Cass County committee recommends JLG as preferred architect for space‑needs project; commission authorizes negotiations

FARGO — The Cass County Commission on Wednesday designated JLG Architects as the county’s preferred bidder to lead architectural services advancing the county’s space‑needs study and directed staff to negotiate a contract for services.

County administrator (presenter) Michael Wilson told commissioners that the county opened three sealed proposals on Aug. 6 from Foss Architecture and Interiors, JLG Architects and Stone Group Architects. ‘‘We are presenting for your consideration a nomination or a recognition as a preferred bidder, JLG on this project,’’ Wilson said. He explained that a review team — Wilson, building-and-grounds supervisor Gene Gartner and IT director Bob Henderson — evaluated price, experience and approach and recommended JLG despite its higher percentage fee because the firm built explicit ‘‘circle‑back’’ verification steps into its process.

Why it matters: the county’s space‑needs project follows a multi‑phase assessment of facility requirements prompted in part by a secure‑courtroom addition that displaced other functions. The work will advance design and construction administration to address office and court space needs countywide.

Proposals and rationale: Foss proposed a fee of 6.75% of construction cost, JLG proposed 7.45%, and Stone Group offered a flat fee of $712,126. Wilson said the group chose to recommend JLG because its methodology emphasized additional verification with departments before finalizing plans. ‘‘JLG really built in an additional component of almost circling back with the groups…that double back was a very significant step,’’ Wilson said.

Motion and contracting approach: Commissioners discussed cost differences and whether to negotiate only with the recommended firm or to include the lowest-cost proposer in further talks. Concerns were raised about using standard AIA contract forms; Commissioner Breitling and others urged county counsel to review or propose alternative contract language. Wilson told the board that staff would collaborate with the state’s attorney’s office on contract form and would bring the negotiated agreement back to the commission for approval.

Formal action and vote: The commission voted to identify JLG as the preferred bidder and to direct staff to negotiate an agreement including costs and contract terms. The motion passed with all voting members recorded in favor.

Tally: Commissioners Grinberg, Capitan, Breitling, Bettle and Flacco recorded aye votes during the roll call.

Next steps: Staff will negotiate contract language and fees with JLG and return recommended contract terms to the commission for final authorization. County staff said they would work with the state’s attorney to consider alternative contract forms better suited to county interests.