solutions that will benefit Southeast Texas for decades to come,” said Eliecer Viamontes, president and CEO of Entergy Texas. “These future-forward projects are projected to save customers approximately $370 million over the lifespan of the plants.”
THE LEGEND POWER STATION is a 754megawatt combined cycle combustion turbine facility that will be located in Port Arthur, Texas. This project will be carbon captureenabled and feature a hydrogen-capable combustion turbine. Upon completion, the $1.46 billion investment will produce enough reliable and sustainable energy to power nearly 190,000 homes–adding a significant amount of generation capacity to the Southeast
Texas power grid while striving to minimize environmental impacts.
THE LONE STAR POWER STATION is a 453-megawatt combustion turbine facility that will be located near Cleveland, Texas. The $753 million investment to further modernize the power grid features a hydrogen-capable combustion turbine. Once operational, Lone Star’s cutting-edge technology will provide enough efficient and affordable energy to power over 110,000 homes.
These proposed 24/7 dispatchable power generation resources are expected to be in service by 2028 and will bring a total of $2.8 billion in economic benefits to the region. Additionally, the construction and operation of these power plants will offer substantial employment opportunities for local communities.
“As Texas continues to grow, so does our need for more dispatchable, reliable power to help businesses in Southeast Texas and across our great state thrive,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “Entergy’s two new power stations will help bolster the electric grid, adding over 1,000 megawatts of generation capacity in four years. I thank Entergy Texas for working to bring $2.8 billion in economic investments to Southeast Texas and provide affordable power to hundreds of thousands of Texans. Together, we will power a bigger, better Texas.”
The Public Utility Commission of Texas will
consider approval of these critical power plants in the coming months. Entergy says that approval of the two projects will increase service reliability for all customers and support large-scale economic activity in the region like Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur LNG project.
“Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur LNG project has the potential to be one of the most significant energy export projects in the world, bringing U.S. energy to global markets and supporting job creation, economic prosperity and wellbeing here at home. This all starts with a resilient and sustainable electricity grid,” said Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra Infrastructure and Executive Vice President at Sempra. “We are pleased to see Entergy Texas progress its initiatives to serve Southeast Texas through additional power generation, and especially through the eventual utilization of low carbon solutions, including carbon capture, hydrogen generation and renewables.”
Entergy Texas’ dispatchable generation application is a critical step forward in the company’s Southeast Texas Energy Plan, also known as STEP Ahead. The strategic six-step plan aims to add an additional 1,600 MW of generation capacity to the power grid by 2028, critical transmission to get power where it’s needed, and grid-hardening projects to help Southeast Texas withstand extreme weather.
was created to provide opportunities for local small businesses to participate in contracting and procurement at HCC.
Program Recognitions
f Top 25 Supplier Diversity Champion (Subcontractor USA)
f Strategic Partner of the Year (GHBPF)
f Minority/Women Business Advocate of the Year (GPC)
f Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award (NPI)
NEW REFRACTORY ALLOY SHOWS 'EXCEPTIONAL' FRACTURE RESISTANCE AT 'VERY LOW' TEMPERATURES: TAMU RESEARCHERS
that contradicts this trend by exhibiting an unprecedented fracture toughness at very low temperatures due to its ability to form kink bands.
A
longside a team of researchers from across the nation, Dr. Enrique J. Lavernia, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the J. Mike Walker ‘66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, has discovered a refractory alloy
According to a news release, the findings showcase that this novel class of materials can show resistance to fracture in a wider range of temperatures, broadening their real-life applications.
To conduct this study, the researchers used a multidisciplinary
approach that involves synthesis and experiments to determine mechanical properties and detailed characterization using electron microscopy techniques to study these novel materials and their deformation behaviors.
The study investigated the mechanical properties of a refractory medium-entropy alloy made of niobium, molybdenum, tantalum and hafnium (NbTaTiHf).
To test the new alloy’s response to extreme environments, the researchers exposed the alloy to a wide range of temperatures, from 77 to 1473 Kelvin — the equivalent of - 321.07 Fahrenheit to 2191.73 Fahrenheit.
Research revealed that the alloy could retain strength and fracture toughness at these temperatures because of its ability to form kink bands. Kinks bands are deviations of a dislocation effect within a crystal structure that contain a change in the positioning of atoms. These dislocations allow atoms to slide over each other at low-stress levels on a glide plane.
The toughness of the discovered alloy is attributed to these dislocations, which promote strain hardening to form the kink bands, dispersing damage away from crack tips, researchers said.
Contrary to a generally accepted concept, body-centered cubic refractory alloys can possess extraordinary fracture toughness across cryogenic and high temperatures that arise from the coordinated glide of edge dislocations at a crack tip, which results in complex arrays of kink bands, said Lavernia.
This discovery of this potentially new mechanism could lead to increased applications for refractory alloys.
Source: Texas A&M University – Engineering
ONEOK Completes Acquisition of Gulf Coast NGL System
NEOK, Inc. announced that it has completed its acquisition of a system of natural gas liquids (NGL) pipelines from Easton Energy for approximately $280 million.
"The closing of this strategic acquisition provides immediate earnings, expands our natural gas liquids asset portfolio and accelerates ONEOK's ability to capture commercial synergies related to our recent acquisition of Magellan," said Pierce H. Norton II, ONEOK president and chief executive officer.
These new assets offer significant connectivity between critical Gulf Coast supply and demand centers.
The transaction includes approximately 450 miles of liquids products pipelines located in the strategic Gulf Coast market centers for NGLs, refined products and crude oil.
ONEOK plans to connect the pipelines to its Mont Belvieu, Texas, NGL infrastructure and ONEOK's Houston refined products and crude oil infrastructure.
Source: Oneok, Inc.
OIL & GAS
CONTRACTORS TOP PRIME
JE DUNN CONSTRUCTION
MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION
As a minority-owned publication and media company, myself and the Subcontractors USA team feel it is our obligation and privilege to celebrate the agencies that spend their money, time, and resources to give minority, women, and veteranowned businesses opportunities. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!
- Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.
Tellepsen is committed to diversity in all of our internal and external relationships and is proud to be recognized by Subcontractors USA for our continued efforts. We will always make sure that we are doing the work to be ‘A Company For All!’
- Alvin Rucker, Director of
Tellepsen
Carlecia Wright, Moderator Chief Business Equity Officer, Port Houston
Carlecia Wright is an award-winning social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist with an extraordinary track record in developing strategies that level the playing field and reduce barriers for underrepresented, marginalized, and disadvantaged individuals and communities. She is the Chief Business Equity Officer for Port Houston, where she is charged with providing vision, leadership, and guidance for the port’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. In this role, she serves as a member of the executive leadership team, ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusion are infused into the port’s culture.
Hopeton Hay
Executive Director, Office of HUB Programs at the University of Texas System
Hopeton Hay has served as Executive Director of the Office of Historically Underutilized Business Programs for the University of Texas System since 2012. His team is currently managing HUB opportunities and compliance on over $7.5 billion of major capital projects at campuses across the state. He was recently honored with the 2024 Minority Business Development Agency Distinguished Supplier Diversity Champion of the Year Award for the El Paso region from the MBDA Business Center-El Paso.
Gabriela Zambrano, MBA
Associate Director and Small Business Liaison Officer, HUB & Federal Small Business Program
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Gabriela Zambrano is an experienced and innovative associate director with a proven record of leadership, integrity, and significant accomplishments in managing diversity programs. Her team, with a pivotal role, is tasked with increasing HUB participation to support the monumental $10 billion 10-year expansion plan at MD Anderson.
Leslie Williams
Deputy Chief, Special Projects and M/WBE, Dallas Independent School District
Leslie Williams has 45 years of experience in the field of education. In his career, he has served Dallas ISD as a teacher, principal, executive director, assistant superintendent, and now as deputy chief. His passion for supporting minority companies has been heightened through the efforts of Dallas ISD's MinorityWomen Business Enterprise Department’s goal to increase the utilization of minority businesses.
Our SpawGlass team felt great gratitude being nominated and presented a Subcontractors USA Prime Diversity Award. In our drive to provide our clients with the absolute best construction experience, we recognize it takes innovation, creativity and progress to foster diverse subcontractor partnerships. Being a part of the Subcontractors USA Diversity Luncheon and being afforded the opportunity to hear the stories and experiences of the diversity panel and recipients serves to reinforce SpawGlass’ commitment to continue championing work opportunities with the many great MWBE and HUB contractors throughout Houston and our great State of Texas.
- Aaron Bradford, Operations Manager of SpawGlass
LUNCHEON EXPO &
MR. D-MARS/Subcontractors USA, you and your team had another phenomenal and successful event. I am going to start calling you, ‘The Connector!’ METRO’s OEBO team hosted a booth at the event again this year, and I was able to connect and reconnect with several firms that provided a service that METRO needs and utilizes. I was also amazed to see so many organizations from out-of-town host booths speak in the break-out sessions and show a passion and concern for wanting to help small, women-owned and minority-owned firms. METRO was honored to be considered a Supplier Diversity Champion again this year and we look forward to next year’s annual event that’s helping to make a difference in the lives of small business owners.
- Shurronda Murray, METRO's Manager for Outreach and Business Development
CHAMPIONS
H-E-B
DALLAS
DALLAS COUNTY
Office of Small Business Enterprise
At Dallas County, we embrace and support an inclusive culture where all are respected, their contributions are encouraged and valued, while we seek sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes for all.
This commitment extends to our inclusive supply chain, where our mission is to exhaust every effort to the greatest extent possible, ensuring the participation and utilization of Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) in the County’s procurement of goods, services, commodities, equipment, and construction.
Learn more about our commitment to supplier inclusion at www.dallascounty.org/sbe.
WILDFIRE ENERGY ANNOUNCES BOLD-ON EAGLE FORD ACQUISITION
By Subcontractors USA
ildFire Energy I LLC announced on Monday, June 3 the acquisition of approximately 16,000 net acres of leasehold and 58 operated wells in the East Texas Eagle Ford from an undisclosed seller.
With the acquisition, WildFire will operate more than 2,000 wells on 873,000 net acres in the eastern Eagle Ford encompassing Fayette, Bastrop, Lee, Austin, Washington, Burleson, Brazos, Milam, Robertson, Madison, and Grimes
counties of Texas. This acquisition follows WildFire's recently announced agreement to acquire Apache Corporation's Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk assets in May 2024.
The acquired asset is an ideal fit to our existing acreage, and we look forward to operating the asset with the benefits of our scale in the Eagle Ford,
said Steve Habachy, President and Chief Operating Officer of WildFire. "Acquisitions such as this one represent an important part of our company's strategy and we continue to seek out
and evaluate similar transactions."
WildFire Energy is an independent energy platform company pursuing production-weighted oil and gas assets in onshore US basins, seeking to efficiently optimize and develop reserves using modern technologies and its extensive operating experience. WildFire is led by Anthony Bahr, CEO, Steve Habachy, President/COO, and Drew Cozby, CFO. WildFire Energy was formed in 2019 with funding from Warburg Pincus, Kayne Anderson, and management.
Source: WildFire Energy I LLC
CITY OF HOUSTON, METRO REPAIRING HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS ALONG WESTHEIMER
n an effort to prioritize public safety and infrastructure, Mayor John Whitmire and METRO announced a collaborative commitment to repair pavement and improve bus stops on Westheimer Road from Loop 610 to downtown.
“Any decision we make to grow or change infrastructure will be initiated with a customer-first mindset and a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer resources,” Mayor Whitmire said. “METRO’s new leadership and I are honoring our commitment to immediately get to work providing citizens with mobility options and a best-in-class mode of transit, accountability, and efficiency.”
The project, originally planned for repaving only curb lanes
where buses run, now includes resurfacing the entire width of the street along certain sections of Westheimer between IH-610 and Bagby. It also includes accessible sidewalk and bus stop upgrades along the route as part of METRO’s BOOST program.
We are proud to collaborate with Mayor Whitmire on making Houston a better place to work, live and play. We will do our part by implementing safe street, sidewalk, and bus shelter initiatives,
said METRO Chairman Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “The decision to expand this project is cost-effective, causes less disruption for drivers in the long term, and will extend the life of the pavement. An improvement like this is just one of many opportunities we have to put the needs of both our customers and the citizens who commute alongside METRO first and foremost.”
The revised project costs $12.2 million and eliminates the need for additional repaving of center lanes as a separate project. As a result, personal vehicle drivers, bus riders, and bike riders will experience better traffic flow, improved streets and sidewalks, and more comfortable bus shelters faster and with less taxpayer money. The project construction began in April 2024.
Source: City of Houston
SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
City of Dallas (COD or City), Department of Aviation, Capital Development Program is seeking multiple highly qualified Architecture and Engineering (A/E) firms for consulting services in design of new construction, renovations, major maintenance, as well as other various airport related and specialized projects requiring specialty services for Dallas Airport System’s (DAS) three facilities: Dallas Love Field (DAL), Dallas Executive Airport (RBD), City of Dallas Vertiport (49T), and any Dallas Airport Systems properties.
City of Dallas (COD seeking multiple highly qualified design of new construction, and specialized projects facilities: Dallas Love Field any Dallas Airport Systems properties.
DALLAS AIRPORT SYSTEM PRE-QUALIFIED ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES
SECTION 2 OBJECTIVE
SECTION 2 OBJECTIVE
Dallas (COD or City), Department of Aviation, Capital Development Program is seeking highly qualified Architecture and Engineering (A/E) firms for consulting services in design of construction, renovations, major maintenance, as well as other various airport related and projects requiring specialty services for Dallas Airport System’s (DAS) three facilities: Field (DAL), Dallas Executive Airport (RBD), City of Dallas Vertiport (49T), and any Dallas Systems properties.
2 OBJECTIVE
SOLICITATION NO: CIZ24-AVI-3088
SECTION 1 — GENERAL INFORMATION
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is intended for use in establishing a short list of pre-qualified consultants for complex DAS related projects for the next two years Complex projects are defined as any projects that are over $250,000 in design costs and require extensive skills, capabilities, and expertise. These future projects may be locally and/or grant funded.
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is intended for use in establishing a short list of pre-qualified consultants for complex DAS related projects for the next two years Complex projects are defined as any projects that are over $250,000 in design costs and require extensive skills, capabilities, and expertise. These future projects may be locally and/or grant funded.
City of Dallas (COD or City), Department of Aviation, Capital Development Program is seeking multiple highly qualified Architecture and Engineering (A/E) firms for consulting services in design of new construction, renovations, major maintenance, as well as other various airport related and specialized projects requiring specialty services for Dallas Airport System’s (DAS) three facilities: Dallas Love Field (DAL), Dallas Executive Airport (RBD), City of Dallas Vertiport (49T), and any Dallas Airport Systems properties.
SECTION 2 — OBJECTIVE
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is intended for use in establishing a short list of pre-qualified for complex DAS related projects for the next two years Complex projects are defined projects that are over $250,000 in design costs and require extensive skills, capabilities, and These future projects may be locally and/or grant funded.
Included in this RFQ is a general scope of work indicating the short list for categories for which consultants should identify and respond with qualifications. As DAS develops a Scope of Work for specific future projects, a Requests for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to consultants included in the relevant category of the pre-qualified list.
Included in this RFQ is a general scope of work indicating the short list for categories for which consultants should identify and respond with qualifications. As DAS develops a Scope of Work for specific future projects, a Requests for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to consultants included in the relevant category of the pre-qualified list.
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is intended for use in establishing a short list of pre-qualified consultants for complex DAS related projects for the next two years. Complex projects are defined as any projects that are over $250,000 in design costs and require extensive skills, capabilities, and expertise. These future projects may be locally and/or grant funded.
this RFQ is a general scope of work indicating the short list for categories for which should identify and respond with qualifications. As DAS develops a Scope of Work for future projects, a Requests for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to consultants included in the category of the pre-qualified list.
Responding firms may apply for inclusion on the pre-qualified list as a sole practitioner or as a member of a team. City of Dallas-Dallas Airport System (DAS) expects consultants added to the pre-qualified list to be experienced, technically proficient, and showing a strong track record in coordination with complex stakeholder and regulatory groups.
Responding firms may apply for inclusion on the pre-qualified list as a sole practitioner or as a member of a team. City of Dallas-Dallas Airport System (DAS) expects consultants added to the pre-qualified list to be experienced, technically proficient, and showing a strong track record in coordination with complex stakeholder and regulatory groups.
Included in this RFQ is a general scope of work indicating the short list for categories for which consultants should identify and respond with qualifications. As DAS develops a Scope of Work for specific future projects, a Requests for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to consultants included in the relevant category of the pre-qualified list.
Firms will not be considered unless the following qualifications are met along with other criteria as specified in this RFQ:
Firms will not be considered unless the following qualifications are met along with other criteria as specified in this RFQ:
Responding firms may apply for inclusion on the pre-qualified list as a sole practitioner or as a member of a team. City of Dallas-Dallas Airport System (DAS) expects consultants added to the pre-qualified list to be experienced, technically proficient, and showing a strong track record in coordination with complex stakeholder and regulatory groups.
Responding firms may apply for inclusion on the pre-qualified list as a sole practitioner or as a member City of Dallas-Dallas Airport System (DAS) expects consultants added to the pre-qualified experienced, technically proficient, and showing a strong track record in coordination with stakeholder and regulatory groups.
• Sole practitioners or principals of firms must be licensed by the Texas Board of Engineers or Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
• Sole practitioners or principals of firms must be licensed by the Texas Board of Engineers or Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
Firms will not be considered unless the following qualifications are met along with other criteria as specified in this RFQ:
not be considered unless the following qualifications are met along with other criteria as in this RFQ:
City of Dallas Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise M/WBE requirements are detailed in Section 8. Each Request for Proposal will provide the M/WBE goal for each project.
• Sole practitioners or principals of firms must be licensed by the Texas Board of Engineers or Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
City of Dallas Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise M/WBE requirements are detailed in Section 8. Each Request for Proposal will provide the M/WBE goal for each project.
City of Dallas Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise M/WBE requirements are detailed in https:// dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com/opportunities
SECTION 3 SCHEDULE OF SELECTION PROCESS
SECTION 3 SCHEDULE OF SELECTION PROCESS
Sole practitioners or principals of firms must be licensed by the Texas Board of Engineers or Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
SECTION 3 —SCHEDULE OF SELECTION PROCESS
The solicitation and future addendum can be found on the City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services (OPS) Bonfire website: https://dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com/opportunities
The solicitation and future addendum can be found on the City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services (OPS) Bonfire website: https://dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com/opportunities
The solicitation and future addendum can be found on the City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services (OPS) Bonfire website: https://dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com/opportunities
Dallas Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise M/WBE requirements are detailed in Each Request for Proposal will provide the M/WBE goal for each project.
EVENT
EVENT
SCHEDULE OF SELECTION PROCESS
Date RFQ Published Dallas Morning News, DAL Social Media platforms, and City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services Bonfire
Date RFQ Published Dallas Morning News, DAL Social Media platforms, and City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services Bonfire
Pre-Qualifications Meeting
Pre-Qualifications Meeting
DATE
AND
TIME
DATE AND TIME
June 12, 2024, June 19,2024, June 26, 2024, July 3, 2024, July 10, 2024
June 12, 2024, June 19,2024, June 26, 2024, July 3, 2024, July 10, 2024
solicitation and future addendum can be found on the City of Dallas Office of Procurement (OPS) Bonfire website: https://dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com/opportunities
(The Pre-Qualifications Meeting is hosted in person at DAL, Alpha Room.)
(The Pre-Qualifications Meeting is hosted in person at DAL, Alpha Room.)
Questions and Clarifications Deadline
Questions and Clarifications Deadline
Published Dallas Morning News, DAL Social platforms, and City of Dallas Office of Services Bonfire
Qualifications Meeting
DATE AND TIME
Statement of Qualifications Submittal Due to City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services Bonfire site.
Statement of Qualifications Submittal Due to City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services Bonfire site.
Qualifications Meeting is hosted in person at Room.)
Clarifications Deadline
Qualifications Submittal Due
Dallas Office of Procurement Services
June 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
July 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
July 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
June 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
June 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
July 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
July 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
June 12, 2024, June 19,2024, June 26, 2024, July 3, 2024, July 10, 2024
July 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
July 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
Avoid Costly Mistakes: Importance of Proper Permits for Post-Storm Repairs in Houston
ABy Helen Callier Contributing Writer
s I originally wrote this article at 2 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, Harris County was still reeling from the devastating high winds and rain that struck downtown Houston, the Heights, and Northwest Houston along Highway 290. The storm caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to office buildings, restaurants, residential properties, and more. Shattered glass strewn across downtown has created immediate safety hazards.
The PermitUsNow team has extensive experience with storms that cause severe
structural damage, including cracked external walls, shattered windows, ripped-off bricks, blown-off roofs, and busted frames. From this experience, we know that obtaining the proper building permits is crucial for property repairs.
THE RISKS OF UNPERMITTED WORK
Some property owners, for various reasons, may attempt to repair the damage themselves without securing the necessary permits. This unpermitted work is often done improperly and not up to code, creating significant risks for property users and future buyers.
Moreover, hurricane damage can attract unscrupulous contractors looking to make a quick buck. These contractors may avoid
pulling building permits to cut corners. The worst-case scenario for a property owner is paying for haphazard repairs that lack proper permits.
ESSENTIAL PERMITS FOR HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY
Based on the recent damage to residential and commercial properties, the following permits will likely be needed for repairs:
• Sidewalk Closure Permits
• Scaffolding Permits
• Street Closure Permits
• Remodel Permits
• Repair Permits
• Roof Permits
Most permitting jurisdictions do not require permits for refreshing areas, such as painting walls, replacing damaged sheetrock, or replacing carpet. However, if the weather head is pulled away from the roof, an electrical contractor must pull an electrical permit to make repairs. Local energy utilities typically do not proceed with their repairs until the weather head is properly fixed. Additionally, damage to pipes or HVAC systems may require trade permits, as determined by trade contractors.
IN SUMMARY
Rebuilding after a hurricane is complex and challenging. By understanding the types of permits required, contractors can effectively manage repairs and protect their clients' property investments. Planning is essential for facing nature's unpredictable forces. Adhering to jurisdiction guidelines ensures contractors are well-equipped to rebuild and restore the community post-storm. Partnering with a reputable permit expediting company like PermitUsNow can streamline the rebuilding process, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
CONTACT PERMITUSNOW
Call PermitUsNow at 1.844.PERMIT.4
We are dedicated to securing permits for our architect, contractor, and project owner clients promptly, eliminating frustrations with the permitting process. Working with us is simple: Email us your plans.
Follow up on our feedback for any missing items.
Let us handle your permitting needs.
Send us your plans today and we'll free you up to focus on what you love—building your customers' dreams. #BuildSafe
CG Infinity Promotes Tanya Shepherd to Senior Vice President
CBy Subcontractors USA News Provider
G Infinity has cultivated a strong customer portfolio within the energy and utilities industry. Thanks to Senior Vice President Tanya Shepherd's leadership, the company now offers robust solutions for back-office technology implementation and integration, a news release said.
Before joining CG Infinity, Shepherd held senior leadership positions in the software industry, where she was involved in architecting and implementing enterprise solutions. With experience working with clients across various energy markets in the United States and internationally, she brings extensive knowledge of the energy sector, a news release from the company said. By combining these two areas of expertise, she plays a pivotal role in assisting our clients in achieving operational efficiencies and project success.
"We are thrilled to have Tanya Shepherd as part of the CG Infinity family. Her expertise and extensive background in E&U billing and back-office operations are playing a pivotal role in our growth. Tanya has deep knowledge and innovative insights that allow us to better serve our clients as they seek to stay at the forefront of ever-evolving policies and technology. She has helped Retail Energy Providers improve their gross margins by optimizing and
effectively invoicing customers," said Pratik Malviya, Senior Vice President at CG Infinity.
Energy and Utilities back office is critical to every customer's cash flow and avoiding customer complaints. With regulations pertaining to multiple PUCs (Public Utility Commissions), there are more exceptions to the rules in any billing system implementation. Tanya has built an amazing team to make such implementations more predictable and less chaotic,
said Saurajit Kanungo, President at CG Infinity.
"I am deeply honored by this promotion and immensely grateful to CG Infinity's leadership team for entrusting me with the opportunity to establish a practice dedicated to optimizing back-office operations for energy companies. Together, we have assembled a talented team capable of providing our clients with the expertise and bandwidth necessary to tackle strategic projects without overburdening our core staff. As Senior Vice President, I am wholeheartedly committed to leading this team toward even greater success, delivering impactful results that empower our clients to thrive," said Shepherd.
Source: CG Infinity
RUSH ENTERPRISES JOINS UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
DIVISION'S EARLY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
niversal Technical Institute , the transportation , skilled trades and energy education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. , announced Tuesday, May 28 that Rush Enterprises has joined the early employment program at the following campuses: UTIAustin (Texas), UTI-Avondale (Ariz.), UTIDallas , UTI-Houston , UTI-Lisle (Ill.), UTI-Long Beach (Calif.), UTIMiramar (Fla.), UTI-Orlando (Fla.), UTIRancho Cucamonga (Calif.), and NASCAR Technical Institute (N.C.)
As part of the program, participating employers may offer 20 to 30 hours of paid work experience, consideration for fulltime employment, and reimbursement for education-related expenses after graduation. Eligibility requirements and conditions are established by participating employers and are between the employer and the student. More than 125 employers currently participate in the program.
Rush Enterprises, Inc. operates North America's largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships, Rush Truck Centers, and other related businesses, including Rush Truck Leasing and Custom Vehicle Solutions. Rush Enterprises has over 200 locations in 22 states
and Ontario, Canada.
The agreement allows diesel students in six states who are selected by Rush Enterprises and enrolled in UTI's 48-week Diesel Technician Training program to work 20-30 paid hours weekly. Students who join Rush Enterprises full-time after graduation can participate in their tuition reimbursement program, which offers assistance with educational loans up to $30,000. In addition, Rush provides original equipment manufacturer training and wage increases for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians, tool assistance loans, referral bonuses, and other benefits. Service technicians also have the opportunity to compete in the company's annual Tech
Skills Rodeo and win valuable prizes for knowledge-based and hands-on competitions.
"We continue to expand this program because it is a win-win for both our students and the employers who participate," stated UTI Division President Tracy Lorenz. "Opportunities like these help companies like Rush Enterprises build a talent pipeline while the students they select benefit from valuable industry work experience in their chosen career fields."
We are proud to partner with Universal Technical Institute on their early employment program and welcome those graduates who join Rush Enterprises after graduation,
said W.M. 'Rusty' Rush, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Rush Enterprises, Inc.
Rush continued, saying, "We are focused on hiring, developing, and retaining the very best service technicians in our industry, and this program gives technicians valuable on-the-job experience to complement their education."
Source: Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Photo courtesy of CG Infinity
LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO EXPAND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN 2024
By: Darrance Tezino, CenterPoint Energy News Provider
n the year 2024, subcontractors have access to a fantastic array of technical developments that allow them to expand their business options and significantly improve their capabilities. This is especially important during the hurricane season that is currently underway.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into software for project management and resource allocation is one of the most ground-breaking advancements that has ever been made. These solutions can correctly predict weather patterns, optimize the logistics of supply chain operations, and distribute resources in a more effective manner, which enables subcontractors to better prepare for hurricane interruptions and respond to them.
In addition, the utilization of drone technology for other purposes, such as damage assessments and site surveys, has become increasingly sophisticated. The ability of subcontractors to swiftly examine regions that have been affected by hurricanes and create action plans with accuracy is made possible by high-resolution photography and real-time data transfer. This results in a significant reduction in both downtime and expenses. The utilization of mobile devices that are outfitted with sophisticated sensors and imager chips is yet another crucial technology.
Using these devices, structural flaws and hidden defects in buildings can be identified, hence providing essential insights without the need for invasive strategies. In addition, the implementation of technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT) makes it easier for subcontractors, general contractors, and stakeholders
to communicate and coordinate their efforts. Using Internet of Things sensors that are integrated in construction materials, it is possible to monitor stress and strain in real-time, which can provide alerts for predictive maintenance and avert potential failures during extreme weather events.
In addition to streamlining operations and enhancing safety, these technological advancements not only enable subcontractors to extend their business potential by providing services that are more resilient and adaptable, but they also help us manage the challenges of hurricane season.
In the year 2024, technology has evolved into an invaluable ally for professionals, particularly subcontractors, who are navigating the unpredictable and frequently turbulent hurricane season. Not only can the most recent technological
breakthroughs improve operating efficiency, but they also play an important part in catastrophe preparedness and response. Subcontractors are provided with accurate predictions and timely alerts about incoming hurricanes as a result of the combination of advanced weather forecasting systems and real-time data analytics. This is one of the most significant advances that has taken place.
Over the course of this year, we have also witnessed an increase in the utilization of drone technology, which facilitates the speedy assessment and appraisal of damage following a storm, so quickening the process of recovery. As a whole, the incorporation of these cutting-edge technology provides subcontractors with the instruments that are essential for efficiently managing risks, preserving operational continuity, and protecting the well-being of their teams and clients throughout the severe hurricane season of 2024.
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS UNVEILS 1ST GAN IPM FOR SMALLER, EFFICIENT HIGH-VOLTAGE MOTORS
By
Texas Instruments introduced the industry's first 650V three-phase GaN IPM for 250W motor drive applications in June.
The new GaN IPM addresses many of the design and performance compromises engineers typically face when designing major
home appliances and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The DRV7308 GaN IPM enables more than 99% inverter efficiency, optimized acoustic performance, reduced solution size and lower system costs. It was on display at the Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management (PCIM) Conference, which was held June 11-13 in Nuremberg, Germany.
"Designers of high-voltage home appliances
and HVAC systems are striving to meet higher energy-efficiency standards to support environmental sustainability goals around the world," said Nicole Navinsky, Motor Drives business unit manager at TI. "They are also addressing consumer demand for systems that are reliable, quiet and compact. With TI's new GaN IPM , engineers can design motor driver systems that deliver all of these expectations and operates at peak efficiency." Improve system efficiency and reliability with TI GaN Worldwide efficiency standards for appliances and HVAC systems such as SEER, MEPS, Energy Star and Top Runner are becoming increasingly stringent. The DRV7308 helps engineers meet these standards, leveraging GaN technology to deliver more than 99% efficiency and improve thermal performance, with 50% reduced power losses compared to existing solutions.
In addition, the DRV7308 achieves industrylow dead time and low propagation delay, both less than 200ns, enabling higher pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching frequencies that reduce audible noise and system vibration. These advantages, plus the higher power efficiency and integrated features
of the DRV7308, also reduce motor heating, which can improve reliability and extend the lifetime of the system.
Advanced integration and highpower density reduce solution size and costs
Supporting the trend of more compact home appliances, the DRV7308 helps engineers develop smaller motor drive systems. Enabled by GaN technology, the new IPM delivers high power density in a 12mm-by-12mm package, making it the industry's smallest IPM for 150W to 250W motor-drive applications. Because of its high efficiency, the DRV7308 eliminates the need for an external heatsink, resulting in motor drive inverter printed circuit board (PCB) size reduction of up to 55% compared to competing IPM solutions. The integration of a current sense amplifier, protection features and inverter stage further reduces solution size and cost.
This high-efficiency, high-voltage GaN IPM is the latest example of TI innovations to help solve engineering challenges and transform motor designs.
Source: Texas Instruments
UNITED AIRLINES MAKES STRIDES IN $2.55 BILLION TERMINAL B TRANSFORMATION AT IAH
By
nited Airlines is investing $2.55 billion to transform the original George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal B, which opened in June 1969, into a modern and efficient facility designed to improve the passenger experience. According to a news release, the project includes constructing new concourses, expanded capacity and upgraded amenities. However, the significant construction necessitates temporary changes to passenger flow.
"We understand that navigating an airport under construction can be challenging," said Kelly Woodward, Chief Operating
Officer for Houston Airports.
We want to thank all our airport guests for their patience and understanding as United Airlines progresses on this transformative project. These new wayfinding signs are a significant step in ensuring a smooth travel experience for everyone flying through Terminal B at IAH, especially as we welcome 14.7 million passengers to Bush Airport this summer.
The new signage is strategically placed along the new walkway from the A/B garage into Terminal B. Passengers will enter the airport on the Terminal B Baggage Level before taking
the stairs, escalator, or elevators up to the Ticketing Lobby on Level 2.
Since the usual path is blocked by construction, a temporary pedestrian walkway has been built between the A/B Garage and Terminal B. The signage clearly outlines this new route and is available in English and Spanish. United Airlines' extensive wayfinding initiative addresses the temporary disruption caused by construction and aims to minimize passenger confusion.
The United Airlines Terminal B Transformation project is expected to be completed in 2026. Upon completion, passengers can expect a world-class terminal that reflects Houston's status as a major global aviation hub.
massive project in Irving, Texas, has helped to get rid of a congested triangle of highway interchanges, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
The Irving Interchange surrounds the old Texas Stadium site in the Dallas District and is where SH 183, SH 114, Loop 12 and Spur 482 intersect. Outdated cloverleaf designs, narrow highways and growing traffic demands caused significant delays for commuters and travelers and landed this location a spot on the Texas Clear Lanes Congestion Relief planning list. For the past decade, TxDOT says it has steadily made
New Tech Keeps Rail Crossings Running: TxDOT
improvements in the corridors leading up to this $301 million project. To make the junctions function, this phase included the construction of 10 new direct connectors, 22 new overpasses and nearly five miles of widened highway lanes and new pavement. Work started in 2020 and all new bridges and lanes opened to traffic in spring 2024.
Local and state leaders joined TxDOT in May to cut a ceremonial ribbon and view the changes. As traffic flowed in the surrounding corridors, Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert C. Vaughn commented on the impact the Texas Clear Lanes program is making.
“Reducing congestion in our metro areas through ‘Texas Clear Lanes’ is an ambitious task, but we’re committed to following Governor Abbott’s direction and working with state and local leaders to make a difference for drivers,” Vaughn said. “Since 2015, this new congestion relief program now has $75 billion of non-tolled projects that are completed, under construction, or planned.
As final items are wrapped up on the Irving project, TxDOT reminds drivers to use caution in work zones.
Source: TxDOT
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
The Texas Department of Transportation and several rail companies have developed a plan to keep railroad crossings operating during severe weather and power outages.
The installation of hundreds of new fuel cell, and backup power systems at rail crossings in coastal areas will keep warning devices, such as signals and gates, running during power outages in Texas.
Under the federal Railway Highway Crossing Program, TxDOT has funded 413 rail crossings maintained by BNSF
Railway Company, a news release stated.
TxDOT funded an additional 280 rail crossings under the federal program, including 131 maintained by Union Pacific Railroad, 139 maintained by Rio Valley Switching Company, and 10 maintained by Border Pacific Railroad.
Safety is the most important benefit of the fuel cell backup power system
TxDOT considers under the FHWA Railway Highway Crossing Program,
said Kai Zhao, TxDOT’s rail crossing section director. “The fuel cell backup power system also provides reliability and sustainability benefits.”
The fuel cell backup power systems installed or scheduled for the crossings maintained by BNSF, Border Pacific Railroad, and Rio Valley Switch Company are propane fuel cell generators.
The fuel cell backup power systems scheduled for the crossings maintained by Union Pacific Railroad are hydrogen fuel cell generators.
Railroads chose which technology to use since the railroad companies maintain the equipment.
Source: TxDOT
Photos courtesy of TxDOT
Photo courtesy of TxDOT
COLLINA WASHINGTON-BEARD JOINS DART AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF PROCUREMENT
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
allas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has selected Collina Washington-Beard as the Senior Vice President of Procurement. Washington-Beard joined DART on June 3 after more than 18 years leading business and procurement services with several transit organizations and most recently serving as the Chief Business Officer at the Eugene School District in Eugene, Oregon.
“The DART team is thrilled to welcome Collina Washington-Beard,” said Nadine S. Lee, DART president and CEO. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role which will be critical as DART works to increase ridership with a focus on operational integrity and the customer experience. Her expertise will help ensure DART creates dynamic and beneficial partnerships with diverse companies and organizations across our service area that will help both DART and our region thrive.”
Washington-Beard will oversee the agency’s contracts and purchasing functions, as well as maintain oversight of the agency’s Materials Management and Diversity and Vendor Management Divisions. This work will ensure DART can continue to be recognized as a key mobility and economic asset in the region.
DART is an economic powerhouse, recognized outside of Texas for the work that they are doing to engage commuters and provide best in-class transportation options,
said Washington-Beard. “It is an honor to join their team; I am excited to be able to align my knowledge and skills to help support their efforts.”
Washington-Beard studied English and Political Science at the University of Alabama. She has a certification in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business as well as from the Federal Transit Administration’s Procurement Series I-IV from Rutgers University- as part of the National Transit Institute’s programming. Finally, she is a member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, the Institute for Supply Management, and the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.
Source: DART
Photo courtesy of DART
DIVERSITY
IS THE
SPICE OF Life AT H - E - B
H-E-B’s Supplier Diversity Program works hard to ensure we’re selling goods and utilizing services from a wide variety of Texan businesses. We’re proud that our suppliers are as diverse as the Lone Star State itself.
As a former small business ourselves, we believe in and celebrate the value & strength that working with small businesses, local businesses, and businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQ+, Veterans, and disabled Texans brings to both our business and the communities we serve.
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