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Town awards $2.62 million OPM contract to Left Field for South Kingstown high school project
Summary
The council approved a $2,622,607 contract with Left Field for phase 2 owner—project—manager services covering design review and construction oversight; Left Field outlined community meetings, a geothermal feasibility study and PAYGO funding use for early costs.
The South Kingstown Town Council on July 8 approved awarding phase 2 owner—project—manager (OPM) services to Left Field for the new high school project at a contract price of $2,622,607.
Luke Murray, speaking for the school building committee, said the committee unanimously recommended Left Field after a procurement process and earlier phase 1 work. He told the council the award covers stages 3 and 4 (design checkpoints and construction administration) and cited industry benchmarks to justify the fee as consistent with the industry average of roughly 2.4% of total construction cost.
Left Field representatives described steps taken to strengthen project staffing and improve public communications. Chris Spiegle (Left Field) said the firm has assigned a full-time on-site representative and MEP specialists and is planning a series of community conversations timed to the RIDE checkpoints; the first community meeting was scheduled for July 30. Spiegle explained a planned geothermal feasibility study and a separate funding-study to identify federal, state and private incentives (for example, Rhode Island Energy) that could offset upfront costs for sustainable systems.
On funding, Left Field said PAYGO (approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education) can be used to pay monthly fees and pre-purchase long-lead items. Council members pressed for clear communication, benchmarking and regular project reporting; several praised Left Field for flagging an early estimate shortfall and for ensuring the project resubmitted a larger, more realistic budget.
The council moved and approved the contract award by voice vote. The town manager and school building committee were directed to continue public outreach, provide regular updates to the council and return with any contract-related documents the council requests.
