District to pursue design-build RFQ for Katz building HVAC replacement; board seeks negotiated price before vote

District facilities staff reported ongoing HVAC problems at the Katz building and recommended proceeding via a design-build request-for-qualifications process rather than a simple low-bid purchase, citing past instances where low bidders delivered systems that required repeated corrective work.

Staff said the project involves replacing two VRF systems near the end of their typical lifecycle and that two vendors submitted responses to the RFQ. After evaluating qualifications and experience with similar systems, the facilities team recommended Hoffman Mechanical Solutions as the best-qualified contractor. The district said the design-build approach will pair engineering and installation responsibilities, producing an engineered solution (airflow, ductwork and static-pressure analysis) and a single accountable contractor.

Board members raised procurement concerns and fiduciary questions, asking whether a negotiated contract price could be available before the board votes. Staff and counsel explained that in a qualifications-based design-build selection the district typically selects the most qualified proposer and then negotiates price; if negotiations fail, the district returns to other qualified firms. Several board members asked staff to negotiate a contract amount with Hoffman and bring that price to the next board meeting for approval rather than awarding without an agreed construction cost. The superintendent and facilities director said they would negotiate and return with a proposed contract amount.