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Question: I work with a group that was interested in saving the state substantial costs with respect to heat abatement of some 1,000 classrooms. We were wanting to put in a bid and were encouraged by news reports that the first bid had gone out shortly after Gov. Ige signed the bill into law that funded the process with $100 million. When I inquired, I was told that the bid process was closed, that consultants had been working on this project prior to the actual funding approval. That smacks of cronyism and does not seek to obtain the best bids for the state from others who may have become aware only because of the legislative process. It would be helpful and beneficial to the state to open the bid process for several more weeks at least past the legislative approval date. Perhaps the information I received is incorrect. Can you check on this?
Answer: Kokua Line followed up with the Department of Education, which confirmed that it pre-qualified contractors in April and that the process is indeed closed, at least for now. The requirement was publicized at the time and was done to ensure that capable contractors were ready to bid as soon was funding was available, said Donalyn Dela Cruz, a spokeswoman for the department.
The first project went out to bid among the pre-qualified contractors May 5, the same day that Gov. David Ige signed into law Senate Bill 3126 (Act 47), which authorized an emergency appropriation of $100 million to fund air conditioning and other heat-abatement measures at public schools across the state.
Because the bill was signed amid broad media attention, the DOE has heard from many who — like you — would like a crack at the work. Some might end up as subcontractors hired by the pre-qualified companies, or the pre-qualification process might be reopened, depending upon how work progresses, Dela Cruz said. Here is her full statement:
“HIDOE recognizes that because of the substantial amount of funds appropriated for AC, heat abatement and energy-efficiency measures, there is great interest from contractors and the community. HIDOE is receiving numerous calls from businesses expressing interest.
“In anticipation of available funding, HIDOE worked hard to be ready to execute projects. Part of that process was prequalifying contractors. The facilities team implemented a two-step low bid process to assure that bidders can meet the requirements for high-quality work, which include a proven record of experience and safety since much of the work will be done when school is in session. The prequalification phase took place in April and HIDOE exhausted efforts to inform the community of the process and upcoming projects. In addition to the announcement, an extension and email from our public works administrator was issued informing contractors of updates. More than 500 contractors expressed interest but only 16 met the prequalification standards.
“HIDOE launched the second step with the issuance of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) to the prequalified bidders for air conditioning on May 5. The qualification process is closed. However, as the project progresses and we reevaluate our needs, we may reopen the prequalifying process at a future date.
“In the meantime, many contractors who may make inquiries could still become subcontractors in the projects. Since we are in the middle of the procurement process,” they should contact Chris Butt, Project Control Section administrator, at 784-5012 or Christian_Butt@notes.k12.hi.us.
We also contacted the Governor’s Office; a spokeswoman referred questions to the DOE.
Mahalo
I’d like to thank two special police officers (Sgt. Brandon Ogata and Officer Garett Robinson) who helped me in March when my daughter’s car got a flat tire on Wilder Avenue in front of Punahou School. They both went out of their way to help me change the tire, which saved me a lot of trouble and the cost of a tow truck. … To make a long story short, they really made me think about our police officers and what they do. They really made my day, and I’m so sorry that I took this long to let someone know. — Mahalo, Edison Cabatu
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
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