Littleton selects HEI for construction of city ditch project with significant cost savings

The Water and Sewer Board meeting held on June 10, 2025, in Englewood City, Colorado, focused on the approval of a construction contract for significant infrastructure improvements. The primary agenda item was the selection of a contractor for reaches 3 and 4 of the city ditch project.

During the meeting, it was reported that the initial contractor, Reynolds, submitted pricing that was deemed uncompetitive compared to other bids. The total proposed contract price from Reynolds was significantly higher—approximately $4.6 million more—than that of HEI, the contractor recommended for the project. HEI's proposal not only offered a more favorable price but also included a larger pipe size of 60 inches, which is essential for effectively managing the anticipated flow, as opposed to the smaller 48-inch pipe Reynolds proposed.

The board recommended awarding HEI a construction contract amounting to $6,106,861. This figure reflects an increase from earlier estimates due to the inclusion of additional work requested by the city of Littleton, specifically the demolition of the slaughterhouse gulch flume. A 10% contingency was also proposed, bringing the total project authorization to $6,717,547.

The selection committee unanimously endorsed HEI, citing their relevant experience, superior project approach, and preferred schedule. The discussions highlighted the importance of thorough market evaluation, which ultimately led to a savings of $4.7 million compared to previous estimates. This decision was framed as a necessary step to ensure the best value for the city, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the team in navigating the complexities of the bidding process.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the significance of strategic contractor selection and market assessment in municipal projects, aiming to stabilize the city's capital plans and ensure effective infrastructure development. The board's decision marks a pivotal step forward in the construction process, with the project now set to move into the construction phase.