Presenter outlines CMGC alternative procurement ahead of Sweet Home SD 55 projects

A presenter briefed the Sweet Home SD 55 board on the district’s plan to consider an alternate procurement method known as CMGC, or contractor-manager/general-contractor, for upcoming construction projects. The presenter said CMGC involves early contractor selection before design completion so contractors can advise on design choices, materials and scheduling to reduce costly design changes and change orders.

"It's called CMGC, which is contractor, manager, general contract," the presenter said, describing the early-selection approach and the goal of reducing design-driven cost overruns. The presenter explained that the contractor can participate in selecting subcontractors and that the process typically leads to a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) after negotiations, which can help the district control costs and schedule risks.

Board members were invited to consider the approach before a formal request comes back to the board; the presenter said the district plans to advertise and bring the alternate procurement request to the next board meeting. The Chair and other members asked clarifying questions during the presentation but took no formal action on procurement at this meeting.