In anticipation of a positive June 9 vote, Clarkston Community Schools have chosen a firm to ‘hit the ground running? in supervising construction.
The board of education on Monday approved the hiring of Skanska USA Building Company at a price not to exceed $3,382,987.
If voters approve the proposed $83.7 million bond issue, Skanska will be responsible for ensuring that building additions will be completed on schedule by coordinating with the various contractors doing the actual construction.
Skanska was chosen from four bidders, but did not have the lowest total bid. That was noticed by Trustee Mary Ellen McLean.
‘Given the financial situation, I’m trying to justify the difference there,? McLean said.
Bruce Beamer, executive director for business services, said the recommendation came ‘after a diligent references checks? and interviews. In addition, there was some work required to ensure an ‘apples to apples? comparison of the four bids.
Trustee Stephen Hyer agreed, noting the analysis done on the proposals.
‘This definitely was a difficult decision,? Hyer said. ‘I think it’s clear Bruce did his homework. The numbers in their raw form are really quoting different things.?
Hyer added that the goal was to find ‘the best value and the best fit? for Clarkston.
Superintendent Al Roberts said the Skanska firm, which has worked with Clarkston schools on previous construction projects, could ensure compliance with the ‘aggressive timeline? of the construction schedule.
‘I thought they could hit the ground running,? Roberts said, also noting that Skanska was the only firm of the four to submit a ‘not to exceed bid.?
School documents show Skanska submitting a higher bid for construction management personnel, but a lower quote for overhead, profit and construction management fee than the other three.
‘We believe this is the best value,? Roberts said.