A Quest to Know God

December 25, 2014

CRUCIFIED
I “am crucified” with Christ, nevertheless I live. Someone may be thinking what do you mean by being “crucified”, yet you live. Well, I am sure if you do not know what the Word of God says in Galatians 2:20, you are thinking, she must be ill. “No – I am not ill”, but I do want to share something with you, just in case you do not know already. The Holy Scriptures teaches us believers to live a crucified life, and that means live dead to sin and all its wicked ways each day of our lives, because Scripture teaches, those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Redeemer, want to follow Him, as He says in Luke 9:23. A crucified life entails living a life dead to the world’s ways and dying daily to your selfish ways and desires.
When Jesus died on the cross – we died with Him; when buried – you were buried with Him; when He rose – you rose with Him, and are seated with Him. This is a spiritual transformation [Romans 6:4-5].
Now, you may be thinking, “Now I know she is ill.” No, what this means is all who have accepted Jesus to be their Savior is dead to sin, because He paid a price you could not pay. Your sins and the sins of the whole world, whether all men accept Jesus or not, their sins are paid for, but, “They will not reap the benefit of Jesus’ death on the Cross, unless they accept the price He paid for their sins”. “He paid a price He did not owe”. Everyone must personally ask Jesus to come and live in ‘your’ heart. He will come in and take up residence forever, but you do have a responsibility, and that is to obey His teachings. You see, when Jesus comes to live in your heart, He deposits His attributes, nature, the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22]. “Now” you have a love for the things of God that will never fail. Your whole desire is to live for the Lord and please Him in all your ways. HALLELUJAH!
In order to understand with clarity what death, burial, resurrection, and baptism means, you must seek Him for understanding. He might tell you to sit under a teacher, someone He has given understanding. God loves you, and gave His only Son, to bear your sins. [John 3:16]

www.thealmightyeyes.com

2015 Scion FR-S

Birmingham Times

December 25, 2014

By Frank S. Washington

DETROIT – Scion suffers from a malady that has affected a number of brands that are the smaller offshoots of major automotive powerhouses. As the designated youth brand of Toyota, it is not clear whether Scion has established an independent presence in the market, even though it has some top notch products.
Scion’s halo car is the FR-S. On sale for a couple of years, the 2+2 coupe has not done what it was intended to do – generate aspirational intent for the brand. That was apparent during our week-long test drive. A lot of people asked what the car was; a tribute to its slick styling, but nobody knew that the FR-S was a Scion.
That’s the quandary of the Scion FR-S. It is a great car but it is a low volume vehicle. So how big of a marketing budget does Scion allocate to boost its presence in the market?
While Scion ponders that question, the driving public is not all that aware of a contemporary traditional sports car that is right under its collective noses. Scion has been on sale since the 2013 model year.
Although it is a 2+2 coupe, the car is a really a two-seat sports car. There’s not enough space for small children in the back seats, although there are latches for child seats. The rear seats are buckets but the back of the seat is a bench. It will fold down creating a decent sized cargo space.
We don’t think anybody is going to pay much attention to the back seats. The story of the 2015 Scion FR-S is under its long bonnet or hood.
The car had a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer (flat) engine that made 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A six-speed manual gear box is available.
Our 2015 FR-S with its automatic gear box was rated at 25 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined.
One quibble about the powertrain is that maximum torque should be reached at a lower RPM rather than the listed 6,400 rpms. That would provide even more oomph. But don’t get it twisted; though lacking the brutishness of cars with far more horsepower and torque, the 2015 Scion FR-S was quick and nimble.
The car was a throwback to heralded sports cars, mostly British that were lightweight and agile. Our FR-S weighed a little more than 2,800 lbs. and for this model year its handling had been enhanced.
It had a more rigid front suspension, retuned rear shock absorbers and improved damping. Scion said that the changes resulted in less body roll and they did. Taking curves, mostly expressway entrances and exits, aggressively, the FR-S stayed flat with no tire squeal. There were no dips at the corners. On flat surfaces the car rode smooth, and the driver felt only the most pronounced bumps in the road.
We’re not a fan of paddle shifters or automatic manual transmissions. But with what Scion called dynamic rev management technology, the setup on the FR-S was smooth flowing, easy to initiate and it conveyed that the driver had more control of the car.
The FR-S had a low center of gravity, a long hood and short rump. It had an aggressive front bumper and angular headlights. The rear dual baffled exhausts were larger and they were flush with the rear bumper. The rear fascia was low and wide while the tail lights were sharply angled. The car had a distinctive style that was menacing and it looked fast.
With a no-nonsense interior, the FR-S was about driving. It had deep bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, large gear shift knob and a large center mounted tachometer. We monitored our speed with a large digital readout that supplemented the analogue gauge.
Our interior was black, upholstered and it featured red accent stitching and aluminum pedals and scuff plates. There were creature comforts. The test vehicle had a touch screen, Bluetooth, audio streaming connectivity, an HD radio and auxiliary and USB jacks. There were voice controls as well as a navigation system. The premium audio system featured 300 watts and eight speakers.
This is going to sound like one of those late night commercials but you get all this for less than $30,000. That’s right; the base price of our 2015 Scion FR-S was $25,800. Add options and a $755 frieght charge and total came to $29,742. That’s not bad for a true sports car

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

2015 Yukon – 2WD SLT

Birmingham Times

December 25, 2014

by Cheryl Eldridge

GMC states that from the moment you first step into the all-new 2015 GMC Yukon, you know you’re stepping into a new standard of full-size utility. Its updated exterior means business, while its refined interior, with three rows of seating, premium materials, and updated technology, means you’ll feel ready to conquer anything the road throws at you and I totally agree.
GMC’s 2015 Yukon SLT was definitely a pleasant surprise during my one week test-drive.
GMC ranks high in accuracy, dependability, and appearance. It definitely attracts a ton of passersby.
The 2015 GMC Yukon XL is fully redesigned. Highlights include improved fuel economy, new standard and optional equipment including an integrated fold-flat third-row seat, updated exterior styling, a quieter interior and low-range gearing now available on the Denali model.
Car shoppers who are in the market for a traditional full-size SUV have only a handful of choices these days. But among this group, one of the most compelling is the 2015 GMC Yukon XL. It blends traditionally rugged truck construction and V8 towing capacity with amenities and features one might expect from a full-fledged luxury SUV.
Like all of GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs, the 2015 GMC Yukon XL has been completely redesigned. A bolder face and more aggressively sculpted sides and fenders give it a more modern, even aerodynamic look. Under the hood you’ll find a new 5.3-liter V8, which features direct injection and cylinder deactivation for better power and efficiency. The top-of-the-range Yukon XL Denali gets a 6.2-liter V8 for even more power. This bigger V8 might also be a reason to choose this GMC instead of its close sibling, the Chevrolet Suburban, as the Chevy only has the smaller V8.
The 2015 GMC Yukon XL is a full-size SUV available in three trim levels: SLE, SLT and Denali. Seating for eight is standard, but there are two optional seating arrangements. Second-row captain’s chairs drop the count to seven, and a 40/20/40 front bench seat available only on the base SLE increases it to nine.
The Yukon XL SLE comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, running boards, heated power-adjustable manual-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar), a 60/40 split-fold second-row bench seat and a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat. Also standard are remote engine start, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an 8-inch color display with the GMC IntelliLink interface (includes voice control, smartphone app integration, text-to-voice capability for MAP-enabled smartphones and Siri Eyes Free capability for newer iPhones), a rearview camera, OnStar and a Bose nine-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio, Pandora Internet radio control, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, five USB ports and an SD card slot.
For the SLE, an optional Driver Alert package includes forward collision alert, lane-departure warning and a vibrating safety alert seat. The Convenience package adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-adjustable pedals and a power rear liftgate.
My tester, the SLT model includes the Driver Alert and Convenience packages as standard and adds a locking rear differential, heated power-folding outside mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, a power tilt-and-telescoping heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar), driver memory settings, leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, power-folding second- and third-row seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
All Yukon XLs are pre-wired for towing and feature a 2-inch receiver, but an HD Trailering package is available for SLE and SLT trims and includes specific gearing, a trailer-brake controller and air suspension with automatic leveling and increased load capacity. Second-row power-folding captain’s chairs are optional for the SLT. The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations option package adds a sunroof, a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system with a USB port, SD card slot and a Blu-ray player.
To the SLT’s standard equipment, the Yukon Denali adds the more powerful engine, 20-inch wheels, adaptive magnetic suspension, xenon headlights, an 8-inch customizable display in the gauge cluster and an upgraded 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. For the Denali, the Touring package adds the sunroof, head-up display, the navigation system and the rear-seat entertainment system. Adaptive cruise control with frontal crash mitigation is also optional for the SLT and Denali.
Of course, no full-size SUV would be complete without a variety of available 20- and 22-inch wheels. In addition, GMC plans to offer an enhanced OnStar package with a 4G LTE connection that provides a Wi-Fi hotspot (late availability).
There are two available engines for the 2015 GMC Yukon XL. SLE and SLT models come with a 5.3-liter V8 engine that generates 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The Denali comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that generates 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both use a six-speed automatic transmission to transmit power through the rear wheels on 2WD models or all four wheels on 4WD models. The 4WD Yukon XL is offered with a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing. A locking rear differential is standard on all trim levels.
Properly equipped, the maximum tow rating for the 2WD Yukon XL is 8,300 pounds, and 8,000 pounds for the 4WD models. The more powerful Denali actually tows 200 fewer pounds, respectively.
With the standard 5.3-liter V8 engine, the EPA’s estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg combined regardless of driveline (16 city/23 highway for 2WD models and 15/22 for 4WD). The Yukon XL Denali with the larger 6.2-liter V8 and 2WD gets 17 mpg combined (15/21), while 4WD versions get 16 mpg combined (14/20).
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 GMC Yukon XL includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control (with trailer sway control), front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. An airbag located between the front bucket seats (when so equipped) is standard and aids in side-impact crashes. Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation. Front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are standard on every Yukon XL.
I definitely enjoyed the trim level, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, a vibrating safety alert seat, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and frontal crash mitigation with automatic braking, either optional or standard.
The overall quality and design of the 2015 GMC Yukon XL’s interior is noticeably improved from previous generations. Materials are of a high quality, and the gauge cluster’s crisp graphics are a snap to read day or night. The large, central infotainment display is intuitive to navigate and its graphics/pictograms are simple and easily interpreted. Unfortunately, IntelliLink can sometimes be slow to respond to your touch inputs.
Most shoppers will find the front seats comfortable and reasonably supportive. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel in the SLE model will make it harder for some people to find an ideal driving position, however. Second-row space is excellent, while the third row offers much better legroom than the one in the regular Yukon. Keep in mind that if you’re looking to the Yukon XL for its nine-passenger capacity, it’s only available on the base trim level.
Given the very cumbersome nature of the previous-generation Yukon XL’s third-row seat removal procedure (not to mention their vulnerability to smash-and-grab thieves), I was happy to see GMC has finally integrated the third row firmly into the truck’s floor. The fact that both the rear rows are power-operated is an added benefit. The downside to these stow-away seats is a very high cargo floor loading height (36 inches), which makes it harder for shorter owners to load strollers or bigger shopping hauls.
Even with the reduction in maximum cargo space for 2015, the amount of room in the back of a Yukon XL remains truly impressive. With all seats occupied, you’ll have 38.9 cubic feet for luggage, which is substantial for any three-row vehicle. Fold the third-row seats down and there are 76.7 cubic feet; fold both rear rows and it increases to 121.1 cubes. These figures are several cubic feet more than what you get in GMC’s Acadia crossover and on par with big SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia. The Navigator L offers more.
By the way, my tester was loaded and total price including the Sun and Entertainment package was $62,315.

Until l next week, drive safe and buckle up, it’s the law.

Prairie View and Alabama State Announce New Head Football Coaches

Birmingham Times

December 25, 2014

Courtesy of PVAMU and ASU Sports Information

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Both Prairie View A&M University and Alabama State University released new hires this week, announcing the arrival of two new head football coaches. Prairie View selected renowned offensive coordinator Willie Simmons as its 32nd head coach in program history and ASU named former Bethune-Cookman University head coach Brian Jenkins to the helm of its football program.
Simmons comes to Prairie View A&M after an impressive three-year stint as the offensive coordinator at Alcorn State, which recently won the Southwestern Athletic Conference and three Black College National Championships. With Simmons on staff, Alcorn State fielded one of the most potent offenses in the country as they led the SWAC in seven offensive categories while also finishing second in the nation amongst Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams in scoring offense with 44 points per game during the 2014 season.
Jenkins was introduced Wednesday, Dec. 17 at a 3 p.m. press conference in the Club Lounge at the New ASU Stadium.   In five seasons as head coach at Bethune-Cookman (2010-14), Jenkins’ Wildcats won more than 76 percent of their games (46-14), winning or tying for four Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles, earning three FCS playoff berths and two HBCU national titles. B-CU won at least eight games each season, including a pair of 10-win seasons, and never finished below second place in the conference standings in posting a 34-6 record in MEAC contests, including a perfect 8-0 mark in 2012. The Wildcats also won 18 straight conference games between 2011-13, the second-longest streak in league history.  In 2014, Prairie View finished third in the western division after going 5-5 overall, 5-4 in conference. Alabama State (7-5) closed out its year second in the eastern division behind SWAC champion Alcorn State with a 5-4 conference record.

Classifieds

Birmingham Times

December 25, 2014

Employment

Wanted Senior Citizen that
would like
to supplement income
Housekeeper
For light housework every 2 weeks for 3
hours. Must have references. You may
contact the following number:
(205) 213-5824
BT12/25/14
____________________

AUTOMOBILE

2007 Hyundai Tucson
Fully loaded Silver
Heated seats
Call Sam
205-815-6454

2012 Dodge Charger
Low miles Factory
Power train warranty
Call Ladarius at
205-380-0593

2009 Kia Borrego XE
3rd row seat
Family fun
Call Sam
205-815-6454

2008 Chevy Cobalt
Leather sunroof
White with Alloy rims
Gas saver Call Ladarius
205-380-6454

2007 Ford Fusion
Black with tinted
Windows low miles
Navigation system
Call Sam at
205-815-6454

2009 Honda Odyssey
White, Sunroof, Leather
Power rear and side doors
$1000.00 down and you drive
Ask for James Lewis
205-491-8484

2005 Toyota Highlander
Metallic Blue, Automatic
V-6 Leather,3rd row seat
$1,000 down ask for
James Lewis at 205-491-8484

2012 Honda Accord
V-6 Power sunroof
Leather, Hands free talking
$1,000.00 gets you in
Ask for James Lewis
205-491-8484
BT12/25/14
_________________________________
FREE PUPPIES

Free to good home, 2 Yorkie puppies for adoption,
Interested? contact me on rbradley987@gmail.com
BT12/25/14
_________________
LEGAL

Birmingham City Schools
Request for Proposal
Enterprise Document Solutions

Birmingham City Schools’ is seeking proposals for the acquisition of an Enterprise Document Solution System for the school district. The objective of this Request for Proposal is to create a strategic partnership with a Multi-function Device (MFD) manufacturer and their authorized reseller and service provider and/or Value-added-Reseller (VAR) to deliver necessary equipment and services for enterprise document services. Multi-Function Devices (MFD) should be capable of printing, scanning, copying and faxing. The Enterprise Document Solution shall deliver full time and onsite ongoing turnkey top-to-bottom support services (covering hardware, software and supplies) for a fully managed printing solution.

Proposals are due Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. A non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. CDT, Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the address indicated below. Please submit questions to Edward McMullen, Director of Purchasing, no later than 2:00 p.m. CDT, Thursday, January 8, 2015.

Please contact Birmingham City School’s Purchasing Department to request a copy of the RFP at (205) 231-4885 or emcmullen@bhm.k12.al.us or download a copy from BCS website @ www.bhm.k12.al.us.

Edward McMullen
Director of Purchasing
Birmingham City Schools
Central Office
2015 Park Place, North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Birmingham City Schools reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive formalities and technical errors if, in Birmingham City School’s judgment, the best interest of Birmingham City School’s will thereby be promoted.
BT12/25/14
_________________
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive pre-qualification requests from Alabama Contractors for:

Forum Meeting Space Renovation

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama. Pre-qualified General Contractors will be required to make a good faith effort to include MBE and DBE companies in the execution of this project.

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by Jerry Nelms at 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203 until Friday, January 16, 2015 at 5:00 PM CST. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval.

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The project consists of a complete architectural finish upgrade to the second and third floors of the BJCC Forum Building (approximately 56,000 SF), in addition to engineering modifications including lighting and AV upgrades, as well as minor plumbing, HVAC, fire alarm, and fire sprinkler work.

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 Jerry Nelms no later than 5:00 PM CST on January 16, 2015 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon written 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 5:00 PM CST on January 21, 2015.

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. 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.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Beginning January 07, 2015, a 90% review set will be available for examination by interested bidders at the following location:

Architect:
Ghafari Associates, LLC
2816 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
1-205-585-5535
sheywood@ghafari.com

Questions concerning the specifications of this solicitation should be directed to Jerry Nelms, Facility Engineer, at (205) 458-8409 or email Jerry.Nelms@bjcc.org.
Sharon Proctor
Purchasing Coordinator
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority
BT12/25/14
________________________
ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Jared Sparks, on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294 until 2:00pm local time on Monday, December 22, 2014. The original and two (2) duplicates, together with a PDF formatted electronic version, 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.

CENTER FOR PSYCHIATRIC MEDICINE
UAB CPM 7th FLOOR PSYCHIATRY RENOVATION
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
UAB PROJECT # H155001

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work consists of an interior renovation of the Seventh and Second Floors for use as outpatient office/clinical space for the UAB Department of Psychiatry. The renovation includes limited demolition and new construction of walls, limited mechanical reconfiguration and new electrical work. The Center for Psychiatric Medicine Building is located at 1713 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama, 35233. The work will be performed within an operating Hospital and care will be taken to limit disruptions. Work will be performed under strict infection control and security guidelines to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The contractor will be responsible for and should have experience in performing work in operating Hospitals and be experienced with the implementation of infection control requirements, interim life safety measures, constructing and maintaining required barriers, coordinating shutdowns, maintaining a clean and organized job site and generally with performing construction in a functioning Hospital.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

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 Monday, December 22, 2014 after which no further requests will be considered.

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

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 Tuesday, January 6, 2014 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). The Bid Date is Thursday, January 29, 2014 at 2:00 PM CST at the UAB 2020 Building Large Conference Room.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Jared Sparks, 2020 Building, 20 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama, 35249, 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 January 29, 2014 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 on Wednesday, January 14, 2014 at 10:00am local time at the UAB 2020 Building Large Conference Room. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT12/25/14
________________
INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for the ROSEDALE SIDEWALKS – PHASE 2 PROJECT (CDBG12-03L-M05-RS2) at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 6th day of January, 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: “FELICIA SMITH”; (5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS; (6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER; (7) CONTRACTOR’S DUNS NUMBER.

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 various sidewalk improvements, including: clearing, grubbing and disposal of debris; approximately 20 C.Y. of earth grading and moving (cut and fill); approximately 900 LF of 5’ wide concrete sidewalks with compacted soil base; three (3) ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps; one (1) 6’ wide painted crosswalk; one (1) 9’ x 5’ covered bus shelter with 4’ integrated bench and 11’ x 6’ x 4” concrete slab with 4” compacted stone base; existing sidewalk modifications and signage relocations; various erosion control measures; site restoration; and other minor miscellaneous site work in accordance
with the plans and specifications.

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 ROSEDALE SIDEWALKS – PHASE 2 PROJECT (CDBG12-03L-M05-RS2).

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, 601 37th Street 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 $ 100.00 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.

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.
BT12/25/14
________________
FAIRFIELD ALABAMA HOUSING AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFPs)
FOR
FORENSIC FINANCIAL AUDIT SERVICE

I. SCOPE OF SERVICES:
Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority (FAHA) will accept competitive sealed proposals for an organization, firm and/or individual to conduct Forensic Financial Audit Services in accordance with the United States Department of Housing and Development’s Regulations for Public Housing Authorities. The Financial Audit Services will be conducted at FAHA’S Central Office located at 6704 Avenue D, Fairfield, Alabama 35064.
II.    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The period of performance for conducting Forensic Financial Audits of FAHA Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program will be FYE 2008-2009 through FYE 2013-2014 to confirm the Net Restricted Assets (NRA) and any monies owed between the Public Housing and HCV Program accordance to the 24 CFR 225 and any other Federal Regulation and Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority’s Cost Allocation Plan.
III.   SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Interested proposers must respond with the following:
A.      Description of how the Financial Audit will be conducted, including time frames. A detailed description must include an explanation of:
1.      The methods used to conduct the financial audit.
2.      Thorough description of respondents proposed system of conducting financial audits.
3.      List of the specific deliverables the FAHA will receive.
4.      Written description of proposers understanding of the required Forensic Financial Audit for FAHA.
5.      Written evidence of proposers Financial Audit experience.
6.      Written summary profiles of proposers firm’s principles, staff and associates who may be assigned to this project with job titles/ descriptions.
7.      Fixed price cost estimate.
8.      Statement of proposer’s provision of Equal Opportunities, without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age or national origin.
9.      Statement of proposers ability of firm to conform to all applicable Codes, Regulations and Executive Orders with respect to prohibitions against wage kickbacks, or rebate, rates of compensation, workplace safety and health standards of compensation, and applicable Laws set forth in the Copeland Anti-Kickback, Davis-Bacon Act Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Byrd Amendments.
Deadline to submit one (1) proposal and credential is 4:00 PM on December 22, 2014 at the address listed below. RFP(s) can be obtained Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at:

Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority
6704 Avenue D
Fairfield, Alabama 35064

ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE DELIVERED ONLY TO THE ADDRESS REFERENCED ABOVE. For more information contact Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority’s Executive Director 205-923-8017 ext 225 or seady@fairfieldha.org . The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Contracting Agency.
BT12/25/14
________________
INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for Warrior Trafford Road Storm Shelter at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 13th day of January, 2015, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

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)DUNS #

Bids are invited upon the work as follows:

Construct a dual use storm shelter.

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 Warrior Trafford Road 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 & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; and at the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing $150.00 with Thompson Architecture, Inc., 2913 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
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.

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, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

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.

Statement From One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York on Shootings of NYPD Officers

Birmingham Times

December 24, 2014

One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York wishes to express its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of New York City Police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos who were killed in the line of duty on Saturday in Brooklyn, N.Y.
We are outraged by this tragic event and do not condone violence against any police officer.
One Hundred Black Men members remain committed to decreasing the level of violence in our city through dialogue, the development and deployment of effective policing methods and building unity among various communities and the NYPD. We must continue to come together as a city, to move forward and build bridges between our communities and the police who have sworn to protect us.
–––– One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York

U. S. Conference of Mayors President

Birmingham Times

December 24, 2014

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson issues statement in the wake of the murders of police officers in New York City

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson issued the following statement today in the wake of the murders of two New York City police officers:
“The US Conference of Mayors has an unparalleled history of partnership with law enforcement. From our founding support of the COPS Program to our current efforts to collaborate with our police chiefs around community policing, we represent a body of mayors who stand beside our police officers at the local and national levels.

“As we reflect on the immensely tragic events from this past weekend in New York City, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the slain police officers who senselessly lost their lives in the line of duty. We are all heartbroken whenever such violence occurs, and we strongly condemn these actions.

“The nation’s mayors stand in solidarity with their local police departments during this difficult time. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has called for peace and a break from protests to allow the victims’ families to grieve during the holidays. We will do our part to echo this call for peace and support Mayor de Blasio as he leads his city in mourning the fallen officers.

“The killing of a police officer in New York City is no different than the killing of a police officer in any of our cities, and we mourn the loss of those who put their lives on the line every day in service to others.”

Ford Awards Spelman College Students $75,000 as Winners of Second Annual HBCU Community Challenge

Birmingham Times

December 24, 2014

The second annual HBCU Community Challenge reflects Ford’s century-long commitment to supporting the African American community, and its focus on education
DEARBORN, Mich. /PRNewswire/ — Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund has announced Spelman College as winner of the 2014 Historically Black Colleges & Universities Community Challenge. The student team will receive $75,000 in scholarships and grants for its innovative program addressing the need for healthier meal options through the creation of in-home vegetable gardens in the West End Atlanta community where Spelman is based.
Spelman College was selected from among three finalists, which include Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University. Schools in the nationwide contest were asked to present ideas that creatively address a community need touching on at least one of four areas – mobility, alternative energy, sustainability/water and a systematic approach to meeting community needs.
“The HBCU Community Challenge not only allows us to continue our efforts to give back to the African American community, but to do so in a way that encourages innovation and educational empowerment while directly supporting Historically Black Colleges & Universities,” said Pamela Alexander, director, Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund.
Now in its second year, the HBCU Community Challenge builds on an existing Ford Fund educational program that focuses on helping to create sustainable communities. It is done in collaboration with national radio personality Tom Joyner, a judge in the competition, as well as the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the country’s No. 1 hip-hop morning show hosted by nationally renowned standup comedian Rickey Smiley. The program awards a total of $100,000 in scholarships and grants.
The HBCU Community Challenge reflects Ford’s century-long commitment to supporting the African American community, and its focus on education. Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, invests more than $8 million a year – about one third of its annual financial support – in scholarships and other educational initiatives.
“We received a great deal of quality proposals this year,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford Multicultural Marketing. “It was extremely hard to narrow the submissions down to the top three, and even tougher to select the winner this year.
“All of the proposals demonstrated the students’ shared commitment to uplifting their respective communities, as well as their understanding of the importance of creating sustainable communities,” added Thompson. “We look forward to seeing these projects blossom and impact communities throughout the country.”

White Milwaukee Officer Not Charged in Shooting Mentally Ill Black Man

Birmingham Times

December 24, 2014

By TODD RICHMOND, Associated Press

MILWAUKEE — A white Milwaukee police officer who was fired after he fatally shot a mentally ill Black man in a downtown park in April won’t face criminal charges, the county’s top prosecutor said Monday.
Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said in an emailed press release that Christopher Manney won’t be charged because he shot Dontre Hamilton in self-defense.
“This was a tragic incident for the Hamilton family and for the community,” Chisholm said in a statement. “But, based on all the evidence and analysis presented in this report, I come to the conclusion that Officer Manney’s use of force in this incident was justified self-defense and that defense cannot be reasonably overcome to establish a basis to charge Officer Manney with a crime.”
Manney is at least the third white police officer to not be charged in the past month after a confrontation that led to a Black man’s death.
Manney shot 31-year-old Hamilton on April 30 after responding to a call for a welfare check on a man sleeping in the park. Manney said Hamilton resisted when he tried to frisk him. The two exchanged punches before Hamilton got a hold of Manney’s baton and hit him on the neck with it, the former officer has said. Manney then opened fire, hitting Hamilton 14 times.
Hamilton’s family said he suffered from schizophrenia and had recently stopped taking his medication.
Police Chief Edward Flynn fired Manney in October, saying Manney instigated the fight with an inappropriate pat-down. The chief said Manney correctly identified Hamilton as mentally ill but ignored his training and department policy, and treated him as a criminal.
“You don’t go hands-on and start frisking somebody only because they appear to be mentally ill,” Flynn said when he announced Manney had been dismissed.
Hamilton’s death preceded those of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in New York City, but the case hasn’t attracted as much attention despite frequent, mostly peaceful protests. Hamilton’s family has used the protests to try to raise awareness about mental illness. Others said his death underlined race concerns, chanting “people of color are people, too,” and carrying signs that read “Black lives matter.”
The Milwaukee Police Association condemned Manney’s firing as a political move, and members voted no confidence in Flynn soon after the firing.
Manney has appealed his firing and applied for disability, saying the shootings in Milwaukee and Ferguson have cost him sleep and made it difficult for him to think clearly. He also has said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Raymond Dall’Osto, a former Milwaukee public defender and former legal director of the ACLU’s Wisconsin chapter, said before Chisholm’s announcement that it was a difficult case. He said some people are employed in professions that run a greater risk of personal injury or death, “but that doesn’t give you a greater right to take someone else’s life.”
Milwaukee police announced in December they would accelerate training that equips officers for dealing with crises, including encounters with the mentally ill. Only about 20 percent of the force’s roughly 1,800 officers have had the training.

One Man’s Opinion

Birmingham Times

December 24, 2014

Christmas is a Time For Giving
by Jesse J. Lewis, Sr.

Some people can tell themselves, I don’t have anything to give. This is totally inaccurate. Just giving a kind word to a person is a gift.
When you think about yourself and how unfortunate you may be, remember that there are many people in this world who do not have running water, no clothes on their backs, no television or radio, no automobile, or have not eaten any food in several days; who are sick and dying and cannot afford medication or a doctor.
Just think how fortunate you are to have some of these things and that you do have something to give.
No child should wake up on Christmas morning without at least one toy and some food. We must make sure that this does not happen in the most prosperous country in the world. In plain and simple terms, regardless of your financial circumstances, there are at least 50 million people in this world less fortunate than you.
Here is a quotation that tells the whole story written by W.E.B. Dubois in 1903:

The Souls of Black Folk

Here we have brought our three gifts and mingled them with yours: a gift of story and song –soft, stirring melody in an ill-harmonized and unmelodious land; the gift of sweat and brawn to beat back the wilderness, conquer the soil and lay the foundation of this vast economic empire two hundred years earlier than your weak hands could have done it; the third, the gift of the Spirit. Around us the history of the land has centered for thrice a hundred years; out of the nation’s heart we have called all that was best to throttle and subdue all that was worst.

1...1,3481,3491,350...1,743 Page 1,349 of 1,743