Board approves bids and alternates for Riverview HVAC project; staff to report budget details to finance committee

The Sartell‑St. Stephen School Board on Oct. 20 approved awarding bids and a recommended alternate for the Riverview HVAC project, following a sealed‑bid process completed Oct. 7.

District staff described the procurement steps to the board: construction documents were finalized, contract packages were advertised, a bidders’ walk‑through and Q&A period were held, addenda issued and sealed bids received at the district office on Oct. 7. Staff said the district followed statutory bidding rules for scopes above the statutory threshold and obtained multiple quotes for smaller scopes.

Board members asked about the number of bidders on specific scopes, why some trade packages received only a single bid, and whether award recommendations would keep the project within the board’s approved budget. Staff said certain scopes (steel erection, for example) were less attractive to contractors because of scheduling and the nature of the work; they also said they expect to review final totals with the finance committee in November.

Staff recommended acceptance of an alternate for the mechanical contractor; the board accepted that recommendation. The motion to award the bids was made by Jen Smith and seconded by Chelsea; the board approved the motion by voice vote. The district’s recommendation letter and the full bid tabulation were not read into the record at the meeting.

Staff told the board the district qualifies bidders for responsibility and completeness before recommending award; the board retains the right to reject bids. Final contract execution and construction schedules will depend on completing review of a few outstanding numbers and coordinating with the finance committee.