Jim Wells County to issue RFQ for engineering tied to $500,000 USDA grant for resource center remodel

Jim Wells County commissioners on April 10 authorized staff to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services to carry out work tied to a $500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development Grant to remodel portions of the county resource center.

"We got approved for the USDA $500,000 to remodel the second, the third and fourth floor of the resource center," Judge Pedro (Pete) Trevino Jr. told commissioners, adding the grant schedule was adjusted following a prior government shutdown and that RFQ submittals will be due on the 29th (to be reviewed at the first May meeting).

Officials said the RFQ will be publicly posted in the newspaper and on the county website and that a valuation/selection committee will review proposals and select an engineer. The work is intended to meet grant requirements and fit the USDA grant calendar.

The court moved to authorize the RFQ, with staff returning to the May meeting to present submissions and a recommended selection.