EARTH, WIND & FIRE FOUNDER MAURICE WHITE DEAD AT 74

February 4, 2016

BY DAVID BAUDER AND HILLEL ITALIE
ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this July 7, 2003 file photo, Maurice White, of Earth, Wind, & Fire, appears at an induction ceremony at the Hollywood Rock Walk in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. White, the founder and leader of Earth, Wind & Fire, died at home in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, said his brother, Verdine White. He was 74. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, whose horn-driven band sold more than 90 million albums and made hits like “September,” ”Shining Star” and “Boogie Wonderland,” died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, his brother Verdine said.

White, who was 74, suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and had retreated from the public even as the band he founded kept performing.

“My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep,” Verdine White, also a member of the band, told The Associated Press on Thursday. “While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”

Earth, Wind & Fire, a nine-piece band centered featuring the two White brothers, singer Philip Bailey and the distinctive horn section, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. The band’s most successful period started with the 1975 album “That’s The Way of The World” and continued through the rest of the decade. Other hits included “Serpentine Fire,” ”That’s the Way of the World” and a cover of the Beatles’ “Got to Get You Into My Life.”

White publicly revealed he had Parkinson’s at the time of the band’s Hall of Fame induction, but he had shown symptoms of the neurological disease back in the 1980s. He stopped touring with the band in 1995 because of weariness from the road combined with his health problems.

White said in an interview with The Associated Press in 2000 that he wanted the band’s music to inspire instead of just entertain.

“That was the whole objective, to try to inspire young people to believe in themselves and to follow through on their ideas,” he said. “We’ve touched so many people with these songs.”

A former session drummer, White founded the band Salty Peppers in the Chicago area in the late 1960s and had some modest success in the Midwest. After relocating to Los Angeles and ditching all of the band members except Verdine, he renamed the outfit Earth, Wind & Fire after the three elements in his astrological chart.

Bailey’s bright falsetto defined many of Earth, Wind & Fire’s hits. “We experienced pure magic together,” Bailey said during the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, standing next to White.

The band’s early sound was jazzy, but evolved into an exuberant, horn-driven mix of jazz, funk, gospel and Big Band music. Their appeal wasn’t just on records but on stage, their concerts a whirl of dancing, fog machines, multi-colored lights and glittery costumes. Earth, Wind & Fire performed everywhere from the Super Bowl to the White House.

Maurice White also had a substantial side career producing other artists, including Barbra Streisand and Cher. In the 1970s, he co-wrote and co-produced the Emotions’ No. 1 hit “Best of My Love.”

White was born in Memphis in 1941, the son of a doctor and grandson of a New Orleans piano player. He showed musical gifts at an early age, studying at the Chicago Conservancy. During the 1960s, he backed Muddy Waters, the Impressions and others and worked as a session drummer in Chicago.

—-

Entertainment writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody contributed to this report.

Super Bowl rosters filled with castoffs from other teams

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

Robert McClain — ROBERT MCCLAIN: The Patriots cut the cornerback in training camp and he didn’t play all season until Carolina signed him in December. He’s now a starter because of injuries to other players.

Wire reports

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Evan Mathis got released by the Eagles because Chip Kelly didn’t want to give the two-time Pro Bowl guard a raise. Kurt Coleman got dumped by Kelly a year earlier.

Things turned out super for both guys.

Mathis is blocking for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Coleman led Carolina with seven interceptions and picked two more passes in the NFC championship game.

As for Kelly, he landed in San Francisco too — after the Eagles fired him and he became the 49ers new coach.

“This is the ultimate dream for a football player to be able to play in the Super Bowl,” Mathis said. “It’s much more valuable (than money).”

Coleman was a seventh-round pick who started 27 games for the Eagles before Kelly arrived in 2013 and made him a backup. The safety played for Kansas City in 2014 and rejuvenated his career with the Panthers.

“I was a guy that was not as fast or may not have been as tall or strong or whatever it may be,” Coleman said. “If you believe it in your heart, you can achieve it.”

Both Super Bowl teams have rejects from other clubs playing prominent roles for them. Finding players on the waiver wire has helped the Panthers overcome injuries.

“We watch film and we work at it,” Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman said. “Mark Koncz, our pro scouting director, does a terrific job. He’s very thorough and a big part of it is finding guys that fit what we do.”

Here are more castoffs who will be playing in the Super Bowl:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Higher Temperatures Lead to Further Spread of Zika

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — In its brief lifespan, the mosquito that carries the Zika virus is caught in a race: Will it pass the disease to humans before it dies?

Weather might make the difference. Scientists say the hotter it gets, the more likely the insect can spread disease.

As the temperature rises, nearly everything about the biology of the Aedes aegypti mosquito — the one that carries Zika, dengue fever and other diseases — speeds up when it comes to spreading disease, said entomologist Bill Reisen of the University of California Davis.

“With higher temperatures you have more mosquitoes feeding more frequently and having a greater chance of acquiring infection. And then the virus replicates faster because it’s hotter, therefore the mosquitoes can transmit earlier in their life,” Reisen said. The thermodynamics of mosquitoes are “driven by temperature.”

The hotspots for this Zika outbreak also have been temperature and drought hotspots recently. Recife, Brazil, the largest city in the Zika-struck region, saw its hottest September-October-November on record, about 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal, according to NASA data. The state of Pernambuco had its hottest and driest year since 1998, according to the state weather agency. And globally, last year was the hottest on record.

Although it is too early to say for this outbreak, past outbreaks of similar diseases involved more than just biology. In the past, weather has played a key role, as have economics, human travel, air conditioning and mosquito control. Even El Nino sneaks into the game. Scientists say you can’t just blame one thing for an outbreak and caution it is too early to link this one to climate change or any single weather event.

Scientists have studied Zika far less than other mosquito-borne diseases, so for guidance they often look at dengue fever or chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same species of mosquito. Dengue infects as many as 400 million people a year, with a quarter of them sick enough to be hospitalized.

Zika was just declared a global public health emergency after being linked to brain deformities in babies in South America. Several thousand cases of microcephaly have been reported in Brazil since October, although researchers have so far not proven a definitive link to the virus. No vaccine exists for Zika.

In general, mosquitoes don’t live long, maybe 10 to 12 days on average, said Tom Scott, a University of California Davis professor of both entomology and epidemiology. That’s also about how long it takes a virus to grow in the mosquito gut, making the bug infectious and able to spread the disease. Often the insect will die before it can get a chance to spread the disease.

Warmer air incubates the virus faster in the cold-blooded mosquito. So the insect has more time to be infectious and alive to spread the disease, Scott said.

Warmer temperatures also make the mosquito hungrier, so it takes more “blood meals” and can spread the disease to more people, Scott, Reisen and others said. And warmer temperatures generally increase the mosquito population.

Kristie Ebi, a professor of global health at the University of Washington, calls it “a temperature-driven eruption.”

That’s not the only role of weather.

El Nino, a natural warming of parts of the central Pacific Ocean that changes weather worldwide, usually puts northeastern Brazil into a drought, as it did last year. Aedes aegypti does well in less-developed regions in droughts, because it lives in areas where poorer people store water in outdoor containers, said Jonathan Patz, director of the global health institute at the University of Wisconsin.

“As with all mosquito-borne viruses, climate is one of many factors that influence Zika transmission,” said Andy Monaghan, a scientist who works on public health impacts of climate change at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. “I think it is too early to say anything about the role of climate change in the ongoing Zika outbreak.”

However, Monaghan earlier this year presented a paper to the American Meteorological Society’s annual convention that predicts that eventually Aedes aegypti “will move northward in the U.S. due to future warming, which would expose people to the mosquito on a regular seasonal basis in states like Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia and D.C.”

Housing Authority’s Fatherhood participant brings love, tough experience to program

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

By Joseph D. Bryant

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District

Nothing can stop Eldridge Knighton from becoming the father his children need and deserve. Not even the two bullets that nearly ended his life.

He recalls challenges that appeared insurmountable, including being critically shot in the head during a robbery while working as a taxi driver. The 2004 incident left Knighton with permanent injuries, including blindness in his left eye.

“With everything that’s in me, I know in my heart that I’m here for a reason, and one of those is being the best father that I can be,” says the 39-year-old father of three school-aged children and two adult children. “They didn’t ask to be here. They just ask to be taken care of.”

Knighton quickly rose to become a leader and role model among participants in the 2015 Fatherhood Initiative sponsored by the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District.

The six-week initiative includes group sessions and a peer support group of 20 men. HABD engaged the Family Guidance Center of Alabama to facilitate the weekly meetings at the Smithfield Court Community Center.

The program is designed to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children and making education, health care and employment resources available to fathers. It began in 2011 when HABD joined an effort by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Fatherhood Initiative is part of HABD’s mission of providing safe and affordable housing and helping residents improve their quality of life.

Knighton learned about the program as he participated in HABD Family Self-Sufficiency program.

He knows it is not always easy to absorb life’s blows and remain the solid role model fathers need to be. Yet, he remains stoic and shares his experiences to encourage other men.

“It hurts, but I’ve been hurt before,” Knighton says, describing a series of disappointments and false starts. “I bring love and the experience of what it takes for a father to bounce back because I’ve been through the pit of fire.”

While needs and challenges of each man vary, all are united in their goal to become a stronger father.

“I literally had to humble myself because I had lost so much,” Knighton says. “As a father, I had a responsibility, and my responsibility was to my children. I had to pray and ask God to give me strength.”

Knighton remembers walking hours to see a son and daughter when they were young, then eventually becoming their temporary full-time caretaker. The days were long as he woke up 4 a.m. to catch the bus and make two transfers to get them to a babysitter and then himself to work.

Knighton calls it another lesson in humility.

“I’ve got so much respect for single mothers who have to do this every day without fathers,” he says. “I can do the same thing.”

Knighton pledged to himself that he would never allow anything to separate him from his children. The Fatherhood Initiative is another part of his commitment to fatherhood.

The initiative began as a Father’s Day event to help fathers with children living in public housing reconnect and strengthen their families. It has grown into a long-term program where men build a support group based on a shared desire to become better parents.

Former HABD Executive Director Naomi Truman in 2014 expanded the local initiative to include sessions on parenting, life skills, job training and job referral. It is all an effort to equip men with the tools needed to make them stronger fathers.

“Through our partnerships with individuals, local employers, training providers, community colleges and residents we are able to offer economic and other family resources to strengthen public housing families and improve the housing communities,” said Galvin Billups, HABD Director of Resident Services. “The Fatherhood Initiative is truly an example of a successful initiative and we are elated that resident children, mothers and the fathers are gaining information that will ultimately impact their relationships and enhance their quality of life.”

Knighton was already working to be a good father, but the fatherhood initiative gives him the skills to be a great father. He calls communication the greatest lesson he has learned.

Whether he’s playing video games or basketball with his children, Knighton considers his most important contributions as a father to be the time they spend together and the conversations they share.

“When that phone call comes in you need to be there to answer it,” he says.

The weekly fatherhood meetings also provide a forum and a safe place where men can bond with each other. Fathers and their children are celebrated during an annual banquet at the Smithfield Community Center.

“The fatherhood program is very, very needed because it’s helping a lot of people.

It’s still helping me,” Knighton says. “It presented a lot of knowledge about things we needed to know as far as being a better father.”

Knighton quips that while he enjoyed the food during the meetings and the celebration, he didn’t need it. He says the dialogue, camaraderie and information leave him full enough.

The men have remained in touch in the weeks since the last formal session.

“This year was the best year in terms of the class,” says Michael Billingsley, HABD Family Self-Sufficiency coordinator. “They did express that they would like to continue to keep the class going.”

Relationships may develop or fail, but Knighton said the role of father is everlasting. It is a 24-hour title and responsibility. Throughout his challenges, failing and rebuilding, Knighton is guided by a desire to live up to his responsibility.

“It’s all about choices,” he says. “I cannot understand how a man can look at something he helped create and walk away from it. When I leave here, as a father I need to know that my children are proud of me. I want my children to know that daddy bounced back.”

Classified February 4, 2016

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

_____________________________

Employment

_____________________________________________________________________

Licensed Barbers Needed

Birmingham’s newest Barbershop is looking for licensed Barbers to fill its Brand new Location in Forestdale area. Please Contact Jimmy at (205) 215-0057

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

_____________________________________________________________________

Sears Home Services

Now Hiring

Lawn Equipment Repair Techs *

Small Engine Repair Techs*

For More Information

Call Jasmine at: 407-551-6055

Email:Jasmine.Wilkins@searshomepro.com

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

________________________

PERSONAL ASSISTANT NEEDED

Looking for a responsible Personal Assistant to provide personalized secretarial and administrative support in a well-organized and timely manner. Experience not required. Send cv to dmb192@hotmail.com

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

________________________

University of Montevallo

Coordinator, Student Life

Visit: https://jobs.montevallo.edu

UM is an EO Employer

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Legal

___________________________________________________________________

ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received at the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233 until 2:00pm local time on Thursday, February 11, 2016 by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Jared Sparks, on behalf of the Callahan Eye Hospital Health Care Authority. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

CALLAHAN EYE HOSPITAL CEH 2ND FLOOR RENOVATION OF OUTPATIENT CLINICS UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

UAB PROJECT NO. # H142001

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work includes build-out of new offices within a recently demolished space within an occupied building. New work includes complete build-out of the space including all Architectural work and MEP systems. The work requires implementation and maintenance of Infection Control and Interim Life Safety provisions. Experience in renovations and performing work in an occupied Healthcare setting is required as work will take place adjacent to an occupied Hospital Building.

B. PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR, MECHANICAL SUBCONTRACTOR (HVAC), PLUMBING SUBCONTRACTOR, AND ELECTRICAL SUBCONTRACTOR BIDDER PREQUALIFICATIONS:

Prime General Contractor’s, Mechanical (HVAC) Subcontractor’s, Plumbing Subcontractor’s and Electrical Subcontractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Prequalification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 2:00pm local time on Thursday, February 11, 2016 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request sent by email or scanned into an email to jblocker@pooleandcompany.com.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor and subcontractor bidder will be notified of the results of the prequalification, no later than 2:00pm local time on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:

Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

Architect:

POOLE & COMPANY ARCHITECTS, LLC

2 NORTH 20TH STREET, SUITE 1610

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203

(205) 326-2206

(205) 326-2201

jblocker@pooleandcompany.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:

Bid documents will be available on Monday, February 29, 2016 at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.

Bonds:

A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2- 12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). Bids will be received until Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 2:00pm local time at the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

Bid proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of Jared Sparks, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, bid proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed bid proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All bid proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016 will be returned unopened.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:

Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

Fire Alarm Work:

In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A (the ACT), of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid evidence of licensure as required by the ACT by including with the bid submittal a valid State Fire Marshall’s permit.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Callahan Eye Hospital at the First Floor Lobby, 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233 on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM CST.

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

_______________________________________________________________

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

AT BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for the University of Alabama at Birmingham requests proposals from General Contractors for furnishing all labor and materials required for Miscellaneous Renovations to Jefferson Towers 2nd Floor.

Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. CT on February 25, 2016 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud in the large conference room of the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-6552. Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished. Proposals shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with the bidder’s name, address, State license number, the name of the project being bid, time and place of the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of Mike Burgess, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-6552, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on February 25, 2016 will be returned unopened.

Construction Contracts shall be awarded only to qualified Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama. Construction Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be responsible in accordance with criteria in the bid documents and as stipulated by Title 39-2-3-(e) of the Code of Alabama.

A Cashiers Check drawn on an Alabama Bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the bidder’s proposals. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Owner.

Scope of Work

Hazardous material abatement, demolition, general construction, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection and electrical work to prepare an area for future construction.

UAB is a Signatory Sponsor to and affirms The Birmingham Plan ‑ Construction Industry Program (see the requirements thereof as stated in Paragraph 13 of the Supplementary Instructions to Bidders, Specification Section 00120).

Fire Alarm Work

In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A, of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid, evidence of licensure as required by the act, by including with the bid submittal, a valid State Fire Marshal’s permit.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on February 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB New Hillman Building Lobby. The Owner has designated that bid documents will be available for examination at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Construction Market Data, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912; and electronically through McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.

Two (2) sets of bid documents will be issued by the Architect, Birchfield Penuel & Associates, 2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200, Birmingham, Alabama to qualified bidders upon deposit of $100 per set, by check drawn to the order of the Architect. Deposits will be refunded in full to bona fide General Contract bidders, and the difference between deposits and cost of reproduction and handling will be refunded to others, upon return of all documents in good condition. Deposits will be forfeited if bid documents are not returned within ten (10) days after the Bid Opening.

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

____________________________________________________________________

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

UAB JEFFERSON TOWER 15TH FLOOR LAB RENOVATION

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

UAB PROJECT # H140041

The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for the University of Alabama at Birmingham requests proposals from General Contractors for furnishing all labor and materials required for the UAB Jefferson Tower 15th Floor Lab Renovation, located at 625 19th Street, Birmingham, Alabama; UAB Project # H140041.

UAB is a Signatory Sponsor to and affirms The Birmingham Plan – Construction Industry Program; requirements as stated in the Modified Instructions to Bidders, UABHS Form C-2 MIB.

Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. on March 1, 2016 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud in the large conference room of the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233. Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished. Proposals shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with the bidder’s name, address, State license number, the name of the project being bid, time and place of the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of Juan de Onis, Director of Program Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on March 1, 2016 will be returned unopened.

The scope of work includes build-out of new laboratory and offices within an occupied building. New work includes complete build-out of the space including all Architectural work and MEP systems. The work requires implementation and maintenance of Infection Control and Interim Life Safety provisions. Experience in renovations and performing work in an occupied Healthcare setting is required as work will take place adjacent in an occupied Hospital Building.

Construction Contracts shall be awarded only to Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama. Construction Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be responsible in accordance with criteria in the bid documents and as stipulated by Title 39-2-3-(e) of the Code of Alabama.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. in the large conference room of the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

Only those bidders represented at the Pre-Bid Conference will be eligible to bid on this project. A mandatory walk-through of the project area will be part of the conference. UAB has designated that bid documents will be available for examination at McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.

Bid Documents will be issued electronically to General Contractor bidders requesting them. Bid Documents may be purchased at Alabama Graphics, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, beginning on Friday, February 12, 2016.

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

________________________________________________________________________

Valiant Tool & Mold Inc., a leading full service supplier of plastic injection tooling, has an immediate opening for an:

Account Manager (Southeastern United States)

The successful candidate shall be accountable for a technical sales and account management strategy, with an activity focus in the Southeastern United States, in accordance with and consistent to Valiant Tool & Mold Inc.’s business and sales plan, ensuring that the Company is represented professionally at all times, achieving all objectives on a continuous basis.

The successful candidate must possess the following skills, abilities and experience:

• A technical studies degree or diploma from a recognized university or a
community college;
• A minimum of five (5) years engineering, manufacturing, project management
experience and an additional five (5) years business development experience;
• Proven, and superior interpersonal, written and verbal communication abilities;
• The ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure
environment;
• Eligibility for clearance under the Canadian Controlled Goods and the American
ITAR requirements;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Lotus Notes e-
mail applications; and
• An outstanding and proven ability to work well with others in a Team-based work
environment.

This position offers a highly competitive wage and benefit package.

Reply in confidence to: jobs@valiantmachine.com

Attention: Human Resources Department

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, we shall contact only those selected for an interview.

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

_____________________________________________________________________

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

MULTIMEDIA RIGHTS AGREEMENT

BIRMINGHAM PARK AND RECREATION – LEGION FIELD

With this Request for Proposal (RFP), the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board is soliciting an experienced, financially stable sport marketing proposer for the purpose of providing the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board and Legion Field a comprehensive, efficient and financially profitable national, regional and local marketing and multimedia rights program.

The intent of this RFP is to select one vendor who will provide professional services to the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board for a negotiated period of time with the option to renew in subsequent years. Specific details will be addressed throughout the RFP.

Legion Field Background and Overview

For more than 80 years, Legion Field has been a fixture in Birmingham and the Southeast as the site of classic football games at all levels. The stadium was constructed in 1926 with an original capacity of 21,000; the cost of the original construction was $439,000. The stadium was named in 1927 in honor of the American Legion and stands as a memorial to those who gave their lives in the service of this country.

Legion Field hosted its first game – a battle between Howard and Birmingham Southern on November 19, 1927 and has since played host to hundreds of high school, college and professional football contests. The stadium grew significantly over the years, growing to its largest capacity of 83,091 before finally settling on a 72,000 seat capacity.

Legion Field continues to host a variety of events throughout the year, including the following events:

EVENT ATTENDANCE

Magic City Classic

(Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State)

2015: 63,874

2014: 67,710

2013: 63,113

2012: 58,201

2011: 66,473

2010: 61,879

Birmingham Bowl

(SEC vs. American Athletic Conference)

2015: 30,083

2014: 42,717

2013: 59,135

2012: 29,726

2011: 41,207

Labor Day Classic

(Miles College vs. rotating opponent)

Est. 12,000

Funk Fest Festival

2015: 6,800

UniverSoul Circus

Multi-day event: Est. 8,500

In addition to the aforementioned events, Legion Field is the home field for UAB football as well as over 30 other local, regional and national annual events. Currently, Legion Field is in negotiations with Major League Football and Nitro Circus for future contracts.

General Specifications

The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board is soliciting formal proposals from qualified proposers to grant an exclusive license, except where expressly noted, to arrange for a licensed multimedia rights plan.

Legion Field sponsorship opportunities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Legion Field stadium signage – both internal and external

• Legion Field directional signage

• Legion Field stadium naming rights

• Legion Field plaza/main entrance naming rights

• Corporate sponsorships

• Website development and content maintenance

• New inventory as developed and identified

NOTE: Currently, Legion Field has a long-term contract with its concessionaire Yar-Tay Company. Additionally, the pourage rights have been awarded to Coca-Cola.

Existing infrastructure is outlined in Appendix A.

The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to select the proposer that it determines offers the best overall proposal.

If the prospective proposer plans to utilize a subcontractor(s) to fulfill a portion of the responsibilities outlined in the RFP, each subcontractor must be identified and the qualifications of each subcontractor(s) must be outlined. The exact role and responsibilities the subcontractor(s) is to fulfill within the agreement that may result from this RFP should also be detailed within the proposal. Proposals will be considered only from qualified and responsible proposers that have successfully proven experience in conducting the activities and providing the services outlined within this RFP.

The burden is on each proposer to submit, with its proposal, proof of its qualifications and experience to warrant consideration of its offering to the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board. All proposers should review the RFP requirements and specifications carefully, and should include with its proposal at least three relevant client references to demonstrate the successful delivery of similar services outlined within the RFP. Each reference should contain a contact person, title, email address and telephone number.

Each proposer must meet the minimum requirements contained within the specifications of this RFP to be considered for a contract award. These criteria present the minimum requirements, but proposers are encouraged to offer enhancements to the base RFP specifications within their proposal. Such elements may be considered in the evaluation process utilized to select the successful proposer.

Proposal Selection Process

The following is a general description of the process by which a proposer will be selected to provide the specified services:

• Sealed proposals must be submitted to Shonae Eddins-Bennett no later than March 11, 2016. Late proposals will not be considered. Each proposer must submit one (1) original and six (6) copies of its proposal. Electronic submission of the same is encouraged, and must be submitted to Shonae Eddins-Bennett.

Shonae Eddins-Bennett

Legion Field Stadium

400 Graymont Avenue, West

Birmingham, Alabama 35204

Shonae.eddins@birminghamal.gov

• Each proposal submitted must be signed and dated by an official authorized to

bind the proposer.

• The proposal shall include an Equal Employment Statement whereby the

proposer states that “In its employment practices and services rendered, it

does not and shall not discriminate, based on an individual’s race, national

origin, sex or religion.”

• At the discretion of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, one or more of

the proposers, at proposer’s expense, may be requested to present a follow up

interview or presentation.

• After all qualified proposals are submitted, the Birmingham Park and Recreation

Board may negotiate with one or more proposers it determines have provided

the most attractive proposal. Such negotiations will result in a contract award

between the proposer, who the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board

determines in its sole discretion, has provided the best offering. All prospective

proposers should note that the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board

reserves the sole right to accept or reject any or all proposals submitted.

• A contract will be formalized when the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board

has completed an agreement that has been signed and approved by the

proposer and all appropriate Birmingham Park and Recreation Board officials.

• Proposers must be willing to sign contract with standard contract terms

including (Insurance, Business License, Independent Contractor, Immigration,

Contract Compliance, Indemnification, etc. and be willing to complete a

Transparency Form as required by the City of Birmingham).

• The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board reserves the right to include all, or

a portion of the components provided within the RFP in the final contract award.

• The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board reserves the right to waive any

informalities, if deemed in the best interest of the Birmingham Park and

Recreation Board. In addition, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board

reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted, and accept or

reject any portion of any proposal submitted.

Required Proposal Content

Qualified proposers are encouraged to submit a proposal for conducting the activities and delivering the services specified within the RFP. All proposals must be submitted strictly in accordance with the requirements of this RFP.

A proposer’s failure to include any required information in its proposal may disqualify that proposer from consideration in the contract award. All proposers shall answer the following questions and submit the required information within their proposals.

As noted previously, if a proposer plans to subcontract any of the activities and/or services described within the specifications, the proposer shall specify accordingly and respond to all questions raised regarding each proposed subcontractor. If the proposer plans a joint venture with another proposer, the proposer should so state and respond to all questions regarding each proposer involved in the joint venture.

Proposals shall be prepared in a manner that is clear, concise and responds to the requirements and specifications of this RFP. Prospective proposers should describe their offerings to the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board within the proposal. Unless specific exceptions are made to the RFP specifications within the proposals, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board will assume that the proposer accepts the terms and conditions outlined within the specifications.

General Information Requested

• Name and address of the proposer and date founded

• Brief history of the proposer

• Brief biographical summary of all personnel assigned to executing scope of

work.

• Identification of individual to which specific questions about submitted

responses can be directed.

• Proposal should include audited financial statements for the proposer that

details financial data representing the last three years of operation.

• Financial references from one or more financial institutions should be submitted

with the proposal for evaluation purposes.

• References from at least three organizations, to include:

o Name of organization

o Address

o Contact number

o Email address of main contact

o Name of authorized administrator, including his/her title

o Summary of rights included along with length of contract

Specific Responses to Program Objectives

• Proposers should articulate how they would achieve the following objectives:

o Maximize inventory revenue

o Expand Legion Field brand to include local, regional and national

opportunities

o Identification of new and innovative initiatives to create sustainable

revenue streams

o Leverage website and other digital assets

• Proposers shall describe experience with projects similar to Legion Field. Proposers should be brief, but specific in its response. Samples of products the proposers have provided to other clients should be included with the proposal to demonstrate the quality of products and services that will be provided to the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board.

• Proposers should state the reason they desire to obtain the rights to Legion

Field and why, in their opinion, the interests of the Birmingham Park and

Recreation Board would be best served by selecting proposer.

Financial Proposals

Proposers shall develop and propose a “Contract Pricing Schedule” to provide the services specified herein. The information provided will be included in the evaluation process, but shall not be the sole determining factor for any subsequent contract award. Additionally, all proposed pricing components can and may be negotiated, as necessary, to meet the needs and requirements of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board.

The pricing schedule shall be presented in an easy to understand format, and shall include realistic projections in terms of total potential revenue dollars. Again, the projected number of revenue dollars can and may be subject to negotiation, but must be included to provide the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board with a means for evaluation.

When developing the Contract Pricing Schedule, proposers should base costs, calculations and projections on contracts having similar scope and requirements, with similar inventory components and infrastructure.

Evaluation of Proposals

All proposals must be submitted no later than the time specified within the RFP. Once proposals have been received, a committee specified by the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board will review and evaluate each proposal.

The evaluative criteria to be utilized by the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board will include the following factors:

• Prospective financial return to the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board from

the award of the contract to a proposer.

• Overall methods and work plan for the marketing of Legion Field rights

specified within the RFP.

• Proposer’s previous and current experience and success with projects of similar

magnitude, including the background, experience and qualifications of a

proposer’s principals and the key personnel who will be responsible for working

with the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board.

• References from administrators for whom the proposer has performed similar

services.

• Financial stability of proposer.

• Proposer’s timely financial performance in the fulfillment of contracts with other

clients.

• Work samples of signage and website/digital media projects.

Questions Regarding the RFP

All questions concerning the RFP should be submitted in writing to Shonae Eddins-Bennett (shonae.eddins@birminghamal.gov).

Prospective Proposer Interviews

Following the review of submitted proposals, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board may require one or more of the proposers, at their expense, to provide an overview and respond to specific questions during an in-person interview to be conducted in Birmingham, Alabama.

Every effort will be made to schedule interviews and presentations at a time that is convenient for the proposers.

Award or Rejection

All qualified proposals will be evaluated and after negotiations with one or more proposers, an award will be made to the proposer whose proposal is deemed to be in the best interest of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board. Again, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board reserves the sole right to accept or reject any or all offers it determines, in its sole discretion, to be in its best interest. Any award is subject to a signed contract.

If a contract between the proposer and the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board cannot be negotiated and consummated in a timely manner, the award shall be withdrawn. The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board reserves the right to withdraw the award at any time, for any reason, subsequent to the execution of a contract document. Any changes to the contract must be mutually agreed upon in writing by proposer and the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board. In the event the successful proposer does not execute the contract as required, the award of the contract can then be made to another proposer or the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board may decide to solicit new proposals.

Cost of Proposal Preparation

Any cost incurred by a proposer in preparing or submitting a proposal is the proposer’s sole responsibility. The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board will not reimburse any proposer for any costs incurred prior to a contract award.

Oral Explanations

The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board will not be bound by oral clarifications, instructions, or responses to questions provided at any time during the competitive proposal process, prior to contract award.

Advertising

In submitting a proposal, the proposer agrees not to use the results as a part of any news release or commercial advertising, prior to receiving written approval from the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board.

Rights to Submitted Materials

All responses, inquiries, or correspondence related to, or in reference to the RFP; and other reports, charts, presentations (i.e., PowerPoint), displays, schedules, exhibits or other documentation submitted by the proposers, will become property of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board when received.

Competitive Offer

The authorized party signing a proposal submitted in response to the RFP, certifies that the proposal has not been arrived at collusively, or otherwise in violation of any Federal or State of Alabama laws. In submitting the proposal, the proposer agrees not to disclose its technical or cost information to any other sources, government or private, until after the proposals’ opening date stated within the RFP. Proposers not in compliance with this provision may be disqualified by the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board.

Proposer’s Representative

Each proposer shall submit the name, title, email address and phone number of the individual(s) with the authority to bind the proposer, answer any questions, or provide clarification concerning the proposer’s proposal.

Proposal Acceptance Period

Although the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board anticipates making a contract award in a timely fashion, the proposals submitted shall be binding upon the proposer for 180 calendar days following the RFP opening date. Any proposal that shortens the acceptance period may be rejected by the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board at its discretion.

Expectations, Enhancements and Acceptance of the RFP

All proposers must clearly include within their proposals any exceptions or enhancements to the RFP contained herein. It will be assumed by the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board that the prospective proposer accepts all requirements, terms and conditions as presented within the RFP unless specific exceptions are clearly stated within the proposal. The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board reserves the right to reject any proposed exceptions to the RFP. Any enhancements to the RFP specifications should be clearly stated and explained within the proposal.

APPENDIX A

EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

The following infrastructure is in place at Legion Field. Proposer should include plan for new infrastructure in its proposed plan.

HD STADIUM SCOREBOARD

CONCESSIONS LOCATIONS

INTERNAL STADIUM

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

________________________

Notice of Public Involvement Meeting

Purpose: This meeting is part of a review that will assess compliance with Federal regulations pertaining to the transportation planning process conducted by the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Alabama Department of Transportation, Birmingham / Jefferson County Transit Authority, and units of local government in the Birmingham area.

Hosted By: Representatives of the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Alabama Department of Transportation, Birmingham MPO and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.

The meeting is Tuesday, February 23, 2016, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, 2 North 20th Street, Suite 310, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If you are not able to attend the meeting, please address your comments to: Federal Highway Administration, Alabama Division, 9500 Wynlakes Place,Montgomery, AL 36117-8515. Anyone requiring special accommodations should advise Cissy Edwards Crowe (205-251-8139) at least one week in advance. For additional information concerning the Birmingham MPO visit www.rpcgb.org

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

______________________________________________________________________

INVITATION TO BID

The City of Birmingham will receive sealed bids from Prequalified Contractors for, BIRMINGHAM INTERMODAL FACILITY PHASE 2

BID PACKAGE 2F (a) – Concrete Paving. Includes, but not limited to, Concrete Paving work.

BID PACKAGE 2F (b) – Asphalt Paving. Includes, but not limited to, Asphalt Paving work.

BID PACKAGE 2G (a) – Landscape & Irrigation. Includes, but not limited to, Landscaping & Irrigation work.

BID PACKAGE 2G (b) – Scored Concrete and Brick Paving. Includes, but not limited to, Scored Concrete Paving, Concrete Walks and Brick Paving work.

In Conference Room 215 Birmingham City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Scope of Work – The proposed Birmingham Intermodal Facility will accommodate multimodes of transportation, including passenger trains, intercity bus, local bus system, taxis, shuttles, automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Located on three blocks and adjacent to the existing raised rail-bed, the Birmingham Intermodal will be bordered by Morris Avenue and stretch from 16 th to 19th Street.

Work Underway: Bid Packages 2A – 2E, which has bid and is currently under construction, includes construction of the Intermodal Building, the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority Facility (BJCTA Building), Site Lighting and Parking Control Equipment. Estimated completion of the Intermodal Building, Site Lighting and Parking Control Equipment is October 5, 2016 and estimated completion of the BJCTA Building is June 30, 2016. Another project in and along Morris Avenue will be constructed concurrently with the final six (6) months of the Intermodal project. The Morris Avenue Streetscape project will involve curb & gutter, asphalt paving, metal fencing, brick paving, cobblestone paving, brick and concrete sidewalks, metal bollards, landscaping and pedestrian lighting. This work is expected to begin in May 2016 and be complete in October 2016.

Work for Bid Package 2 has been organized into three separate sets of plans for each of the three blocks. The Prime Contractors for Packages 2F(a), 2F(b), 2G(a) and 2G(b) will be responsible for all three sets:

Set A – Intermodal Building

The Intermodal Building will be located on the 18th/19th Street block. This 2-level, 51,000sf facility will house separate Amtrak and Greyhound facilities with a large, common waiting room, food service, BJCTA administrative offices, and a police substation. The first floor will connect with the existing Amtrak facility to gain access to the tunnel and platforms of the elevated rail-beds.

Set B – Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority Facility – BJCTA

The new BJCTA Central Station will be located on the 17th/18th Street block, and will replace the BJCTA facility demolished in Bid Package 1. This 30,000sf, 1 level facility will house ticketing, food service, and a large interior waiting room for 12 Max buses.

Set C – Surface Parking

An approximate 140 car surface parking lot will be located on the 16th/17th Street block. A portion of the lot was constructed under Bid Package 1; Bid Packages 2F(a), 2F(b), 2G(a) and 2G(b) 2 will include asphalt and concrete paving, curbs, brick paving and landscaping.

All bids must be on a lump sum basis. Bids are to be submitted in duplicate on the Proposal Form provided with specifications.

Under the Alabama State Code, Section 39-2-4, as amended by Act #97-225, it is required for any contract exceeding $50,000 that the Bidder submit with his bid, either a cashier’s check, drawn on an Alabama bank, or a bid bond, executed by a surety authorized and qualified to make bonds in Alabama, payable to the City of Birmingham, in an amount (subject to a maximum of $10,000.00) equal to five percent (5%) of the bid. In order for a bid to be considered, it must be accompanied by an acceptable bid bond or cashier’s check.

Any bid submitted for an amount of $50,000 or more, the bidder must be a licensed general contractor in the State of Alabama in accordance with Section 34-8, of the Alabama State Code. Contractor’s license number shall appear on the outside of the envelope used to submit bid.

A Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount and a Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount will be required from the successful bidder at the signing of the contract. Also, proof of insurance will be required when the contract is signed. The City will review bonds and insurance and execute the contract within twenty (20) days unless the successful contractor agrees to an extension in writing.

A Pre-bid Conference to review and discuss the project will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, in the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, Conference Room 215, City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama.

Bid documents are expected to be available by Monday, February 8, 2016 and will be opened to public inspection at the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits – Architectural Division, Room 220 City Hall, 710 20th Street, North Birmingham, AL 35203 and at the Plan Room of McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 225 Birmingham, AL 35222; at AGC/iSQFT Plan Room, 2801 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at The Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Parkway South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA. 30092.

Bid documents may be purchased from Alabama Graphics or ARC (Imaging Technologies) in Birmingham, AL. Any cost for reproduction shall be the responsibility of bidders. Bid documents may also be viewed online or downloaded from the City of Birmingham website at http://www.birminghamal.gov/pepbidding.aspx.

Since award may not be made within ninety (90) days, no bid may be withdrawn for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the bid opening. Only responsible bidders will be awarded the project.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids submitted, and to waive any informalities.

IMPORTANT BIDDER INFORMATION

Bidders are expected to prepare their bid to include all necessary material, labor, bonds, permits, overhead, profit, taxes, insurance, etc. costs. It is not the City’s obligation to bring mistakes/omissions in bid to bidder’s attention. If after bid opening, a bidder determines he has a mistake in bid, he may seek withdrawal of his bid without forfeiting his bond, if the request is in writing within three (3) work days after the bid opening, and is accompanied by clear and convincing evidence of the mistake.

All cashier’s checks or bid bonds will be returned immediately after bids are checked and tabulated to all except the three (3) lowest bona fide bidders. Bid bonds shall be returned to the three (3) lowest bona fide bidders when the contract is signed and performance and payment bonds and insurance are furnished by the successful bidder. If award is not made within fifteen (15) days after bid opening, all bid guarantees will be returned except for those of the potentially successful bidders. If after one hundred twenty (120) days, no award has been made, all bids shall be rejected and the potentially successful bidder’s guarantee will be returned unless the bidder agrees in writing to a time extension. If a time extension is effected, bidder may substitute any cashier’s check for a satisfactory bid bond.

Any contract resulting from this Invitation to Bid shall not be assignable without prior written consent of the City. Under no conditions, shall the contract be assigned to an unsuccessful bidder whose bid was rejected as non-responsive and/or non-responsible.

A Notice to Proceed will be issued by the City within fifteen (15) days after final contract execution unless both parties agree in writing to a longer period of time.

Special attention is called to the applicability of the Birmingham Plan-Construction Industry Program to the project. Under this Program, the utilization of Minority Business Enterprises and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MBE/DBE) is encouraged on a voluntary basis. The Construction Industry Authority established a system of floating MBD/DBE goals which may differ from year to year and project to project. Overall, these goals shall not be less than the historical participation of MBD/DBE’s in construction projects of the City and its agencies. Additional information about this Program is contained in the Project Manual and may be obtained from the Executive Director, Birmingham Construction Industry Authority at 3600 4th Avenue, South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222 (Telephone: 205-324-6202). For federally funded contracts, the provisions of the President’s Executive Order 11246 and federal agency regulations requiring affirmative action to achieve employment and utilization of minority persons and business will apply.

As a matter of public policy, the City of Birmingham agrees to make opportunities available to the maximum extent possible, to actively include Historically Underutilized Business Enterprises (HUBE’s) such as architectural firms, engineering firms, investment banking firms, other professional consultant services providers, and construction contractors as part of business, economic and community revitalization programs.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: SEALED BID – BIRMINGHAM INTERMODAL FACILITY PHASE 2, BID PACKAGE (identify the specific bid package for which the bid is being submitted). Bids may be hand delivered to Conference Room 215 City Hall, Birmingham, Alabama, or mailed to: City of Birmingham Planning, Engineering and Permits Department, Architectural Division, Room 220 City Hall, 710 North 20th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. Bids sent by any express carrier (Federal Express, UPS, Airborne, etc.) must specify delivery to Room 220 City Hall.

It is the bidder’s responsibility to make sure that his bid is in the possession of the City Architect on or before 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2016. Bids received after this time will not be considered.

Alan Terry Oglesby, City Architect

BT 02/04/2016

(HZline)

________________________

Study: Black College Students Face Mental Health Crisis

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

Proving their intellectual worth in the face

of racism takes a mental and physical toll

Staff and Wire Reports

According to a recent study, black students who succeed at elite universities may do so at the risk of their mental well-being.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development claim researchers are ignoring a mental health crisis for black college students who have had to draw on mental toughness and perseverance to achieve in predominantly white academic institutions.

Being resilient is required for any college student, said Ebony McGee and David Stovall, the study’s authors, but black students bear the extra burden of proving their intellectual worth in the face of overt or covert racism. And that takes a mental and physical toll.

“Weathering the cumulative effects of living in a society characterized by white dominance and privilege produces a kind of physical and mental wear and tear that contributes to a host of psychological and physical ailments,” said McGee, assistant professor of diversity and urban schooling at Vanderbilt. “We have documented alarming occurrences of anxiety, stress, depression and thoughts of suicide, as well as a host of physical ailments like hair loss, diabetes and heart disease.”

Grit, a buzzword that describes the type of determination students must embrace if they want to succeed, has become associated with the success of students from disadvantaged communities and communities of color, where schools are often understaffed and under-resourced, and where students may not have strong support systems at home.

Currently there is much debate about whether students should be taught grit versus forcing colleges to recognize the additional challenges African-American students face in earning a degree.

“Those who are struggling with the multiple burdens associated with being a black student must be protected against daily discrimination,” said Stovall, an associate professor of African-American studies and education policy at University of Illinois at Chicago. “In contrast to research that concludes with messages of the need for grit and a tougher mental attitude, a more holistic perspective focuses on gaining a thorough understanding of the psychological, emotional and mental harm these students endure.”

The researchers named this phenomenon “John Henryism,” after historical figure John Henry, a slave who worked himself to death in order to prove his worth.

“John Henryism is a coping strategy often adopted by high-achieving African Americans, who may unconsciously sacrifice their personal relationships and health to pursue their goals with a tenacity that can be medically and mentally deleterious,” the study’s authors said. “The process of healing from racial battle fatigue and institutional racism requires significant internal commitment and external support. Black college students are brilliant, talented and creative, and they dream as big as other students. Pursuing higher education should not make them sick.”

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Black History Month Programs

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

2016 Black History Month Theme: “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories” Black History Month 2016

Events free and open to the public except where noted.

In keeping with the 2016 Black History Month theme, “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories,” the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) offers the following special community events:

Through February 29, 2016: Annual Helen Keller Art Show in the Vann Gallery. Art show featuring entries from visually and hearing impaired children in the State of Alabama.

Saturday and Sunday, February 5 & 6: “This Little Light of Mine” BCRI partners with Red Mountain Theatre Co. in presenting this one-act play about Fannie Lou Hamer’s life as an American voting rights activist and civil rights leader. Alabama native and MacArthur Fellow Billie Jean Young writes, directs, and stars in this one woman show, an intimate portrayal of the triumphant spirit of Civil Rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer. Young is internationally acclaimed for this drama and has performed it on four continents. Get tickets at (205) 324-2424.*

February 6 – February 13, 2016: BCRI will exhibit art from its collection at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre‘s “Tuxedo Junction,“ a musical based on the early life of legendary jazz musician, and Birmingham native, Erskine Hawkins. Get tickets at 205-458-8181.*

Saturday, February 13 @10 am-12 Noon: Community of Readers family literacy program in the Commons. Recommended for families with young readers. Please call (866) 328-9696, ext. 249 for information. Free to the public.

Thursday, February 18 @6-8 p.m: Black History Program in the Woolfolk Gallery. Special guest is Marita Rivero, Chair, Board of Trustees, National Trust for Historic Preservation & Executive Director, Museum of African American History, Boston & Nantucket. Ms. Rivero will discuss how the NTHP protects significant places representing our diverse cultural experience.

Rivero, who was recently appointed Executive Director of the Museum of African American History (NTHP), Boston & Nantucket, will discuss how and why the National Trust for Historic Preservation and its state and local partners work to protect significant places representing our diverse cultural experience. Sites of memory include places of both local and national importance such as Birmingham’s A. G. Gaston Motel. The Gaston Motel was named a National Treasure by the NTHP in 2015, when it was also named to the Trust’s list of the nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

“We are honored to have Marita Rivero as our special guest,” said BCRI President & CEO Andrea Taylor. “Rivero brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the topic of preservation and African American history.”

Rivero has had a distinguished career in public broadcasting, which began in 1970 at WGBH Boston, where she produced public affairs television programming. Her projects received numerous major production awards, including the Peabody and Emmy Awards for WGBH/PBS’ Africans in America, a History of Slavery.

In her new role, Rivero oversees some of the nation’s most important National Historic Landmarks — on Boston’s Beacon Hill the first African Meeting House in the nation, and on the Island of Nantucket the Florence Higginbotham House, believed to be the oldest home built by a black family for their own occupancy, and the African Meeting House, the island’s most vivid reminder of a thriving 19th-century African American community. The program is free and open to the public. Please register at www.bcri.org.

Friday, February 25 @6 pm: McDonald’s Celebration of Creativity in the Community Art Contest. Presented by FOX6 and 95.7 JAMZ, the winners of this annual contest (Alabama students in grades K-12) will be announced in BCRI’s Woods Community Meeting room. Sunday, February 28, 2016: Helen Keller Art Show Reception. Grand prize winners will be announced at 3 pm..

Through Monday, February 29, 2016: “American Boricua,” a documentary photography exhibition by award winning photojournalist Wanda Benvenutti. BCRI and the Alabama Humanities Foundation, state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, have partnered to present “American Boricua,” which resides in the Woolfolk Gallery.

Through March 27, 2016: “Little Giants: Children of the Civil Rights Movement,” Milestones Gallery. Huffman High School art students, led by teacher Susan Pearson, explore their artistic talents in watercolor, pencil and pastel to portray the young, yet strong heroes of the American Civil Rights Movement. Call 205-328-9696 x 228 for pastel to portray the young, yet strong heroes of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Birmingham Islamic Society applauds President Obama’s historic visit to U.S. mosque

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

President Barack Obama speaks to members of the Muslim-American community at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Baltimore, Md. Obama is making his first visit to a U.S. mosque at a time Muslim-Americans say they're confronting increasing levels of bias in speech and deeds.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) — President Barack Obama speaks to members of the Muslim-American community at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Baltimore, Md. Obama is making his first visit to a U.S. mosque at a time Muslim-Americans say they’re confronting increasing levels of bias in speech and deeds.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Times staff report

On Wednesday, President Obama became the first U.S. president to visit an American mosque.

Obama condemned “inexcusable political rhetoric against Muslim Americans that has no place in our country.” He spoke to Muslim Americans at the Islamic Society of Baltimore and called for unity among American faith communities.

Ashfaq Taufique, president of Birmingham Islamic Society, applauded the president’s visit.

“The president’s visit, at a time when rhetoric against Muslims is at all-time high, is very comforting to us as Muslim American citizens,” Taufique said. “Those who are rampant in their fear mongering against Muslims do not trust President Obama and nothing any one can do will make a difference in their version of American patriotism.

“President’s visit although a little late may send a good gesture to the Muslim world,” Taufique said. “I pray that this visit will put a hamper on the recruiting tools provided to ISIS by the Muslim hater politicians.”

Obama’s visit to the mosque was seen by some as part of a White House drive to rebuff the campaign rhetoric of Donald Trump, who finished second in this week’s GOP Iowa caucus. Trump’s campaign has been fueled at times by promises to conduct surveillance on mosques and ban Muslims from entering the United States.

Obama said Wednesday in the mosque, “The first thing I want to say is two words that Muslim Americans don’t hear often enough . . . thank you.”

He decried the surge of threats and intimidation of American Muslim communities following the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, Calif. last year.

“We’ve seen children bullied, we’ve seen mosques vandalized,” he said. “It’s not who we are. We’re one American family. And when any part of our family begins to feel separate or second class, it tears at the heart of our nation.”

Taufique said Muslims in the U.S. are “blessed” to live a good community.

“Since 9/11, the visitors to our Islamic Centers have increased tremendously,” he said. “Several incidents of violence have increased the hate speech but has also increased the communications received at our centers of love, compassion and support.”

In the past, the support was mostly from the more liberal Americans, “but there is an increase in the messages of goodwill by the community that we did not expect love from — the evangelical community,” he said. “We pray that this continues to increase and President’s visit can only help.”

Obama’s speech to the Muslim audience comes amid an eight-day stretch during which he will have spoken to Jewish, Muslim and Christian audiences. Last week, he spoke about the Holocaust at the Israeli embassy in Washington, proclaiming, “I, too, am a Jew” in a sign of Christian solidarity with the Jewish people. Thursday, he’ll speak at the National Prayer Breakfast, a largely Christian annual gathering in Washington.

In Baltimore, Obama alluded to his own Christian faith — and also acknowledged that many Americans believe he’s actually a Muslim.

“Thomas Jefferson’s opponents tried to stir things up by suggesting he was a Muslim. So I was not the first,” Obama said, sparking laughter. “No, it’s true. Look it up. I’m in good company.”

USA Today contributed to this report.

Global Growth Prospects Revised Downward

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

By Wayne Curtis

Disturbing news has surfaced as international financial turbulence continues. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently revised its forecast of economic growth downward for 2016. IMF is an international organization of 188 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation, facilitate international trade, and promote high employment and sustainable economic growth around the world.

IMF made separate forecasts for the advanced economies and the emerging and developing ones. While world output is estimated to grow by 3.4 percent, growth in the developed economies is projected to rise by a mere 2.1 percent.

Within the developed nations, the United States and Spain are expected to have the highest rates of growth at 2.6 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively. As odd as it seems given its recent struggles, Spain is the shining light of Europe. Other nations in the Euro area will experience sub-par growth rates of less than 2.0 percent. Germany, the linchpin of Europe, is projected to grow 1.7 percent and France and Italy only 1.3 percent.

Among other advanced nations, only the United Kingdom is expected to grow in excess of 2 percent (2.2 percent). Canada and Japan are projected to increase at 1.7 percent and 1.0 percent, respectively.

Based on the slow growth of the advanced nations, it is apparent that international economic growth will rest with the emerging and developing economies. An exception is Russia, where low oil prices and an ongoing recession will stymie growth, estimated at -1.0 percent.

India and China are the primary growth areas in the developing world. The former is expected to expand by a robust 7.5 percent and the latter, despite its current economic and financial struggles, 6.3 percent. China, however, could be revised downward if conditions worsen.

The economies of Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to contract. The big loser is Brazil, replete with economic and political strife, at -3.5 percent. Mexico, the exception, is forecast to expand by 2.6 percent.

The Middle East will be a growth area. IMF estimates the entire region will reach 3.6 percent during the year. But lower oil prices, coupled with heightened tensions and ongoing strife, may reduce the rate.

If they are accurate, what do the forecasts mean for us? Minimal growth in the developed nations could slow the pace of recovery in this country and delay future interest hikes by the Federal Reserve.

Wayne Curtis, former superintendent of Alabama banks, is a retired Troy University business school dean. Email him at wccurtis39@gmail.com.

Reawakening Shattered Dreams

Birmingham Times

February 4, 2016

By Donna Briggins

When I was less than 10-years old, I saw images on television of children in Africa that reminded me of myself, but were far less fortunate. Being a Black girl, I very much identified with them, and was engulfed with a sense of compassion and hoped that someday I would be able to help those kids. I kept journals, wrote poetry, and had a strong desire that one day my words might be able to alter people’s lives in a meaningful way. In the sixth grade, I was recognized for an essay I wrote for Black history month. I often dreamed of being an influential writer who could inspire others. My spirit energy was larger than the poverty-stricken area I grew up in. My dreams were not restricted by my myopic view of the world. As I matured my dreams faded to a vague, passing memory; eventually becoming repressed and forgotten. How did this happen? It would be decades before I could answer that question! Slowly, I began to uncover one dream breaking experience after another, ones that skewed my belief in myself and ultimately crushed my dreams. And as I began to analyze and reflect on these experiences, I realized my goals were in reach with forgiveness and commitment.

My parents were not equipped to give the guidance, support, and encouragement needed to pursue my goals and dreams. Extracurricular school activities were normally discouraged or trivialized, primarily due to limited finances. Consequently, those activities enjoyed by my peers, i.e. band, sports, etc., could not be pursued, which negatively impacted my overall development. This led to resentment, disillusionment, low self-esteem, and expectations of failure. I finally realized I had to accept life as it was, not what I wanted it to be.

Now as an adult, I understand the overwhelming task my parents faced while raising seven children with few resources. They grew up in a time when dreams were virtually unattainable, which resulted in their inability to achieve the station in life commensurate with their abilities, and belief in themselves. This feeling of failure and insecurity was then projected upon me. As I have matured, I better understand what they endured, and feel blessed that they gave all they could.

Another contributing factor to my low self esteem was when one of my high school teachers took it upon herself to point out the students that, she felt, had the intellect to attend a four-year university, and those she believed would have to settle for a community college. She placed me on the list for the community college. Her low evaluation of me only added to my low perception of myself, and lowered my confidence even further. These experiences, along with many others, were instrumental in destroying my dreams, and put me on an unconscious road of self-defeat.

For decades I was my own worst enemy. Year after year, I would start college and drop out for various reasons, finances, however, being a legitimate one. My past negative experiences were manifested by procrastination, anger, anxiety, depression, and severe inanition. I failed miserably at most jobs because I had a poor attitude, and in general felt unfulfilled. I made excuses for not completing a task, deluded myself into thinking that I was incapable of doing so. Year after year, I floated from one menial job after another feeling lost.

One year, after a violent, tumultuous relationship, I was forced to take an introspective look at my life. Upon doing so, I determined I had to make life altering changes. These changes took the form of spiritual transformation, counseling, and re-devoting myself to my academic development. This gave me the tools necessary to achieve my dreams. Meditation reduced my anxiety. Counseling helped me to forgive people. In college, I studied psychology because I found it interesting; by default, I began to unlock my dreams, dreams that had been locked in my subconscious. My life force had been restored; my dreams had been uncovered and within my reach. My life now had purpose and direction and I am the navigator. Today I hold a bachelor’s in psychology, a masters in counseling psychology, and a Ph.D. I have unleashed my dreams. I’m no longer a prisoner of nagging self-doubt or what others think I should be. I determine what I can and can’t do. I may not be able to help all the kids in Africa, or write a great literary work, but one thing I’ve learned, is that I am worthy, limitless and capable of making my dreams come true.

Dr. Donna Briggins works as a gender and diversity consultant. She earned her Ph.D. in international affairs and development with a focus on gender and development from Clark Atlanta University, and is currently working on her first book.

1...1,2081,2091,210...1,747 Page 1,209 of 1,747