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County awards $993,937.84 street improvements contract to Hoffmans R&M Services
Summary
On April 7 the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission accepted the lowest responsive bid from Hoffmans R&M Services, awarding the 2026 Street Improvements Project at $993,937.84. Commissioners discussed the low bid, contingency funds and the option to add additional blocks; the motion carried 5-0.
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County commissioners on April 7 voted 5-0 to award the 2026 Street Improvements Project to Hoffmans R&M Services for $993,937.84, following a March 30 public bid opening managed with Tri-Hydro.
Public works representative Sara Cline told the Commission five bids were received; two were declared nonresponsive because one bidder failed to provide a contractor registration number and another omitted required signatures. "The lowest bidder was Hoffmans R&M Services for $993,937.84," Cline said, and Tri-Hydro recommended awarding the contract to Hoffmans based on their bid and past local work.
Commissioners questioned whether the low price could signal risks for change orders during construction. Cline said the contract sets unit prices and includes a $50,000 allowance for unforeseen work (identified in the meeting as an 'Alt-exploration' fund), and that any quantity changes would require prior approval. CEO Bill Everett supported the recommendation, noting Hoffmans' local experience and concrete crew: "They have the best concrete crew in the State," he said, and added the company appeared "honorable and well-financed."
Commissioner Mike Beausoleil noted a roughly $400,000 difference between Hoffmans' bid and the next lowest responsive bidder and expressed concern about potential change orders; staff said additional streets could be added later using the locked unit prices and available funds. The Commission approved the award on a motion by Commissioner Ed Beaudette, seconded by Commissioner Paul Smith.
Funding sources for the full project package were not specified in the transcript. The County will proceed with contracting and will present any proposed change orders or additions to the Commission for approval.
