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Buffalo Gap opens bids for Phase 2 water construction; low bid ~ $437,000 subject to engineering review
Summary
The town received 10 bids for Water Construction Phase 2 on Dec. 8; the apparent low bidder was Black River (Somerset, S.D.) at about $437,000. Trustees called the award tentative pending Helms Engineering's review of quantities and documentation; construction is scheduled for spring 2026.
The Buffalo Gap Board of Trustees opened 10 bids Dec. 8 for the town’s Water Construction Phase 2 project and identified an apparent low bid of roughly $437,000 from Black River of Somerset, South Dakota.
Chair Christine Wells said the bids ranged widely — from an approximate low of $437,000 to about $1.2 million — and emphasized that the board’s announcement is only a tentative award. Helms Engineering, which is the project manager on the file, will review bid documentation, check quantities and confirm market value before the town issues a formal award.
Wells told trustees the project is scheduled to begin in spring 2026; Helms managed the town’s first project, and trustees said they expect the firm to assess whether the low bid meets the contract requirements before moving forward. The chair also said a $51,000 invoice from Helms will be charged to the bond and temporarily floated through general funds pending reimbursement.
Separately, the board discussed ongoing operational water matters: staff reported a roughly 10% water loss (about 23,000 gallons) that may be tied to mainline work near a replaced culvert; trustees asked staff to obtain an accurate flow reading once a 3-inch flow meter is located or ordered. Trustees and staff also reviewed options to protect the distribution system when outside parties use hydrants and discussed installing a metered valve to allow billed access while preventing damaging pressure surges.
No formal construction contract award was made on Dec. 8; trustees said Helms Engineering will complete its bid review and return a recommendation before a contract is executed.
