Miami County reviews competitive RFPs to assess 1898 courthouse; ESA scope staged to limit early destructive testing

Miami County commissioners on July 16 reviewed competitive proposals for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and structural assessments of the county courthouse and for a two‑phase environmental site assessment that would identify any hazardous materials and guide remediation.

Project manager Matt Oler said the MEP/structural RFP (No. 2025‑11) and the ESA RFPs were deliberately written to establish a baseline investigation and then allow the Board of County Commissioners to authorize additional work if the first‑phase findings indicate further testing is needed. "This RFP is 20 25 dash 11. This is for the MEP and the structural analysis," Oler said, adding the baseline work will inform capital improvement planning. He told commissioners the baseline reports would be amendable if a firm recommended, for example, destructive testing.

The baseline MEP/structural procurement drew six competitive proposers. Oler identified PST Engineering as the apparent low bidder at $19,007.50, but said PST listed optional services that are not included in the base price — a $4,500 cost‑estimate breakdown and an $8,300 measure‑and‑verify service — that, if…