Board rejects noncompliant low bid, recommends next-lowest compliant contractor for auxiliary gym

The Tell City-Troy Twp School Corporation board on April 14 accepted administration’s recommendation to move forward with the next-lowest compliant bidder for the new auxiliary gym after finding the apparent low bidder did not meet required material specifications.

Paul Shuttrell, the district administrator who reviewed bid documents, told the board that the apparent low bid from Cypher’s failed to match the specified gauge and perforation pattern for the acoustic perforated-aluminum wall panels and would pose problems for hanging equipment such as goals and scoreboards. “The apparent low bid, which was Cypher’s, did not meet all specs,” he said, recommending the board award to the next compliant bidder, Jasper Lumber, and to accept both alternates (A1 and A2) to provide a concession stand and additional office space.

Board members discussed the role of the district’s design consultant in vetting the bids; one member said the design firm had flagged concerns and recommended moving to the compliant bidder. After brief discussion, the motion to follow the administration’s recommendation carried (vote reported 4–0–1).

The board did not provide detailed dollar amounts in the meeting discussion; administration indicated the bid tab and specifications were included in the board packet and that the district had notified bidders of the compliance determination.

The board’s decision advances procurement steps for the auxiliary gym project; administration will proceed with contract award paperwork and report back if additional approvals or contingencies are required.