Board authorizes publication of RFQ for construction manager at risk for elementary HVAC project

The USD 464 board on Sept. 8 authorized staff to publish notice of intent and to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) seeking a construction manager at risk (CMAR) to oversee replacement of variable‑refrigerant‑flow (VRF) heating/ventilation equipment at the elementary school. Mister Loomis presented the project background and timeline and said the board’s approval would only authorize publication of the RFQ; it carries no immediate financial obligation. “There is a 0 financial obligation to what you’re approving tonight,” Loomis said. Key details Loomis provided: - Existing equipment: eight VRF units currently serve the elementary — six serve classroom wings, one serves the office and one serves music rooms. - Proposed approach: replace VRFs with rooftop units that are consistent with the district’s middle- and high-school systems; the selected CMAR would help finalize phasing and provide constructability input. - Procurement steps and tentative schedule presented by staff: post notice and advertise the RFQ for 15 days; issue RFQ on Sept. 30; shortlist firms and issue an RFP; receive proposals by Oct. 29; interview and select a CMAR in late October/early November; enter contract in early November and present the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for board approval in December. If approved, the district would order equipment in January to target a May 2026 installation window. Loomis said the CMAR approach provides price certainty through a GMP and that the firm would be responsible for many project risks, including safety and quality of subcontractors. Board members discussed phasing options (completing the work in a single summer or spreading it over multiple years) and emphasized the need to preserve consistency of trade partners if the project is phased. Action taken: The board approved publication of the notice to issue an RFQ for a CMAR (action item 8.4). The motion passed by voice/hand vote; the board record shows a second and the chair declared the motion carried. Ending: Staff will post the RFQ, accept qualifications and begin the short-listing and interview process; the selected CMAR would later present a GMP that requires separate board approval before construction spending begins.