Board approves $182,324 bid for Pierce Middle lab casework with 10% contingency

The South Redford School District board voted to award a contract for lab casework upgrades at Pierce Middle School to Detroit Technical Equipment for $182,324, with a 10% contingency requested to cover unforeseen costs, for a not-to-exceed total of $200,556. The superintendent said the work will be paid from the district’s 2021 bond.

Kelly Ferguson, the project partner, summarized the scope: upgrades to lab casework in six science rooms and two rounds of bidding to find a cost-effective solution. Ferguson said the vendor selection balanced durability and budget, noting that plastic casework with epoxy tops will meet middle-school needs without the extra expense of wood casework required at the high school level.

Superintendent Biden presented the financial recommendation: "The company that's recommended for the work is Detroit Technical Equipment for $182,324. A 10% contingency, total expenses not to exceed $200,556 is requested to cover any unforeseen costs associated with the project," he said.

The motion to adopt the resolution was moved and adopted (recorded in the transcript as moved by Mr. Johnson and supported by Mr. Winston). The board approved the resolution by voice vote (recorded as 6 ayes, 0 nays in the transcript). The board instructed staff to proceed under the specified budget and funding source.

Why it matters: The award funds facility improvements intended to modernize science classrooms and is financed from an existing bond issue rather than ongoing operating funds, limiting direct impact on the general fund budget.

Next steps: staff will coordinate the contract execution, scheduling and contingency oversight as the work is prepared for next summer’s construction window.