Council awards $8.56 million Eagle Sports Park construction contract to Three Peaks Corp after two bid protests

The Desert Hot Springs City Council unanimously awarded the construction contract for Eagle Sports Park (Project No. 4000) to Three Peaks Corp on Dec. 9 after staff recommended the low responsive bid of approximately $8.56 million and addressed two bid protests.

City consultant and engineer Tim Jonathan told the council that the project attracted seven bids and that two firms filed protests challenging bidder qualifications and submittal details. He said staff reviewed the protests — from Ziko and MDB General Engineering — and determined the issues were non-material or incorrect, concluding Three Peaks was qualified and responsive. Staff recommended awarding to Three Peaks with a 5% contingency in lieu of a 10% contingency for construction management and other expenses.

Roy Wallace, an attorney representing Three Peaks, spoke during public comment to support the award and urged the council to accept staff’s recommendation. Council members pressed staff on whether a protest or subsequent court challenge would automatically halt construction; staff said the project can proceed unless a court issues a stay after a lawsuit is filed and the judge grants a stay.

Council members emphasized the project’s importance to youth sports and the neighborhood; staff confirmed the project timeline is roughly one year. The council moved, seconded and voted unanimously to award the contract and adopt the staff recommendation to use a 5% contingency.

The award follows staff’s procurement review and recommendation. The council recorded the motion, second and a unanimous vote in favor; no council member recorded a dissent. Construction will proceed unless a court order requires a halt.