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County authorizes RFPQ for build-operate-transfer prosecutor’s office after consultant outlines guaranteed price model
Summary
Brown County commissioners authorized release of a request-for-qualifications for a build-operate-transfer (BOT) prosecutor’s office after consultant Dan Cartright described a scoping period, guaranteed maximum price and developer risk under Indiana Code 5-23; the motion carried 2–1.
Brown County commissioners voted to authorize the release of a request-for-qualifications (RFPQ) to solicit developers for a proposed build-operate-transfer (BOT) delivery of a new prosecutor’s office on county-owned property.
Dan Cartright, the county’s owner’s technical representative and consultant, briefed the board on the BOT approach under Indiana Code 5-23 and described it as a negotiated delivery model in which a selected developer performs scoping work, provides a guaranteed maximum price and bears most construction risk until the county accepts the finished building. "The risk is on the developer," Cartright told commissioners, adding that the process gives the county a conceptual design and price before any contract award.
Cartright outlined steps: adopt the statutory resolution (already completed), issue an RFPQ to evaluate developer qualifications, enter a scoping period with a selected developer to finalize site design and a guaranteed maximum price, then—if satisfied—award a public agreement. He said the scoping work covers environmental, floodplain and feasibility studies and that, in his experience, the process limits change orders by fixing a maximum contractual price.
During public comment and commissioner questions, concerns focused on transparency, contractor selection and the potential for developer premiums. One commenter asked, "What does the transfer portion actually mean?" Cartright answered that the transfer occurs at final acceptance when the county takes ownership from the developer.
The board voted on a motion to authorize release of the RFPQ; the roll call showed one commissioner opposed and two in favor, so the motion passed. Commissioners indicated the county has about $2.4 million available in the general obligation bond and that the project could cost roughly $3–5 million depending on scope.
Next steps: staff will publish the RFPQ and evaluate proposals; any selection and contract award would come back to the board for a public resolution.
