Subcontractor USA 83

From left to right: Rick Cortez (Founder/Chairman) Jennifer Cortez (VP Human Resources), Ricky Cortez (CEO), David Cortez (Operations Manager), Greg Cantu (Project Manager), David Galindo (Director of Workforce Development & Safety), Richard Martinez (Project Manager), Anthony Cavazos (Logistics Manager)

Subcontractors USA highlights opportunities and news relevant to the construction, energy, architecture, manufacturing, education, engineering, oil and gas, transportation, and IT industries we serve. We hope you find this issue not only informative but inspiring and educational as well.

This month's issue of Subcontractors USA highlights the collaboration between MCA Communications, Inc. and SERJobs. A five-year partner with SERJobs, MCA remains active and diligent in supporting and working with SERJobs to transform the lives of individuals through education, skill-based training, employment, and longterm financial stability. MCA’s goal in their

“We’ll cut costs and keep the economy going strong by giving workers a fair shot, providing more training and apprenticeships, hiring them based on their skills, not degrees.”

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

collaboration with SERJobs is to afford people the opportunity for employment in a skilled trade.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Subcontractors USA . When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

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BEHIND THE JOURNAL CONTENTS OUR SERVICES

PUBLISHER & CEO

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR

Kimberly Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Emil Flemmon

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Eugenie Doualla

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Erick Fontejon

SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATOR

Bria Casteel

SENIOR PROJECT COORDINATOR

Lindsey Ford

ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Tiffany Brown

PHOTOGRAPHY

Grady Carter

L.C. Poullard

DISTRIBUTION

Mike Jones

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tracey Kohler

Paul Stoessel

Helen Callier

Subcontractors USA

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

Design Trends Point to Smaller Scale Development, Yet Underscore the Need for Affordable Housing and Resilient Communities

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Results from The American Institute of Architects (AIA) fourth quarter Home Design Trends Survey revealed a slump in new affordable housing construction and multi-generational housing popularity. Other trends suggest consumers’ interest in communities designed sustainably is growing.

The latest survey results—focusing on neighborhood design—found that popularity for higher-density development and

mixed-use facilities continued to flourish in 2022, even with new construction slowing in all housing sectors. Additionally, demand for durable and fire-resistive exteriors, and cool roofs grew. Survey results also showed diverse home styles within communities, demonstrating a shift to smaller-scale development.

Other findings of the report indicate:

• Project billings eased, while inquiries and design contracts decreased in the third quarter with firms in all regions reporting weaker conditions,

• Project backlogs at residential firms saw a marginal decline in the third quarter.

Architects Applaud Federal Building Performance Standard to Further Reduce Building Emissions

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) commends the Biden Administration for developing the first-ever Federal Building Performance Standard, setting an ambitious goal to cut energy use and electrify equipment and appliances in 30 percent of the building space owned by the Federal government by 2030.

“The AIA supports the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) Federal Building Performance Standard requiring agencies to cut energy use and electrify equipment and appliances to achieve lower emissions in 30 percent of their buildings by square footage by 2030,” said 2022 President of The American Institute of Architects Dan Hart, FAIA. “While there is still more work to do to decarbonize the building sector, the development of this standard is an important step for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the federal buildings sector.”

As a complementary step, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a proposed rulemaking to electrify new Federal buildings and Federal buildings undergoing major renovations. AIA's support for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) helped set the foundation for the federal government’s ability to achieve these new performance standards for buildings.

“AIA commends the Administration for the issuance of this new performance standard, which is the result of last year’s executive order requiring 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity to power all government operations by 2030,” Hart added. “It also requires the modernization of all federal buildings by ensuring that new building construction and major building retrofits increase efficiency, electrify systems, and strengthen sustainability. This is a welcome and valuable step in the right direction to further ensure sustainability for all buildings, federal or otherwise.”

Visit AIA’s website at aia.org to learn more about its advocacy efforts.

Source: American Institute of Architects

• Remodeling sectors remained the strongest.

The AIA Home Design Trends Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of more than 300 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector. More information on the latest survey results can be reviewed on AIA’s website at aia.org.

Source: American Institute of Architects

San Antonio International Airport and Stinson Municipal Airport Reach Sustainability Milestones: Airport Carbon Accreditation Certification

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

San Antonio Airport System (SAAS) is proud to announce a new milestone in the Airport Carbon Accreditation’s (ACA) carbon management certification program through Airports Council International-World. San Antonio International Airport renewed its Level 1 accreditation for Carbon Mapping and Stinson Municipal Airport achieved Level 1 status for the first time.

“Through teamwork, we successfully achieved this goal,” said Joshua Heiss, Noise Abatement and Special Projects Manager, San Antonio International Airport. “Airport Carbon Accreditation assesses and verifies the efforts that airports are making to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, SAT successfully first achieved Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) for the first time. Stinson also reached the same goal and that’s very encouraging.”

The San Antonio Airport System (SAAS) is aligning itself with the City's SA Climate Ready goals from these past actions:

• In October 2019, the City of San Antonio released the SA Climate Ready plan to meet the present and

future challenges of a changing climate and to build on action toward a low-carbon future.

• SA Climate Ready includes strategies for adaptation and preparation for a changing climate, along with mitigation strategies, to reduce San Antonio's GHG emissions.

• The City of San Antonio set a goal to make San Antonio carbon neutral by 2050, with interim goals of 41% reduction in total GHG emissions by 2030 and 71% by 2040.

• SA Climate Ready set interim goals to reduce transportation emissions by 47% by 2030 and 75% by 2040.

The ACA Certification program helps the Aviation Department lead the way in sustainability efforts and achieving the goals set in the SA Climate Ready Plan.

SAT and Stinson Municipal Airport are now part of 28 accredited airports across the North America that are at

Port Houston Hosts Its First Free Community Resource Fair: Posada With the Port

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Level 1 mapping (representing 11% of North American Traffic). The ACA Carbon Mapping program includes 6 levels of carbon management that cover mapping carbon emission sources, tracking reductions, optimization, carbon neutrality, transformation, and transition.

The next goal for the SAAS is to pursue Level 2 certification before October 1, 2023. With level 2 certification airport staff and consultants will develop a plan to manage San Antonio Airport System’s carbon emissions and start to show emission reductions.

For more information, please visit sanantonio.gov.

Source: City of San Antonio Aviation Department

Recently, Port Houston hosted “Posada With the Port”, its first community event dedicated to bringing resources and information to communities near the Houston Ship Channel. This event was free to attend and hosted at Milby High School in Houston, TX.

People wanting information about workforce opportunities, healthcare enrollment, food access, and other services attended the event and visited more than 25 booths staffed by local nonprofit organizations. The event featured the Port fire truck, live music from Milby High School’s bilingual choir, and kids’ activities.

Attendees learned more about Port Houston’s sustainability initiatives, maritime education program, and job opportunities at the Port. As the advocate and strategic leader of the nation’s busiest waterway, Port Houston is committed to supporting the communities surrounding the Houston Ship Channel.

“We are thrilled to be hosting our first resource fair for our neighboring communities,” said Roger Guenther, Port Houston Executive Director. “Our goal is to be a good neighbor and provide value to those who live and work near the Houston Ship Channel. By connecting families with vital resources, we can help strengthen these communities and open doors for future generations.”

This is the latest community-focused initiative for Port Houston. Additional programs include

the Community Grants program, which invested a total of $325,000 in 2022 into meaningful projects and programs that enhance our local communities.

Full list of participating organizations: Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the City of Houston, the Houston Dynamo, Clothed by Faith, Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation, Consulate General of Mexico, Houston Botanic Gardens, Houston SPCA, Justice for all Immigrants, Neighbors in Action, Comerica Bank, Houston Food Bank, Target Hunger, Dignity Memorial Network, Project Row Houses, The Bridge Path, Talent Yield Coalition, Community Family Centers, El Centro de Corazon, Harris County Public Health, Harris Health System, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann Nurse Health Line, Molina Healthcare, Pearle Vision, Salud en Mis Manos, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston, NR Swanks Freight Brokerage, Surveying and Mapping LLC, Uncharted Territory Solutions, Crespo Elementary, Capital IDEA Houston, GradCafe by Project Grad, Harris County Department of Education, SER Jobs for Progress, AAMA, The Houston Toolbank, and ILA 135.

For more information, please visit porthouston.com.

Source: Port Houston

Overall Costs for Construction Materials Decline Steeply in December but Contractors Remain Wary Costs Will Go Up Again in the Year Ahead

By Subcontractors USA

Provider

Plunging prices for diesel fuel, lumber, and steel cooled inflation for materials and services used in construction in December, but relief may be short-lived, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted that contractors listed material costs as one of their top concerns in a survey the association released this month.

“While producer price indexes for construction inputs fell in December, they still outpaced other inflation measures for the year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In addition, some prices have already turned higher in January. Contractors are right to rank materials costs as a major concern for 2023.”

The producer price index for inputs to construction— the prices charged by goods producers and service providers such as distributors and transportation firms— rose 7.2 percent in 2022 despite decreasing 1.8 percent from November to December. The year-over-year rise outpaced the 6.5 percent increase in the consumer price index—the best-known measure of inflation, the economist noted.

The one-month decline was driven by falling prices for fuel, lumber, and steel, while other input costs rose. The

producer price index for diesel fuel tumbled 28.7 percent in December, the index for lumber and plywood slumped 3.7 percent, and the index for steel mill products slid 2.7 percent. In contrast, the index for ready-mix concrete jumped 1.4 percent for the month and 13.6 percent for the year. The index for architectural coatings such as paint rose 0.5 percent in December and 26.1 percent year-over-year. The index for copper and brass mill shapes climbed 1.5 percent for the month and the index for aluminum mill shapes increased by 1.3 percent.

Some price declines are likely to reverse soon, Simonson warned. Steel producers have sharply raised prices in recent weeks for hot-rolled coil—the raw material for some construction steel, he noted. Major producers of insulation and tile have announced price increases for February. In addition, recent spikes in futures prices on commodities markets for copper and aluminum may signal higher costs for these products soon, he said.

Simonson added that more than 1,000 contractors answered the survey that the association and Sage released earlier in January. Material costs and an economic slowdown or recession were the most frequently listed concerns, with both marked as among the biggest concerns for nearly three out of four firms.

Association officials noted that the Buy America requirements that were part of the Bipartisan

Infrastructure

Bill, and the confusion associated with the administration’s haphazard implementation of the requirement, will make it hard for contractors to find materials to complete infrastructure projects, raise the cost of those materials and lead to delays in completing the work.

“While most construction products are made in the U.S., very few meet the bill’s extremely strict interpretation of American-made,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Limiting the supply of materials available and issuing vague guidance for state and local officials to follow will only make it harder and costlier to complete needed infrastructure upgrades.”

For more information, please visit agc.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

Construction Firms Look to Public Sector Demand as Outlook for Private-Sector Projects Dims in 2023; 69 Percent of Firms Plan to Hire in the New Year

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

onstruction contractors are less optimistic about many private-sector segments than they were a year ago, but their expectations for the public sector market have remained relatively bullish, according to survey results released recently by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage. The findings are detailed in High Hopes for Public Sector Funding Amid Workforce and Supply Chain Challenges: The 2023 Construction Hiring & Business Outlook.

“Contractors are optimistic about the construction outlook for 2023, yet they are expecting very different market conditions for the coming year than what they experienced last year,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. “Even as market demand evolves, contractors will continue to be confronted by many of the challenges they faced in 2022, including the impacts of supply chain problems and labor shortages.”

The net reading— the percentage of respondents who expect the available dollar value of projects to expand compared to the percentage who expect it to shrink is positive for 14 of the 17 categories of construction included in the survey. Respondents are most optimistic about infrastructure categories. There were net positive readings of 42 percent for both highway and bridge construction and transportation projects. Contractors are almost as upbeat about sewer and water construction, with a net reading of 38 percent. The net reading for federal projects is 37 percent.

Despite this optimism, only 5 percent of respondents say they have worked on new projects funded by the law, while 6 percent have won bids but have not started work. Five percent say they have bid on projects but have not won any awards yet, whereas 21 percent plan to bid on projects but say nothing suitable has been offered yet.

The highest expectations among predominantly private-sector categories, with net readings of 28 percent each, are for power projects and other healthcare, such as clinics, testing facilities, and medical labs. There is also a generally positive outlook for hospital projects and public buildings, with net readings of 23 percent each. Contractors on balance were optimistic, as well, about the education sector. The net reading for both kindergartento-12thgrade schools and higher

education construction is 16 percent.

The net reading for manufacturing construction is 14 percent, compared to 27 percent in the 2022 survey. The net is 12 percent for data centers, down from 31 percent a year ago, and 10 percent for warehouses, down from 41 percent. There is a net positive reading of 1 percent for multifamily residential construction. Expectations are bearish for lodging, with a net negative reading of -4 percent; private office, -21 percent; and retail construction, -22 percent.

Despite the largely positive net readings, respondents are less confident about growth prospects than they were a year ago. For all but three project types, the net reading is less positive than in the 2022 survey. The steepest downturn in expectations occurred with multifamily and warehouse construction, both of which recorded declines of 31 percentage points from the net readings in the 2022 survey. The outlook for lodging

cancellations. Only a third report no projects have been postponed or canceled. A substantial share of respondents reports a project was postponed in 2022: 39 percent report a postponed project was rescheduled, while 36 percent had a project postponed or canceled last year that has not been rescheduled. Thirteen percent of firms have already experienced a canceled or postponed project that was set to begin in early 2023.

“The main reason for cancellations and postponements was rising costs—for construction, financing, insurance, etc.—which was cited by nearly half of contractors,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. Officials with Sage noted that despite rising costs and other challenges, construction firms will continue to invest in technology. The majority of firms surveyed said that their investment in 15 different types of technologies will either remain the same as last year or increase, with only 1-2 percent indicating that their investment would decrease in any of the technologies.

“Technology plays a critical role in delivering successful and profitable projects,” said Dustin Stephens, vice president of Construction and Real Estate, Sage. “Utilizing the right technologies can help lessen the impact of current challenges and put construction firms in the best position to thrive.”

construction slipped from modestly positive a year ago to negative.

More than two-thirds of the respondents expect to add to their headcount, compared to only 11 percent who expect a decrease. While just under half of firms expect to increase their headcount by 10 percent or less, nearly one-quarter anticipate larger increases. Eighteen percent of respondents say their headcount will grow by 11 to 25 percent, and 5 percent of respondents anticipate an increase in headcount of more than 25 percent.

However, an overwhelming 80 percent report they are having a hard time filling some or all salaried or hourly craft positions, compared to only 8 percent who say they are having no difficulty. (The rest have no openings.) In addition, the majority—58 percent—of respondents say either hiring will continue to be hard or will become harder. Only 15 percent say it will become easier or remain easy to hire, while 27 percent expect no change.

Workforce shortages likely explain why nearly threequarters of firms increased base pay rates more than in 2021, compared to 62 percent that boosted pay more in 2021 than in 2020. Additionally, one-third of firms provided incentives or bonuses. And more than onefourth of the firms increased their portion of benefit contributions and/or improved employee benefits.

Only 9 percent of firms report they have not had any significant supply chain problems in 2022. To cope with these problems, more than two-thirds of respondents have reacted by accelerating purchases after winning contracts. A majority turned to alternative suppliers. Almost half have specified alternative materials or products, while close to one-quarter have stockpiled items before winning contracts.

Most contractors have experienced project delays or

Stephens added that as with the past few years, the survey revealed that the greatest IT challenge is finding the time to implement and train on new technologies. However, it is vital that firms make the time, as utilizing new technologies, particularly cloud-based solutions with an open API, can alleviate other challenges. It can help to start slow and prioritize technology that can have the biggest and most immediate impact, then implement new technology in stages.

Association officials called on Washington leaders to resolve the significant uncertainties that exist around the Buy America provisions within the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, noting the administration has not settled on a uniform interpretation of those requirements. They also called on the Biden administration to act on the permitting reform measures that were included in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. And they called on Congress to pass immigration reforms and boost investments in career and technical education programs.

“We are supporting the industry as it works to overcome the challenges it faces,” Sandherr said. He noted that the association was partnering with its chapters to run digital workforce recruiting campaigns and has signed up over 800 firms to participate in the association’s Culture of Care program. That program helps firms better attract and retain talent, particularly diverse talent.

Sandherr said the association would also continue to be a vigorous advocate for the industry in Washington and with public officials across the country. “We will do everything in our power to make sure that 2023 is a successful one for the industry, our members, and the tens of thousands of men and women that they employ,” Sandherr said.

For more information, please visit agc.org.

Source: Associated General Contractors of America

ACCESS TO HCC PROCUREMENT EXPO

SALUTE TO OUR SBE’S WITH EARL GRANVILLE

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

HCC West Houston Institute

2811 Hayes Rd, Houston, TX 77082

Participants will have the opportunity to market their products/services to end users, procurement representatives and small business specialists from state, county and local governments, as well as schools, colleges and non-profit agencies!

Exhibitors include:

REGISTER TODAY!

Earl Granville

Keynote Speaker

Earl Granville is a retired Staff Sergeant that has received numerous awards for his volunteer work and his speaking, including the 2018 Attorney General Heart So Big Award, 2018 Daughters of the American Revolution Veterans Volunteer Award, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Purple Heart.

San Antonio Energy News CPS Energy Releases RFP for Enterprise Resource Plan Initiative

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned, fullyintegrated electric and natural gas utility in the United States, formally launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) as the company seeks new technology platforms to better serve customers and employees. The RFP seeks vendor(s) to replace its current company-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software platforms, including Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings.

CPS Energy’s technology strategy will accommodate projected community and customer growth for both Greater San Antonio and the utility while minimizing risk, cost, and disruption to business operations. This multi-year program will drive business transformation and improve the way employees work to provide the best energy services and solutions possible for customers and the community.

“We are embarking on a company-wide transformation that will build the CPS Energy of tomorrow. Our commitment is to improve how our team members work and to provide our customers solutions which enable them

Data Delivers Significant Insights on Retaining Female Talent in a Changing World

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

NES Fircroft recently released its annual Women in Energy Global Study.

More than 2,400 energy professionals participated in the online survey which explores women’s roles and status in the industry as it undergoes a period of significant change, the barriers women face, and what they need to succeed. The data provides a critical guide for business leaders, recruiters, and diversity and inclusion (D&I) professionals as to what women want, need, and can offer in the global energy workplace.

“The Women in Energy Global Study helps to shine a light on the female energy workforce across five continents and all sectors,” said Vicki Codd, Marketing Director. “It’s our hope that the insights derived from this survey will

to do business with us more efficiently while supporting future customer offerings,” said Acting Chief Information Officer Evan O’Mahoney.

CPS Energy’s current technology system was implemented in 2001 to serve several critical business functions, including customer service, procurement, financial management, asset management, billing, and people management among others. The utility’s business processes and organizational landscape have changed significantly over the past two decades. This multiyear transformation program will migrate operations to modern technology platforms that support the rapidly changing energy industry and growing customer needs. Visit cpsenergy.diversitycompliance.com to view the RFP posted on the CPS Energy website under View Active Bid Opportunities.

RFPs are due by 3 p.m. central standard time (CST), March 2, 2023, and need to be submitted within the CPS Energy Supplier Management System portal. Respondent inquiries must be submitted through the portal’s question-and-answer feature.

For more information, please visit cpsenergy.com.

Source: CPS Energy

highlight the opportunities for energy firms to attract and retain talent, and in turn, companies can create concrete action plans to build a gender diverse and inclusive workplace.”

Key topics explored in the study include:

• The post-COVID workplace

• A workforce for the energy transition

• Attracting and developing talent

The survey’s results were collated and reviewed by Energy Jobline, the largest and fastest-growing global energy job board and energy hub, and POWERful Women, a professional initiative that is working to increase the representation of women at the top of the UK energy sector.

For more information and to view the study, please visit nesfircroft.com.

Source: NES Fircroft

ExxonMobil Starts Operations at LargeScale Advanced Recycling Facility

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

ExxonMobil recently announced the successful startup of one of the largest advanced recycling facilities in North America. The facility at the company’s integrated manufacturing complex in Baytown, Texas, uses proprietary technology to break down hard-to-recycle plastics and transform them into raw materials for new products. It is capable of processing more than 80 million pounds of plastic waste per year, supporting a circular economy for post-use plastics and helping divert plastic waste currently sent to landfills.

• Baytown facility can process more than 80 million pounds per year of plastic waste

• Certified circular products meet the demand for more sustainable materials, diverting plastic waste from landfills

• Planning additional global capacity to recycle 1 billion pounds annually of used plastics by year-end 2026

“We’ve proven our proprietary advanced recycling technology at Baytown, and now we’re leveraging our scale and integration to increase production of certified circular plastics to meet growing demand,” said Karen McKee, president of ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company. “There is substantial demand for recycled plastics, and advanced recycling can play an important role by breaking down plastics that could not be recycled

in traditional, mechanical methods. We are collaborating with government, industry, and communities to scale up the collection and sorting of plastic waste that will improve recycling rates and help our customers around the world meet their sustainability goals.”

Since the start of pilot operations at Baytown last year, ExxonMobil has recycled nearly 15 million pounds of plastic waste. The proprietary Exxtend™ technology enables the breakdown of plastic waste that would previously be destined for landfills – from synthetic athletic fields to bubble wrap and motor oil bottles.

The company helped form Cyclyx International LLC, a joint venture created to collect and sort large volumes of plastic waste and is investing in a first-of-its-kind plastic waste processing facility in Houston to help supply ExxonMobil’s Baytown advanced recycling facility.

To accelerate advanced recycling, ExxonMobil is a founding member of the Houston Recycling Collaboration, which brings government and industry together to increase access to recycling programs and expand infrastructure for mechanical and advanced recycling technologies.

ExxonMobil plans to build advanced recycling facilities at many of its other manufacturing sites around the world, which would give it the capacity to process up to 1 billion pounds of plastic waste annually by yearend 2026. The company is assessing facilities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Beaumont, Texas; and Joliet, Illinois; as well as at sites in Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Canada.

ExxonMobil is also collaborating with third parties to assess the potential for large-scale implementation of

advanced recycling technologies and opportunities to support improvements to plastic waste collection and sorting in Malaysia and Indonesia.

ExxonMobil has commercial contracts to sell certified circular plastics to customers around the world for use in food-safe plastic packaging, including collaborations with Sealed Air and Ahold Delhaize USA, Berry Global, and Amcor.

Advanced recycling is a proven technology that can help accelerate a circular economy and address the challenge of plastic waste. With effective government policies in place to modernize the recycling system and improve waste collection, more plastic materials can be collected, sorted, and recycled, especially plastics that aren’t easily recycled today.

For more information, visit corporate.exxonmobil.com.

Source: ExxonMobil

By Subcontractors USA

SERJobs has become the leader and set a high standard for workforce development organizations. Through its comprehensive service model, strong employer and community partnerships, and diverse group of stakeholders, they continue to expand its footprint in the community. A five-year partner with SERJobs, MCA Communications, Inc. remains active and diligent in collaborating with SERJobs to transform the lives of individuals through education, skill-based training, employment, and long-term financial stability.

MCA Communications, Continues Partnership To Serve Greater Committed To Educating & Employing

the East End community serving the Greater Houston area with the launch of its new Workforce Resource and Training Center (WRTC) located at 1960 Tellepsen. The WRTC grand opening was held on February 9th and welcomed Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, other political and community leaders, supporters, and partners. Being in attendance gave MCA the opportunity to not only share its mission with Mayor Turner but the community as well. Their presence allowed them to connect with the community and strengthens the trust that MCA is not only here to collaborate with SERJobs now, but for years to come.

The WRTC is a $10M project and state-of-the-art facility that will host expanded training opportunities in high-demand industries, including, but not

MCA remains a driving force behind SERJobs’ efforts in helping to bridge the gap between individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds and gainful long-term employment. “MCA has been a strong supporter and partner with SERJobs for five years. We are committed to creating easy access to careers for those who might not have such opportunities otherwise,” said Ricky Cortez, CEO of MCA. “Our continued efforts show individuals that there are vast opportunities available within the telecommunications industry. Anyone can join our program, no matter their age, background, or experience. MCA is always seeking out the best individuals to join our growing workforce. MCA looks forward to remaining a dedicated partner with SERJobs to help provide training and employment for those seeking an alternative career path. This in turn helps strengthen the construction, telecommunications, and manufacturing industries and our community.”

With strong partners like MCA, SERJobs continues to expand its overall impact in the city of Houston in

limited to construction, CDL, warehouse/forklift, data cabling & fiber optics, welding, banking, and customer service. SERJobs offers an array of resources to individuals in the community through apprenticeships, financial empowerment, and an onsite GED program for youth, and will be home to the first community-based C.H.E.E.R. (Children's Health Education Enrichment Resource) room in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston.

The WRTC’s purpose is to be a transformational hub for underserved and underresourced individuals from the East End and the Greater Houston community. SERJobs will continue to serve all those in need, including youth, veterans, members of the reentry community, and its many employer partners, like MCA, who are seeking ready-to-work employees.

“Not many individuals realize our industry provides rewarding options for career advancement often without the traditional four-year degree. Candidates

News Provider

From left to Right: Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr., Ricky David Cortez

From left to Right: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO SERJobs, and District I City Council Member Robert Gallegos

Communications, Inc. Partnership With SERJobs Greater Houston

Employing for Long-Term Financial Stability

with no experience beyond a high school education have successfully graduated from this program and are on their way to building their careers. This collaboration with SERJobs is also MCA’s opportunity to provide an introduction to the technical side of construction,” Cortez expressed.

MCA’s goal in their collaboration with SERJobs is to afford people the opportunity for employment in a skilled trade. It’s also MCA’s opportunity to create a customized training program that meets their strict quality and safety standards.

MCA is always looking to add more talented individuals to its growing team. Visit https://serjobs.org/programs/training/technician/ to learn more about MCA’s training program in collaboration with SERJobs, and apply today.

MCA is also hiring installers and technicians for projects across the nation. Those interested in applying for these positions can do so by emailing their resume to recruiting@mcacom.com

“Employers throughout the Greater Houston area are always looking to hire qualified individuals to join their teams, but unfortunately, they struggle to fill these positions. By collaborating with SERJobs, we are investing in our local community and able to develop a highly skilled workforce that creates opportunities for all, helping Houston businesses succeed in the competitive economic landscape of the 21st century.”

- Ricky Cortez, CEO, MCA Communications, Inc.

Ricky Cortez, Jennifer Cortez, Jennifer Herring, Nory Angel, Cortez and Rick Cortez

The scope of contracting opportunities encompasses a wide variety of projects and services, including, but not limited to:

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More than Bricks & Mortar

As one of the nation’s largest 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’s ingrained in our company culture. We are devoted to making contributions that not only strengthen the local economy, but also reflect the demographics of the community at large.

Turner is proud to celebrate our 33rd year of The Turner School of Construction Management in partnership with The City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to grow capacity in Small, Minority and Women owned enterprises in the communities where we work.

10 Architectural and Building Information Requirements That Every Contractor Needs To Know

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

Regardless if the construction market is hot, cold, or lukewarm, what the PermitUsNow team knows for sure is that a building permit is needed in a timely manner. Getting a permit fast helps project owners to become profitable sooner or to begin enjoying their dream. This complex, ever-changing world of construction presents challenges to contractors and it can be difficult to keep up with all the rules and regulations. To make sure your project meets building code standards and is safe for everyone involved, here are ten architectural and building information requirements every contractor needs to know.

1. Building Codes: Before any construction begins, contractors need to be familiar with local building codes and how these codes affect their projects. In many cases, a building permit is required from the city or county before work can begin. So, contractors must conform with the municipality beforehand.

2. Building Permits: A building permit is a document that gives you legal permission to start construction on a project. Depending on the type of project and its size, you may need several types of permits. It’s important to know how to get a building permit so that your project meets all local regulations and standards.

3. Structural Design: Contractors should understand how the building structure is affected by local regulations and materials used. This includes knowing how loadbearing walls and load distribution affect the overall stability of a building.

4. Fire Safety Standards: In many cases, contractors are

required to meet fire safety standards in order to receive a building permit. This can include firewalls, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems.

5. Energy Efficiency: Contractors should understand how the design of a building affects its energy efficiency. This includes understanding insulation requirements, air flow considerations, and ways to reduce heating and cooling costs.

these materials meet local building code requirements. Furthermore, contractors should be aware of any hazardous materials that may need to be handled in order to ensure safety.

9. Project Cost Estimation: In order to receive a building permit, contractors must provide an accurate cost estimate for their project. This should include labor, materials, and other estimated expenses.

10. Building Inspection: Contractors need to be familiar with the process of having their buildings inspected by local government officials. This includes understanding what is expected from an inspection and how to address any issues that arise. In addition, contractors should also be aware of any warranties that are included in their contracts.

To Sum Up:

By being familiar with these ten architectural and building information requirements, contractors can ensure their projects meet local regulations and safety standards. This helps protect everyone involved in the project as well as keep costs low. So, by using best practices and having a thorough understanding of the building process, contractors can ensure their projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.

6. Land Use Regulations: Before any construction can begin, contractors must be familiar with the local zoning laws in order to ensure their project meets the requirements.

7. Construction schedule: In some cases, the contractor may need to submit a timeline of when construction will begin and end. This should include all major milestones as well as completion dates. Also, contractors should include any weather-related delays that may occur.

8. Building Materials: Contractors must understand what building materials are available, how they can be used in a particular project, and whether or not

You can call PermitUsNow at 1.844.PERMIT.4 or visit us on the web at permitusnow.com if you’re tangled in a web of projects that need permits. We are committed to pulling permits for our architect, contractor, and project owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Plus, we make it easy for you to work with us. Simply:

1) Email us your plans, 2) Follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and 3) Let us get your permitting done for you. So, send us your plans today, and we’ll free you up to focus on doing what you love - building your customers’ dreams.

Chevron Helping Girls Get Hyped About STEM One Project at a Time

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Heven Adugna aims high. She aspires to become a pediatrician, and as a seventh-grade student, she knows that science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) will help her reach that goal.

However, women—and particularly Black, Indigenous, and all girls of color—are largely underrepresented in STEM fields and often marginalized from taking part in STEM education at an early age. In 2019-2020, women of color in the U.S. earned 15% of bachelor’s degrees across all STEM fields, with Black women accounting for only 5% of that total.

For girls like Heven, this presents an extra challenge when pursuing success in STEM employment, higher education, and careers.

Re-engineering STEM for girls of color

That’s where Techbridge Girls comes in. Their specialized training programs draw on girls’ interests and experiences, creating access to high-quality STEM learning that empowers and inspires students from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential.

Leading fearlessly

Josetta Jones, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Chevron, has volunteered with Techbridge Girls for almost two decades. She received a degree in chemical engineering prior to attending law school and also served as a member of the Techbridge Girls Regional

Advisory Council of California.

“This program is inspiring young girls, giving them hope and opportunities to see women like them leading fearlessly in STEM fields,” Josetta said.

Investing in tomorrow’s talent

Since those early days of partnership in 2008, Chevron has invested more than $3 million in support of Techbridge Girls’ programming expansion and success.

Why it matters

Quality education is critical to help achieve social equality, advance racial equity and enable human progress. In 2020, Chevron pledged $15 million to support Black employees and the Black community across four strategic pillars:

• Education

• Job creation

• Talent and leadership development

• Community and small business partnerships

From 2020-2022, we invested $3 million in K-12 education programs to continue our ongoing commitment to racial equity via our work with Techbridge Girls and other partner organizations. For more information, please visit chevron.com.

Source: Chevron

Chevron’s Supplier Diversity Connects Houston Companies to the World

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Houston wears the crown of America’s most diverse city, with ties that stretch to all corners of the world. But the international metropolis is on a quest for another title: the country’s most diverse, inclusive, and equitable city for business.

Terence Baptiste, supplier diversity advisor at Chevron, is one of the architects of this vision within Chevron. He’s on a personal and professional mission to lift up the communities where he lives and works.

The Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) launched a cohort this year to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion across many dimensions of the city’s business environment. That effort involves promoting supplier diversity—and increasing opportunities for minorityowned businesses to compete with larger, more established companies.

Terence and the team at Chevron were all in.

“Through this program, Chevron strives to ensure that our supplier base is reflective of our customers and the markets we serve—and all businesses are considered on the basis of merit, not just size and strength,” said Terence.

Building partnerships

The initiative is called One Houston Together and will lead with that collaborative spirit. Chevron has signed on to a buyer’s cohort along with other companies, institutions, and nonprofits dedicated to increasing

spending on minority business enterprises (MBEs).

More than 120 participating companies are armed with data to identify, source, and engage more local MBEs throughout the Bayou City.

Creating prosperity

As one of Houston’s largest employers and a long-term partner of GHP, Chevron is helping other members pave the way for more supplier diversity.

“Partners like Chevron, who have been with us on this journey since we started, understand the importance of increasing racial diversity of supply chain vendors and help illustrate what’s possible through their own efforts and through support of our collective regional supplier diversity workstream,” said LaTanya Flix, senior vice president of diversity, equality, and inclusion at GHP.

What Chevron is doing

• Chevron spent more than $1.1 billion on goods and services from U.S.-based small businesses in 2021.

Accelerating progress

Terence and the team are using digital tools to discover and advance our supplier diversity efforts with diverse businesses that offer attractive cost savings and excellent customer service. This data-driven approach gives MBEs the chance to provide innovative energy solutions that fuel growth both for their firms and Chevron.

Why it matters

By providing a competitive, inclusive business environment for suppliers of all types, sizes, and backgrounds, supplier diversity can lead to positive results. That means Chevron can potentially launch local communities out of poverty, build wealth and spark a generational shift to help level the playing field.

• Chevron spent more than $400 million on goods and services from women- and minorityowned businesses in the U.S. in 2021.

• Chevron is helping lead the American Petroleum Institute’s task force to help build up a supplier diversity capacity-building program— “Blue Wave”—among its nearly 600 members.

Learn more about Chevron’s Supplier Diversity/Small Business Program at chevron.com/operations/supplierdiversity.

Source: Chevron

5 Tips to Start Your Oil And Gas Career

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The oil and gas industry has changed a lot over the past few decades due to technological developments, changing economic factors, and increased energy demand caused by changing consumer behaviors.

All these changes are leading to exciting new opportunities for engineers and technical personnel. So, if you're interested in a career in Oil and Gas, here are NES Fircroft’s top tips on how to get started.

1. Don’t be daunted by the oil industry

Your current job, education, and work history won’t hold you back; there are many types of oil and gas jobs available for all levels of engineers, from pipeline jobs needing welding engineers to oil refinery turnarounds seeking talent acquisition managers.

Many industries such as the Power and Construction sectors have transferable skills. Headhunters welcome people with the necessary skills and a willingness to learn.

2. Discover your interests - drilling / offshore / shutdowns etc.

Petroleum jobs don’t just involve being out on offshore rigs or drilling platforms. As the lifecycle of an oil and gas project moves from the conceptual design stage through to decommissioning and eventually to refining, many different skill sets are required, and not just engineers.

EPC companies from Canada to Australia are all competing for the best people to excel at their projects and you might just be the perfect candidate to fill their skills gap.

3. Gain experience in engineering

Many major oil and gas operators such as Shell, Chevron, BP, ExxonMobil, and Total run apprentice schemes designed to give you a taste of what it's like working in the sector, but to be considered, you’ll need to have studied in a relevant field. If you didn’t study engineering STEM subjects then don’t panic! There are still schemes in loads of locations willing to train new engineers.

4. Weigh up the pros and cons of a job related to oil

Offshore and oilfield jobs are ever-changing and the engineering needs adapt as projects progress. The energy industry offers plenty of opportunities for the global travel and no end of complex technical challenges to solve. Working in oil and gas engineering will give you a chance to see the world as well as stimulate your mind.

If it’s a variety that you’re looking for, the oil and gas industry also delivers. Not only is there a wide range of disciplines to choose from, but you’ll also have the flexibility of working on either temporary (contract) or permanent assignments. The earning potential and associated job benefits can also be substantial.

However, it's important that you also recognize the challenges associated with an international engineering

job such as being far away from friends and family, working long hours, meeting tight deadlines, and the need to work flexibly to accommodate project demands.

To get a foot in the door and gain the experience required to progress your career, you need to be willing to work your way up the ladder; in return for your hard work, you’ll achieve exciting long-term career and financial rewards.

If you know someone in oil and gas - talk to them about their job. Mentoring is important in all careers and an oil and gas mentor will help you navigate the industry.

Read NES Fircroft’s advice for relocating abroad with a family or what it’s like to live on an oil rig for further insights.

5. Oil and Gas Contractors! Get your CV ready – wow the hiring managers

For maximum impact, CVs should be tailored for every job application.

• Keep it concise and focused on the key points.

• Make sure you include your contact details, all relevant skills, and experience, as well as your employment and education history in reverse chronological order.

• Once your CV is finished, start networking with oil and gas industry professionals – this could be current oil and gas/energy engineers, recruiters, and talent acquisition managers.

• Make sure you're on popular professional networks such as LinkedIn, pay attention to your profile, make connections, and follow relevant industry news as well as influencers and thought leaders to help develop your market knowledge

• Attend industry events to grow your circle of contacts.

For more information and for Oil and Gas job opportunities, please visit nesfircroft.com.

Source: NES Fircroft

USDOT Announces Appointments to the Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS)

By Subcontractors USA

s part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) focus on improving the safety of public transportation systems, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced the appointment of 24 members to the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS)

"At the Department of Transportation, our top priority is ensuring the safety of every member of the traveling public, including the workforce," said Secretary Buttigieg. "We look forward to working with the 24 members of TRACS – representing experts from large cities, small towns, academia, non-profits, organized labor, and more – to support the continued safety of public transit across America."

TRACS's membership reflects the geographic, size, and issue diversity across the transit industry and includes members from the large and small bus and rail operators, state safety oversight agencies, academia, non-profit organizations, and labor unions from rural communities to America's most populous cities.

TRACS provides information, advice, and recommendations on transit safety and other issues as determined by the Secretary of Transportation and the FTA Administrator. TRACS meets as a full committee at least once a year. Meetings are announced in the Federal Register and are open to the public. The first meeting will be held in early 2023.

Since 2009, TRACS has provided FTA with valuable recommendations on critical issues, such as establishing a Fatigue Management Program for the Bus and Rail Transit Industry and researching transit worker accidents and fatalities to better protect them in railway corridors. The TRACS charter was renewed in February 2022. TRACS appointments are for two-year terms. New committee members include:

TRACS 2022-2024 Committee Members

• Edward Abel, Director of Operational Safety, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

• Brian Alberts, Senior Director of Safety and Advisory Services, American Public Transportation Association

• Johanna Cockburn, Director of Transportation, City of Greensboro, North Carolina

• Beverly Edwards, Chief Operating Officer, First Transit, Cincinnati, Ohio

• Rebecca Frankhouser, Chief Safety Officer and Managing Director of Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance, King County Metro, Seattle, Washington

• David Harris, Transit and Rail Division Director, New Mexico Department of Transportation

• Molly Hughes , Public Transportation Safety Administrator, Washington State Department of Transportation

• Donna Johnson, Vice President and Chief Safety Officer, Dallas Area Rapid Transit

• Laura Karr, Associate General Counsel, Amalgamated Transit Union

• Jim Keane, General Manager of Operations Safety, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

• Thomas Lamb, Chief of Innovation and Technology, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Transit

US Department of Labor Seeks Nominations for Membership to National Advisory Committee On Occupational Safety and Health

Announces appointment of four other members

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

MThe U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is seeking nominations to fill six membership vacancies on the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.

The 12-member group advises the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Health and Human Services on matters related to administering the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

OSHA invites nominations to fill the following vacancies: two public representatives; one management representative; one labor representative; one occupational safety professional representative; and one occupational health professional representative. Committee members are appointed by the Secretary of Labor and generally serve two-year staggered terms, unless a member becomes unable to serve, resigns, ceases to be qualified to serve, or is removed by the Secretary.

• Brian Lapp, Senior Vice President and Chief Safety Officer, New Jersey Transit

• Raymond Lopez , Deputy Executive Officer of Corporate Safety, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

• Rachel Maleh, Executive Director, Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

• Santiago Osorio, Chief Safety Officer, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston, Texas

• Karen Philbrick, Executive Director, San Jose State University, Mineta Transportation Institute

• Ashley Porter, Transit Safety Programs Manager, Florida Department of Transportation

• Patrick Preusser, Director of Rapid Transit, City and County of Honolulu, Department of Transportation Services

• Reggie Reese, Chief Safety Officer, Pierce Transit, Lakewood, Washington

• Adam Sharkey, Deputy Director, River Cities Public Transit, Pierre, South Dakota

• Justin Sobeck , State Safety Oversight Program Manager and Passenger Rail Safety Specialist, Missouri Department of Transportation

• Lisa Staes, Associate Director of Transit Safety and Workforce Development Program, University of South Florida, Center for Urban Transportation Research

• Gardner Tabon , Executive Vice President of Systemwide Accessibility and Chief Safety Officer, Capital Metropolitan Transit Agency, Austin, Texas

• Curtis Tate , International Administrative Vice President, Transport Workers Union

For more information, please visit transit.dot.gov.

Source: Federal Transit Administration

Read the Federal Register notice for submission details.

Additionally, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh has approved the nominations of four other members, in response to a previous request for nominations published on Aug. 1, 2022.

The appointed members are:

• Nancy Daraiseh, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, public representative

• Kathleen Dobson, Alberici Constructors, Inc., safety representative

• John Dony, National Safety Council, management representative

• Rebecca Reindel, AFL-CIO, labor representative

For more information, please visit osha.gov.

Source: United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration