Other COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Job Site Practices Poster

• 8.5 x 11 Jobsite Practices Poster
• 11 x 17 Jobsite Practices Poster

New! COVID-19 Job site Be Smart: Stay 6 Feet Apart Banner (3′ x7′)

Job site banners are available now. If you are a participant in the AGC/SAIF workers’ comp program, you should have been contacted by your safety management consultant. Contact your safety management consultant or Lisa Wisler, 503-685-8306.

AGCA Working to Fix Flaw in Paycheck Protection Program Qualifications That Appears to Exclude Many Construction Firms

[April 6] We wanted to alert you to a potentially very serious flaw in the way the Small Business Administration has crafted the qualification guidelines for its new Paycheck Protection Program loans and the steps we are taking to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.

Congress and the administration were clear when enacting the coronavirus relief measure that any firm employing 500 or fewer people should be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program loans. The purpose of these loans is to keep businesses open so they can continue to operate and employ millions of Americans. Unfortunately, the Small Business Administration is needlessly delaying the loan applications of thousands of construction firms that clearly would meet the statutory threshold of 500 employers or less because the agency appears to have added a secondary qualification that is not part of the statute. That secondary qualification is the average annual receipts size standard used for construction.

Applying that second standard will severely undermine the purpose of the new loan program by excluding many member firms from qualifying for the loan program. Click HERE to view some additional analysis of the flaw and what it means for member firms.

That is why we have contacted officials within the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the White House and urged them to fix this flaw immediately. You can view a copy of our letter HERE. We have also alerted the media to this flaw, and you can read our media statement HERE.

We will alert you as we work to have this flaw fixed. You can also learn more about the Paycheck Protection Program loans and the requirements for applying at the following Treasury Department site, and at the following link from the Small Business Administration.

Federal Emergency Small Business Loan Starts TODAY

[April 3] Beginning April 3, qualifying businesses can apply for loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP was part of federal legislation signed into law last week and includes up to $10 million per business to help with employee retention and operational expenses.

It is first-come, first-served so call your bank, credit union or or financial institution TODAY to start the process. Approved SBA lenders will handle the loans.  For a full list of SBA lenders in Oregon, click here.

A few quick FAQs:

How do I apply?

• Loans will be made through financial institutions that are already Small Business Administration qualified lenders. Your first call should be to your bank or credit union.

When can I apply?

• Small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) and sole proprietorships can apply for loans starting today, April 3.
• Starting April 10, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply, according to the Treasury guidelines.

Who qualifies?

• Businesses and entities in operation on February 15, 2020
• Small Businesses, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, 501(c)(19) veterans organizations or tribal businesses that have fewer than 500 employees or otherwise meet the SBA size standard
• Businesses in the accommodation and food service sector that employ 500 or fewer employees per physical location
• Businesses that have already received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) but have not used it for the same purpose

What will the loans look like?

• Loan amounts up to 2.5x average covered monthly payroll and selected overhead expenses, not to exceed $10 million
• Potential for loan forgiveness for eligible payroll, mortgage interest, rent and utilities during the covered eight-week period after origination
• No fees and no prepayment penalties
• No business collateral or personal guarantee required
• Payments are deferred for six months

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce have created this helpful overview of the PPP and what it means for small businesses across the country.

Coronavirus Small Business Resource Navigator

[April 2] Governor Kate Brown has announced the launch of the Coronavirus Small Business Resource Navigator. This tool will assist small businesses with financial support and information they need to stay in business through the COVID-19 crisis.

The Resource Navigator will include a hotline and a website containing comprehensive information on key programs for small businesses, available at oregon4biz.com, with access to:

• Small Business Association programs established by the recently passed federal CARES Act, including: the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and Debt Relief programs
• State of Oregon programs, including the Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund
• Local government programs, such as the South Central Oregon Economic Development District
• Economic Relief Loan Fund for Small Businesses
• More resources will be rapidly added to the Resource Navigator website on an ongoing basis
• A hotline and email will be available for small business owners to get more information on accessing financial support at the local, state, and federal levels

More information on the Resource Navigator is available here:

• Coronavirus Small Business Resource Navigator
• Guide to federal, state, and local resources

AGC of America Update on New SBA Loan Program

[April 2] More information has come out on the new Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program. Click here for their updated analysis.

U.S. Department of the Treasury Summary and FAQs: Federal Paid Leave Mandates for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

[April 2] The U.S. Department of the Treasury posted a summary and FAQs on the refundable tax credits from the new federal paid leave mandates for small and mid-sized businesses. You can find this information here

SBA Loan Assistance Available: Act Now

[March 31] The U.S. Small Business Administration has several options to help. Click here to read our blog, and check out a couple of online resources:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
• COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application
• Paycheck Protection Program
• AGC of America CARES Act Analysis

Webinar: Need COVID-19 Assistance?

[March 30] Join the National Association of Minority Contractors – Oregon (NAMC) webinar on Tuesday, March 31 at 2:00 pm.

Small Business Administration (SBA) NW Director Marty Golden will share the latest about grants, loans and other federal assistance for contractors affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Join the meeting on Zoom HERE. If you don’t have Zoom, you can download it before the webinar begins.

Don’t miss out on federal assistance for you and your business – register today as space is limited.

Portland Small Business Relief Fund

[March 30] The Portland Small Business Relief Fund will provide grants and no interest loans to support Portland small businesses experiencing hardships related to COVID-19.

The goal of the fund is to provide immediate relief by helping business owners retain their businesses and their employees as a bridge of support before additional state and federal resources become available in the coming months. For more information or to apply, visit the website.

US Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Administration Disaster Relief Loans

[March 30] On Friday March 27, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law. The package allocates $350 billion to assist small businesses in the midst of this pandemic and resulting economic downturn. Those eligible include: small businesses with fewer than 500 employees or otherwise meets the Small Business Administration’s size standard, a 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees, individuals operating as a sole proprietor, independent contractor, or those self-employed carrying on any trade or business. For a more in-depth review of what this means for your business, click here.

SBA Emergency Impact Disaster Loans (EIDL) for Small Business and Non-Profits

[March 22] At the request of Governor Brown’s Regional Solutions Coordinator, a group of regional economic development partners has been formed to encourage efficient information sharing with the business community as resources are developed to help mitigate financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This CORE group (Coordinated Organizations for Recovery Efforts) is composed of the regional representatives of Mid-Valley Regional Solutions, Business Oregon, the Willamette Workforce Partnership, the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments, the Chemeketa Small Business Development Center and SEDCOR. We want to inform you that a new resource has now been made available to help Oregon businesses. Contact Dean Craig, Willamette Workforce Partnership for more information.

Rogue Workforce Efforts

[March 21] Rogue Workforce knows that businesses and workers are rapidly responding to the COVID-19/ Coronavirus circumstances. Many businesses are looking for help to access the resources that might be available to them to sustain their enterprise. Impacted workers are looking for help to sustain income and meet essential needs. Meanwhile the national landscape on resources being made available is changing daily, as Congress passes new legislation to address the needs.

Here’s an update on what our team at Rogue Workforce Partnership has been working on this week with partners in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

All of Oregon, Most of Washington and Parts of Idaho are Eligible for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

[March 20] Businesses in the following areas are eligible to submit an application for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL):

Oregon: all counties

Washington: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima and newly added today Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Wahkiakum

Idaho: Adams, Benewah, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater, Fremont, Idaho, Latah, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, Washington

Apply now

We anticipate a declaration for the remaining counties in Washington, Idaho and Alaska are coming soon. The SBA also provides additional financing, exporting and advising resources to support business impacted by COVID-19. Check out the SBA COVID-19 Resources page.

The City of Hillsboro Looks to Help Businesses and Residents Struggling

[March 20] To offset some of the short term financial impacts of COVID-19, the City of Hillsboro is allocating $500,000 in grant funding to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Read more

Beaverton Pledges Money to Help Small Business

[March 20] In response to some of the changes small businesses are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Beaverton and the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce have launched an Emergency Business Assistance Program. Read more

Governors, SBA & Loans

[March 18] Though many states/territories have declared an emergency—those declarations in some instances have been limited to certain counties in those states. For contractors in the entire state—not just located in particular counties—to be able to apply for SBA disaster loan assistance, your governor must make a written request of the SBA to do so. (See here)

Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

To determine if all of your state’s counties and members are currently able to apply for such loans statewide click HERE. If you see your state listed, please be sure to click the “Coronvirus (COVID-19)” link under the “Incident: Column” next to where your state is listed under the “States Affected.” From there you will be able to determine if all of your counties are covered or not. If they are not, contact your governor’s office IMMEDIATELY.

Safety is our biggest concern for jobsite workers. Please visit the COVID-19 Safety & Health page for resources.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Remote Workers

[March 26] The global response to the COVID-19 outbreak has led to a drastic increase in companies empowering their teams to work remotely. While this technological interconnection is a great opportunity to keep people working, it’s also an opportunity for hackers trying to gain access to your valuable data.

As we shift to remote work it’s important to keep cybersecurity at the forefront. Here are some tips to equip remote workers to protect yourself from emerging security threats. Read more

Which Remote Meeting Platform Works Best for Me?

[March 25] Six feet apart doesn’t have to cancel your meeting or event! There are a variety of webinar/remote platforms that are available to still get your message out. Here’s a quick review of what Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and GoTo Meeting offer.

Best Practices for Working Remotely

[March 23] We live in a unique moment when technology allows us to remain connected during times of uncertainty. Digital platforms create opportunities to continue our work even when we can’t connect in person. As many companies rush to mobilize a remote workforce due to complications from the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to implement these technologies in a way that not only empowers but protects your company and your teams. Read more (information provided by Convergence Networks)

Preparing for a Slowdown/Shutdown

[March 24] Steps a contractor should be considering when evaluating impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Click here to download document

Viewpoint Contractor Resources

[March 21] Viewpoint has put together a comprehensive list of contractor resources to help you navigate the impact COVID-19 may have on your business.

The page has a variety of helpful articles and resources covering a wide range of topics including:

• Tracking the virus

• Impacts on the construction industry

• Remote access help for Viewpoint products

• Thriving during a (potential) recession

• Resources for employees

• Resources for owners/managers

• The not-so-wide world of sports

• Lend a helping hand

• Self-care: don’t forget the most important bit

Construction Contracts, COVID-19, and Project Impacts/Delays

[March 20] When events occur that are beyond our control — such as a national pandemic — it is important for contractors to review and understand what contract provisions or avenues are available for potential relief. Ahlers Cressman & Sleight PLLC Blog

Webinar: Employment Law COVID-19 Updates

[March 25] In partnership with Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt will host a free webinar on Friday, March 27 to provide updates on employment law as it relates to COVID-19. Jean Back of Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt will discuss topics relevant to Oregon manufacturers, including:

• Governor Brown Executive shelter in place order and Social Distancing Policies

• The Family First Coronavirus Bill

• Emergency Paid Family Medical Leave (“EPFML”) (and its interaction with FMLA)

• Emergency Paid Sick Leave (and its interaction with EPFML)

• Tax Credits

• DOL guidance

• Furlough v. Layoff – Unemployment options

• Warn Act Notices

• Reduction in Force best practices

Legal Implications of COVID-19

[March 18] We are all adjusting to a “new normal” and trying to stay on top of key legal issues that are coming to the forefront for our clients across industries. As part of that effort, at Schwabe we’ve put together a COVID-19 website that includes resources (articles, short videos) about these legal issues and other topics; it’s located at www.schwabe.com/covid-19.

For the real estate and construction industry, Michael Herbst (a shareholder in our Seattle office) shares some good information and ideas about how to deal with project complications and associated legal theories. He also gives his thoughts on how COVID-19 may affect the development market.

Stephanie Berntsen (another shareholder in our Seattle office) provides an overview of employment-related issues. There is other information, and we will be regularly adding to this content. I think you’ll find these resources helpful.

FMLA Q&A

[March 31] The U.S. Department of Labor continues to update its websites in advice for employers dealing with coronavirus-related questions. It has a Q&A website for the Family and Medical Leave Act, which is available by clicking here. It includes clarification on which employees are eligible to take sick leave, or leave, to care for a family member, when an employer must grant leave, legal responsibilities for employers and more.

Emergency FMLA rules go into effect April 1. Don’t forget to download this required poster.

HR Answers Update

[March 27] Today’s updates are brief. We have posted an updated slide presentation based on the Department of Labor Guidance. Please don’t forget employee notices will need to be provided by Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Posters are provided by the DOL. Remember, if your employees are working some place different than usual, you will need to make sure they get the notice. We do believe you should also post physical posters as these provisions will continue through the end of the year. We are hoping to have employees back in our places of work long before the anticipated expiration.

This information and more can be found on our website.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) Employee Rights Poster

[March 25] Like other labor and employment postings, this must be posted in a conspicuous place where covered employees will see. For remote workers, most employers will post electronically; alert them to the new posting and confirm e-access by each employee.

• Download the poster

Employer Resource for Determining Leave Eligibility Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

[March 25] We know the pace and complexity of the changing leave regulations during the coronavirus emergency is overwhelming.  To help you administer the new leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, we have created a flow chart for determining eligibility.  Regulations from the Department of Labor (“DOL”), expected in the next week, will provide clarity on this process.  We plan to re-release this tool on April 1 to reflect these regulations, but in the meantime, we hope this tool helps you prepare for April 1. Click here for the leave eligibility tool. Provided by Barran Liebman Attorneys

Help in Navigating Human Resources issues during COVID-19

[March 24] HR Answers has been in full swing and is creating and updating a series of resources to assist companies in navigating COVID-19 related human resource related issues, particularly related to new state and federal mandates. This includes:

• Sample furlough and layoff letters

• Federal Department of Labor – link to Employer and Employee guidance, Q & A, required posters and more.

• State specific Work Share Program links

• State specific Insurance Regulator links

• State specific OSHA links

As a partner of AGC Columbia-Oregon Chapter, HR Answers’ services are free to AGC members. For more information, visit their website.

Breaking Down the New Federal Emergency Paid-Leave Entitlements

[March 20] President Trump has signed HR 6201, federal legislation providing emergency paid and family leave in certain circumstances. The final bill has significant differences compared to the original. Make sure you know what’s included… Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP Blog

COVID-19 Employment Update: New Federal Leave Requirements

[March 19] On March 18, 2020, Congress passed and the President signed into law HR 6201, a broad-ranging response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Two principal provisions of HR 6201 will impact employers—a temporary expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to provide paid leave for employees unable to work due to closure of schools and child-care facilities and temporary paid sick leave for COVID-19-related absences. HR 6201 will become effective April 2, 2020 (15 days after enactment). Click here to learn more. (Information provided by Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt)

Furlough, Layoff, or Reduction in Force in Light of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Effective April 2, 2020

[March 19] HR Answers, AGC’s human resources partner is providing a free webinar on March 23, 10 am–Noon. Click here to register.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed yesterday by our president. This is an economic stimulus plan aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Americans and introducing paid sick leave and an expanded family and medical leave act to the nation’s employers impacted by COVID-19 and those serving as caregivers for individuals with COVID-19. HR Answers published this alert with information about the provisions that impact employers and their responsibilities to employees. Click here to learn more.

Layoffs & Mandatory Closures: What Employers Need to Know & Consider

[March 18] Barran Liebman Attorneys blog

Coronavirus in Construction Webinar: Key Issues and Best Practices for Projects and Personnel – RECORDING

Original Broadcast Date: Monday, March 16, 2020
Recording available for viewing

This complimentary webinar for owners, contractors, subcontractors, and designers will discuss rapidly evolving legal issues about how a COVID-19 outbreak affects your rights and duties with employees and with your projects. Questions are arising about how to be best prepared for delay claims, suspension or termination, price escalations, and defenses. Experienced construction and employment attorneys will be available to provide updates on legal topics related to:

1. 1. Employment practices when facing an epidemic
   2. Knowing your contracts and using them
   3. When is delay justified? When are damages available?
   4. Sudden cost increases and material unavailability
   5. Labor & CBA issues
   6. Defending against opportunistic claims

Following the 45-minute update, the attorneys will remain available to address questions.

Recording available for viewing

COVID-19: Changing Times? Yes…
Change What You Are Doing? Maybe…

[March 17] HR Answers, AGC’s human resources partner, provided information about HR policies and COVID-19. Read the blog.

During this time of quarantine, separation, and possibly isolation, it’s important that people check in on family and friends via phone, video chat, text, or email. If you or someone you know needs help and support, there are free resources available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for those experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide.

Click here for a list of more construction-specific information.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)

• Support in Spanish: 888-628-9454

• Text: “HOME” to 741741

• Mental Health Crisis intervention line

• 503-988-4888

• Toll-free: 800-716-9769

• Hearing-impaired dial: 711

• Lines for Life

• Lifeline: 800-273-8255

• Text: “273TALK” to 839863

• Oregon Youthline

• Teen-to-teen services from 4–10 pm daily

• Youthline: 877-968-8491

• Text: “TEEN2TEEN” to 839863

• Email: YouthL@linesforlife.org

• Trevor Project

• Specific to LGBTQ youth

• Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386

• Text: “TREVOR” to 202-304-1200 from noon–7 pm

• County Mental Health Call Centers

• Clackamas County: 503-655-8585

• Multnomah County: 503-988-4888

• Washington County: 503-291-9111

• Clark County: 360-696-9560 OR 1-800-686-8137

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) Employee Rights Poster

[March 25] Like other labor and employment postings, this must be posted in a conspicuous place where covered employees will see. For remote workers, most employers will post electronically; alert them to the new posting and confirm e-access by each employee.

• Download the poster

AGC of America

• AGC of America COVID-19 Updates

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
• What to Do if You Are Sick

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• COVID-19
• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

• Coronavirus Disease – 2019

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

• COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for Construction Trades

National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA)

• Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace

US Small Business Administration

The SBA is working diligently to meet customer demand for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and make the process as user-friendly and easy as possible for you.

As we make changes, we will have update periods where things will be in flux. While this is happening now, we still want to make sure you have a way to fill out and submit your application.

Details to apply now

If you are having issues accessing the website, try clearing your browsing data/cache. As things are improved, we will update you accordingly with the new information.

Additional Resources to Support Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The SBA also provides additional financing, exporting and advising resources to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

For example, new information is available about the SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program along with other guidance and resources. Check SBA.gov/coronavirus regularly for more updates.

OREGON

Oregon Employment Department

• COVID-19 Related Business Layoffs, Closures, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
• COVID-19 Resources for Oregon Businesses, Employers, Workers & Job Seekers
  This document contains a variety of resources to assist businesses through the current COVID-19 crisis. It includes links to resources and information that cover: financial assistance, guidance and planning, temporary layoffs, closures and unemployment insurance, permanent businesses closures, small business support, and local area business support.

Oregon Health Authority

• COVID-19 Updates

Oregon Health Sciences University

• Coronavirus and COVID-19 Resources for Oregon

Oregon OSHA

• Guidance on preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (publication)

Construction Contractors Board

• COVID-19 Information and Updates for CCB Contractors

Bureau of Labor and Industries

• BOLI website
• Oregon Sick Time
• BOLI hotline to help employers understand Oregon employment laws: 971-673-0824 or email bolita@boli.state.or.us

State of Oregon

• Business Oregon
• Governor Kate Brown

Portland Bureau of Development Services

Services Accessible Online

Many of our services are available to you from your home. Using Development Hub PDX, you can apply online for electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits that do not require plan review. You can also schedule inspections for trade permits obtained online, update contact information, pay a variety of fees and download billing statements all from a computer or mobile device. BDS also offers a Remote Video Re-inspection service for simple on-site inspections involving minor corrections.

For the latest information on our service availability (for the week of March 30), please click on the links below according to your interest.

1. 1. New Permit Intakes
   2. Plan Review for Current Permits
   3. Corrections to Plans
   4. Inspections
   5. Land Use Services
   6. FIR and FPP Programs
   7. Questions about Property, Projects and Records
   8. Trade Permits
   9. Payments
   10. Property Compliance – Enforcement and Liens
   11. Permitting and Inspections Services from Other Bureaus

Oregon Association of Nurseries

• OAN Coronavirus Resource

• AGC of America COVID-19 Updates

Washington State Stay Home – Stay Healthy Proclamation

• Washington Stay Home – Stay Healthy Proclamation
• List of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers

Washington State Department of Health

• 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)
• Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

• Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) Resources
• Keeping Construction Workers Safe & Healthy During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Clean Hands Save Lives

These videos were created as part of Health Matters, a series for the general public and public health professionals. View the videos.

COVID-19 Resources: Real Estate and Construction

List of real estate and construction-focused resources, including articles, videos, and resource suites. Information provided by Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt. View list.