Kentwood authorizes $388,407.80 contract to prepare first-responder training site

The Kentwood City Commission on April 17 authorized the mayor to enter into a $388,407.80 contract with Affordable Excavating to prepare the site for a planned first-responder training facility, with a 15% project contingency of $58,261.05 funded from the fiscal year 2025–26 fire equipment fund.

City staff said the structure for the training facility was purchased in December and engineers completed site design; the commission was asked to approve site-preparation work and a larger-than-usual contingency to cover additional inspection hours. "We ask for a 15% contingency instead of the, like, typical 10%. 10% will be used for what it typically is for unknowns during construction. The extra 5% is to go towards inspection fees," said Susan, city staff, during the presentation.

The city received five bids for the construction portion of the project. Commissioners were told the advertised bids included an element – a sidewalk with a retaining wall – that was later removed from the scope, producing an adjusted bid figure for the low bidder. Commissioner Moore pressed staff about the low price, asking, "Why are these people so low so much lower than the other bidders?" Susan and other staff said they interviewed the low bidder, Affordable Excavating, checked references and spoke with the firm about its pricing and team. Staff reported the owner has more than 20 years of experience, the foreman more than 15 years, and crew members generally two to five years of experience.

Preina Neuhoff, staff member, reviewed qualifications and references and recommended awarding the construction contract to Affordable Excavating. Staff said the additional 5% contingency was requested because the construction schedule lengthened and required more inspection hours than initially estimated.

The commission moved and approved the authorization; the motion passed on voice vote.