June 2021 | 3
SUBCONTRACTORS USA
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE The Subcontractors US 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 Houston Public Works – Office of Business Opportunity (Houston Public Works). Houston Public Works is the largest and most diverse public works department in the United States with the great responsibility of permitting and regulating construction, managing streets, drainage, drinking water, wastewater, and capital improvement projects. Though there have been challenges due to the pandemic and Winter Storm Uri, this entity, accredited by the American Public Works Association has adapted, remaining a solid force
“The U.S. economy and workers benefit from a strong, healthy relationship between government and business.” — Harold Ford Jr., former U.S. Congressman
committed to our city and the progression of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Under director Carol Haddock, COO Eric Dargan, and division manager Will Norwood III, Houston Public Works, composed of 4,000 dedicated public servants, works as one team with purpose and collaboration to continue to build a strong foundation for our city and MWBEs to thrive. In order for Houston to not just sustain a strong foundation, but also keep moving forward, we need the services and support of our MWBEs. Houston Public Works has a proven track record providing resources and the certification for MWBEs to successfully do business with the City of Houston. As always, thank you for your continued support of the Subcontractors US 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.
Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr. CERTIFIED:
HMSDC
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 P. Jones ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tiffany Brown OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Bria Casteel ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Erick Fontejon PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Helen Callier Lawrence Dean Stacy M. Brown Julianne Malveaux Subcontractors USA News Provider
City of Houston
HISD
08 CONSTRUCTION 06 Will the Housing Boom Go Bust? 08 Shining the Spotlight on the Texas Hispanic Construction Association 10 ENERGY 10 CPS Energy Strengthens Lawsuit Against ERCOT in Light of Recent Actions; Court Grants Temporary Restraining Order Preventing ERCOT From Passing on Unlawful Charges 12 ENERGY 12 Energy Action Alliance Names Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., as New Chair Bolsters commitment to environmental and economic equity 12 Astroport Space Technologies, Awarded a NASA Technology Research Contract for Lunar Construction 14 ENGINEERING 14 Viking Engineering Opens Engineering Laboratory Offering Complete Failure Investigation, Forensic and Metallurgical Services
Heads Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Oil and Gas Industry 14 Resolutions at IOGCC Texas Defends States Rights at Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission 16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 Houston Public Works Office of Business Opportunity Works as One Team for Our MWBEs To Thrive 18 SAFETY 18 US Department of Labor Proposes $558k in Fines for Texas Bath, Shower Manufacturer for Willful, Repeat Safety Violations at Waco Facility 20 PERMITS 20 5 Reasons To Avoid Complaining About Your City’s Permitting Center 22 TRANSPORTATION 22 History Is Made as Project 11 Begins Construction 24 DART Student Art Contest Celebrates Local Young Artists 28 Houston Airports Provides ITRP Update to City Council’s Economic Development Committee
VBE
DBE
OUR SERVICES
CONTENTS 04 ARCHITECTURE 04 PVAMU’s Community Development Program Marks 20th Year of Building Leaders, Communities
HUB
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
14 OIL AND GAS 14 ConocoPhillips Heads Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Oil and Gas Industry ConocoPhillips
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