Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Procurement Echo Farms topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Paragon selected as responsive bidder for Echo Farms tennis expansion after USTA grants cover majority of cost
Summary
County staff said Paragon Building was chosen as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the Echo Farms tennis‑court expansion despite a lower bid from Timeless Construction; three USTA groups contributed $270,000 and the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association pledged up to $83,000, leaving the county roughly $81,000 short of the bid.
At the May 27 agenda review, county staff told commissioners that Paragon Building was selected as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the Echo Farms Tennis Court Expansion.
Staff explained the lowest numerical bid came from Timeless Construction, but Paragon was chosen because Timeless has two ongoing county projects that are behind schedule. "We chose Paragon as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder because we currently have 2 projects ongoing with Timeless Construction, and both of those projects are behind schedule," a staff presenter said.
The staff presenter also laid out the grant support for the project: "The 3 USTA organizations contributed a total of $270,000," and the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association committed up to $83,000, leaving the county a shortfall of just over $81,000 relative to the bid.
Commissioners acknowledged the tradeoff between lowest price and contractor responsiveness; one commissioner said he wants the least expensive option where possible, but that responsiveness is important when previous projects are delayed. The county and partner organizations said they will continue coordination so the project can move forward if procurement and scheduling checks out at the formal meeting.
No final board vote was recorded during the agenda review; staff said the bid award recommendation will be presented at the formal meeting.
