ALC releases hold on DOC construction consulting contract after members question details

A construction-related contract for the Department of Corrections with McClelland Consulting Engineers Inc. drew questions from members and was held by the Review Subcommittee for discussion at the Aug. 15 Arkansas Legislative Council meeting.

Senator Blake Johnson presented the Review Subcommittee report and noted staff from the Department of Corrections were asked to come forward to answer questions. Mr. Chad Brown (CFO), Mr. Wade Hodge (Chief of Staff), and Mr. Eddie Powell (Assistant Director of Maintenance and Construction) addressed members’ concerns about the contract and related construction matters.

Senator Terry Rice summarized the issues he had sought answers to and said he had received additional information and was content to release the hold. After further questions and discussion, Senator Blake Johnson moved to adopt the Review Subcommittee report including the previously held McClelland Consulting Engineers contract and to exclude the Arkansas State University contract with The Communications Group Inc.; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: construction and professional services contracts for corrections facilities involve public safety, capital-expenditure oversight and state procurement rules; the Review Subcommittee’s decision allowed the department to proceed with the contract while removing one university-related contract from consideration.

The council adopted the Review Subcommittee report by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes.