Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $28.1 million contract for state fire training academy
Summary
The State Board of Finance approved a $28,145,638.13 construction contract for a new fire training academy, memorial and amphitheater; the secretary said competitive bidding produced the low Franklin Construction bid and the board attached a contingency requiring a fully executed contract on file with staff.
Secretary Silva asked the State Board of Finance to approve a construction contract for a new fire training academy, memorial and amphitheater and said Franklin Construction submitted the lowest responsive bid. "In front of you, you do have a presentation... I come before you today to request approval for a contract in the amount of $28,145,638.13," Secretary Silva said.
Board members pressed staff on the bid spread. Member Paul Cassidy said it was "striking" that the lowest bidder was roughly $4 million below the next bids in the packet. Secretary Silva said the department examined timelines and lead-time risks, and had interviewed bidders; he told the board competition and the contractor's ability to meet the project's schedule and procurement lead times were the principal reasons for the lower price.
The project will include four training rooms (40‑student capacity each), flexible room configurations, a kitchen, break room, small gym and bays sized to hold two full-size fire engines. Phase 1 will include a memorial wall listing 43 New Mexico firefighters who have fallen, with space planned for up to 120 names; staff said Phase 1 is scheduled to be complete in November of this year.
Staff noted a simple contingency on the board action: receipt of a fully executed contract document by staff. Member Cassidy moved approval; the motion passed on a roll-call vote.
The board attached no additional conditions beyond the staff contingency. The secretary and staff said they will provide the executed contract to the board office once available and proceed with project mobilization consistent with the RFP schedule.
