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Commissioners approve RFQ to hire construction manager agents for Terlingua visitor center and bunkhouse
Summary
The court approved advertising an RFQ and moving ahead with construction‑manager‑agent procurement for the Terlingua Visitor Center and a fire/EMS bunkhouse, saying the delivery method gives the county more control over subcontractors and could save money on smaller trade packages.
The Brewster County Commissioners Court voted April 28 to advertise a request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire construction manager agents (CMA) for two projects in Terlingua: the visitor center and a fire/EMS bunkhouse.
Justin, the presenter on procurement options, told the court that a construction manager agent allows the county “a lot more control as the client, as the owner, as the county,” because individual trades are contracted directly with the county and the CMA advises on selection and budgeting. He said the bunkhouse electrical work is unlikely to exceed the $100,000 state competitive‑bid threshold, making trade‑by‑trade contracting advantageous for saving money and using local contractors when qualified.
County Judge sought direction about next steps and a court motion to proceed with the CMA approach. After discussion about building methods and local contractor participation, the court voted to advertise the RFQ (minimum two‑week advertisement) and proceed with selecting a construction manager agent. Justin said the RFQ responses would be due in late May and that staff planned to review submissions and interview top firms before negotiating fees.
The court noted trade‑package alternates (for example, optional stone veneer on the visitor center breezeway) will be included so the county can separate costly items from base construction. The decision commits the Terlingua visitor center and the bunkhouse to the CMA procurement route; the Marathon station will be bid as a traditional renovation due to its historic character. The county said final RFQ documents will be edited and published promptly.
The court recorded the motion, a second and a voice vote in favor.
