Posey County awards $12.46 million Western Bypass contract to Ragle Inc.; low bidder rejected

Justin Hoffman of American StructurePoint told the Posey County Commissioners that all three bids for the Western Bypass were properly submitted but that, under Indiana law, the county may consider a bidder’s ability and prior experience when determining responsibility. Hoffman said the apparent low bidder, Weddle Brothers, “failed to demonstrate their ability, competence and experience to perform the work required” and recommended awarding the contract to Ragle Inc. for $12,460,089.51.

Commissioner Bill Collins moved to declare Weddle Brothers not a responsible bidder and to accept StructurePoint’s recommendation to award the contract to Ragle Inc.; Commissioner Eric Koester seconded. The motion carried with a vote of 2-0.

Why it matters: the Western Bypass is a large infrastructure project for Posey County; the contractor selection and the dollar amount set the near-term schedule and capital commitment. The county record shows the award was based on a responsibility determination rather than automatic acceptance of the apparent low dollar amount.

What happened next: Commissioners recorded the award and directed staff to proceed with contract execution and next steps in coordination with American StructurePoint. The transcript records no public rebuttal from Weddle Brothers during the meeting.

Budget and process details: Hoffman explicitly cited the county’s authority under the Indiana Code to weigh non-price factors (capacity, experience, ability) when awarding public construction contracts. The awarded amount recorded in the meeting minutes is $12,460,089.51. No performance bond or schedule details were discussed on the record at this meeting.

The Commissioners took the vote at the March 17 meeting and the contract award was recorded by the clerk.