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Town opens cemetery‑mapping bids; staff flags large price gap between Century Mapping and SWCA
Summary
Staff opened two proposals for digital cemetery mapping and reported a large cost discrepancy: Century Mapping (listed as Sentry/Century) proposed about $7,200 while SWCA Environmental Consultants proposed roughly $62,964. Staff said both firms meet scope and a December timeline but recommended follow‑up questions and references before an award.
Bluff staff opened two proposals for a cemetery‑mapping contract during the Aug. 5 meeting and asked the council to authorize follow‑up before any award.
Erin Nelson reported that both bidders proposed schedules that could meet a December completion target but that the cost proposals differed substantially: Century Mapping (listed in staff notes as "Sentry/Century Mapping") submitted a total cost of about $7,200; SWCA Environmental Consultants submitted a bid of $62,963.83. "A pretty significant price discrepancy in these two proposals," Nelson said, adding that cost comprised 40% of the evaluation criteria and that she gave Century 75 points and SWCA 70 points in a preliminary scoring matrix because of the difference.
Nelson told the council both firms appeared technically capable: Century focuses on cemetery digitization nationwide while SWCA provided a broader, more detailed firm packet and larger team. Councilmembers requested additional due diligence: staff should get references, clarify whether bidders intend onsite ground‑penetrating radar or different methodologies, and verify what is included in each price (travel, per‑diem, GPR, deliverables).
No contract award was made at the meeting; staff will return with clarifications and references for the council to consider before authorizing a contract award.
