Commission authorizes Hutton to bid Finney County Health Department EMS facility; bids due Jan. 23

Hutton Corporation presented a bidding timeline and framework on Dec. 16 for the Finney County Health Department EMS facility and county clinic at Eighth and Mary. The Board of County Commissioners authorized Hutton to solicit subcontractor bids and to include specified alternates.

Andy Farmire of Hutton told commissioners the construction drawings are 100% complete; the project will be publicly bid with a pre-bid meeting on Jan. 7 and bids due to Hutton by 2 p.m. on Jan. 23. Farmire said Hutton intends to review bids and bring recommended subcontractor selections to an administration committee meeting on Feb. 4, and to present a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) to the full commission on Feb. 18.

Farmire described two planned alternates: a composite lightweight insulated-concrete roof system (alternate 1) and two site options for stormwater detention (traditional surface detention versus an underground chamber system) that would recover about 16 parking stalls if the underground option is chosen. The commission approved issuing bid documents with the alternates included.

Commissioners and staff discussed evaluation criteria beyond price; Farmire said Hutton will recommend the "lowest qualified bidder," defined by price plus demonstrated capacity, schedule conformance and experience. A commissioner requested any significant subcontractor discrepancies be brought before the full commission. The board voted to authorize Hutton to proceed with bidding and the alternates as presented. The motion passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded.