Covington County authorizes staff to negotiate after no bids for bridge steel H-pile

Public works staff told the Covington County Commission on July 14 that a recent solicitation for steel H-pile for bridge construction drew no bids and that staff wants authority to negotiate directly with suppliers and to rebid later in the year when volume would be larger.

"We did not receive any bids on this," the public works speaker said, explaining the county's plan to pursue informal quotes and to attempt a rebid in October when more bridges will need pile and the volume would be greater. The item concerned H-pile needed for the Eden Creek bridge; staff noted two other bridges remain in service and that Eden Creek is the immediate need.

The commission voted to allow public works director Derrick to negotiate and solicit quotes (staff said they typically try to get at least three quotes). The motion was made and seconded and approved by the commission in open session.

Next steps: the public works office will seek multiple informal quotes, proceed with negotiation to secure material for the immediate bridge need, and plan a rebid in October when additional bridges will be queued for work.