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Chester County approves $310,100 exhibit contract for Veterans History Center, OKs up to $60,000 from local AAX
Summary
Council approved a $310,100 award to HW Exhibits for the Veterans History Center exhibit (base $225,000, enhanced Revolutionary War portion $60,000, alternates $25,100) and authorized up to $60,000 from local AAX funds to cover alternates and prep work.
Chester County Council voted to award the exhibit contract for the Gateway Veterans History Center and to authorize use of up to $60,000 in local accommodations-tax (AAX) funds to cover selected alternates and preparation work.
Christy Donaldson, the county’s contract and procurement director, said the request-for-proposals process followed state procurement rules tied to the state grant funding. A five-member evaluation committee ranked HW Exhibits of Mount Pleasant as the most responsive and responsible proposer. "Based on that evaluation, HW Exhibits ... was determined to be the most responsive and responsible proposer," Donaldson said.
The recommended award comprises a $225,000 base bid and a $60,000 enhanced Revolutionary War exhibit, with selected technical and interactive alternates adding $25,100 — for a total bidder price of $310,100. Councilor discussion focused on grant compliance, alternate items (audio stations, a digital kiosk, a veterans database and exhibit cases) and the availability of the local AAX fund balance. Mr. Hester said the county's local AAX fund balance can absorb the additional amount and recommended approving up to $60,000 from that fund for prep and alternates.
The nut graf: Council approved the contract and the recommended AAX allocation, with staff noting private donations could reduce the county's contribution and that the funding strategy was structured to preserve grant compliance.
During debate, staff emphasized that the procurement scoring — not strictly lowest bid — governed selection to maintain compliance with state grant rules. Donaldson and Brit Stomire (tourism) explained the need for alternates and that the county had budgeted $200,000 for the basic exhibit but that the award exceeded that base; the enhanced items and alternates were described as improving interactivity and archival functionality.
The action taken: council voted to approve the $310,100 contract award to HW Exhibits and separately approved up to $60,000 from the local AAX fund to cover alternates and prep costs. Staff will pursue private partnerships and donations to offset the county contribution if possible.
