Texas Central News A group of Texas A&M University and Blinn College students traveled to the House Transportation Committee hearing in Austin recently to express support of the construction of a high-speed rail. Since early 2015, the Texas Central Railway has been working toward developing the United States’ first high-speed rail which would connect North…
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County News A national consumer advocacy organization and its state affiliate have given the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) an “A” for showing taxpayers how their money is spent. U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) and TexPIRG compared METRO’s financial disclosures against dozens of other districts across the country. Each year, the group…
By Subcontractors USA News Provider Thirty-nine states added construction jobs between April 2016 and April 2017 amid growing demand for construction services, yet more than half the states lost construction jobs between March and April amid tight labor market conditions, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data…
Contributing Writer, Helen Callier While presenting at a workshop in Houston recently, a commercial project owner asked, “Do I need a city permit for minor interior work that involves shelving?” Typically, if performing cosmetic work, no city building permit is required. If construction work appears to be more than minor interior refresh and includes…
By Subcontractors USA News Provider A new study looking at the economic impact of publicly funded projects near Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail stations shows major economic impacts to North Texas. Researchers at the University of North Texas looked at 11 public projects between 1999 and 2015 and found those types of projects…
Texas Railroad Commission News Texas is on the verge of a new energy revolution. The potential for job creation, economic prosperity and investment in our energy sector is almost limitless. Key to ensuring it stays that way is reducing or removing regulatory roadblocks to energy exploration and production, without compromising public or environmental safety. I…
Your Engineering, Planning, Environmental and Aviation Experts By Dawn Paul, Associate Editor Serving clients in Texas and nationwide since 1979, Quadrant Consultants Inc. (Quadrant) is a leader in the construction industry, providing expertise in the areas of engineering, planning, environmental, and aviation services for transportation, utility infrastructure, and land planning. Being a standout consulting firm, Quadrant’s experienced staff of engineers, planners, and environmental scientists understand…
Lea Bogle, Contributing Writer Capacity. It’s the word that everyone is talking about, from prime contractors, to government agencies and small business owners. So the question is, how can a small business increase its capacity, so it can grow and meet the demands of its clients in the most cost-effective manner? Implementing the right mobile…
Texas Central News A new report from a leading Conservative nonprofit argues against the discriminatory legislation being discussed in the Texas Legislature that singles out and targets the Texas Bullet Train by imposing arbitrary and unnecessary limits on the project and the emerging high-tech industry. “The whole notion of government opining, much less acting, in such a situation is…
Projects Adding Value by Expanding Diversity Transportation Summit By Subcontractors USA News Provider The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), headquartered in Austin, TX, is organized by administration, districts and divisions. TxDOT’s workforce is made up of engineers, administrators, financial experts, designers, architects, sign makers, accountants, purchasers, maintenance workers, travel counselors and many other professions. People…
Helen Callier, Contributing Writer Talk with most contractors about building permits and the topic will soon shift to a nightmare story or two about the problems experienced in obtaining city building permits. You will hear about how they had to make several trips to speak with different plan reviewers and waited weeks for a final…
Helping Subcontractors to Connect and Build By Subcontractors USA News Provider Demetria Bivens is founder, president, and owner of DLB Consultants (DLB). Bivens founded the company to help subcontractors win! Having extensive experience in the industry, Bivens understands and implements strategies to connect subcontractors, helping them build their business and gain lucrative opportunities in this…
By Subcontractors USA News Provider How much data do you really need on your monthly cellular plan? Buy too much and you’re simply wasting money. Buy too little and you could end up socked with overage fees, or find your data speeds slowed significantly. Though you need wireless service to conduct business, you also must…
World’s Largest CO2 CapturePlant; Recycles CO2 for Enhanced Oil Production, Environmental Protection RICHMOND – Last week, Commissioner Wayne Christian attended the official opening of the world’s largest carbon capture facility, participating in the valve opening ceremony with Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Governor Greg Abbott, Congressman Pete Olson and Japanese General Consul Tetsuro Amano. The…
By Subcontractors USA News Provider “Cargo moving through Port Houston facilities is off to a solid start,” Executive Director Roger Guenther announced recently. Terminals owned and operated by Port Houston handled a cumulative total of 5.7 million tons of cargo, reflecting a three percent increase compared to the same time last year. Year-to-date, Port Houston…
Austin Energy Launches Electric Drive, Celebrates Five-Year Success of Electric Vehicles Program Austin Energy recently unveiled an electric transportation hub called Electric Drive in the heart of downtown Austin. Electric Drive is a showcase of Austin’s growing electric vehicle infrastructure, and offers proof that Austin has become EV ready. Located along a portion of West…
By Subcontractors USA News Provider Total is entering a partnership with Borealis and Nova to form a joint venture with the aim of building an ethane steam cracker and a new Borstar® polyethylene unit on the US Gulf Coast. Total is expected to hold a 50% interest in the new joint venture. More precisely, the joint…
Texans’ work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and our willingness to take on big ideas explain why this state has become the country’s economic engine. That’s why I’m so bullish about the new high-speed train that will connect North Texas and Houston, the state’s largest commercial hubs. The project is a perfect example of how Texas…
Your involvement as a provider of goods and services for the City is critical in meeting its operational, mission, and service delivery requirements. Procurement Methods The City’s Purchasing Division uses the following methods to procure goods and services: METHOD WHEN USED BASIS OF AWARD Request for Price Quote (RFPQ) Informal For one time purchase of…
By Subcontractors USA News Provider As one of the largest community colleges in the nation, the Houston Community College System (HCC) has proudly served the Greater Houston area for over four decades. HCC has served this city in various areas and in several capacities. When it comes to serving the small business community, the Small Business Development Program (SBDP) is an award-winning…
