Baker County awards $2.3 million contract for Emergency Operations Center and issues notice to proceed

Baker County commissioners approved a construction contract for the county's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and instructed the facilities director to issue a Notice to Proceed dated Sept. 3, 2025 so the contractor could finalize subcontracts and begin work.

Dan McQuiston, the county facilities director, said the contract used the AIA standard construction form prepared with the county's architect, Cole Architects, and incorporates the project's bid documents and schedule. The board approved the contract award to Corinne Eagle Howe Construction for $2,300,000 and added a liquidated damages clause of $500 per day after the final completion date to provide a financial incentive to meet deadlines.

McQuiston asked the board to authorize him to deliver a Notice to Proceed immediately; commissioners approved that administrative action so the contractor could finalize pricing with subcontractors within the 30-day window and secure the project schedule.

Commissioners and staff noted next steps: the facilities department will issue the notice to proceed, monitor substantial and final completion dates identified in the project documents (substantial completion and final completion in late spring/early summer 2026 were referenced), and provide status reports to the board.

Ending
The contract award moves the EOC construction into execution. Staff will track the schedule and return to the board with progress updates and any requests for change orders.