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Board names NV5 to oversee BEST grant HVAC project; vendors debated design-build and schedule risks
Summary
After hearings from two finalists, the board voted to select NV5 as owner representative for the district's anticipated BEST grant HVAC renovation, citing NV5's BEST experience, commissioning approach and proactive procurement plans to manage long-lead equipment risk.
The Brush School District board voted unanimously to select NV5 as the owner representative for a BEST grant-funded HVAC renovation, contingent on approval of a written contract. Two firms presented: amtech Solutions (with BCR as technical MEP advisor) and NV5; the board questioned both on procurement, commissioning and timelines.
Robert Piani of amtech described an owner-rep model with an MEP advisory partner (BCR) and cited past K'12 HVAC and roof projects across Colorado as relevant experience. Amtech emphasized the value of one point of contact for overlapping roof and HVAC work and proposed technical advisory services to avoid conflicts of interest when handling insurance-funded storm repairs and BEST grant-scoped HVAC replacement.
NV5 presenters Andy Fango and Valerie Thompson emphasized BEST-grant experience, early engagement of a commissioning agent, comprehensive budget templates and an "owner dashboard" for daily budget and schedule tracking. NV5 stressed ordering long-lead items early and structuring contracts and milestones so procurement does not cause schedule failure; they recommended a two-year warranty and active commissioning to verify ventilation and system performance.
Board members raised several concerns that shaped their decision: the need to meet state BEST draw and reporting requirements, long lead times for transformers and major HVAC equipment, and how to coordinate overlapping storm-damage and BEST-grant projects. Several members favored awarding the BEST grant owner-rep immediately because the project schedule and equipment lead times require rapid procurement decisions.
What the board decided NV5 was selected by roll-call vote as the owner representative for the BEST grant project (motion passed; unanimous). The award was made contingent on execution of a written contract and staff returning to the board with contract terms, NV5's procurement plan and a detailed schedule for ordering long-lead equipment.
Next steps - NV5 to provide contract language, a procurement/schedule plan and commissioning approach for board review; staff to return the contract for approval. - District staff to coordinate BEST grant reporting requirements with NV5 and the Colorado Department of Education processes for draw requests.
Stakeholder notes Board members signaled openness to using a different firm on the storm-damage/roof insurance work but prioritized immediate action for the BEST scope because of timing pressures.
