District to use three-way CMAR bidding for 2025 bond projects to preserve competition
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Summary
Facilities director Mr. Gorrell explained the district will shortlist three construction managers via RFQ and then ask each to provide lump-sum bids on individual 2025 bond projects; an alternate firm (Straub) is listed to cover staffing gaps. Contracts for each project will return to the board for award to the low bidder.
Mr. Gorrell, the district's facilities director, told the finance committee the selection for construction manager-at-risk (CMAR) services on 2025 bond projects will be a two-step process required by state law: an RFQ to shortlist qualified teams, then a second-phase lump-sum bid per project.
Under the planned approach, the district will select three contractors from the RFQ and provide each with a full bid package for individual projects. Each project will be bid separately; the low bidder for that standalone project will be brought to the board for contract award. Straub is listed as an alternate contractor to be added to the bidding pool if a shortlisted firm lacks capacity for a given cycle.
Why it matters: the district framed this as an attempt to maintain competition, secure high-quality contractors and limit cost escalation on a multi-project bond program. Board members sought clarification on whether contractors would be assigned all projects or whether separate winners could be selected for each building; Mr. Gorrell confirmed bidding will occur project-by-project.
Timing and next steps: Gorrell said Greenwood will be bid in about a month as a standalone process and Pleasantly Middle School will be bid in spring with a planned award to the board in May.
What was not decided: the board did not award any contracts during the committee meeting; staff will return to the board with contract awards for each project after the individual bid processes conclude.