Palmdale council pauses Willdan construction‑management contract after procurement questions

Council members raised procurement concerns and voted to delay action on a nearly $877,190 contract with Willdan Engineering for construction management on the 45th Street sewer, storm‑drain and street improvement project.

Staff explained Willdan was ranked highest in qualification for construction‑management services; funding was identified as sewer, drainage and Measure AV/local funds and the firm was needed quickly so construction oversight could begin before rainy season. But multiple council members said a pattern of awards to the firm — starting with an interim public‑works arrangement and followed by a string of contracts — merited further review.

One council member who had examined procurement files told colleagues the firm had no visible prior contracts for many years before July 2024, then received multiple awards in quick succession; staff said the interim consultant had not been involved in procurement and that Willdan work was awarded through RFQ processes and on‑call bench lists. Council members asked for more evidence supporting scoring decisions and requested a clearer record of subcontractor onboarding and letters of assent where applicable.

After discussion and public comment, the council voted to postpone the contract to the next meeting so staff could provide the additional procurement documentation. Council members and staff emphasized urgency tied to the summer construction window but concluded more time for review was warranted.

What happens next: Staff will return with procurement details, scoring breakdowns and subcontractor documentation; in the meantime the construction contractor may proceed and staff will manage project continuity.