Beaver City Council on Monday approved awarding pre-construction services for the city’s sewer maintenance and improvement project to Precision Development, authorizing $39,150 for design-assist work and site test pads.

Consultants presented a best-value scoring that combined price with technical approach. Although another bidder scored higher on technical factors, Precision’s lower price produced the most favorable “best value” for the city’s evaluation. Justin and consulting staff told the council Precision’s firm is smaller and may provide less design-assist depth than larger bidders, but staff said Precision’s proposal still met the project needs for the pre-construction phase.

Jason (city staff) and the consultant recommended awarding only the pre-construction contract (design assist and test pads) so the city could finalize plans and negotiate a final construction price with Precision. If negotiations do not yield an acceptable price, the council retained the right to rebid the full construction package to other prequalified contractors.

Councilor questions centered on the low pre-construction price from Precision and whether the smaller firm could provide the necessary design support. Consultants said Precision had been engaged during the bid process and asked thorough questions during the pre-bid work. Staff said the pre-construction contract is limited in scope and that larger procurements and equipment selection will be resolved in the design phase.

Council member Tyler Sheena moved to approve the award of pre-construction services to Precision Development; the motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Staff said an electronic contract will be circulated for signatures and negotiations will proceed toward a final construction recommendation when design is complete.