City reports lower-than-expected Phase 2 GMP for Casper Business Center/police station after competitive bids

Chief Operating Officer Tom Brower reported that the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for Phase 2 of the Casper Business Center / Police Station (core infrastructure: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire, etc.) came in below earlier, year-old cost estimates after competitive bidding and some scope changes.

Brower explained that parts of the earlier estimate were shifted to a later phase (Phase 3), which lowered the Phase 2 bid total, and that local contractors provided competitive pricing across many trades. He highlighted several items:

- Exterior windows and doors bids were significantly under the older estimate, producing savings. - Finishes and bathrooms scope were reduced to reflect the building's adaptation from an office design to a police facility (separate restroom needs and different finish requirements), reducing cost. - Certain costs (for example, a pump/pumping arrangement in the basement) were driven by site-specific conditions and were retained; other items such as a standby generator or rooftop assembly were shifted to Phase 3. - The plumbing/HVAC package had competitive bids and a contractor proposed an alternate vibration/"shaker" solution that could save several hundred thousand dollars; staff will evaluate that value engineering recommendation.

Brower said the city will carry a construction contingency (~8%) but expects to manage and return unused contingency if possible. Staff recommended executing the GMP and proceeding with material acquisition and subcontractor mobilization; awarding the contract was scheduled for a future regular meeting (Oct. 7) once final documents are ready.

Ending: Staff reported competitive local participation and recommended awarding the Phase 2 GMP to proceed toward construction, with additional updates and a subcontractor list to be provided after contract award.