Our Approach
Our Approach
Stella May Contracting’s approach and methodology concerning the scope of work for client projects is comprehensive and will provide industry leading quality and experience. While the following is not all inclusive of the methods utilized to produce a safe and quality project, it will depict Stella May’s approach which repeatedly produces safe and successful projects for our clients.
Company Approach and Methodology: The Stella May Way
Preconstruction and Estimating
The Stella May mission “Build it Safely to Serve and to Shine,” starts with preconstruction and estimating. Stella May’s experienced team systematically reviews the scope of work, project documents, and drawings. We emphasize clarity at this crucial stage and ask all appropriate questions of the client and others for clarifications. This initial review lays the groundwork for a comprehensive and accurate pricing schedule providing detailed technical responses for the client proposal submission requirements. Stella May’s estimating approach calls on the expertise of our experienced top executive management along with the estimating team which utilizes Bid2Win as our take-off software. The process continues with PDF creation, editing, mark-ups, and collaborating with our experienced suppliers and subcontractors to ensure expert inputs are utilized to provide our clients with an accurate and value conscious project proposal.
Additionally, during this phase Stella May leans on its established and outstanding relationships with some of the top subcontractors in the construction industry to discuss constructability, feasibility and value engineering opportunities for the project which we share with our clients. During this phase, Stella May also develops an preliminary project team which we use internally for resource leveling and planning the execution of our backlog.
Project Award
Upon award to Stella May, a team “Kick-Off” meeting with the internal project team along with other designated Site-Specific team members, will immediately take place. This “Kick-Off” meeting will include, but is not limited to, (1) A complete review and audit of all applicable project safety protocols, (2) an extensive review of the specifications and drawings, (3) discussions as to the approach and methodology of the project, (4) pro-active scheduling review, and (5) team staffing and subcontractor needs.
Planning the Project
After the “Kick-Off” meeting, the Team, along with the assigned Safety Managers and Quality Control Professionals, will prepare site-specific documents and plans depicting a condition appropriate and skilled approach to accomplishing the project safely, adhering to applicable OSHA codes, Federal, State and Local laws and requirements as well as further requirements of the contract documents. The site-specific documents will assist in assuring a safely completed quality project.
Stella May is very aware of the potential Environmental Impact of projects of this scope. For this reason, Stella May has tours project sites ahead of bidding with senior leadership and engages environmental professionals to support with development of an Environmental Protection Plan for the company and subcontractors. Additionally, a site-specific plan is prepared as required by the contract documents.
Training Strategy
Stella May actively updates employee training to meet the most current Federal, State and Local safety regulations including the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). This training takes place primarily at Stella May’s Training facility and includes OSHA (OSHA 10 hour and 30 hour) classroom certification as well as confined space, silica, and excavation competent person training. Our gas and electric teams receive operator qualifications and lock out tag out (LOTO) training. Additionally, Sella May participates in Client specific training requirements and all required Miss Utility Maryland ITIC training programs takes place along with First Aid and CPR training.
It is the policy of Stella May to strive for the highest safety standards for our projects. Safety does not occur by chance. It is the result of careful attention to company operations in their entirety by those who are directly and indirectly involved. Employees at all levels work diligently to execute the company’s policy of maintaining safety and occupational health.
Construction Objective
The construction objective for all our projects is to deliver a completed quality product while maintaining efficiency of the work and schedule. Stella May will execute the plan developed while constantly refining the process with feedback from all aspects of the project team to achieve the Teams overall objective.
The construction objective process utilizes a construction project management suite of tools, CloudRig, PlanGrid, Viewpoint, SharePoint and more, which we share with approved members of the project Team, to include but not limited to, the Management Team Members, Clients, Engineers, Vendors, and Subcontractors. The suite, along with the Stella May, approach enables a transparent dashboard of all critical aspects of the project to include document management, real time as-builds, submittal processing, RFI management, contract and change tracking along with photo documentation if required, safety and manpower logs, and punch list management. CloudRig allows collaboration on all size projects, however on larger projects we employe PlanGrid which reduces errors from any or all parties not using the most current information to put work in place or make decisions. Our construction workflow process is provided with a minimal barrier of entry to users. Stella May has received positive feedback from our clients on both design/build and bid/build projects.
Project Schedule
Stella May uses the critical path method for building project schedules that focus on the most important activities that need to occur for the project to meet it’s due date. At times this also allows for project “Float” in the schedule for the Owner’s use, in anticipation of unforeseen conditions, coordination, and underground geological clashes that could reduce our rate of production. Our experience working in Urban Environments has taught us that there are also a multitude of stakeholders (CSX, MDE, Baltimore City DPW, MDTA, private businesses) with whom we would interact and have the potential to impact the project’s progress. Our project schedules are designed to be proactive, comprehensive, and efficient. It reflects a detailed analysis of the project, considering environmental factors, potential construction challenges, and other unforeseen issues that could impact timelines. To minimize delays, we incorporate project “float” time as a buffer. They also include major phases, including engineering, procurement, construction, start-up activities, mobilization, testing, inspections, substantial completion and other project specific milestones to ensure transparency and accountability. It highlights key milestones, deliverables, and critical tasks for effective internal and external reporting.
Quality Standards and Objectives
Stella May understands the thought process that Quality Management and Safety Management programs have similar characteristics thoroughly embracing the concept in its culture. Stella May knows that its ability to deliver a quality product in a safe manner is the key to projects to a successful close. The following standards and objectives for the quality construction efforts include but are not limited to the following:
- The execution of the tasks required will meet or exceed the requirements of the specifications and drawings, and equal to or above industry standards.
- Communication with an authorized representative for the client to eliminate problems and to catch deficiencies before they materialize.
- Utilize the Stella May extensive construction engineering experience and knowledge to: (a) identify potential issues before they impact the cost or scheduling of the project and, (b) offer alternative methods through Value Engineering or Design Build to save cost and schedule conflicts wherever possible.
- Development of full and complete as-built drawings, which accurately reflect the as-built conditions of the systems or modifications when or if required by the contract.
- Perform Weekly and/or Monthly Quality Improvement Meetings with all team members to review quality and safety control reports, checklists, logs, along with the review of any deficiencies or problems that may arise to establish corrective actions.
- Verification that all materials and services (including subcontractors) required conforms to contract requirements.
Safety is Paramount to Stella May
Stella May’s Culture and Mission is to “Build it Safely to Serve and to Shine”. This Cultural commitment to Safety and Quality leads to a Healthy Environment for all, serving the Client with an accident free workplace and builds Stella May’s place in the industry with integrity and excellence. As discussed above in the Quality Section, Stella May understands the thought process that Quality Management and Safety Management programs have similar characteristics and has thoroughly embraced the concept in its culture.
Stella May’s excellence is augmented by a Stella May employee team that adheres to its in-place comprehensive Safety and Quality Program and its Employee Alcohol Abuse Policy Program including Applicant and Random Employee Testing. The Safety Culture is evidenced by EMR which are better than the industry average for our NAICS codes and total hours worked each year.
Stella May engages the company’s owners and executive team as part of its safety best practices. Safety culture is intentional and is the result of careful attention to company operations and client construction operations. Prevention of injury and illness is a principal goal of the Stella May team and well worth achieving for the company, subcontractors and clients. All Teams work diligently to execute the company’s policy and OSHA requirement to ensure that every employee goes home safely, every day. All subcontractors are required to adhere to the Stella May and Contract Safety Requirements and are closely monitored for compliance with our three-tier safety system. The three-tier safety system is a loss control triangle and is built on mathematical relationships that exist between the number of accidents of similar types and their severity. For every 300 near miss incidents, 29 minor injuries are likely to occur, and one major injury is likely to result from this frequency. This is important to Stella May because we understand that by reducing the frequency of workplace and site near misses, we will reduce the probability of minor and major injuries. In support of this, Stella May addresses safety with a three-tiered approach which includes implementing engineering controls, implementing management controls, and requiring personal protective equipment.
Engineering Controls: To the extent feasible, we design the work environment and the job itself to eliminate hazards or reduce exposure to hazards. This is exemplified in our detailed Job Hazard Analysis and resultant risk mitigation plans for each project.
Management Controls: This is an effort to actively improve the way our employees perform their jobs. This can include, but is not limited to changing work habits, improve sanitation and hygiene practices.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is required when we believe that exposure to hazards cannot be engineered completely out of normal operations of maintenance work, or when safe work practices and administrative controls cannot provide sufficient additional protection from exposure.
We also generate safety plans, activity hazard analyses and checklists for each project. Our safety plans and activity hazard analyses our thorough and in-depth. Some of the plans that we have created in the past include, but are not limited to:
- Site Excavation Plans
- Fall Protection Plans
- Concrete demolition plans
- Confined Space Operations Plans
- Sediment & Erosion Control Plans
- First Aid Competent Person List
- Competent Person Excavation Checklist
The Stella May Teams
Stella May has thoughtfully constructed a Team that is focused on safety, attention to detail and quality delivery of the project to our client which includes a safety manager and safety specialist. Stella May’s leadership is tasked with safe and timely delivery of the project. Stella May feels this is essential and will empower the front-line personnel, especially front-line foreman for responsibility and accountability. These are measured using OSHA standards and practices. Additionally, the tenets of the Safety Triangle will be the overarching basis for this project.
“Team” objectives, leading to long-term employees, and to a Safe, Quality and Timely completed Project, includes but is not limited to the following:
- Employee handbook outlining the company’s safety policies and regulations which must be read and acknowledged.
- Adherence to the Stella May Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy that includes applicant and random testing.
- Adherence to the Stella May Company Vehicle Policy, which includes safety standards
- Adherence to the Stella May Safety Occupational and Hazard Program that has extensive oversite and audit procedures.
- Adherence to the employee team training based upon and in accordance with the safety regulations of OSHA which includes but not limited to supervisor training, confined space training, first aid and CPR training to name a few.
- Providing crews who have the ability to effectively communicate in English, both orally and written.
Strategy for Subcontractor Engagement
The approach and methodology to Subcontractor Engagement begins with the Preliminary Subcontractor Selection. Specific objectives are (1) initially identify the subcontract needs for the project documents, i.e., functional and technical requirements to be addressed by the subcontractor, (2) identify the work to be performed, (3) identify budget constraints, key milestones and schedule dates for the work to be performed, (4) subcontractor complete adherence to Stella May’s Safety and Standards, including policies regarding FR Gear, Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace programs, and (5) identify and qualify potential subcontractors using the forgoing strategic subcontracting elements for the project anticipated, taking into consideration the items defined in Stella May’s subcontractor engagement plan which includes consideration of company diversity and use of an inclusive workforce.
Subcontractor Engagement Plan
1. Identify the Subcontractor companies that have the applicable experience in the industry/scope of work required for the anticipated project.
When identified, the following key criteria are evaluated:
- Safety – EMR ratings consistent with the Industry standards and project safety requirements along with minimal OSHA incidents.
- Subcontractor proven industry experience along with the Stella May/Subcontractor prior completed and on-going project involvement, taking into consideration items including but not limited to, safety, quality of work, productivity on current and past projects, communication, along with the willingness to adhere to the project requirements and timelines.
- Subcontractor Crew availability to be able to follow the timelines required of the project schedule.
- Reasonable pricing for the work to be provided.
2. When a project is awarded to Stella May we employ our Subcontractor Management Plan detailing the governance approach which may include:
- Provide clear and unambiguous subcontracts that include compliance to the contract documents, including insurance, warranty, competent and qualified workers, compliance with affirmative action, environmental, safety, cyber security and health laws and requirements, to mention a few.
- The development of a Statement of Work attached to the subcontract documents and requirements that clearly defines terms and conditions, the responsibilities for deliverables, services, budget and timeline constraints as well as Safety and Quality requirements and conditions of the project requirements along with adherence to the Stella May Safety and Quality Culture and assurance.
Environmental
Stella May subscribes to the highest educational and training standards. As a 30-year utility contractor, Stella May has researched and employed mechanisms to use environmentally efficient materials and processes such as backfill, earthwork and sediment / erosion control. Stella May maintains its membership in the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). Using this organization to learn and employ reliable, clean and innovative means to support and sustain the environment, Stella May applies appropriate, sensitive environmentally friendly demolition and building techniques to appropriately recycle and optimize overall environmental benefit. Stella May’s successful Environmental approach is evidenced by the Stella May Environmental Plan for the company that will be incorporated in the site-specific Environmental Plan for our projects.
Construction Approach and Implementation
Although each project is different, the approach and methodology of building on site share similarities such as following the Construction Schedule, the applicable safety plans and a structured sequence of working. Delineated below is an example for an Underground Duct bank project as delineated below.
Sequence of work for Example:
UNDERGROUND DUCT BANK
The complexity of the work is to Furnish and Install a new underground duct bank system, including all related civil works and restoration of 115 kV XLPE Underground Cable. The installation of this cable system is by means of a concrete encased duct bank for an underground transmission line approximately 3.2 miles long, with 8 pairs of splice vaults and 10 auger bores, for termination at new structures at the nearby substations
To achieve this goal, Stella May’s Team will ensure that all subcontractors on the project will also provide the adequate number of crews required, specifically on critical tasks, such as the jack and bore operation.
The baseline sequence of construction for this project is to accomplish the following:
- Mobilization
- Administration / Submittals / Review / Approval
- Procurement
- Install Erosion and Sediment Controls / Install Access Roads
- Install Maintenance of Traffic
- Civil Mobilization
- Installation of Open Cut Ductbank
- Installation of Gwynn Falls Crossing
- Installation of Splicing Vaults
- Install Structure Thrustblocks
- Auger Bore Mobilization
- Installation of Auger Bores
- Proofing of Ducts
- Site Restoration
- Final Paving Restoration
- Remove Erosion and Sediment Controls / Access Roads
- Demobilization
- Project Close-out Documentation
In conclusion, Stella May’s mission to “Build it Safely to Serve and to Shine” applies rigorous adherence to “best in class” safety, management, technology, equipment and Subcontractor standards to ensure safe, timely and complete control of projects from start to finish. Stella May uses past performance, knowledge of our client and their required safety and culture, as the foundations which Stella May’s management and construction team subscribe to complete projects safely on time and within budget.