Court clears DRG Architects to begin value‑engineering talks with Tegrity for medical examiner project

The Atascosa County Commissioners Court authorized DRG Architects to begin negotiations with Tegrity Contractors, identified by the medical examiner oversight committee as the “best value” proposer, to pursue value engineering and try to reduce the proposed price for a medical examiner project.

County staff and the medical examiner oversight committee scored bids and recommended Tegrity as the best‑value proposal. County Attorney Molly Solis and staff said approving negotiations does not constitute awarding a construction contract; rather, it permits DRG Architects to enter discussions with Tegrity to identify cost reductions consistent with the project budget. The court was told that if negotiations cannot return the project to budget, the county would need to re-evaluate options.

Why it matters: authorizing negotiations is a required step if the county intends to try to lower a preferred bidder’s price through value engineering before making a final award. Commissioners approved proceeding with negotiations by motion; the vote was recorded as three in favor and one absence.

The motion to authorize negotiations was made by Commissioner Pavelic and seconded by Commissioner Bowen. The court recorded votes in favor by Commissioner Bowen, Commissioner Pavelic and Commissioner Riley; Commissioner Gillespie was absent.

No contract award or final cost was approved at the meeting. County staff characterized the immediate next step as “value engineering negotiation” and said DRG Architects would attempt to lower the price with Tegrity; if the price cannot be reduced to fit the budget, the county would “relook the whole thing.”