VA Hospital Union Official Arrested for Stealing from Union

March 16, 2015

VA Hospital Union Official Arrested for Stealing from Union



        BIRMINGHAM — Federal authorities on Wednesday arrested the former president of the federal employees union at Birmingham’s Veterans Affairs Hospital on charges she embezzled more than $132,000 from the local chapter.

        A federal grand jury last month indicted STEPHANIE HICKS, 43, of Birmingham, on bank fraud, forgery and aggravated identity theft charges. U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Monty Stokes, and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Investigator Hollis Lindley Jr. announced the indictment, which was unsealed following Hicks’ arrest.

        “Union members elect officials to represent them and protect their interests,” Vance said. “A labor union official who chooses, instead, to live the high life by stealing from local members has committed a crime and should prepare to go to prison.”“This indictment is a testament to the excellent interagency cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Justice,” Stokes said. “As president of the local union, Hicks represented Local 2207, with more than 400 VA members. VA OIG will continue to pursue those that abuse their positions of trust and steal from innocent victims.”

        “OLMS aggressively investigates allegations of financial mismanagement by union officers,” Lindley said. “Union members have an expectation that their elected officers are using the union funds for legitimate union purposes,” he said. “This particular case was severe in the amount of money stolen and in the degree of concealment.”

        Hicks was elected president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 2207, AFL-CIO, at the Birmingham VA Hospital in July 2007 and served until July 2013 when members elected a new president. The local collects dues biweekly from its more than 440 members. During Hicks’ tenure, the local maintained the money in two bank accounts — a general operating account and a legal fund account, first at Wachovia Bank and, following a merger, at Wells Fargo Bank, according to the indictment.

        From at least Jan. 1, 2008 until July 26, 2013, Hicks schemed to defraud the banks, using her position as Local 2207 president to conduct unauthorized transactions taking money from the union’s accounts to use for her personal benefit, the indictment charges.

        Those transactions included writing checks to herself for travel that did not take place, forging the name of other Local 2207 officers and members on checks she wrote to herself, and making unauthorized debit card purchases and cash withdrawals, according to the indictment.

        To conceal her fraud, Hicks did not maintain records of the financial transactions, as required by federal law and Local 2207’s constitution and bylaws, nor did she seek approval for the expenditures, the indictment charges.

        The indictment brings eight bank fraud, eight forged security and three aggravated identity theft counts against Hicks.

        The maximum prison penalty for bank fraud is 30 years and for forged securities, 10 years. Both charges carry a $250,000 fine. The penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years in prison, in addition to any time received as punishment on the other charges.

        Veterans Affairs, OIG, and the Department of Labor, OLMS and OIG, investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Xavier O. Carter is prosecuting.

        The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Epitaph Mourns the Passing of Thom Wilson

Birmingham Times

March 16, 2015

Epitaph Mourns the Passing of Thom Wilson

Epitaph is deeply saddened to report that our friend Thom Wilson passed away on February 8, 2015.

Tom Wilson was an American producer and engineer whose work was integral to punk music, including his production for The Offspring’s Smash – released on Epitaph in 1994.

Brett Gurewitz Epitaph CEO states:

“In ’82 when I was just getting started Thom Wilson was a guy all the bands in the scene looked up to. He was the pro in our midst who loved punk and was willing to take kids under his wing to help them sound great. His work with TSOL and The Adolescents set the bar for everything that came after, including The Offspring’s multi-platinum LP Smash, which was the best-selling independent release of all time. Tom was a friend, a teacher, and a great producer. He’ll be missed.”

“Breaking Bad” co-star and diversity activist to speak at BSC on March 26

Birmingham Times

March 12, 2015

“Breaking Bad” co-star and diversity activist to speak at BSC on March 26

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—R.J. Mitte, co-star of AMC’s Emmy-winning drama “Breaking Bad” and equality and diversity activist, will speak on the Birmingham-Southern College campus on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in Bruno Great Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Mitte is best known for his role in the television series in which he plays Walter White Jr., a character with cerebral palsy. That part of the role isn’t a stretch, as Mitte himself has cerebral palsy. He will speak about his real-life experiences dealing with his condition, overcoming the challenges associated with it, and how he has achieved his goals while caring for his cerebral palsy.

On the big screen, Mitte played Tim in the 2013 feature film House of Last Things. Since 2014, he’s had a recurring role on the Peabody Award-winning ABC Family drama, Switched at Birth, playing Campbell, a pre-med college student paralyzed by a snowboarding accident.

Beyond his acting, Mitte is involved with several organizations that raise awareness of equality and diversity. He is a celebrity youth ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and spokesman for “I AM PWD,” a campaign that advocates for actors with disabilities. Mitte is also youth spokesperson for the National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour, which works to improve the financial situation of people with disabilities, and is working with PACER’s National Center for Bullying Prevention as well.

The Stirling Lecture Series is sponsored by the BSC Student Government Association in memory of Alex Stirling, the BSC student who died of cancer in 1995.

Oklahoma University Shuts ‘Disgraceful’ Fraternity for Racist Video

Birmingham Times

March 12, 2015

photo: Students at the University of Oklahoma protest racist comments made by a fraternity on Monday, March 9, 2015 in Norman, Okla. University President David Boren lambasted members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on Monday who participated in a racist chant caught on video, calling them disgraceful and their behavior reprehensible, and ordered that their house be vacated by midnight Tuesday. (AP Photo/The Oklahoman, Steve Sisney)

Oklahoma University Shuts ‘Disgraceful’ Fraternity for Racist Video
By Heide Brandes

NORMAN, Okla. (Reuters) – The University of Oklahoma closed a fraternity linked to a video of students singing racial epithets, ordered its members to move out of the house and labeled the actions of those involved “disgraceful.”
“Effective immediately, all ties and affiliations between the university and the local SAE (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) chapter are hereby severed,” University President David Boren said on Monday.
Members had until midnight on Tuesday to vacate the premises. People could be seen loading goods into moving trucks behind the fraternity house on Monday.
The incident comes at a time of heightened racial tensions following U.S. incidents of unarmed African-Americans being fatally shot by police. Over the weekend, ceremonies in Selma, Alabama, marked the 50th anniversary of a crackdown on a civil rights march there known as “Bloody Sunday.”
In the 10-second video posted online on Sunday and replayed by media outlets, students on a bus chanted in unison, using offensive language referring to Blacks and vowing to never admit them into the fraternity.
It was not immediately clear when the video of students on a bus chartered for a date night was taped.
“To those who have misused their free speech in such a reprehensible way, I have a message for you. You are disgraceful,” Boren said.
He told a news conference the fraternity would not be allowed back on campus as long as he is president and the university has launched an investigation to see if individual members can be punished. No students were named.
Boren walked alongside hundreds of students at a solidarity rally on campus on Monday morning, hours after the Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national leadership suspended its members at the university over the video.
The fraternity in Oklahoma was hit by graffiti, with one message calling for it to be torn down.
“We apologize for the unacceptable and racist behavior of the individuals in the video, and we are disgusted that any member would act in such a way,” Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national headquarters said after verifying its OU members were involved.
The fraternity, one of the country’s largest, has been linked to at least six deaths in the past eight years from excessive drinking or hazing violence. SAE has denied any wrongdoing.
SAE chapters have been punished before over racially charged incidents at other campuses. It did not respond to a request to comment.
Douglas Fierberg, an attorney specializing in school hazing, said a major problem is that SAE relies heavily on self-management by undergraduates on campuses.
“You can have a ‘Lord of the Flies’ circumstance in that these young men are essentially on their own island managing themselves and doing a god-awful job of it,” he said. “It does have deadly results.”
The Oklahoman website reported that a top high school football recruit, Jean Delance, announced he had withdrawn from the university on Monday “due to personal reasons,” after the scandal broke.
(Additional reporting by Chris Michaud in New York; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Alan Raybould, Doina Chiacu and Matthew Lewis)

Classified

Birmingham Times

March 12, 2015

Employment

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Appointment coordination, Event and meeting planning,
Make travel arrangements, Record monitor expenses,
send your resume and salary expectations to: lo.ri@aol.com
BT03/12/15
_________________________
IT/Software Development

Callidus Software Inc, enterprise incentive management solutions
provider, has opening in Birmingham, AL for Software Engineer: Program
and support current application (ICM) in Java. Mail resume and ref.
SE14 to Attn B Valencia, 4140 Dublin Blvd, Ste 400, Dublin, CA 94568
BT03/12/15
____________________________________
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BT03/12/15
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LEGAL

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed proposals will be received by Birmingham City Schools at the office of Mr. Edward McMullen, Purchasing Department, 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, until 2:00 p.m. CST April 8th, 2015 for Renovations for Norwood Elementary School at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

The project is the renovation of finishes, doors, kitchen equipment, plumbing, fire protection, HVAC and lighting systems at the existing Norwood Elementary School, 3136 Norwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35234.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Birmingham City Schools in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract.

The Owner intends to award a single contract for this work to a single pre-qualified General Contractor. The Owner will accept proposals only from firms which demonstrate their experience and ability to perform the work necessary for this project. Interested General Contractors must submit a Contractor’s Qualification Certificate. Minimum Qualifications to be certified by prospective bidders include: 1) statutory licensor requirements, 2) bonding capacity in excess of $5,000,000 dollars, 3) minimum of ten (10) years successful history as an approved, authorized or licensed General Contractor, 4) minimum average annual volume of $12,000,000 dollars in construction value for the past three (3) years, and 5) successful current experience in construction of a scope similar to this Project. Joint venture arrangements must qualify solely on the strength of the principal firm’s qualifications. Notarized Contractor’s Qualification Certificates must be submitted to the Architect along with any request to obtain Bid Documents by a General Contractor by Thursday, March 19, 2015. The required Form of Certificate is AIA Document A305 Contractor’s Qualification Statement 1986 Edition and may be obtained from the Architect.

All sub-contracts equal to or greater than $250,000 will be required to be bonded. The low bidder is required to provide a list of all sub-contractors and a copy of their bonds at the pre-construction conference.

Drawings and specifications may be obtained and/or examined at 1:00 pm. CST, Monday, March 16th at the offices of TurnerBatson Architects, 1950 Stonegate Drive, Suite 200, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, the office of Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA), and F.W. Dodge Birmingham (a.k.a. McGraw Hill), Associated General Contractors, and Construction Market Data.

Bid Documents may be purchased from Alabama Graphics, 2801 5th Ave, South, Birmingham, AL 35233,  205.252.8505. Contractors must purchase sets at their own expense – no deposits or refunds will be allowed.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect (Engineer) or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect (Engineer); the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Norwood Elementary School, 3136 Norwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35234 at 2:00pm, CST, March 23, 2015. Attendance at Pre-Bid Conference by General Contractor Bidders is Mandatory.

Awarding Authority:
Birmingham Board of Education
Dr. Spencer Horn, Superintendent
Architect:
Turner Batson Architects, PC

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INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for CONCORD DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CDBG-DR-13-03I-U03-CDI at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 10:00 a.m. local time on the 31st day of March, 2015, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Any bid to be delivered by hand or mail prior to the above time or at a different place shall be at the full risk of the bidder. Such bids may be delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If for any reason such bid does not reach Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse prior to the opening, it may be rejected. No bids shall be accepted after the time stated for receipt of bids. This requirement shall not be waived.

All bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished, or copy thereof, and must be in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should contain the following:

(1) “SEALED BID”; (2) “DO NOT OPEN”; (3) PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER; (4) PROJECT OFFICER: “FELICIA SMITH”; (5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS
(6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER; (7) CONTRACTOR’S DUNS NUMBER.

Bids are invited upon the work as follows:
A drainage project in the Community of Concord to relieve flooding as the result of the 2011 tornado. The project consist of: 1) Removing existing undersized or damaged drainage structures; 2) Clearing trees, debris & siltation from drainage paths; 3) Establishing ditches to the size and shape as designed in plans; 4) Installing drainage structures such as concrete fumes, culverts, slope paved headwalls, and retainage structures.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value) or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the CONCORD DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CDBG-DR-13-03I-U03-CDI.
The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; Dodge Data & Analytics, www.construction.com; and ISqFt Plan Room, isqft.com.The bid package may be obtained by depositing $125.00 with Sentell Engineering, Inc., Tuscaloosa, Alabama, ph: 205-752-5564 for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents. The contractor has an option to receive electronically the bid package with no deposit required.

Bidders are advised that submitted bids bind the bidders to the “Bid Conditions Setting Forth Affirmative Action Requirements for all Non‑Exempt Federal and Federally‑assisted Construction Contracts to be awarded in Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties, Alabama, “also known as the Birmingham Hometown Plan.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as set forth in the contract documents must be paid on this project, and that the contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

All bidders be advised that this contract is subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development act of 1968, as amended, (12 USC l701U) which if it is in excess of $100,000, requires that to the “greatest extent feasible”, opportunities for training and employment be given lower income residents of the project area and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are: (1) 51 percent or more owned by section 3 residents; or (2) Whose permanent, full-time employees include persons, at least 30 percent of whom are currently section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were section 3 residents; or (3) That provides evidence of commitment to subcontract in excess of 25 percent of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications set forth in paragraphs (1) or (2) in this definition of “section 3 business concern.”

All bidders must be licensed by the State of Alabama Licensing Board of General Contractors, as required by Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended.

The Jefferson County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

This project will be funded in its entirety (100%) with Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.
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__________ABANDONED VEHICLE
In accordance with Section 32-13-1, Code of Alabama 1975, notice is hereby given to the owner, lienholders, and other interested parties that the following described abandoned vehicle will be sold at public auction for cash to the highest bidder at:
(time) 1:00 pm
(date) March 23,2015
at AutoPlex
(address)2325 4th Avenue North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203_
Description) 2002 Cadillac Deville
(VIN #)1G6KF57952U291828

(Description) 2005 Lincoln Town Car
(VIN#)1LNHM82W05Y609438

(Description) 1998 Jaguar XJ8L
(VIN#)SAJHX6244WC839336

(Description) 2003 GMC Envoy
(VIN#) 1GKDS13S732124455

(Description) 1999 Chysler Sebring
(VIN#)3C3EL55H3XT609917

(Description) 2005 Hyundai Sonata
(VIN#)5NPEU46F36H002611

(Description) 2000 Buick Century
(VIN#)2G4WY55J6Y1185720

(Description) 2006 Cadi SRX
(VIN#)1GYEE637760139158

(Description) 1991 Chevy Lumina
(VIN#)2G1WL54T8M9228416

(Description) 1992 Acura Vigor
(VIN#)JH4CC2658NC009441

(Description) 2006 BMW750LI
(VIN#)WBAHN83546DT32418

(Description) 2002 Mercedes ML320
(VIN#)4JGAB54E32A328605

(Description) 2006 Ford Expedition
(VIN#)1FMFU17586LA76767

(Description) 2003 Honda Element
(VIN#)5J6YH28583L012692

(Description) 2000 Ford Box Truck
(VIN#)1FDWE2726YHA78723

(Description) 2001 Olds Alero
(VIN#)1G3GS64C414138537

(Description) 2009 Scion XD
(VIN#)JTKKU10469J048821

Seller reserves the right to reject any bids and the right to bid.
BT03/12/15
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REQUEST FOR BIDS HOUSING REHABILITATION BID ANNOUNCEMENT BID #73-15:

Bids will be accepted by the Jefferson County Purchasing until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, for proposed owner-occupied housing rehabilitation work at the following addresses:
401 1st Ave. SW, Bessemer, Al. 35022
313 58th St., Fairfield, Al. 35064
530 43rd St., Fairfield, Al. 35064
2804 4th Street N.W., Center Point, AL 35215
1230 Elizabeth Ave., Tarrant, AL 35217

Bids will be opened at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 in Room 830 of the Jefferson County Courthouse. Interested parties may get a copy of the bid package at Jefferson County Purchasing: 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Suite 830, Birmingham, AL 35203.
All interested contractors must meet the minimum contractor requirements for bidding on or before the date and time that bids are due. All questions must be written and faxed to (205) 214-4034 or e-mailed to Carmen Jones at jonesc@jccal.org
BT03/12/15
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ADVERTISEMENT for BIDS

Parking Lot
41st Street and 1st Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham Parking Authority
WBA Project No: 14-042

Bids will be received from General Contractors until 2:00pm CST on Thursday, March 26, 2015 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud at the Board Room of the Birmingham Parking Authority Administrative Office, 1732 5th Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35203.
No bids will be accepted after the time stated for receipt of Bids. This requirement will not be waived. The clock in the Board Room will be used to determine the time. At the time stated above, the Proposals will be opened and publicly read aloud.
All Bids must be on a lump-sum basis. Submit two copies of the Bid on the Proposal Form provided, without changes, in a sealed envelope bearing the Contractor’s name and current Alabama license number. Bids that do not bear the contractor’s current license will be returned without being opened.
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 bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to the Birmingham Parking Authority in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the Bidder’s Proposal. 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.
A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 19, 2015 at 2:00 pm CST in the Board Room of the Birmingham Parking Authority Administrative Office, 1732 5th Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35203. All General Contractors wishing to bid must be present for the Pre-Bid Conference. If the number of bidders who attend the pre-bid conference decreases so there is little or no competition, others may be allowed to bid or the bid may be postponed at the discretion of the Owner.

Bid documents (Drawings and Project Manual) will be available for examination at the Plan Room of McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, at the Alabama Association of Minority Contractors, at AGC Internet Plan Room, at The Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, at the F.W. Dodge Company Plan Room in Birmingham, and Construction Market Data in Birmingham.

Two sets of the Bid documents will be provided to each General Contractor at Alabama Graphics for a deposit of $300.00, made payable to the Architect. Deposits will be refunded in full to General Contractor bidders, 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.

No Bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of Bids for a period of 60 days. Only Bids submitted by General Contractors licensed as required by applicable State and Local laws and bearing the license number of the Contractor will be considered.
The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to waive formalities and technicalities; and to proceed in its’ own best interests.

Architect:
Kyle Kirkwood
Williams Blackstock Architects
2204 1st Avenue South, Suite 200
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: (205) 252-9811 Fax: (205) 252-9812

Owner’s Representative/Project Manager:
James Merkerson, Maintenance Supervisor
401 North 20th Street
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 321-7058
BT03/12/15

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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 March 17, 2015 by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Juan de Onis, on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and 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
4TH FLOOR PHARMACY EXPANSION
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
UAB PROJECT #H135005

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The project, constructed under a single prime contract, will be performed in a single phase in an occupied department, so care will need to be taken to limit disturbances, coordinate shutdowns and follow strict ICRA requirements to protect patients, family and staff. The scope of the work includes demolition, renovations and improvements to work areas, including mechanical and electrical systems and replacement of lighting and ceilings, finishes, and required ICRA provisions. All work will be carefully coordinated with Hospital staff to ensure the operation of the facility is not interrupted. Callahan Eye Hospital location is 1720 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama, 35233.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor 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 prime contractor 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 Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 2:00pm local time on March 17, 2015 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than 2:00pm local time on March 24, 2015.

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 April 1, 2015 at 10:00 AM CST.

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
       jpoole@pooleandcompany.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:
After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents for purchase through a DPR site at Alabama Graphics, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

Bid documents will be available on March 25, 2015 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 sixty (60) 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 April 9, 2015 at 2:00pm local time at the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.
BT03/12/15
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INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for the NORTH SMITHFIELD MANOR COMMUNITY STORM SHELTER (CDBG-DR) at the Commission Chambers, Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 31st day of March, 2015 at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Any bid to be delivered by hand or mail prior to the above time or at a different place shall be at the full risk of the bidder. Such bids may be delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Office of Community and Economic Development, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If for any reason such bid does not reach Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse prior to the opening, it may be rejected. No bids shall be accepted after the time stated for receipt of bids. This requirement shall not be waived.

All bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished, or copy thereof, and must be in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should contain the following:

(1) “SEALED BID”; (2) “DO NOT OPEN”; (3) PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER;
4) PROJECT OFFICER: “Yolanda B. Caver”; (5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND
ADDRESS; (6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER; (7) CONTRACTOR’S DUNS #.

Bids are invited upon the work generally described as follows:

The work includes, but is not limited to providing all necessary materials, labor, equipment, tools, transportation and services to construct a dual purpose Community Center and FEMA 361 Storm Shelter including: HUD project sign, erosion control measures; clearing, grubbing, tree removal, small storm shelter structure demolition and disposal of all debris; approximately 545 C.Y. of earth grading and moving (cut and fill); grated trench drain, storm piping, rip-rap, grassed swale stormwater feature; water line, backflow preventer, 8” sanitary sewer main, sanitary manholes, sanitary lateral and stub out; an approximately 2,021 S.F. storm shelter facility meeting FEMA 361 requirements; roadway milling and asphalt overlay; concrete and paver sidewalks, concrete stairs with steel handrails; two (2) asphalt parking lots, painted striping; site restoration; and other minor miscellaneous site work in accordance with the plans and specifications.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or bank draft payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the NORTH SMITHFIELD MANOR COMMUNITY STORM SHELTER.

The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 3600 4th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222, and through ALABAMA AGC – ISQFT PLAN ROOM, 2801 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing $150.00 with ENGINEERING SERVICE ASSOCIATES, INC., 5300 Cahaba River Road, Suite 250, Birmingham, AL 35243 (205-970-0772) for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents.

All bidders must be properly licensed by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended. General Contractors with a classification of BC or BCU4 should be able to bid this project. If a Contractor has any questions regarding his classification or eligibility to bid this project, those questions should be directed to the State Licensing Board.
THE PROSPECTIVE BIDDER OR ITS SUBCONTRACTOR MUST BE PREQUALIFIED TO CONSTRUCT, AT A MINIMUM, CLASS “A” SEWER LINE PROJECTS. TO PREQUALIFY WITH THE DEPARTMENT AND TO CONSTRUCT CLASS “A” SEWER PROJECTS, EACH PROSPECTIVE BIDDER MUST FURNISH WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF COMPENTENCY AND EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COUNTY. ACCORDINGLY, THE COUNTY WILL NOT ACCEPT PREQUALIFICATION APPLICATIONS AFTER THE 20TH DAY OF MARCH, 2015.

CONTRACTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT MR. DANIEL WHITE, (205) 325-5496, WITH THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 716 RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BLVD., NORTH, SUITE A-300, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35203, IN ADVANCE OF THE DEADLINE TO DETERMINE IF THE CONTRACTOR IS PREQUALIFIED TO CONSTRUCT CLASS “A” SEWER PROJECTS.

The Jefferson County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

This project will be funded in its entirety (100%) with Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of Sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.
BT03/12/15
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Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Extends Application Deadline for Technical Programs

Birmingham Times

March 12, 2015

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Extends Application Deadline for Technical Programs

• Candidates have until Friday, April 10, 2015 to apply; Program starts in Fall of 2015

• MBUSI seeks to strengthen candidate pool by targeting high school seniors

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA – Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) has extended the deadline for candidates interested in applying for its Mechatronics or Automotive Technician programs. Candidates now have until Friday, April 10^th to submit an application – the original deadline was March 10^th. Both programs will start during the fall of 2015.

“We currently have 120 students active in the Mechatronics and Automotive Technician programs and we wanted to provide more students the opportunity to apply and be considered,” said Jason Hoff, President and CEO of MBUSI. “Many high school seniors are in the midst of making critical decisions about college and their next steps as graduation approaches, so we want to encourage all students, parents, and guidance counsellors to strongly look at opportunities available in technical fields.”

Since the technical programs were launched three years ago, MBUSI has hired roughly 90 of the participants, with one third now in the Maintenance Apprenticeship program and on track to become highly-skilled Maintenance Team Members helping keep the plant’s equipment properly maintained as it churns out vehicles for 135 markets worldwide. The remainder work in the plant’s Body, Paint, and Assembly shops.

In the coming final weeks of recruitment, MBUSI will visit West Alabama schools to provide candidates with a better understanding of the opportunities available. MBUSI is also working through Shelton State Community College, the University of West Alabama, and other local workforce development partners to get the word out. For more information on how to apply, visitwww.mbusi.com and click on the “Employment” tab for links to information about both programs, including how to apply, frequently asked questions, and details about the curriculum.

About The Mercedes-Benz Automotive Technician Program

The Mercedes-Benz Automotive Technician Program includes three terms of instruction at Shelton State Community College or the University of West Alabama (UWA). Students will attend classes during the day on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and receive training at MBUSI on Thursday and Friday. During training at MBUSI, students will spend time in the classroom and on the shop floor. Of the students who successfully complete the programs at Shelton State or UWA, at least the top 75% will advance to MBUSI and earn a full-time job in Production.

About The Mercedes-Benz Mechatronics Program

The Mercedes-Benz Mechatronics program involves seven terms of instruction at Shelton State. Students will attend classes at Shelton Monday through Thursday, and experience operational insights and daily procedures at the plant on Fridays. At least the top 75 % who successfully complete the program will advance to MBUSI and earn a full-time job. Of the students who advance to MBUSI, a top percentage will go into the Mercedes-Benz Industrial Mechatronics Maintenance Apprenticeship Program and the remaining will earn a Full-Time position in Production.

About MBUSI

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) is the production location for M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class SUVs, as well as the C-Class sedan. In 2014, the plant produced more than 232,000 vehicles. While MBUSI has now launched the all new C-Class, Team Members are already working on the new, dynamic GLE Coupe to be built in Alabama beginning in 2015 as the plant’s fifth product. MBUSI currently employs more 3,500 Team Members.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available at:
www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

Selma, AL. — 40th Historic Selma Pilgrimage.

Birmingham Times

March 12, 2015

CALENDAR

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

SATURDAY, March 21

Selma, AL. — 40th Historic Selma Pilgrimage. Tour historic homes and churches with 150^th anniversary Civil War-to-50^th anniversary Civil Rights heritage. Take the Welcome Wagon Tour through Old Town, visit museums, art shows, evening house reception, cemetery tour, gristmill. Tickets available 8:30-4 during Pilgrimage at headquarters, 109 Union St. For more information, call 334-412-8550 or 1-800-45-SELMA. Find Selma’s Historic Pilgrimage on Facebook. Website: www.selmapilgrimage.com

40th Selma Pilgrimage Celebrates Civil War, Civil Rights Anniversaries March 20-21

SELMA, Ala. — Join us March 20-21 for a banner year as the 40th Selma Pilgrimage commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights Marches and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Selma.Tour homes and churches where Martin Luther King Jr. and others planned strategies and led Civil Rights rallies, where Civil War generals set up headquarters and Southern Belles saved silver and jewels.Stop by Pilgrimage Headquarters at the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum (109 Union St.) for tickets and refreshments, then experience southern hospitality through guided tours that include a Welcome Wagon trip through Old Town. Tours include four homes, eight churches, the 19th Century Heritage Village, 1860’s Kenan’s Mill, Sturdivant Hall, Vaughan-Smitherman Museum, Old Depot Museum, Selma Civil Rights Interpretive Center, Old Live Oak Cemetery “Ghost Walk,” ArtsRevive’s Spider Martin Voting Rights Marches photo exhibit, Selma Art Guild and Alabama Plein Air Artists Show and Sale.

Homes are:

Marshall’s Grove, c. 1843, a Greek Revival built by one of the area’s first physicians and used by Union Gen. James H. Wilson for his headquarters during the Battle of Selma.

Jackson Home, c. 1912, where Martin Luther King Jr. planned the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march. He often stayed here and met with civil rights leaders at its dining room table.

Jordan Home, c. 1869, a two-story Italianate that was built for Gus Jordan and remained in the family until 1978. Locals say that longtime Auburn Coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan, who grew up in Selma, often played catch here. Federal, Empire and Victorian antiques are on display.

Phillips-Hobbs-Gamble House, c. 1837, a Greek Revival cottage where Mrs. Frances John Hobbs hid her husband’s jewelry store silver inside the walls before Yankee lootersrazed much of Selma. This home is open only for the Friday evening reception.

Churches are:

Brown Chapel AME, the starting point of the voting rights marches and location of many civil rights rallies;

Tabernacle Baptist, site of the first Selma mass meeting for voting rights;

First Baptist (Martin Luther King St.), designed by a local black architect and site of SNCC headquarters during the Selma campaign;

Reformed Presbyterian, headquarters for Concerned White Citizens of Alabama when they arrived to march for voting rights;

First Baptist (Lauderdale Street), features High Gothic style and Tiffany windows and its first minister became chaplain for Selma Civil War troops;

Church Street United Methodist, built in Romanesque style in 1901 and the first denomination to organize in Selma;

St. Paul’s Episcopal, designed by the Up johns and features Tiffany windows by parishioner Clara Weaver Parrish; and

Queen of Peace Catholic Church, built in 1869 using stones from ruins of the Confederate Arsenal. St. Andrew’s Hall next door was rebuilt from the Masonic Lodge in Cahawba.

On Saturday evening, hear “residents” of Old Live Oak Cemetery tell how they helped shape history. Tours begin at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.Visit selmapilgrimage.com where you can download a brochure and check special offers. Updates are posted on Facebook at “Selma’s Historic Pilgrimage.” You may also email info@selmapilgrimage.com or call 334-412-8550 or 800-45-SELMA (800-457-3562). Sponsored by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society, Pilgrimage began in 1976 as a way to share the city’s variety of architectural styles and rich history. Selma’s historic district features more than 1200 structures.

TALL GIRL INSPIRATION

Birmingham Times

March 11, 2015

TALL GIRL INSPIRATION teaching our young ladies that beauty is within.

PRESENTS Push Your Pen Essay Writing Contest  Girls ages 10-18 To enter like us on Facebook Write a 200 word essay Pick your topic Smart-Bold-Fearless-Confident-Courageous-Beautiful Include name, age and school 1st place winner photo and essay will be featured in DA-SH magazine April edition and gift bag. 2nd place winner $50 Applebee’s gift Card. 3rd place winner Regal Cinema gift card and a TALL GIRL INSPIRATION  t-shirt. All essays must be original. Contest started February 28, 2015 Ends March 28, 2015 All essays can be submitted on the TALL GIRL INSPIRATION Facebook page. All three prize winners essays must be handwritten on paper and turned in. For more information call 205-531-0675 or email deidresmith86@gmail.com

‘Bloody Sunday’ still making a difference

Birmingham Times

March 11, 2015

‘Bloody Sunday’ Still Making a Difference

While standing in Selma, Ala. on Saturday, March 7 at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, I was overcome with heartfelt gratitude as I listened to Governor Robert Bentley, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Representative John Lewis and President Barak Obama’s powerful, thought-provoking messages to a crowd of approximately 20,000 citizens gathering to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday March. That pivotal march in 1965 changed the United States government and the world at large.

President Obama paid tribute to the unselfish acts of courage shown on that dark day in history honoring the more than 600 peaceful protesters from that year who consisted of people of all races and walks of life, young and old, that were severely beaten and even several killed. Their endurance in the fight for all to have the right to vote helped make possible the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

There are three highlights from Saturday’s commemoration that I will always cherish as an American citizen and as a person that holds an elected office:

The honor to meet 109 year-old, Ms. Amelia Boynton Robinson, who was one of the female protesters beaten during the 1965 march
To listen to former student activist and now Georgia Representative, John Lewis, recalling some of the horrific events of that march, while also highlighting the joy he was experiencing because of his other duty of the day—to stand 50 years later in the very same place to introduce the first African-American President of the United States of America
To listen to President Obama acknowledging people like Rep. John Lewis, Amelia Boynton Robinson and other footsoldiers of 1965 and knowing we would not have the diverse representation we see in government today without their selfless acts

As an American citizen, I was reminded of the responsibility I share in helping to make this nation become a more perfect union, and I am challenged to never forget the awesome price paid for my civil liberties by those who came before me. As an elected leader, I was encouraged to continue to stand up for what is right. To not give up in the face of adversity, and to keep on being a resounding voice for socio-economicadvancement and equal opportunities for the people I humbly serve.

Click to watch the President’s speech in Selma,

Hiawayi Robinson ( Updated )

Birmingham Times

March 11, 2015

On Tuesday, March 10,the Alabama Senate approved SB108 which would establish the Hiawayi Robinson Statewide Emergency Missing and Exploited Children Alert System, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Davis Figures (D-Mobile County.) It was the second bill passed (32-0) by the Senate this Legislative Session.

“I was very elated and touched to have all Senators who were present to vote for this piece of legislation,” Figures said. “I am very humbled to sponsor this bill in honor of Hiawayi, knowing that when enacted, it will help to increase the probability of bringing missing children home safely.”

This alert works differently from the National Amber Alert System, which already alerts the pubic of a missing child who has been abducted. The Amber Alert stipulates the child must have been abducted, the child is in imminent danger, and requires the identification of the vehicle before an alert can be sent.

“When all of the people who are accountable and responsible for a child’s whereabouts have been contacted and all confirm that the child is in fact missing, local law enforcement will immediately initiate the alert if the criteria adopted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency have been met,” Figures said.

When enacted, the Hiawayi Robinson Statewide Emergency Missing and Exploited Children Alert System Act would require the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to implement the alert system and would require all local law enforcement agencies to participate in the system.

Hiawayi Robinson was an 8-year-old girl from Prichard, Ala., within Mobile County, who went missing on September 16, 2014. There was no Amber Alert sent out because it did not meet the criteria. She was later found murdered on September 18, 2014.

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