Evans Construction has submitted the apparent lowest of five bids for a contract to manage construction of Liberty County's new justice center.
Construction management firms are paid a percentage of the cost of a project and Evans proposes to do the $16-18 million justice center for eight percent. The next lowest proposal was from Choate for 10.4 percent. The bids ranged up to 15.7 percent.
A committee, including county officials and architect Craig Buckley, is expected to meet within a week to recommend a selection to the commission.
The management firms will be rated based on a system of points. Up to 25 points can be awarded for relevant project experience, 10 points for minority and women participation, etc.
Two years is allowed for completion of the building.
County Administrator Joey Brown said the county will participate along with the management firm in bidding out each phase of construction, such as site preparation, plumbing and electrical.
"This will give us a better look at our contractors and subcontractors," Brown said. "We want to make sure we know who they are. And we will try to use local firms as much as possible."
Brown said the goal of choosing the manager in April would be met, and that bidding could then begin in May or June.
The 100,000-square-foot, three-story justice center will include four courtrooms, judges' offices, holding cells, clerks' offices and space for support activities.
The center will be in downtown Hinesville, along Main Street, between the Heritage Bank Operations Center (old Coca-Cola plant) and the former Labor Department building, which the county owns, at 135 S. Main St.
Construction management firms are paid a percentage of the cost of a project and Evans proposes to do the $16-18 million justice center for eight percent. The next lowest proposal was from Choate for 10.4 percent. The bids ranged up to 15.7 percent.
A committee, including county officials and architect Craig Buckley, is expected to meet within a week to recommend a selection to the commission.
The management firms will be rated based on a system of points. Up to 25 points can be awarded for relevant project experience, 10 points for minority and women participation, etc.
Two years is allowed for completion of the building.
County Administrator Joey Brown said the county will participate along with the management firm in bidding out each phase of construction, such as site preparation, plumbing and electrical.
"This will give us a better look at our contractors and subcontractors," Brown said. "We want to make sure we know who they are. And we will try to use local firms as much as possible."
Brown said the goal of choosing the manager in April would be met, and that bidding could then begin in May or June.
The 100,000-square-foot, three-story justice center will include four courtrooms, judges' offices, holding cells, clerks' offices and space for support activities.
The center will be in downtown Hinesville, along Main Street, between the Heritage Bank Operations Center (old Coca-Cola plant) and the former Labor Department building, which the county owns, at 135 S. Main St.