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Bend council authorizes alternative contracting methods for intersections, Reid Market bridge and Outback water projects
Summary
Councilors approved progressive design‑build for bundled Revere/Olney intersection improvements and the Reed Market grade‑separation project, and authorized CMGC for Outback water facility improvements (pretreatment, in‑conduit hydropower and Forest Service road realignment); staff cited schedule compression, federal funding terms, and risk reduction as reasons to pursue alternative delivery.
The Bend City Council voted Nov. 5 to use alternative contracting methods for three major infrastructure projects to accelerate delivery and manage complex risk.
Council authorized progressive design‑build (PDB) for a bundled package of four intersections on Revere/Olney (the "4‑pack"), a bond‑funded program with roughly $14 million allocated for improvements including roundabouts and signal work. Ryan Oster, director of engineering, said bundling and early contractor involvement will improve coordination of closures, detours and staging and could deliver schedule and cost benefits.
Council also authorized PDB for the Reed Market grade‑separation and bridge project, which carries a $32 million Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant for final design and construction. Staff noted complex utility relocations, Federal Railroad Administration permitting, right‑of‑way needs and long‑lead materials as reasons to seek early contractor and designer collaboration via PDB.
For the Outback facility improvements (water pretreatment, Forest Service road realignment and an in‑conduit hydropower system estimated at about 1.2 megawatts), council approved the construction manager‑general‑contractor (CMGC) method. Principal engineer Britney Barker said CMGC preserves greater owner control over sequencing and operations at the complex, operational water facility while allowing early contractor input for unknown underground conditions and tie‑ins.
Councilors asked about procurement fairness and scoring; staff said RFPs will use qualifications‑based criteria and information sessions to attract local and regional teams. Motions authorizing PDB for the 4‑pack were moved by Councilor Perkins and seconded by Councilor Norris; Reed Market PDB was moved by Councilor Mendez and seconded by Councilor Platt. The CMGC authorization for Outback was moved by Councilor Norris and seconded by council (transcript: Panzoza). All motions passed by unanimous vote.
Staff said they will solicit teams in early 2026, return to council with recommended contracts and independent cost estimates, and expect phased construction to begin in 2026–2027 depending on project and funding schedule.
