Sweetwater County SD#2 board approves RFP to build FFA livestock facility

The Sweetwater County School District #2 Board of Trustees voted to authorize staff to issue a request for proposals for the excavation, concrete foundation and building shell for a proposed FFA livestock facility.

District staff, trustees and FFA representatives described the project as phased, with the immediate focus on a sheep and goat barn and a steer barn the district hopes to have in use by November. "I think, it gives a really good overall viewpoint of what the vision is for long term of what this facility will look like," staff member Liz Tollman said when presenting the site layout and project phases.

The board discussed technical details the RFP is intended to cover. Staff said the RFP will seek contractors able to perform excavation, concrete foundation work and set a prefabricated or modular building on‑site so the district can complete other work before ground freezes. "This is an RFP, and what we're asking for is proposal," a staff member (Mr. Grama) said during the discussion. District staff explained that plumbing and permanent water service will not be tied into year‑round taps for the initial build because shallow utility lines in the area require draining pipes in winter; the interim plan is an insulated water tank and propane‑powered hanging heaters to keep water from freezing and provide minimal heat for animals.

Trustees noted community support and grant funding that reduce student cost barriers. Staff said steer stalls were purchased using prior grant funding of about $20,000 and the district plans to apply for a Farm Credit grant of approximately $25,000 to fund further outfitting. The board also described a community donation that covered a student’s steer purchase and feed, and mentioned local bank involvement in student financing. The board discussed a previously approved fencing contract scheduled to start "on the 20 fourth," described in the meeting as next week.

Board members clarified procurement approach: the RFP will concentrate on larger site and building work, while smaller items such as fans, heaters and the insulated water tank are likely to be procured separately or listed as optional pricing in the RFP. Staff said the goal is to post the RFP promptly and return recommended bids to the board at the next regular meeting. A motion to issue the RFP was moved by Tom Wilson, seconded by Tommy Toman, and approved by voice vote of trustees present.

The board did not take action on separate installations such as fans or water systems during the meeting; staff said those items will be addressed after a contractor is selected or via separate, smaller procurements. Trustees and staff said they expect construction activity this winter and that students will participate in some assembly of purchased components.