Transportation Commission allows Joe McGee Construction to withdraw bid and approves broad slate of contracts, grants and settlements

The Mississippi Transportation Commission voted to allow McGee Construction to withdraw a recently submitted bid and then approved a broad package of work assignments, supplemental agreements, grants and settlements affecting bridge replacements, traffic-control reviews and other projects across multiple counties.

Sam Kelly, representing Joe McGee Construction, asked the commission to permit the company to withdraw its bid because of an error in the submitted documents. "We would request that the commission would allow us to withdraw the bid based upon the mistake and to release our bid bond in light of that mistake," Kelly said. The commission moved and seconded the request and approved it by voice vote.

Why it matters: the withdrawal led the commission to amend its staff recommendations for a tied bid (call number 12) and to reject and re-advertise that call, which could delay procurement for that contract and affect contractors preparing bids. The meeting also advanced dozens of other contracts and funding authorizations that will affect design, right-of-way, construction and inspection work across the state.

Details of the withdrawal and immediate follow-up

Sam Kelly said Jason McGee, who was present and was responsible for preparing the bid, could answer questions about the error. The commission received Kelly’s written…