Houston is growing. Growing fast.  And growing in many areas including not only population but in commercial construction, government sponsored, public construction including highways, bridges, hospitals, schools and more.  There currently exists a strong demand for skilled labor and specialized construction personnel.  The demand is far outpacing the supply and many projects have either been delayed or have  been rebid to adjust estimates and budgets upward because of the labor shortage.  According to the Houston Chronicle, most retailers and service providers in the greater Houston area report that they are understaffed by more than 25%. In addition to this shortage, many General Contractors are very limited on the number of qualified Houston WBE , DBE and HUB subcontractors that are available.  The Houston Office of Business Opportunity   has adopted a Certification process for vendors, subcontractors and suppliers who want to do business with the City of Houston or any agencies thereof.  This certification is important for General Contractors when needed to reach their Houston WBE, DEB or MBE subcontractors goals for a particular  public works contract of almost any size.  Without the Houston Certification for a qualified WBE, DBE or MBE subcontractor, many  projects can become more expensive or delayed or both.  DLB Industries is a HUB certified and TxDOT certified, WBE, DBE and MBE subcontractor and has been filling the need General Contractors have for HUB goals for over 12 years.  From material procurement to invoice and credit note management to onsite personnel, DLB remains a leading Texas DBE, WBE & MBE subcontractor.  According to Diana Lerma-Bounds, president of DLB, they have noticed a sharp increase in the number of state wide contractors who cannot find properly certified, Texas and Houston DBE, WBE & MBE subcontractors that have enough experience and capacity during this boom time.  “Its just amazing that we cannot find enough, qualified people to satisfy the needs of all the General Contractor’s needs right now” says Bounds and she added, “Given the forward looking, major project schedule on the horizon, it may get worse before it gets better”.

Texas WBE, MBE & DBE subcontractors can qualify for jobs in specific cities or counties by becoming certified for that city’s Business Opportunity plan.  Houston certified DBE subcontractors and Austin certified DBE contractors, once certified by TxDot, can apply for these special certifications, allowing them to bid and work jobs in that City that require that certification.  These certifications are reducing the pool of qualified Texas DBE subcontractors that are available for specific City or County jobs.   For more info about Texas or Houston DBE, WBE & MBE certification processes, please contact DLB Industries.