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Board approves six‑month extension for Manning APC contract; public commenters press for re‑solicitation with oral interviews
Summary
The board approved a second amendment extending Manning APC's program construction management and capital planning contract six months, not to exceed $800,000. Two public commenters urged a limited extension, a clear RFQ plan and required oral interviews of top candidates during any re‑solicitation.
The Orleans Parish School Board voted on June 23 to approve a second amendment to its contract with Manning APC to extend program construction management and capital planning services for an additional six months, with the extension capped at $800,000, and authorized the general counsel to prepare the contract for signature.
Two members of the public addressed the contract item. Rick Duplantier, identifying himself as a principal of Duplantier LaCour Construction Consultants and an Orleans Parish property owner, said he supports a limited extension conditioned on staff presenting a new RFQ plan and an owner’s‑representative transition plan. He asked the board to authorize an extension through Sept. 15 only, contingent on staff presenting an RFQ and transition plan for board review.
Ted Kelso, who said he is with Zack Smith Consulting and Design, urged the board to require oral interviews of top firms during any re‑solicitation, arguing that written proposals alone can be polished and that interviews reveal whether a team can actually perform the work. Kelso also warned that with generative AI, a strong written proposal is no guarantee of on‑the‑ground capability.
The public comments were acknowledged during board discussion. The motion to approve the second amendment was moved and seconded and the board voted to carry the motion; a roll call tally for this item was not recorded in the transcript.
