Firms seek construction management contract

Wednesday afternoon, the facilities committee of the McCook Public Schools board of education interviewed representatives of the three companies that want the job of construction manager if the community builds a new elementary facility.

The companies (and their total bids) are: R.L. Fauss of Fremont ($299,266); Hawkins Construction of Omaha ($313,472); and Sampson Construction of Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha ($262,000).

Each company's spokespersons said the proposed project -- expansion and renovation of the existing North Ward Elementary -- and the schedule -- completion by August 2005 -- is doable for $5.8 million.

Voters will decide the fate of the building project at the May 11 primary election.

"Pre-bond activities, " such as efforts to inform the community about the proposed project before the election, will cost:

* R.L. Fauss, $10,000

* Hawkins Construction, $10,000

* Sampson Construction, $5,000

This charge is part of each company's total bid.

Each spokesman said his company would involve as many local contractors as possible, and each proposed being involved with the selection of an architect.

R.L. FAUSS

Kent Jorgensen told committee members Jim Coady, Greg Larson and Mike Gonzales the building project can become a learning experience for students, all the while keeping the children's safety a top priority.

Paul Goodenberger of McCook would be Fauss' on-site superintendent.

Rick Fauss said his company's "value engineering" is what makes Fauss different than other general construction/construction management companies.

Fauss said the company's average client saves 15 percent when the value engineering concept is applied to maximize project quality and minimize project costs. Jorgensen said, "We're always looking for options to give you choices."

HAWKINS

CONSTRUCTION

Vice president Dan Biere recommended a partnership with the DLR architecture firm of Omaha to keep the McCook project on schedule and on budget.

Biere explained that DLR has in-house mechanical, electrical and civil engineering divisions that can quickly design a new school. "DLR is the only architect that can deliver the plans to meet this schedule," Biere said.

Biere said Hawkins' pre-bond fee is higher because it includes money to hire DLR as a consultant.

Biere also suggested an alternate building design that would reduce exterior walls by 200 linear feet., saving money and allowing for future expansion.

"The only way to get this job done on budget and on schedule is to hire the Hawkins and DLR team," Biere said.

SAMPSON

CONSTRUCTION

Craig Gies told committee members that Larry Weaver would be the on-site job superintendent for the McCook project.

Weaver told committee members he and his family lived in McCook from 1961 until 1966. "Dad (Lawrence Weaver) built houses here," Weaver said.

Gies said decisions need to be made and the project moved ahead quickly to have students in classrooms by August 2005. "One year for construction is not unrealistic," he said.

The board's committee members will take the three companies' proposals back to the full board, which meets Monday. The subject is on that regular meeting agenda.