The Public Works Committee on Aug. 11 recommended forwarding to full council an ordinance awarding the abatement and demolition contract for the former Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop A campus at 504 Southeast Blue Parkway to AT Abatement Services Inc. for $779,844.

Craig Kohler, senior staff engineer, said three bids were received but two were judged non‑responsive because required attachments were missing or the bidders declined to provide required performance/payment bonds and acknowledgments of addenda. Kohler said the remaining responsive bid from AT Abatement Services was below the engineer’s estimate and staff recommended award to that firm.

Committee discussion focused on the bid process and how the city treats non‑responsive proposals. City Engineer George Binger explained that state statute and city procurement rules require staff to verify responsiveness before considering price. He said staff does not negotiate or request missing documents after bid opening for fairness; if a bid is unresponsive, it is set aside. He added that for some larger projects, other electronic bid systems will prevent submission without required documents.

The committee advanced the award by unanimous roll call. Staff said the successful bidder must supply performance and payment bonds within five days of award as required by the contract, and standard contract administration steps will follow.