Selectboard narrows RFP language, removes Davis‑Bacon clause for Whitingham highway garage project

The Whitingham Selectboard on Sept. 2 revised the draft request for proposals (RFP) for a pre‑engineered metal building (PEMB) for the town highway garage, removing language the board determined was not applicable and tightening design and procurement responsibilities. Scott M. Reed, Selectboard Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. and led discussion with staff and consultants from Stevens & Associates.

Board members agreed that the Davis‑Bacon Act does not apply to this procurement and directed that the clause be removed from the RFP. The consultants and board also clarified that while a vendor may supply some foundation design, Stevens & Associates will be required to stamp any foundation design submitted for the project. The board directed that item #1 in the RFP be reworded to read "construction cost" to avoid ambiguity and that the architect-provided documents explicitly state that the pre‑engineered metal building will be furnished and erected (with the discussion continuing about which party ultimately furnishes and erects the building).

The Selectboard asked staff to add a statement encouraging local bidders to respond. Members also directed that contracting at this time focus only on the design portion of the PEMB; the fabrication and erection contract will await a successful bond vote before being procured. Gig Zboray, Selectboard Administrator, and consultant Jon Saccoccio were assigned to incorporate these edits into the final draft for review and approval at the Selectboard's regular meeting later that evening.

The discussion recorded in the minutes did not include a formal vote on the RFP edits at this special meeting; the board set a process to finalize the RFP language at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 a.m.