The North Texas Tollway Authority Board of Directors on Oct. 8 affirmed staff's procurement decision and denied a formal protest over the President George Bush Turnpike West total routine maintenance contract.

The board acted after an executive-session briefing on the matter and a public comment from Sarah Henningsgard, who identified herself as a vice president and board member with Roy Jorgensen Associates. Henningsgard told the board she and her firm believe the apparent low bidder “cannot provide the valid evidence to meet the rigorous qualification requirements established in the solicitation, including 10 years of progressively responsible experience, completion of or active involvement in contracts of similar size and scope, and demonstrated project management experience.”

Henningsgard said those qualification requirements “are safeguards that uphold safety, reliability, and accountability for the traveling public,” and that her firm “meets these qualifications and standards” and is prepared to continue work on the asset in question.

After the executive-session briefing, Director Baker moved to “affirm the decision of Mr. Hoffman” denying the appeal; Vice Chair Dodd seconded the motion. The board then voted unanimously to deny the protest and affirm staff's decision. No additional final action was taken during executive session, and the public motion and vote were recorded on the open agenda.

The board did not publish detailed deliberations from the executive session; the public record shows the board considered the protest in executive session under Texas Government Code provisions for consultation with counsel and personnel/security matters and then returned to open session to act.

The decision upholds staff's earlier procurement action and closes this appeal as of the Oct. 8 public meeting.

Looking ahead, the board retains the authority to publish any written findings or summary of the procurement matter; none were released at the meeting.