TAUC IGI Conference In Cincinnati On Sept. 10-12, 2019
The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) is conducting an Industrial Grade Innovation (IGI) Conference and Expo on Sept. 10-12, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati.
The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) is dedicated to bringing the three entities involved in the successful completion of construction projects together – Owners, Contractors & The Trades. In the union construction and maintenance sector, buy-in from all three is critical.
The Industrial Grade Innovation Conference and Expo (IGI), Sept. 10-12 in Cincinnati, will give technology firms and innovation entrepreneurs an unprecedented opportunity to introduce their products and services to senior executives in the industrial construction and maintenance industry, one of the fastest growing sectors of the U.S. economy.
TAUC will have an amazing lineup of speakers who will discuss existing innovation and technology that has the potential to revolutionize the construction and maintenance industry. Here are 3 good reasons to attend:
1. Relevant Keynote Speakers
Learn about the future of the industry from the CEO of an industrial AI software platform, an innovation consultant and the chief technology officer of Stanley Black & Decker.
2. Interactive Discussion Groups
Take part in discussion groups led by Owner/Clients, Contractors, Labor Representatives with Technology Provider representatives with real world examples of how innovation and technology is impacting these segments of the construction market.
3. Informative Breakout Sessions
Attendees can choose from eight 20-minute concurrent breakout sessions led by innovation and technology subject matter experts.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Click on the following link for additional information and registration instructions for the conference. www.igiexpo.com
OCA Convention in Maui – We’re Fine Tuning!
We are wrapping up the fine details for our 2020 convention in Maui, taking place from January 29 to February 5. Hoping to go to print in the next couple of weeks, we will have the invitation to you the first of September. In the meantime, contact Rachel Sirca if you have any questions. Questions are welcome! [email protected]. 614-309-3713.
ODOT Announces Increase to NAI CS Code-based Small Business Size Standards
In the July 18, 2019 edition of the Federal Register, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) published an interim final rule (with request for comments) regarding the inflationary adjustment of monetary-based small business size standards.
The rule, which is effective August 19, 2019, will affect how the Ohio Unified Certification Program (Ohio UCP) determines DBE certification eligibility—specifically, eligibility for NAICS codes. (The Ohio UCP is a multi-agency effort responsible for all aspects of DBE certification in Ohio. ODOT is the lead representative of the Ohio UCP. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the business classification system used by the DBE program. Each NAICS code represents a type of business activity.)
A DBE must meet the SBA’s small business size standards for each NAICS code in which it is certified. In accordance with federal regulations, the Ohio UCP takes a three-year average of a DBE’s annual receipts (as evidenced by the three most recent Federal business income tax returns filed at the due date of the DBE’s Annual Declaration). The Ohio UCP then compares this three-year average to the relevant SBA small business size standards. If a DBE’s average annual receipts exceed the SBA small business size standard in one or more, but not all, NAICS codes in which it is certified, the DBE will no longer be eligible for DBE certification in those codes (but will remain certified in its other NAICS codes). (When a DBE loses a NAICS code for size-related reasons, its work under the lost code continues to count towards DBE goals on existing contracts. However, any work under the lost code performed on contracts that are signed after the loss of the code will not count towards DBE goals.) If a DBE’s average annual receipts exceed the SBA small business size standard for all NAICS codes in which it is certified, the DBE will no longer be eligible for DBE certification. Regardless of its NAICS codes, if a DBE’s average annual receipts exceed the DBE program’s $23.98 million statutory cap, the DBE will no longer be eligible for DBE certification.
Most of the NAICS codes for heavy/highway work are currently either $15 million or the DBE annual receipts limit of $23.98 million. (See the interim final rule (www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-14980) for a complete listing of NAICS codes with their adjusted monetary-based size standards.) Effective August 19, 2019, the annual receipts limit for the NAICS codes of $15 million will increase to $16.5 million.
Example 1: A firm is certified in a NAICS code with a pre-inflationary size standard (left column in the table above) of $15.0 million and an adjusted size standard of $16.5 million, and the firm’s Annual Declaration is due on August 18, 2019. The firm’s three-year average annual receipts equal $16.0 million. $16.0 million is greater than the size standard in effect on the due date of the Annual Declaration ($15.0 million), so the firm would not remain eligible for DBE certification in that NAICS code.
Example 2: Same as above, but the firm’s Annual Declaration is due on August 19, 2019. The adjusted size standard is now in effect. The firm’s three-year average annual receipts ($16.0 million) do not exceed the adjusted size standard ($16.5 million) and the firm would remain eligible for DBE certification in that NAICS code.
Note that a firm’s annual receipts are based on the firm’s revenue across all its NAICS codes.
Note, furthermore, that ODOT must include a firm’s affiliates (if any) when assessing a firm’s size.
If you have any questions please contact the Chris Engle at OCA or the Ohio Unified Certification Program at [email protected] or (614) 466-2878.
If you wish to make a comment to SBA, please follow the instructions within the Federal Register document. Comments are due to SBA by September 16, 2019. Link to the interim final rule with request for comments: www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-14980.
Transportation Study Committee Appointed
As mandated in HB 62 (the Transportation Budget Bill), legislative leaders recently appointed members from their respective chambers to the Ohio’s Road to Our Future Joint Legislative Study Committee. The panel will be co-chaired by Rep. Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake) and Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon). Other members from the House are Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton), Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton), Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) and Rep. Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood). The additional members from the Senate are Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), Sen. Michael Rulli (R-Salem), Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Sen. Cecil Thomas (D-Columbus).
The group is asked with reviewing alternative revenue sources for ODOT, expense mitigation, evolving technology, innovative financing techniques, asset leverage (including cell towers, light poles, rights of way, rest areas, buildings and garages), and the demographics of the department. Additionally the committee is expected to explore other issues including an analysis of using a vehicle-miles-traveled approach for generating revenue. A final report on all issues is required by December 1, 2020.
In a press interview, Rep. Greenspan stated “This study committee is put in place to ensure Ohio does everything we can to be a leader in transportation”. Senator McColley added, “If you look at the transportation industry and you look at where transportation is going, not just in the form of the modes of transportation, but also the fuel sources, now is a better time than ever to be having those conversations”.
A meeting schedule has not yet been released. OCA will monitor this process closely and provide input/testimony when appropriate. Any questions on this or any other legislative matter can be directed to Michelle Holdgreve, OCA Director of Legislative Affairs.
ODOT Announces Schedule for Mill Creek Expressway Phase 5B
ODOT is anticipating the letting of a $90M DB project for the continued reconstruction of portions of the I-74/I-75 Interchange north of Cincinnati Ohio (HAM-74-18.01: PID 104668). This Project will perform work on I-75 & I-74 in Hamilton County, Ohio as the Mill Creek Expressway Phase 5B (MCE-5B). This Project will be sold as a design-build project utilizing a Two-Step Technically Responsive Low-Bid Process in the Design-Build Team Selection. The Department will be holding an Industry Outreach and meetings with interested parties on Sept 17, 2019, with an RFQ posted early November 2019.
See the following link for additional information: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/ConstructionMgt/design-build/Docs/20190731_MCE_Ph5A_IndustryNoticeAndSimpleMap.pdf
ODOT announces Traffic Incident Management Training Classes
ODOT has announced 12 sessions of the new Ohio Traffic Incident Management (OTIM) Training. These free, 2-hour class sessions will be of interest to anyone who responds to incidents impacting the roadway transportation system, such as Fire Departments, EMS, Law Enforcement (Police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol), DOT, Public Works, EPA, EMA, Towing and Recovery, and Highway Construction Companies.
Depending on the location, the OTIM classes have been scheduled for either morning (8:30am to 11:00am) or afternoon (12:30pm to 3:00pm). Registration is now open as follows:
• October 1 (a.m.) – Bowling Green Click here to register.
• October 2 (a.m.) – New Philadelphia Click here to register.
• October 3 (a.m.) – Akron Click here to register.
• October 8 (a.m.) – Garfield Heights Click here to register.
• October 9 (a.m.) – Lebanon Click here to register.
• October 10 (a.m.) – Chillicothe Click here to register.
• October 16 (a.m.) – Marietta Click here to register.
• October 17 (p.m.) – Ashland Click here to register.
• October 22 (a.m.) – Delaware Click here to register.
• October 23 (p.m.) – Lima Click here to register.
• October 29 (p.m.) – Lebanon Click here to register.
• October 30 (p.m.) – Delaware Click here to register.
Ohio LTAP is managing the registration process for all participants. Pre-registration is required. Registrations will be processed in the order they are submitted online, while seats are still available.
MSHA /OAIMA Contractor Workshop - Register Now!
The Federal Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) is spending considerable time and resources to ensure Contractor Compliance while on mine sites. It is imperative that both the contractor and the mine operator know what is required. Therefore, MSHA and OAIMA are partnering to provide Contractor Workshops during the month of August.
These workshops, conducted by MSHA, will provide information critical to contractors currently working on mine property or those that may desire to work on mine property in the future. Mine managers, safety professionals and foreman will gain the knowledge they need to ensure contractor compliance.
Register Today to Reserve your Spot!
MSHA/OAIMA Contractor Workshop Registration Form
NACB Crane Train-the-Trainer Course in Cincinnati
National American Crane Bureau, Inc. (NACB) will be conducting an Overhead Crane Train the Trainer course in Cincinnati on August 20-23, 2019. This 4-day training program is designed for in-house personnel, previously qualified as trainers, who need a thorough understanding of the subject(s) for presentation to groups of their supervisors, operators, and inspection and maintenance personnel. All attendees will be assigned the task of specific research, development, and the presentation of materials during this course. Immediately following the completion of this program, a block of time has been reserved for administration of written testing for Certification. For additional information and/or to register for this course, click on the following link.
Register for Train the Trainer.
OCA/Ohio Laborers LECET Fund Charity Golf Outing
OCA is co-sponsoring a charity golf outing with the Ohio Laborers LECET Fund on September 13, 2019 at the Deer Ridge Golf Club in Bellville, Ohio. OCA's designated charity to benefit from the event is the Ronald McDonald House. We encourage OCA members to join us for a day of fun and networking with representatives of the Ohio Laborers Union, and to generate much needed funds for some wonderful charities. To review additional information about the event and for a registration/sponsorship brochure, please click on the following link. Click here for more information. Click here for registration material.
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