Sunnyside board authorizes up to $3.5M job-order contract to replace Desert View cooling system

The Sunnyside Unified District governing board voted to authorize the use of the job order contracting (JOC) procurement process for up to $3,500,000 to replace the failed cooling system at Desert View High School.

Board President Leticia Quintero and other members approved the measure by roll call after staff described a multi-month replacement timeline and interim measures to keep the school cooled. The board’s action authorizes administrators to obtain expedited contractor quotes from prequalified vendors under the JOC process rather than use the longer standard competitive procurement timeline.

The authority for the district to pursue JOC for this project was presented by Dr. April Morado, who told the board the school’s permanent system had deteriorated and that the district had installed a temporary portable air chiller on a flatbed trailer to keep classrooms near normal temperatures. “We cannot run any school without proper air conditioning,” Dr. Morado said, describing the situation as a health-and-safety priority. She said the rental unit has kept classrooms at roughly 71 to 73 degrees but that rental equipment and technician support are expensive and not a long-term solution.

Carla Walter, speaking for the district procurement team, explained why the board was asked to exceed the $1,000,000 limit in district policy DJE and use JOC to accelerate delivery. Walter said the normal procurement process would add about two months to a vendor’s 8-to-10-month equipment and installation timeline, and that using JOC would allow the district to obtain and evaluate three quotes from cooperative-approved contractors more quickly.

Staff estimated the replacement scope could include new cooling towers, compressors, electrical work and controls, and placed a working budget estimate near $3.5 million. Verigee (vendor name in preliminary work) had previously provided a contractor’s estimate; district staff emphasized that final cost and warranty terms will come from detailed design specifications and the competitive quotes the district will solicit. The district also plans to pursue state funding through the School Facilities Board (SFB); Dr. Morado said the SFB approved rental support in two-month increments while the district seeks longer-term funding. The SFB has roughly $200 million allocated statewide for facility projects, staff said, and the district will submit an application while proceeding with local procurement options.

During discussion board members asked about timeline, warranties and potential reimbursement. Walter told the board the SFB typically requires plans and specifications and will not reimburse the district for work already contracted; in practice the SFB approved the initial rental assistance immediately but evaluates major capital funding requests on the formal application. Dr. Morado said Verigee had told the district that, if ordered today, a permanent replacement could take eight to ten months to be delivered and installed.

The board motion authorizing JOC up to $3,500,000 passed on a roll call vote: Bustamante — Aye; Hernandez — Aye; Jaramillo — Aye; Rodriguez — Aye; Quintero — Aye. Staff said they will return with contract recommendations, warranty specifics and a timeline for completion and will continue to apply to the SFB for possible funding.

Votes at a glance - Motion: Authorize utilization of the job order contracting (JOC) process for the HVAC/cooling tower replacement project at Desert View High School, exceeding the district DJE $1,000,000 limit; authorized amount: $3,500,000. Outcome: Approved (roll call: Bustamante Aye; Hernandez Aye; Jaramillo Aye; Rodriguez Aye; Quintero Aye).