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Fayette County awards two culvert contracts to Piedmont Paving; commissioners note bid variance
Summary
The Board awarded two stormwater culvert replacement contracts to Piedmont Paving totaling about $1.88 million and approved a $99,437 reallocation for the smaller project; commissioners pressed staff about large bid variances and staff said in‑house precast capability may explain differences.
Public Works Director Phil Mallon recommended that the Board award two 2017 SPLOST stormwater culvert replacement contracts to Piedmont Paving, Inc.
For Bid #26015-B (19SBJ Darren Drive) the County accepted Piedmont’s low, responsive bid of $1,404,158.93 to replace deteriorating triple 96‑inch corrugated metal pipes with triple concrete box culverts (9x9 and 9x5 feet), including associated utility coordination, grading and paving. Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons moved to award the contract; Commissioner Charles W. Oddo seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Commissioner Eric K. Maxwell questioned the large variance among bids received. Mallon said Piedmont’s recent move into precast culvert manufacture could enable them to perform more work in-house at lower cost, while some competitors must outsource precast elements, which could raise their bids. County Administrator Steve Rapson said he had contacted vendors to confirm they understood the project scope and specifications.
For Bid #26016-B (19SBK Mark Lane) Mallon recommended awarding the contract to Piedmont Paving for $476,388.72 and reallocating $99,437 from the 17SAS Stormwater Improvement Plans CAT IV budget. The Board approved the award and the reallocation; Mallon said the construction schedule for Mark Lane is 150 days from notice to proceed.
Both awards were presented as standard procurement actions under SPLOST stormwater category funding. The Board did not request a delay or rebid; members voted unanimously to proceed.
