School board approves alternative contracting method to speed project delivery

The school board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution allowing the district to use an alternative project delivery method to select contractors for an upcoming construction project.

A presenter outlined the choice between two procurement routes cited in the meeting materials: Montana statute 18-5-502, which permits selecting contractors after interviews rather than through a full public-bid process, and the standard public-bidding route that requires advertising in the region’s most widely read paper for three weeks and follows stricter price-gathering rules. The presenter said the alternative process is being considered chiefly because of timing constraints and the need to have contractors lined up when work is ready.

"It's really about timing and having the contractors lined up when the work is ready," the presenter said, arguing that firms with prior on-site experience can avoid delays tied to unfamiliar site conditions and save the district money.

During discussion the presenter said the district preferred a contractor called TLC, noting the firm had worked on the district’s staff housing and was familiar with existing septic and water systems. The presenter also said project administration would be turned over to Tate Management for oversight. The presenter emphasized the need to document that the alternative delivery route would not eliminate competition or create favoritism: "You have to prove and walk through that it doesn't become nepotism," the presenter said.

A committee member moved to "approve the resolution as presented," and another committee member seconded the motion. The chair called for a vote; members voiced assent and the chair declared the motion passed unanimously.

The board did not record formal objections in the meeting. The presenter said staff (named Christie in the materials) will monitor contractor pricing and, if a subcontractor quote appears high, may seek additional bids for that component.

The resolution authorizes the district to proceed under the alternative delivery method as described in the meeting packet; board members said the approach is intended to meet the district’s scheduling needs while retaining opportunities to challenge or rebid high subcontract prices. No vote tallies beyond "unanimous" were recorded in the transcript. The board closed the item and adjourned with brief thanks.