Southern California West Coast Electric appeals bid rejection for Shadow Hills High School project

During the recent Desert Sands Unified School District Board meeting, a significant discussion arose regarding the bidding process for the Shadow Hills High School Phase 2 project. Catherine Figueroa, representing Southern California West Coast Electric Inc., addressed the board to contest the district's intention to reject all bids for the electrical category of the project.

Figueroa highlighted that her company was the lowest bidder for this category, but the district's staff recommended rejecting all bids due to concerns about a subcontractor's prequalification status. The subcontractor in question, Time and Alarm, was listed by all bidders but was initially deemed not prequalified. However, Figueroa presented evidence that Time and Alarm had a valid prequalification letter from Desert Sands USD, which is effective until May 2025. This letter, she argued, invalidates the reason for the bid rejection.

She emphasized the importance of Time and Alarm's role in the project, noting that they are the only certified subcontractor authorized to install the required Gamewell FCI fire alarm system. Figueroa urged the board to reconsider their decision and award the project to Southern California West Coast Electric, citing the potential impact on the project's timeline and the local economy.

The board's decision on this matter will be crucial, as it not only affects the contractors involved but also the future of the Shadow Hills High School project and its completion timeline. The outcome will be closely watched by community members and stakeholders who are invested in the development of local educational facilities.