Centennial Now Supporting Houston Airport System

Here's a new contract update I'm excited to share. Centennial has been awarded a new multi-year Job Order Contract (JOC) with the City of Houston and the Houston Airport System. It is now recognized as a preferred provider for the airports’ Operations & Maintenance JOC projects. Centennial will provide a full range of construction services for facilities repair, renovations, minor and security construction for all three of Houston’s major airports – George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Field Airport.

Centennial also serves Harris County, NASA Johnson Space Center and the Harris County Department of Education under Job Order Contracts and IDIQ contracts. It also works with several airports, including DFW Airport, where it recently helped prepare the facility for Super Bowl traffic.

Super Bowl Fans Fly to Renovated DFW Airport Terminal

Just in time for Super Bowl traffic, Centennial has turned over a new Corporate Aviation facility to DFW (Dallas-Forth Worth) Airport.

(See a video of our work here.)

The timing of renovation of the facility was driven by planning for Super Bowl traffic. DFW is the closest major airport to Cowboy Stadium, but the previous General Aviation facility could only accommodate about 30 private aircraft.

Now, many Pittsburgh Steeler and Green Bay Packer fans will fly into a complete renovation of a commuter terminal on the northeast side of DFW. The new facility features concierge services, a conference room and business center, pilot’s lounge and quiet rooms, and multiple lounge areas for passengers. DFW officials expect up to 1000 private jets to descend on North Texas in February.

This is the most demanding project yet we have completed for DFW, but we are very proud of this showcase facility which represents an expanded business line for our customer.

The project construction schedule had to be compressed by nearly 50% to open on time. DFW utilized its Job Order Contract in part because it’s designed for quick response, to perform the work. Centennial has served DFW under the Job Order Contract since 2005, completing up to 20 time-critical renovation and remodel projects annually in the demanding airport environment. A ribbon-cutting was held December 9th for local dignitaries and aviation executives.

Personally, I was in awe of the amazing dedication of our Centennial team. They pulled an all-nighter before the ribbon-cutting (I arrived at 9 pm and they were in full swing) to make sure everything was perfect! Great work!

Texas Time

I recently spent a week traveling all over the great state of Texas. The goal was to get a sense of how the different markets are doing in the state and also to start building a plan for the legislative activities for 2011. It was a great trip, seeing a lot of old friends, visiting the Centennial teams and regional industry leaders, meeting with clients and getting a sense of the state’s activity level. I spent time with our lobbyists John and Marta Greytok of Texas Government Solutions. I was also able to stop by to say hi to Laura Fowler and as always gain a sense of energy and positive movement forward in the state.

A few thoughts jump out after this whirlwind tour:

1. Texas was the trailing indicator state on the construction industry economic issues and it is the leading indicator state on the recovery. Almost as if the economic issues that started for the country in 2008 are just a speed bump in Texas.

2. Texas is already seeing a build up of new design and engineering project requests and solicitation development (the pre-curser to construction work).

3. The mood across the state was positive and very focused on growing the economy. Everyone could see the need, the demand and the interest in public construction. Doesn’t mean there aren’t tough areas and situations, but the real sense was positive and confident.

4. The 2011 legislative calendars are being built right now and that there is going to be an effort to get legislation on the docket again to try and clean up the construction procurement laws, this includes design-build, CM at risk and job order contracting.

5. I am going to really try and help the local Texas JOC industry (owners, trade associations, educators, coops, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, etc.) work together to make sure job order contracting is not singled out and/or attacked. We need to find a way to work together to bring the right type of bill to the floor. All indicators are positive for this effort at this time.

6. Sense of growth and optimism.

One site I like to reference and track in Texas is ARRA Texas Eye On The Dollars .