Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
After two failed solicitations, La Porte board authorizes direct negotiation to install Civic Auditorium lift before HUD deadline
Loading...
Summary
Board members approved staff authority to negotiate directly with contractors after the lift/elevator project at the Civic Auditorium attracted no bids on two solicitations; officials cited HUD/CDBG-COVID drawdown deadlines that require the city to have work invoiced before July 24.
The Board of Public Works on April 14 authorized city staff to negotiate directly with contractors to install a lift at the Civic Auditorium after two solicitation attempts produced no bids. Staff said HUD has approved direct negotiation under the grant terms and the work must be invoiced and paid before the HUD drawdown deadline for the city’s CDBG‑COVID funds on July 24.
"We've not received any bids again," a staff member explained, calling the process “very frustrating” and noting the scarcity of elevator contractors willing to bid. City staff and a consultant reported two local general contractors expressed interest but were unwilling to enter the formal bidding process; staff asked authority to negotiate directly so the project can meet the federal timeline.
Board members approved the request; the motion passed without recorded opposition. The board emphasized that any negotiated agreement will still be brought back for formal approval as required by city procedures.
What this means: staff will attempt to reach agreement with one or both interested contractors to meet the HUD deadline so CDBG‑COVID funds can be drawn and spent before the July 24 cutoff. The board recorded no bids received during the formal solicitation period and approved negotiation as an exception justified by federal guidance and the timeline.
