Washoe trustees award $58.19 million Echo Loder Elementary construction contract to Plenium Builders
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Summary
The board approved a $58,190,959 contract with Plenium Builders to construct a new Echo Loder Elementary School, including four bid alternates such as rooftop solar and perimeter screening; the award passed unanimously.
The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees on Jan. 13 unanimously approved a $58,190,959 construction contract with Plenium Builders for the reconstruction of Echo Loder Elementary School.
Chief Operating Officer Adam Searcy described the project as part of the district’s 2023 Facility Modernization Plan (FMP). Staff presented the completed design, a schedule aimed for completion to serve the 2027–28 school year and four recommended alternates: rooftop solar arrays, perimeter screening for neighborhood sensitivity, additional safety upgrades, and scope to relocate a Head Start program on the campus.
April Anderson, director of construction procurement and contracts, summarized the solicitation: a mandatory pre‑bid walk drew nearly 40 participants, staff received about 80 questions and five qualified general contractors submitted bids. Plenium Builders, the low responsive bidder, reported receiving roughly 90 subcontractor bids and estimated that approximately 68% of the workforce for the project will be local to Northern Nevada. Staff recommended awarding the base contract plus the four alternates to Plenium.
Public comments included remarks by Travis Coombs of Core Construction expressing gratitude for the district’s contracting process and by Toby Basta of Plenium Builders thanking the district and noting the company’s readiness to begin work.
Trustee Elizabeth Beth Smith moved to award the contract to Plenium Builders for $58,190,959; Trustee Diane Nicolette seconded. The board approved the award by voice vote with no opposition.
Contracts and professional‑services agreements necessary to execute the project will be brought to the board for approval at or below the authorized budgetary thresholds, and staff said construction is expected to start after contract execution with the aim of opening the new building for the 2027–28 school year.