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Public works committee awards $1.206 million river-wall rehab contract to Zenith Tech
Summary
The committee approved awarding the river-wall rehabilitation contract to Zenith Tech Inc., the low bidder at $1,206,100; members questioned bid line-item differences on mobilization and insurance, and staff confirmed the project fits the 2026 budget with contingency.
The Wisconsin Rapids Public Works Committee voted to award the river-wall rehabilitation contract to Zenith Tech Inc., accepting the low bid of $1,206,100.
Staff reported two prime contractors submitted bids when bids opened Jan. 22 and recommended the low bidder after reviewing bid documents and 2026 budget capacity. "The low bid was to Zenith Tech Incorporated, with a bid amount of $1,206,100," staff said. The engineering budget for 2026 includes approximately $1.5 million for the project, which contains contingency funds to cover change orders or unexpected costs.
Committee members asked about large variances in mobilization and bonding line items between bidders. One member said, "The ZenTech...is less than half of what we have on the other," and asked whether the lower mobilization number could expose the city to additional liability. Staff replied that contract insurance and bonding requirements remain the same and that bidders sometimes unbalance items (for example by putting more cost into mobilization to generate early pay applications).
A committee member moved to approve the contract award to Zenith Tech Inc.; another member seconded, and the committee approved the award by voice vote (recorded as an affirmative 3-0). Staff will proceed with contract administration and coordinate with the contractor on insurance and bonding documentation.
