Concerns rise over soaring costs of engineering projects

In a recent government meeting, procurement director Drea Luce clarified the procurement process for the three islands project, emphasizing that it differs significantly from the Golden Isles project. The three islands initiative did not require a Request for Proposal (RFP) due to its estimated construction costs being below $4 million, allowing the use of the Continuing Contract for Professional Services (CCNA) for engineering services.

Luce explained that the CCNA process, mandated by Florida statute, does not factor in price for engineering services, which contributes to the overall project costs. The meeting highlighted a budget of $135,000 allocated for surveys, with Luce noting that specific topographical surveys necessary for the project were not available in existing records, as the project scope is larger than that of the three islands.

Concerns were raised regarding the $405,000 budget for pre-design work, with some officials questioning the value of the expenditure without concrete engineering designs to advance the project. Luce indicated that typically, engineering costs account for 10-15% of total project expenses, suggesting that the overall project could reach an estimated cost of $10 to $15 million.

While the discussion acknowledged the complexities and regulatory requirements of the project, officials expressed frustration over the high costs associated with preliminary work and the lack of immediate progress toward construction. The meeting underscored the challenges of navigating procurement processes while managing public funds effectively.