City finds procurement error, withdraws Tech Line bid and moves to award sports‑lighting contract to M Gay Constructors

City staff told council on Jan. 6 that a post-bid review found Tech Line Sports Lighting — the previously recommended vendor for the Morgan Sports Center lighting project — was not a Florida‑licensed general contractor as required by the city’s solicitation. Staff said Tech Line withdrew its proposal and the city recommended awarding the contract to the next‑highest ranked, licensed bidder, M Gay (M Gay Constructors, Jacksonville).

City Manager Larry Jones acknowledged the mistake and said the procurement office will revise its process to make license checks binary and reduce subjectivity. “We didn’t do a real good job bringing this to you at the last meeting … we’re embarrassed that we didn’t, but that’s where we are,” Jones said. He told council staff will implement more objective checks to avoid similar errors in the future.

M Gay representative Mike Gay confirmed his firm’s licenses and provided the contractors’ address and active license status; a council member verified the license was active through the Florida licensing site during the meeting. Councilwoman Trammell moved to accept Tech Line’s withdrawal and to adopt the bid committee’s recommendation to award the contract to M Gay; the motion passed after council discussion and staff assurances about process improvements.

Why it matters: The issue delayed finalizing the lighting contract for a public recreation facility and prompted council concern about procurement controls. Staff said the solicitation required general contractor licensure because projects of this type may include multiple construction components beyond electrical work that could require general‑contractor oversight and permits.

Next steps and oversight: Staff said they would negotiate a contract with M Gay Contractors and return to council for final approval. Jones said staff has already met to change review procedures so license checks are a pass/fail item in future solicitations.

Ending: Council authorized staff to proceed with award negotiations with M Gay Contractors and directed staff to present the negotiated contract for council approval; councilmembers pressed staff to document new procurement steps and to verify licensing before bringing future procurement recommendations.