The proposed bill seeks the Council's approval for a contract with Blue Skye Construction, LLC, valued at $11,005,248, for design-build services related to HVAC upgrades at Kenilworth Elementary School, with a completion date set for August 17, 2026. The contract includes a previously established letter contract of $990,000 and will be executed under a cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, with monthly progress payments. The contractor was selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, where Blue Skye Construction was identified as the highest-ranked offeror based on various scoring criteria. The bill emphasizes the contractor's qualifications, including its status as a certified local and disadvantaged business enterprise, and outlines performance standards, including penalties for delays and unauthorized personnel changes.
Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations for subcontracting, mandating that at least 35% of contracts exceeding $250,000 be allocated to qualified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs). It also emphasizes compliance with the Living Wage Act, requiring contractors to pay a living wage to employees and subcontractors. The bill includes provisions for transparency in contract information, requiring that contract award details and modifications be made available online. Furthermore, it establishes guidelines for hiring local residents for government-assisted projects, ensuring that a significant percentage of labor hours are performed by District residents. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance accountability, promote local economic inclusion, and ensure compliance with legal and fiscal requirements in public contracting.