Council authorizes preconstruction contract for Fire Station 16, caps preconstruction at $400,000

The Fayetteville City Council on Sept. 8 authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute a preconstruction contract for the new Fire Station No. 16 with the selected construction manager‑at‑risk (CMAR). The motion, made by Council Member Green and seconded by Council Member Davis, approved preconstruction activities not to exceed $400,000.

Assistant City Manager Adam Lindsay described the CMAR procurement process used for the project: a qualifications-based selection of contractors before final design is complete, followed by a guaranteed maximum price proposal later in design. Lindsay said the city used an owner’s adviser (Freese and Nichols) and the project architect in the selection process and interviewed multiple contractor teams.

Jonathan Best, representing the selected firm, described the company’s local experience and community outreach plan during construction. Council members stressed the importance of checks and balances in construction payments and said the architect, owner’s adviser and project manager will each verify completed work before payments are issued.

Council approved the preconstruction authorization unanimously. Staff said further phases — the guaranteed maximum price and construction contract — will return to council for approval after design and pricing are finalized.