Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ector County ISD trustees approve switch to construction-manager-at-risk for new transportation center
Summary
At their Dec. 16 meeting, Ector County ISD trustees approved changing the delivery method for the district’s new transportation center from a Competitive Sealed Proposal to a Construction Manager at Risk to allow early contractor involvement and secure a guaranteed maximum price.
Ector County Independent School District trustees voted Dec. 16 to change the procurement method for the district’s planned transportation center, moving from a Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) to a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery model.
District staff and the project designers told the board the site plan covers roughly 35.12 acres, about half of which the district intends to use for the new facility. The conceptual design presented by the architects calls for maintenance bays and parts storage, a driver lounge, office spaces for 12–15 administrative staff, covered fueling infrastructure and parking configured to accommodate about 120 bus drivers. The presentation also detailed existing site systems: three on-site wells, a septic leach field and the need to add a cistern for fire suppression.
During the presentation, the district’s staff said the site will require traffic adjustments identified in a TxDOT traffic-impact analysis, including new deceleration and acceleration lanes and a minimum separation from neighboring driveways (presenters cited distances in the 425–450-foot range required by TxDOT). Architects said several existing buildings on the property will be demolished while others are proposed for renovation; the design includes a covered fueling canopy and distinct vehicle and employee parking areas.
Staff recommended CMAR because the project is complex and would benefit from early contractor input on constructability, schedule and materials. The district argued CMAR would allow the team to secure a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) during the design process; as staff put it, “This will also get us a guaranteed maximum price. CSP would not get us a guaranteed maximum price.”
After trustee discussion and questions from the board about circulation, restrooms, water supply and safety for buses entering and exiting the site, a trustee moved to change the delivery method and the board voted in favor. The motion passed; the chair called the question and the board approved the change.
What’s next: staff and the design team will proceed into the design phase under the CMAR delivery method and return to the board with procurement steps and pricing details, including the proposed GMP and any recommended contract awards.
