Estacada School Board Authorizes CMGC RFP for $2.499M Seismic Commons Project

The Estacada School District Board of Directors voted Sept. 10 to authorize solicitation of a construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) for a $2.499 million seismic retrofit and commons project at Estacada High School.

District finance staff Scott told the board the project is funded by a seismic grant and that state procurement law (ORS 279A) generally requires lowest‑bid selection for construction but allows alternative delivery methods when documented by a finding of fact. Scott said the CMGC method provides a guaranteed maximum price and helps manage rapid material‑cost changes and limited in‑house construction expertise.

Why it matters: The CMGC approach shifts some delivery risk to a single contractor and can shorten schedules, but it can reduce direct subcontractor competition. Board members and speakers emphasized the need for precise contract language and complete design work to avoid budget surprises.

Board discussion and public input: Trustees asked how much on‑site work would be possible during shorter summer windows and whether two‑shift or weekend work could be used to complete tasks. City Councilor Jonathan Metcalfe, who described his city’s recent CMGC experience, urged trustees to anticipate “sticker shock” and include solicitation requirements that promote local contracting. Audience member Bill Hyland encouraged energy‑efficiency audits and proposed potential grant or financing options for HVAC upgrades tied to the project.

The motion to authorize the RFP was moved and seconded, debated briefly, and approved by voice vote; the transcript records that the motion carried but does not provide a roll‑call tally.

Next steps: Staff will publish the RFP and solicit CMGC proposals under the published finding of fact; the board directed that procurement documents be written carefully to protect district interests and encouraged use of lessons learned from past local projects.