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District to reissue RFQ for classroom remodel after CMAR threshold flagged
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Summary
District staff said procurement for a planned classroom remodel will shift from using a construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) to a construction-manager-as-agent (CMA) because bids fall below the $3 million building-improvement threshold in Missouri statute 67.5050; staff said construction documents are ready and an RFQ will be posted.
District staff told board committee members that the classroom remodel bid packages that recently came in fall below the statutory threshold for using a construction manager at risk, so the district will reissue an RFQ for a construction manager as agent.
Staff summarized the procurement change and the legal constraint: “Per state statute, using a construction manager at risk is not an option for our [remodel] because the bids did not equal $3,000,000,” the presenter said, referencing the Missouri procurement statute cited during the meeting. The presenter explained the practical difference: CMAR typically provides a guaranteed maximum price and holds contracts and risk, while a construction manager as agent works on a fee basis and the district holds contracts and project risk.
The presenter said the district will solicit qualifications, select a short list (top three firms), and then allow district leadership or the board to negotiate a contract with the highest-ranked firm. The presenter added that architectural work is complete and construction documents are ready, so a selected construction manager could begin procurement quickly with the goal of performing renovations during the summer break.
Bond funds and timing were central concerns: staff noted leftover bond dollars are available but must be spent by an upcoming deadline or the district could face an interest-repayment obligation. Staff said they would ask the board in May to approve projects that can be invoiced to maximize interest savings prior to the deadline.
Next steps: Staff will post an RFQ for a construction manager as agent, evaluate qualifications, and return to the board with recommendations and contract language. No formal procurement decision was taken at this meeting.
Sources: Presenter comments at the St. Joseph School District work session; statute number referenced in meeting materials and discussion.
