Rockingham County opens multiple RFPs; staff authorized to evaluate and return recommendations

Rockingham County commissioners on Sept. 4 opened several solicitations and authorized county facilities staff to evaluate incoming proposals and return recommendations, part of routine procurement work tied to the county’s move into a new building.

Among the solicitations announced at the public meeting were openings for floor restoration in the delegation area, a preventative maintenance contract for laundry equipment, a moving services request (for deeds, the county attorney’s office and the sheriff’s department) and a bid for sheriff dispatch computers. For each item a commissioner moved and the board voted to authorize the senior director of facilities and planning and information technology to evaluate proposals and return a recommendation to the board.

Why this matters: the procurements are part of the county’s preparations to occupy a new building and to maintain ongoing operations; commissioners said timely vendor selection will help minimize disruption during the move.

Details and subsequent nonpublic action: during a later nonpublic session staff reported that one flooring vendor was unable to perform. Commissioners were told a purchase order for flooring had already been issued and work was scheduled to begin (exact start date not specified). Painting that was planned for the same area will be rebid; staff asked permission to pre‑issue the painting procurement to avoid delays. The board voted in public session to rebid painting and proceed with rebidding the relevant contracts.

Discussion vs. decisions: the public votes were to open solicitations and to authorize staff to evaluate proposals — procedural approvals rather than final contract awards. The rebid and pre‑issuance steps reported out of nonpublic were described as operational actions taken by staff with the board’s acknowledgment; commissioners sealed the nonpublic minutes per a later motion.

Ending: staff will return with recommendation reports once evaluations are complete and formal contract awards will be placed on future agendas for final approval.