Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Bridge topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County conditionally awards temporary Keeler bridge contract to Thompson Contracting
Summary
The Lincoln County commission authorized a conditional award of the temporary one‑lane Keeler bridge contract to Thompson Contracting of Libby for a contract price recorded as $887,473, contingent on FEMA funding and a disaster declaration; engineers recommended the award as the lowest responsive bid.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted to award the temporary one‑lane Keeler bridge contract to Thompson Contracting of Libby, Montana, contingent on FEMA funding and any required disaster declaration. The notice of award read the contract price as $887,473.
During discussion, commissioners cited Evson/Evston Engineering’s recommendation that Thompson Contracting was the lowest responsive bidder and roughly 10% lower than the closest competitor. A commissioner read from the engineer’s letter: “Thompson Contracting Inc. is the lowest responsive bidder in the best interest of Lincoln County,” and commissioners discussed an alternative to reject bids in anticipation of a potential Army Corps levy replacement if federal work were to proceed.
Commissioners emphasized the funding and permitting uncertainties. One public commenter asked whether the county could use a temporary bridge supplied by the Montana Department of Transportation if one became available; the board clarified the award is contingent on funding, so the county would not expend funds if a state‑provided bridge met needs.
The award is conditioned on FEMA funds being awarded; the county will require the contractor to provide the signed agreement, performance and payment bonds, and insurance documentation within the timespan specified in the notice of award before proceeding.
