Houston Public Works – Office of Business Opportunity (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. And 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 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 fiscal year 2020, Houston Public Works awarded $2.05 billion in contracts, with $525 million awarded to MWBEs, providing more opportunities for our minority business community. The number of MWBEs awarded increased 15% and 70% of all city dollars awarded to certified firms came from Houston Public Works. Over half a billion dollars was awarded to MWBEs last year from Houston Public Works alone. The economic impact of those dollars being awarded, especially during a year of uncertainty, has a positive effect on our small business community presently, also making a great impact for the years ahead.
You may not realize how valuable Houston Public Works is to our city, as it is the first responder to the first responders. Working behind the scenes, this department works selflessly and tirelessly around the clock, keeping Houston in operation and water flowing throughout emergency events, also assisting Houston Police and Houston Fire with high water rescues. Houston Public Works has inspectors ready after any storm, to speed up the permitting process if and when Houstonians need to rebuild following a storm.
Houston Public Works Remains a Solid Force Committed to the Progression of MWBEs
Despite unforeseen storms and the pandemic, our city cannot stop operations, so with construction and expansion projects ongoing like the Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP), there are continuous opportunities for MWBEs to do business with Houston Public Works. The NEWPP Expansion Project is a $1.76 Billion design-build project that will add 320 million gallons per day by 2024 to the existing water plant’s capacity. Gutier, an MBE subcontractor performing on multiple work packages at NEWPP, accredits their rapid growth to the project. “Since working at NEWPP, we have expanded our workforce, purchased new equipment, and relocated to a larger office space,” says Jorge Mancilla, Principal at Gutier.
Houston Public Works has been proactive, swiftly able to modify strategies and procedures, helping to ensure that MWBEs continue to have access to receiving information and opportunities with the department. Leveraging technology further allows them to deliver the same quality of services, like pre-bid and pre-construction meetings. And going virtual provides more online services and resources at the Houston Permitting Center and other service areas. The brief postponement of their Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP) in 2020 gave them time to transition the program virtually for this year. IMPP, a program in collaboration with The City of Houston, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston Independent School District, Port Houston, Houston Community College, and Houston First Corporation, exists to strengthen effective working relationships, fostering long-term stability between established companies and local agencies with emerging historically underutilized businesses. The twenty small businesses selected in this year’s program will partner with a mentor (prime contractor) who will provide best practices, guidance, and support as the protégé progresses.
In 2020 Houston Public Works launched its Small Contactors Rotation Program (SCRP) 2.0 with seven MWBE construction firms. The SCRP is a two-year program designed to provide capacity building and assistance to MWSBE construction contractors. SCRP enables small construction contractors to compete for business with the City of Houston, while also strengthening their ability to obtain financing and bonding. Over $1 million has been awarded in the program so far, proving beneficial for MWBEs.
Because of the pandemic, Houston Public Works took their 2020 Contracts Connect event virtual, with over 260 registered attendees participating last Fall. Contracts Connect is Houston’s premier networking event designed to connect major engineering consulting firms and construction companies with MWBEs in areas of engineering, design, and civil construction. This year marks fourteen years for the program and the Annual Contracts Connect event will be back in-person to assist small businesses in reestablishing relationships with the City, prime contractors, and other government agencies with civil construction and engineering opportunities.
Recently, our city recognized the efforts of Houston Public Works through National Public Works Week. This included a proclamation from the Mayor, a department-wide BBQ competition, a new department overview video, and accolades provided by local partners. Stronger Together was this year’s theme that couldn’t be more fitting, acknowledging the importance of public works professionals and their vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities, while highlighting the public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of Houston.
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. Diligent in its commitment to MWBEs, Houston Public Works – Office of Business Opportunity has a proven track record of advocating and providing resources for MWBEs to successfully do business with the City of Houston.
To find out more about the application and pre-certification workshops available, please visit www.houstontx.gov/obo and www.publicworks.houstontx.gov.
