Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board flagged large bid variance in AES bathroom renovation RFP; low bidder recommended by committee
Summary
Selectmen reviewed bids for AES bathroom renovations. The lowest qualified bidder responded with about $207,000 versus a prior engineering estimate near $400,000; committee members said the low bidder appears capable and that correct procurement could save roughly $193,000 after accounting for remaining engineering fees.
The board reviewed bids for the AES bathroom renovation RFP and discussed an unexpectedly wide spread between the low bidder and a prior engineering estimate.
Committee members said the low bid submitted was approximately $207,000 and the second-lowest $232,000, while earlier work by the engineering firm Fuss & O'Neal had indicated a figure around $400,000. Jeff Murray, who sits on the committee, said the low bidder provided a detailed schedule, references and project experience and that committee members judged the contractor to be qualified. Murray said selecting the low bidder and managing engineering contract obligations could net the town a savings in the neighborhood of $193,000 when the remaining engineering costs are accounted for.
Board members discussed safeguards such as hiring a project liaison for $6,000'$8,000 to monitor progress, documenting change orders carefully and ensuring the contractor provides a schedule and references. One selectman noted concern about general market trends that had tended to raise contractor prices recently, but committee members said market conditions and tighter bids from multiple vendors made the low bid credible.
Why it matters: A large discrepancy between an engineering estimate and actual bids can represent either savings or unanticipated risk; the board emphasized the need for oversight and clear contract terms to limit change-order exposure.
Next steps: Committee members planned to meet and likely recommend award; a special meeting was scheduled for additional discussion and a decision was anticipated soon.
