Pinellas hires Ajax as construction manager‑at‑risk for new government campus; commissioners ask about off‑site utility costs

Pinellas County commissioners unanimously approved an agreement Aug. 5 with Ajax Building Company, LLC for construction management‑at‑risk pre‑construction services on the county's new government campus at the Ulmerton/Icot site. "These are pre construction services to work directly with HOK, the architect, through this 16 plus month design process," said Robert Shaw, a consultant with CBRE who is leading programming, design and construction coordination for the project. Shaw told the board Ajax was selected through an RFQ process; seven firms responded and four were shortlisted. Bill Byrne, Ajax CEO, said the local Ajax team plans active subcontractor engagement and to work to keep the project within budget. Nut graf: The construction manager‑at‑risk arrangement authorizes pre‑construction design collaboration and aims to produce a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) during later phases. Commissioners asked for follow‑up on off‑site utility capacity and potential additional costs such as lift stations or larger sewer mains. Discussion vs. decision: Commissioners discussed the five‑step deliverable process Ajax will provide during pre‑construction and asked whether the $ allocated today can be recaptured if the county later bonds the project. County staff said an inducement resolution would allow costs to be rolled into a future bond issuance or paid in cash; staff also committed to provide additional follow‑up on off‑site water and sewer capacity and potential costs. Commissioner Sher expressed concern about unknown off‑site utility work and asked staff for further investigation. Action: The board approved the Ajax agreement unanimously and scheduled a kickoff meeting with Ajax and the architect. Ending: Staff said they would return with more detail on off‑site utility capacity and funding options as the design progresses toward a GMP.