District outlines plan to use CMGC procurement for $2.5M Milano Elementary seismic retrofit

Consultants from ZCS Engineering updated the Molalla River SD 35 Board on a $2.5 million state grant awarded in May to fund a seismic retrofit at Milano Elementary and presented a plan to pursue a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) procurement method.

The presenter said CMGC is an alternate procurement method allowed under Oregon law that brings a contractor on board early during design so the contractor can collaborate on cost, schedule and alternatives; that early involvement is particularly useful on specialized retrofit projects where specialized experience matters. The presenter told directors the district has completed design-team contracting and that contractor selection and design work will occupy district staff through the design period, with construction currently planned for 2027.

The consultant outlined next steps: advertise a public hearing (required for the procurement exemption), hold a local contract review board hearing, issue a Request for Proposals and evaluate proposals on qualifications and experience (including interviews and a fee component), and bring a recommended award to the board in April or May for contract approval. The presenter emphasized the approach intends to ensure contractor qualifications rather than relying strictly on lowest-bid selection for this specialized retrofit work.

Board members asked questions about timing and comparisons to past projects; the consultant said the approach is similar to prior seismic upgrades and highlighted ability to identify supply-chain issues and secure subcontractors earlier in the schedule. The item will return to the board in a future meeting for formal action on the procurement exemption and contract award.