“So far we’ve moved like molasses on this project,” Mayor Johnny Smith said. “We’d like that to change.”
Representatives from 10 construction firms gathered in the Fireside Room at the Jacksonville Community Center to learn more about the design of the complex and how to be considered to manage the project.
“Right now, we’re trying to find out who’s out there and interested in the project,” said Smith.
City officials hope that by hiring a construction manager for the project, they will be able to bring costs down. Under state law, the city can hire a construction manager as a professional service, but all subcontractors for the project must then be contracted via public bid processes.
As an initial step in narrowing candidates, the city and their design team will consider five main criteria: experience with facilities for law enforcement, emergency operations centers, corrections, judicial or court, and fire rescue; experience working with municipal government entities; experience working with federal emergency management grant funding; ability or experience with fast track project approach; and professional references for projects of similar scope and magnitude.
Ian Reeves, president of Architects Design Group, who is designing the project for the city, told the firms that the project would be laden with security and technology and experience with such measures would be a critical part of considerations by the city.
Responses are due at City Hall by Aug. 10, and the mayor anticipates the city will begin interviewing candidates in two to three weeks’ time.
Staff writer Paige Rentz: 256-235-3564. On Twitter @PRentz_Star.
