Cass County committee recommends negotiating with JLG for space-needs work; no final award today

County staff briefed the building committee on three bids received to follow up the county’s space-needs study and recommended that commissioners identify JLG Architects as the preferred bidder for negotiation.

The county received proposals from FOSS Architecture & Interior, JLG Architects and Stone Group. Staff said two firms proposed fees as a percentage of total construction cost while one submitted a flat fee; using an $8 million reference point, staff noted the firms’ comparative fees as FOSS 6.75% (roughly $540,000), JLG 7.45% (roughly $596,000) and Stone Group a flat fee of $712,126. A commissioner asked about why the recommended bidder was not the lowest price; staff said the recommendation reflected experience, the quality of the proposed team and the iterative process used during the space-needs study.

The chair said any action that afternoon should direct staff to continue negotiations and return in two weeks with negotiated amounts rather than making a final award at this meeting. Commissioners discussed procurement options and whether to reject all bids in favor of a different contracting format. Staff said the state’s attorney’s office is reviewing alternatives to standard AIA contract language and will consult with outside counsel and AGC templates as needed.

Separately, staff provided a positive update on the new secure courtroom project — court IT and data equipment are expected toward the end of September and staff said the courtroom is on track for an October completion, with potential use slated for November.

The committee did not take a final procurement vote in the transcript excerpt; next steps are negotiation and a return to the commission with a negotiated price.