HOUSTON , July 21, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) commission received the quarterly report from the Small Business Development Program (SBDP) and approved several recommendations involving contract awards, bids and proposals, professional services and general administrative and operational matters during its public meeting on Monday, July 19, 2004. Chairman Jim Edmonds presided over the meeting that was attended by Vice Chairman Kase Lawal, Commissioner Steve Phelps, Commissioner Jim Fonteno, Commissioner Jimmy Burke, Commissioner Cheryl Thompson-Draper, and Commissioner Janiece Longoria.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
During the second quarter of 2004, the PHA committed $56.3 million (53 percent) of its non-exempt contract dollars to small business prime contractors and sub-contractors. Out of informal purchase orders totaling more than $1.34 million, a total of $363,320 (27 percent) went to small businesses. Additionally, 48 new vendors became registered participants in the SBDP, bringing the program's total to 744. For more information about the SBDP, visit www.portofhouston.com.
SECURITY MATTERS
(Agenda item M1) The commission authorized PHA to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Coast Guard to exchange and share resources in order to enhance maritime safety and security. PHA and the USCG will continue taking steps to improve their communications, services and working relationships; address the common goals of safety and security through the exchange and sharing of resources; pursue joint development of maritime information processes that advance both agencies' mutual goals; and facilitate periodic meetings between the agencies to identify and pursue ways to assist each other in accomplishing these goals.
"The Port of Houston Authority understands that exchanging and sharing security information, data and other resources with the Coast Guard is a vital component to enhancing maritime safety and security," stated PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds. "This memorandum of agreement ensures that we will work together to improve communications, address common safety goals and meet regularly to assist each other."
The PHA takes direction on security from the Coast Guard, which has primary responsibility for waterway safety. The agency has heightened its partnership presence by bringing in reservists to create an extensive port security force and operate patrols along the Houston Ship Channel on a 24-hour basis, allowing them to respond to anything that is out of the ordinary.
"The partnership between the port and the Coast Guard illustrates how cooperation among industry and government agencies is necessary to protect this vital piece of our nation's economy," stated PHA Executive Director Tom Kornegay. "We already have a solid working relationship with the Coast Guard, and I expect that this memorandum will further increase our ability to collaborate on security measures. By strengthening our relationship, the port authority and the Coast Guard ensure the safety and well being of not only the maritime industry, but also the communities and neighbors along the Houston Ship Channel."
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BAYPORT MATTERS
(Agenda item G6) The commission approved a $1.2 million contract award to Paradigm Consultants, Inc. for concrete testing at Phase 1A of the Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal. Paradigm will establish an on-site testing laboratory and perform all concrete materials testing and pavement surface evaluations for all Phase1A construction projects.
(Agenda item G11) The commission authorized PHA to amend Gee & Jenson's professional engineering services contract in the estimated amount not to exceed $3.6 million for Terminal 7 - Phase 1 at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal and for the permanent cruise terminal at Bayport. Last month, the commission authorized Gee & Jenson to perform master planning for the proposed three-berth cruise facility at Bayport. The consultant will design the initial cruise facility at Bayport, utilizing some design work first begun in 1998. The scope of services includes an assessment of new security requirements, design of the expanded terminal building, and design of a lengthened dock, parking and support areas, and gangway.
(Agenda item G12) The commission amended the contract with Geotest Engineering, Inc. by an estimated amount of $99,632 for geotechnical services related to the dredging and wharf and bulkhead design for Phase 1A of the Bayport container terminal. Geotest will provide expert consultation on short notice for issues regarding acceptance of shafts and the interpretation of changed conditions related to the foundation construction of the Bayport wharf.
(Agenda item G13) The commission amended the contract with Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. by an estimated amount of $250,000 for the third year of Phase 1A program management services for the Bayport terminal complex. In its original contract, LAN's third-year scope of services for the future cruise terminal was limited to a revision of the cruise master plan. LAN will now be expected to provide management of design services for the initial cruise terminal in the third year of its contract.
(Agenda item L3) The commission evaluated and ranked qualifications and authorized PHA to negotiate a contract for one company to provide design/build services for the Bayport Mitigation Project on the Memorial Tract. Arcadis G&M, Inc. received the commission's top ranking followed by AB Engineering, LLC.
(Agenda item L4) The commission evaluated and ranked qualifications and authorized PHA to negotiate a contract for one company to provide inspection services for the construction of dockside electric container cranes and other components for the Bayport container terminal. ABSG Consulting, Inc. received the commission's top ranking followed by Gottlieb, Barnett & Bridges, LLC.
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT MATTERS
(Agenda item G14) The commission authorized PHA to execute a $14,187 change order to State Construction, L.P. for the renovation of the administration building and construction of a 24-hour access gate at Barbours Cut Terminal 3. In the contract awarded earlier this year, the scope of work retained the existing plaster soffits on the administration building because of their acceptable external appearance. During construction, however, the soffit on the far west bay has sagged. Further inspection revealed evidence of rust and corrosion. With the change order, State Construction will remove the existing soffits and furnish and place new framing and soffits.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS MATTERS
(Agenda items K8, K9, K10, K11) The commission authorized PHA to advertise and receive competitive sealed proposals from qualified vendors interested in being considered for potential 24-month contracts for professional photography services, graphic design and creative support services, printing services, and mail house and fulfillment services. Each contract service is related to the production and delivery of various PHA marketing collateral materials. CSPs submitted for consideration are expected to include estimated total costs ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 for photography services, from $500,000 to $1 million for graphic design and creative support services, from $350,000 to $700,000 for printing services, and from $150,000 to $200,000 for mail house and fulfillment services.
(Agenda item M2) The commission authorized PHA to sponsor the Promote Houston - IAPH 2007 organization for activities related to planning the 2007 International Association of Ports and Harbors conference in Houston. Promote Houston - IAPH 2007 is the 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that has been established for the express purpose of planning the Houston conference, which is scheduled to be held April 27 through May 4, 2007. PHA will sponsor the organization in the total amount of $1.5 million over a three-year period in incremental $500,000 payments by September 1 of fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION
PHA Executive Director Tom Kornegay (left) and Captain Richard M. Kaser, USCG Commanding Officer of the Marine Safety Office Houston/Galveston and Captain of the Port, sign a memorandum of agreement to exchange and share resources for enhancing maritime safety and security while flanked by (l. to r.): Commissioner Jim Fonteno, Commissioner Steve Phelps, Commissioner Janiece Longoria, Chairman Jim Edmonds, Vice Chairman Kase Lawal, Commissioner Cheryl Thompson-Draper, and Commission Jimmy Burke.
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The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, more than 6,600 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in overall total tonnage, and sixth largest in the world. The Port Authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee "C" futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade's Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com