Tigard LCRB approves alternative contracting method (CMGC) for police and public works facility

The Tigard City Council, sitting as the Local Contract Review Board (LCRB), voted unanimously to approve findings and grant an exemption from competitive sealed bidding so the Police and Public Works Facility project can use the construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) delivery method.

Contracts and Purchasing Manager Rosie McGowan explained that under Oregon law (ORS 279C), public improvement contracts are normally awarded to the lowest responsive bidder unless an exemption is granted. The project team recommended CMGC — which brings a contractor on early in design to advise on constructability, cost and schedule — because the facility is large, complex and has site-specific public-safety technical requirements likely to produce unforeseen conditions.

Mickey Bragg, a senior project manager with OTEC, said early contractor involvement would help the design team manage risk and reduce change orders by allowing contractor input on approaches to schedule, cost and constructability. The draft findings presented to council concluded the exemption would not improperly encourage favoritism, would preserve competition by using a competitive proposal process for the CMGC, and would likely yield cost and schedule benefits.

Councilors voiced support. Councilor Hu thanked staff for addressing tariff uncertainty and for recommending a flexible method; Council President Wolff said the approach had worked well for complex school-bond projects he had overseen. The local hearing included public notice published April 21; staff reported no written public comments by the published deadline and no callers during the hearing.

The LCRB approved LCRB Resolution 25-1, adopting the findings and granting the exemption so the project team may issue an RFP and bring a CMGC on early in the design process.