LaSalle County solicits recommendation after window-replacement bids show one low bidder under estimate

LaSalle County property staff opened bids for a window-replacement trial area at the government center and identified an apparent low bidder; staff will review documentation and return with a formal award recommendation at the next property meeting.

During the bid opening, staff said the project’s estimated cost was $78,000 and that the county had added a 10 percent contingency to account for market fluctuations. A presenter read aloud the first offer: "Base bid from Cool Master, 99974 dollars and 0 cents." The second bid, announced as from the Blast Shop (also referred to later in the record as the "glass shop"), was read as a base bid of "$77,000." Staff said the Blast/Glass Shop included a check for 5 percent of the bid in lieu of a bid bond; Cool Master included a bid bond.

Because the $77,000 bid is below the county estimate, staff said they will review both submissions and provide a formal recommendation at the next property meeting; no award was made during the session. Staff also noted a mandatory site visit had been completed by both bidders and said window-treatment options (solar shades, blinds) will be bid separately from the window replacement.

Why this matters: The project affects office space and comfort in the county government center and tests window treatments for future phases. The county added a contingency to the estimated $78,000 base cost to protect against market fluctuation.

Next steps: Staff will complete bid review, check bid bonds/5 percent deposits and return to the full board or property committee with a recommendation for contract award at the next meeting.