John Gay, Imperial County Public Works director, presented a recommendation on Oct. 21 to award a design-build agreement to Align Builders to deliver the first phase of work for a proposed adult residential substance use disorder treatment facility at County Center 2.

Gay described the procurement as a progressive design-build process: Align Builders will work on a guaranteed maximum price and develop plans and permitting during the initial phase. Gay said the project is a behavioral health facility being paid for through a grant and that the action recommended was to move forward with the first phase of work.

Shane Conway of VANR, who assisted county staff through the process, was present in the audience along with behavioral health representatives. Supervisor Martha Cardenas Singh moved the item and Supervisor Peggy Price seconded; the board approved the resolution and the chair announced, “Motion carries.”

No further conditions or amendments were stated on the record. County staff indicated the work comprises phase one of a multi-step design and permitting process for the facility.