District recommends awarding Simmons Elementary elevator project after bids come in under budget

Scott Kennedy, senior project manager from ICS, presented the Simmons Elementary elevator replacement project at the Feb. 9 work session, describing scope—constructing a small tower at the front‑right entrance to house a new elevator, mechanical work, interior finishes, a new entrance and sidewalk—and the public bid process conducted under Pennsylvania bidding laws. "The good news is the project is significantly under budget," Kennedy said.

Kennedy recounted the procurement steps: advertisement for three consecutive weeks, pre‑bid meeting at administrative offices, a site walkthrough at Simmons Elementary and receipt of bids on Jan. 29. He reported one contractor (McManus) withdrew a bid for a mathematical error; the administration identified a low bidder and recommended alternates that would remove an existing elevator to create storage (Alternate 1) and add card access (Alternate 3).

Administration asked the board to move a recommendation to award the base bid and Alternates 1 and 3 to L.J. Paola for a total of $716,818 to the Feb. 23 legislative action meeting; the board raised no objection and the item was moved. Mr. Stone noted that, assuming award on Feb. 23, the district would issue a notice of contract the next day and the contractor would begin submittals and order long‑lead items. Kennedy cautioned the elevator manufacturer lead time is about 24 weeks from shop drawing to install, which could put final completion in late August and make the schedule tight.

The board did not vote to award the contract at the work session; administrators sought board concurrence to forward the recommendation to the legislative action meeting for formal action.