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P.J. Dick, in association with Mascaro and Massaro, for the Lower Hill Redevelopment: G1 – FNB Financial Center (Pittsburgh, PA) hosted their third and final Bidder Information Session on Thursday, June 24, 2021 @ 3pm for the upcoming construction. Session was held virtually via Zoom and registration was required.

During the session PJ Dick and the project team reviewed upcoming bid and vendor opportunities, project details and schedule, as well as the bid process requirements. Businesses of all sizes are strongly encouraged to attend. Attendance is not required to bid.

For more project information visit www.lowerhillredevelopment.com/construction-bidding.html

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The First Source Center is Open For Business!

6/8/2021

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The Grand Opening of the First Source Center went beyond expectation on Tuesday evening June 8th and was attended by a substantial cross section of community members, local elected officials from the county and city, Rich Fitzgerald, Mayor Bill Peduto, Leonard Hammond (representative from Jake Wheatley's office) and City Councilman Daniel Lavelle, as well as Development Team members, Kevin Acklin, Boris Kaplan, Bomani M. Howze and Dr. Ellis. were all in attendance to mark this special occasion.

Tracey McCants-Lewis welcomed everyone and introduced emcee, Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, who was also the last speaker from the development team. Her enthusiasm for the workforce center shown was apparent as she directed the crowd to take out their phones and save the phone number to the First Source Center. Every speaker shared this enthusiasm with inspiring and hopeful words about the historic moment, ways we will all work to rectify the past, and look forward to the many opportunities we have to “honor and repair” to “get it right, this time.”

The Art
The stage was flanked with a nice podium that had a “First Source Center” logo on the front with artwork from Charlotte and Mobutu from Moka Gallery framing the stage with two acrylic pieces that captured the essence of the A-Train and the Jazz Artists accompanying it. We also had a beautiful textile piece from Dawn Sturgess on display. After the speakers commenced festivities moved inside the walls of the historic Hill House and into the doors of the First Source Center. There we had two prints from artist, Norman Brown, on display in the front intake office and in the interview room. We have more room for art.

The Food
Tapping local talent, the event was catered by Chef Claudy’s Eminent Hospitality and he served salmon and chicken kabobs with vegetables. There were also Perrier sparkling waters and still waters, along with fruit and small bags of assorted chips. Delicious!

After the speakers spoke onstage, it started raining and we all went inside for the ribbon cutting! Lined up were the elected officials and members of the development team, with oversized and regular sized ones. Dr. Ellis did the countdown and the First Source Center was officially opened. Visitors were directed to the intake and interview office and conference rooms. They enjoyed seeing what we had to offer. PA CareerLink was very well represented at their table in the hallway and they were there to engage the public and answer questions.

Residents posted pictures on Facebook and other social media and celebrated the occasion. Some praised the event and appreciated having nice “to go” containers from the caterer.

As the rain stopped and the crowd thinned out, we began to clean up. Tracey, two members of her crew and Paul Ellis helped put the furniture back upstairs via the elevator and Tracey and Dr. Ellis were the last to leave.

On the first day following the Grand Opening, the phone calls came pouring in (there were 9 voicemails) and we had some visitors, from job seekers to potential partners—-a company needing forklift operators and Catalyst Connections, providing free training for welders, machinists and much more! An individual interested in being hired came in the morning and by the afternoon, they had a job offer!

When PJ Dick arrived on site via Theresa Giancarlo, there was a line of persons waiting to see her. The First Source Center concierge was managing the process and their schedule was packed! The First Source Center is clearly filling a need for both employers and future employees in the city of Pittsburgh!
Stay tuned for more great news!

See all the event pictures here

For more news and information about the First Source Center, click here:

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FAQ - Construction & Bidding

6/7/2021

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Got Questions? You've come to the right place! Please see the list below for answers to frequently asked questions.

What is CCIP?
Community Collaboration and Implementation Plan which was developed and memorialized September 11, 2014. The purpose of the plan is to define specific goals strategies and processes for maximizing the inclusion of the Greater Hill District community and its residents in certain aspects of the redevelopment project. The plan's intent is to represent an unprecedented level of collaboration for the Southwestern Pennsylvania region with M/WBE goals and Local Resident Inclusion across the redevelopment. Read more about it here

Is a Certification required for M/WBEs?
Yes, to count towards the M/WBE Goals a company is required to have a certification OR be in the process of becoming certified. Bids from an M/W business shall include the certification or letter stating they are in the process of acquiring a certification with their bid.

As a minority women business, does my company qualify for 45% of the goal?
A minority, women-owned business could qualify for either goal, but not both.

Does DBE qualify for MBE or WBE?
DBE is a category used by different agencies. On your certification it should state whether you are a MBE or WBE within that DBE category.

Are there Prevailing Wages?
Yes, all projects on the Lower Hill site are subject to Prevailing Wages.

Will certified payrolls be required?
Yes, certified payroll will be required of contractors.

Are there union requirements?

Are there bonding requirements?
For the FNB Financial Center project, a Performance and Payment Bond is required for Subcontracts with PJ Dick > $200k

Are there Prevailing Wages?
Yes the project will require Prevailing Wages.

Will Certified Payrolls be required?
Yes Certified Payrolls are required.

Is a Certification required for M/WBEs?
Yes, to count towards the M/WBE Goals a company is required to have a Certification OR be in the process of becoming Certified. Direct bids to PJ Dick from an M/W business shall include the Certification or letter stating they are in the process of acquiring a Certification with their bid.

What is CCIP?
Community Collaboration and Implementation Plan which was developed and memorialized September 11, 2014. The purpose of the plan is to define specific goals strategies and processes for maximizing the inclusion of the Greater Hill District community and its residents in certain aspects of the redevelopment project. The plan's intent is to represent an unprecedented level of collaboration for the Southwestern Pennsylvania region with M/WBE goals and Local Resident Inclusion across the redevelopment. Read more about it here

Will this project have RACP Requirements?
Yes portions of the FNB Financial Center are seeking RACP funding. More specific details are included with the individual Bid Packages for the tracking and documentation requirements.

Will this project have a Project Labor Agreement (PLA)?
No there will not be a Project Labor Agreement.

Plasterers & Cement Union Information Session (6/3/2021) Questions:

What is the employer obligation in regards to dues in a union relationship and also, when are those funds due?
The employer is not responsible for the dues of their employees. Those dues are the responsibility of the employee. The employer must pay union wages and fringe benefits to all employees working on the job. Fringe benefit payment schedules are agreed upon with the specific union. Generally, benefits are paid 30-60 days behind the work.

How much of a bond would be required?
The bond is dependent of the total contract value. Cameron stated the highest bond his group had ever required was $40,000.

July 2021 FNB Bid Package Information Session (6/24/2021) Questions:

So who is the agency that approves the MBE plan?
The plan is already approved. These goals are what we are using to evaluate bidders to ensure we achieve our goals.

As a minority women business does my company qualify for 45 of the goal?
A minority women owned business could qualify for either goal, but not both. The advantage is that you can be placed into whichever category needs more representation.

What is the SEAS Function?
They are helping to look at our diversity goals in a different way. The diversity and inclusion goals will now be evaluated 3 different ways.

Will there be any opportunities for food/caterer vendors?
That would be an opportunity you would need to speak to the developer, BPG about. Olivia would be happy to speak with you.

Does DBE qualify for MBE or WBE?
DBE is a category used by different agencies. On your certification it should state whether you are a MBE or WBE within that DBE category.