Vendor pitches guaranteed-turnkey renovation model; district to issue RFQ for architects
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Summary
A presenter described a guaranteed turnkey approach and a no-cost opportunity assessment that would provide a guaranteed maximum price, compressed schedules and no change orders; staff said roughly 30 architecture firms have expressed interest in the district's forthcoming RFQ and noted Kiefer later submitted a quote for a field job under the $25,000 threshold.
A vendor presenting to Proviso Township High School District 209 on Thursday urged the district to consider a guaranteed turnkey approach for facility renovations and to begin a no-cost opportunity assessment to scope work and estimate long-term costs.
The presenter, identified only as Sharon during the meeting, said the firm "takes accountability for all 8 steps of the project" and later told the board that this allows the firm to "guarantee that there are no change orders on our projects," which the presenter cited as a benefit to compress timelines and avoid inflation-related cost growth.
Why it matters: The district is planning or considering major capital work — staff referenced a $40,000,000 sports complex — and faces the challenge of coordinating design, construction and long-term maintenance funding. Presenters said the assessment will model replacement risks over a 20-year horizon, identify grant and rebate opportunities, and propose a guaranteed maximum price before construction begins.
Key details: Staff reported interest from the architecture community and said about 30 architects had indicated interest in an upcoming RFQ. Board members were advised that an earlier RFP produced no responsive bidders for a specific field project but that Kiefer later submitted an updated quote below a $25,000 threshold. Board members emphasized that the district should set aside recurring funds for maintenance alongside capital investments.
Quotations from the meeting included the presenter’s description of the firm's approach: "So what we do by taking accountability for all 8 steps of that project process is we can help you compress the construction schedule." Board members pressed on budgeting for upkeep after construction and the need for a multi-year maintenance plan.
Next steps: Staff will finalize and release the RFQ process, pursue the no-cost opportunity assessment if the board directs, and continue to gather and compare quotes for smaller projects. No formal procurement decisions or contract awards were taken during the session.