Board rejects bids for Ellis Elementary water-main replacement after costs come in too high

Ms. Bennett asked the board on May 19 to reject the two bids submitted for the Ellis Elementary water-main replacement after the lone-bid re-solicitation came in higher than anticipated.

Bids for the earlier, larger package (including paving) had been rejected when contractors could not meet Business Enterprise Program (BEP) certification requirements attached to a DCEO-funded scope. The district then rebid the water-main-only portion under a different DCEO grant that did not carry the same BEP requirement; those bids were nevertheless substantially higher than the administration expected.

"The bids came in, and they've come in much higher than we would anticipate and still feel that they're just the bids are too high," Ms. Bennett said, explaining timing and contractor availability near the summer months likely drove up costs. She said the district will go back to the drawing board, consider alternate timing (including potential work during the 2027 spring break) and reissue the project with revised specifications.

Finance committee members emphasized balancing cost, timing and the risk of a main break that already affects an adjacent homeowner's yard. The board voted to reject all bids and directed staff to rebid at a later time.

Vote and next steps: The board rejected all bids for the Ellis Elementary water-main replacement; administration will revise the project timeline and scope and return with updated procurement options.

Ending: Work will be rescheduled and rebid; the board instructed administration to pursue an approach that minimizes disruption while addressing the risk of further main failures.