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Parish administrator briefs jury on new detention facility design, pre-bid April 29 and bids due May 8
Summary
An administrator briefed jurors that the current DeSoto Parish detention center is about 40 years old, undersized for support systems, and that a new facility designed for 150–180 beds is out for bid; a mandatory pre-bid is April 29 and bids will be opened May 8 at 10 a.m.
The committee heard an update on the DeSoto Parish detention facility project. The presenter said the existing building is roughly 40 years old and that many mechanical systems—air handlers, ductwork and similar equipment—are past their typical 30‑year useful life. He said the new facility design provides for an initial 150-bed capacity with flexibility to accommodate about 180 beds via dormitory cell blocks and flex space that can be reconfigured to meet operational needs.
Project status: the presenter said the solicitation is currently out for bid, with a mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for April 29 at 10 a.m. in the parish meeting room and a bid opening scheduled for May 8 at 10 a.m. He asked jurors to attend the pre‑bid if possible so they could hear contractor questions and evaluate the bid package.
Design and code notes: the presenter said a previous capacity increase (from 135 to 150) was granted by the State Fire Marshal under an earlier sheriff’s request but that the building’s support systems (kitchen, laundry and HVAC) had not been sized for sustained operation at higher occupancies. The presenter noted a major plumbing renovation in 2018 addressed sewer piping issues but that replacement of HVAC systems remains a pressing need.
Procurement details and bidders: the presenter said five prime bidders had picked up bid documents and that some firms who bid previously had returned to assess the updated package. He described site-clearing work as previously completed so bidders would not need to include demolition in base packages. He also noted a concurrent, mandatory pre-bid for the sheriff’s office project the next day.
No formal vote or procurement decision was taken by the committee at this meeting. The presenter encouraged jurors to attend pre-bid and noted the public bid opening date and time.
The update was introduced during the guest and public comment portion of the Administrative Committee meeting and was followed by juror questions about equipment life, prior renovations and bid logistics.
