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Freetown awards municipal fiber‑optic contract to low bidder ($460,654); board cautions about scope unknowns
Summary
After receiving two bids with a large price gap, the Select Board awarded the municipal fiber‑optic network contract to the lower bidder for $460,654, while emphasizing contract protections to prevent change‑order pass‑throughs to the town.
The Freetown Select Board voted May 19 to award the installation and ongoing support contract for a municipal fiber‑optic area network to the lower bidder (quote listed in the packet as $460,654). Two bids were discussed: one at about $1.1–$1.3 million and the lower bid at roughly $460,654.
Board members and staff noted the large variance between proposals and discussed project unknowns — including potential undergrounding, prevailing‑wage exposures, police‑detail requirements and other site‑specific risks that can drive cost escalation. Several members said the board put contract language in place to prevent bidders from returning to the town for additional charges for police details and other items unless explicitly allowed in the contract.
One board member described the lower bid as possibly reflecting a contractor willing to accept more project risk, and the board emphasized the need for clear terms, risk allocation and a defined scope in the contract documents. The motion to award the contract to the lower bidder passed unanimously.
Staff said they will finalize contract language, require the contractor to assume identified site risks, and continue oversight as the project proceeds. The board expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential to expand municipal broadband access but acknowledged implementation complexity and the need for careful contract management.
