A bidding approach to the construction of the new elementary school south of U.S. 30 in Valparaiso will have four prime contractors in the areas of general contracting, electrical, mechanical and plumbing.
According to Construction Administrator Scott Cherry, senior vice president of The Skillman Corp. of Merrillville, this will provide more opportunity for local participation, reduced mark-up by a general contractor, more transparency, increased competition and assurance of qualified contractors for all major work on the project.
A prime contractor is one who works directly with the owner of the project, rather than through a general contractor.
“I recall we had some challenges with that approach here in Valpo,” said Valparaiso Community Schools Board Member Mark Maassel.
Cherry said he has had excellent results with the approach in his three-decade career in construction.
“I understand your concern,” he said, “but I am also confident in the method and our ability to execute it. When you’re bidding it as a general they’re going to go with the lowest bid to them. Northwest Indiana has some excellent mechanical, plumbing and electrical contractors.”
Maassel asked that a name be identified for main contact with each prime contractor chosen. “I don’t want to assume that there’s a ghost behind every tree,” he added.
Those three areas alone will account for around $4.5 million of the $16 million-plus project. While advertisements will be made in local newspapers Nov. 11, it was explained to the board by board attorney Dave Hollenbeck and Cherry that that is not really where contractors learn of jobs to bid on. Cherry said his office has called local contractors to invite bidding and information will also be posted on the Skillman website.
“I’m glad you reached out to local people,” said Board Secretary Jennifer Bognar. “Because as much as possible we can have this be local.”
Maassel reminded all present when the term “union contractors” was bandied about that the school corporation is barred by state law from stating an intent to pursue union contractors.
“We’re not looking to hire union contractors,” he said. “We’re looking to hire good, quality people.”
Cherry and Hollenbeck will assist school administrators in holding a pre-bid meeting Nov. 18 to answer contractors’ questions. Bids will be opened Dec. 8.
Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
