Kettering details construction‑manager‑at‑risk procurement; names Richley Architects and Garman Miller as partners

The board received a recap of the facilities procurement process and the role the architect will play if the May bond proceeds. Mr. Johnson (Jeff) reviewed the construction‑manager‑at‑risk procurement plan, saying the district will first solicit qualifications, short‑list at least three firms, then request proposals that include technical pricing, management fees and general conditions.

Mr. Johnson said the district reviewed six architect firms and interviewed four; he identified Mike Richley of Richley Architects as standing out and said Richley has partnered with Garman Miller to support the educational design work. He described the CMR approach as "best value," combining firm qualifications with price, and said the district will use a guaranteed maximum price to mitigate risk and promote real‑time cost development during schematic and design phases.

Timeline and references: Mr. Johnson said the RFQ for construction managers will be finalized and advertised during April with about a three‑week posting period, shortlisted firms will receive an RFP and the district expects to return to the board with a recommended agreement in June. He said references and past project contacts will be checked during the qualifications phase.

Board members asked whether the contract will use a standard American Institute of Architects form; Mr. Johnson confirmed the district will use the standard AIA contract. Trustees and staff discussed design goals, student flow and safety considerations as part of planning for modern learning spaces.

Next steps: staff will finalize the RFQ, advertise the qualifications opportunity, check references, short‑list firms and bring a recommendation to the board for CMR approval as the procurement schedule allows. No CMR contract was approved at this meeting.