Hastings awards airport apron rehabilitation contract to Screed Tech; federal grant to cover most construction costs

The Hastings City Council approved awarding the airport apron rehabilitation contract to Screed Tech LLC, following staff and state vetting and confirmation that available federal grant funds will cover the majority of the project.

Public works staff told the council three bids were received for the project; Screed Tech submitted the low bid and both Garver (the city’s engineer) and the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics vetted the contractor. City staff said about 95% of the construction portion will be funded by a federal grant, with the city responsible for roughly 5% of the construction cost. When discussing timing, staff said they hoped work could begin in the fall and that federal reimbursement would be provided to the city as construction progresses.

Nut graf: Councilmembers asked about prior experience with the low bidder and whether the bid amount should be included in the motion; staff replied that vetting had been completed and that the bids were publicly announced in the meeting record. The council approved the award unanimously.

Details from the discussion
- Bids and estimates: Staff reported three bids were received (High Plains Road Works; Screed Tech; Werta Construction). Garver provided an engineer’s estimate of $1,594,007.10; the low bid submitted by Screed Tech was recorded in the meeting as the low bid and staff noted it came in below the engineer’s estimate. - Funding and timing: Approximately 95% federal grant funding, 5% city share; reimbursements occur through the grant process as work progresses. Staff indicated the work had been budgeted in prior years and grants were secured. - Vendor vetting: Staff said Garver and the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics vetted Screed Tech and recommended proceeding.

Action and vote
- Motion and vote: Council approved awarding the project to Screed Tech LLC; the approval was recorded as passing 7-0.

Quote
Project staff (summary): “Screed Tech LLC submitted the low bid for the project in the amount of ... The grants have been secured, so we pretty much have everything ready to go.” (Meeting transcript includes discussion of the bid figures and the engineer’s estimate.)

Ending
Staff will coordinate with the FAA, state aeronautics, and the selected contractor and proceed with the construction contract and grant reimbursement paperwork.