Council OKs 2025 pavement preservation contract after debate over new bidder
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Summary
Council awarded the 2025 pavement-preservation contract to Pavement Management LLC for $299,979.40 after staff described due diligence on a new, lower-cost bidder and acknowledged increased risk compared with the incumbent.
The Augusta City Council on April 7 awarded the 2025 pavement preservation contract to Pavement Management LLC for $299,979.40.
Anthony, the city’s street division superintendent, told council the city received two bids: the incumbent contractor (Vance Brothers) and a new entrant, Pavement Management LLC (also presented as Pavement Pros). Staff said they inspected the new bidder’s completed work in the Kansas City area, contacted references including Topeka and Tonganoxie, and requested a reference list and additional assurances. Staff noted the new firm uses some of the same suppliers as the incumbent but employs a smaller crew and will rely on a subcontractor for portions of the work.
Councilmembers pressed staff about risk. “To be honest, Anthony, you’re not giving me a warm fuzzy here,” one councilmember said, citing concerns about project execution and warranty performance. Staff said references told them the new contractor stood behind its work and returned to correct problems when needed. The bid from Pavement Management was approximately $16,000 lower than the incumbent. Staff also said the company provides a two-year warranty on the work.
After discussion about past performance, vendor capacity and the benefits of competitive bidding, the council voted to award the contract to Pavement Management LLC. Staff said they will monitor the work, hold the company to warranty obligations and remain prepared to require remedies if issues arise.
