By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. – Companies interested in overseeing construction of a nearly $30 million high school in Rhea County interviewed last week with county Purchase and Finance Committee members.
Earlier this year, the committee received proposals from RBA Construction Inc., Dillard Construction Inc., Merit Construction Inc., Lawler-Wood, Alliance Corp., Heery International and Hewlett Spencer LLC.
The committee delayed interviews last month after board members debated the interview process to include a standard questionnaire for prospects to answer.
Each company was required to provide answers about prior or post-construction services rendered, list school projects previously completed, give examples of cost-saving techniques used on other projects, agree to make cost estimates available throughout the development and discuss the most advantageous service to county taxpayers that they would provide.
While waiting for his turn with the committee, Barry Brooke, vice president and director of development services with Lawler-Wood, said his company could offer assistance with design, architect and geotechnical reports.
Committee Chairman Ronnie Raper said Heery International of Nashville had withdrawn its proposal. Instead, the committee interviewed Thomas Smith III, project manager with HDH Management Corp. of Dickson, Tenn.
Before his committee appearance, Mr. Smith said his company “looks out for the county’s interest” with any project proposal.
HDH submitted its RFP late but the committee agreed to it, Finance Director Bill Graham said after the meeting.
After the interviews, Rhea County Director of Schools Jerry Levengood said the committee had gained a “better understanding of what each one’s proposing” but had kept their interaction to listening only.
Although some members of the committee are up for election on Aug. 5, Mr. Raper said that shouldn’t affect the process of selecting the construction manager.
He said a “sensible decision” would be made after the committee had an opportunity to visit previous projects completed by the construction managers.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.
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