Board approves TriMedia contract for district‑wide hazardous‑materials survey

The Marquette Area Public Schools Board voted Monday to award a district‑wide hazardous‑materials survey to TriMedia Environmental & Engineering Services following a recommendation from GEI Consultants of Michigan.

GEI’s bid‑review letter, included in the board packet, reports that a single responsive proposal was received and that TriMedia’s price of $46,200 was reasonable for the scoped work. GEI recommended a 10 percent contingency to cover unforeseen additional investigation, giving a total evaluation allowance of $50,820. "GEI recommends awarding the contract to TriMedia Environmental & Engineering in an amount not to exceed $46,200," the consultant’s recommendation states.

GEI Senior Engineer/Project Manager Isaac Roberts appeared at the meeting to answer board questions about scope and procurement. After discussion the board approved the award; the motion was made by Jennifer Ray and seconded by Jennifer Klipp and carried 7‑0. The contract award is listed in the minutes as a formal action and staff were directed to proceed with contracting consistent with the GEI recommendation and the board’s approval.

The work will survey district buildings for hazardous materials in advance of capital projects funded in part by the recently approved bond. GEI noted in its memo that the RFP response period was relatively short and that current market demand may have limited the number of bidders, but found the submitted proposal to be responsive and adequate for the project as scoped.

The board approved the award 7‑0 and authorized staff to include the recommended contingency if needed during the inspection phase.