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Board postpones $284,351 courthouse doors contract after concerns about single bid
Summary
After staff presented a $284,351 bid to replace 10 exterior courthouse doors and add security film/windows, supervisors split between immediate security needs and procurement concerns; the board voted to postpone consideration until January to seek additional bids or split the work.
County staff told the board Nov. 6 that Holly Building Inc. submitted the lone bid—$284,351—to replace 10 exterior door assemblies at the courthouse and to install ballistic film and protective windows on some lower-level openings.
"Existing doors there were installed in the 1970s...They are custom doors based on the frame sizes...so they're all gonna be custom," staff explained, noting that the work must meet ARB appearance requirements and that the courthouse has a mix of historic and nonstandard openings.
Several supervisors said they could not support awarding a large contract with a single bid. "I never like to hear we only got one bid, so I'm not gonna support this," one supervisor said, arguing the county should treat large procurements like a business and seek competitive pricing.
Other board members emphasized immediate security risks. A staff member said the courthouse is currently vulnerable: "It is a big concern for the judicial staff and the security of the sheriff's office. You could easily get into the building if you want to." Supporters of prompt action argued the cost was justified by safety needs.
After a lengthy exchange considering options—re-advertising, splitting the project into standard and custom door packages, or proceeding—Supervisor Underwood moved to postpone consideration until the board's January meeting so staff could explore re-solicitation or splitting the work. The motion carried by voice vote. Staff said re-bidding would require at least about 40 days and a mandatory pre-bid meeting because of courthouse restrictions.
Next steps: Staff will evaluate whether to split the project into multiple solicitations (standard doors, custom doors, film/ballistic work) and attempt to return with a firmer procurement plan at the January meeting. No contract was awarded at the Nov. 6 meeting.
