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CSRD resets tender process for new administrative offices

In an effort to save some money, School District #83 and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District ended up losing some time.

CSRD Chief Administrative Officer Charles Hamilton said the tender process for a joint feasibility study is going to have to be redone.

“We have decided the process should be closed and re-offered,” said Hamilton at the May 19 CSRD directors board meeting held in Revelstoke.

Hamilton explained a strict evaluation guideline was used in an attempt to keep costs down.

“Ironically, we’re doing it again simply because we were too fiscally cautious,” he said.

Both the school district and CSRD are looking into building new administrative offices on the former J.L. Jackson site, but the process is taking longer than anticipated.

Twelve submissions were received by a selection committee before two proponents “expressed concerns about the evaluation process.”

Hamilton said the process was done properly but, “out of extreme caution,” he recommended sending out a request for proposals (RFP) once more, as a matter of fairness and transparency.

The initial RFP for the study was put out in February. The development concept included three possible options:

1. Separate buildings for the school district and CSRD;

2. A single building to be shared by the school district and CSRD;

3. A building for the school district only.

The third option is being considered as the CSRD is carrying out an evaluation of its existing buildings on Marine Park Drive to determine the viability of redevelopment to make more room.

The school district and CSRD are splitting the cost, and approved spending $34,500 each.  In a memo to the CSRD board, Hamilton explained two proponents’ submissions were not successful and, based on their comments, he recommended the February RFP process be closed and the process begin again.

MQN Architects had been the successful proponent. The CAO said they agreed to withdraw their initial offer and will take part in the next RFP process.

When the RFP is re-issued there will be some revisions which will make it less restrictive.

In his memo, Hamilton said these revisions were made in conjunction with School District #83 staff. The RFPs will be sent out to all of the firms that submitted a proposal in February.2011-05-25