Lowest bidder disgruntled after losing contract to highest bidder

Earlier this year, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners put out a bid request for its West Currahee Street slope stabilization project.

The county received two bids, one from Hayward Baker Incorporated in the amount of $2.1-million, the other was from GCI in the amount of $1.5-million.

On April 13, 2018, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners awarded the design build to Hayward Baker Incorporated.

However, earlier this week, WNEG News received an email from Robert Garrett, president of GCI, who felt that the county ignored that GCI is a Small Disadvantage Business and he feels they should have received preferential treatment in the governmental solicitation.

According to Garrett, GCI submitted “a responsive and technically competent low-bid for the project.”

He continues to add that GCI provided a prudent and technically sound approach, similar to Hayward Baker, and in accordance with the preferred methods and concepts requested in the Bid Documents.

Prior to the April 13 commissioners’ meeting, the county enlisted the help of JM Smith Engineering to answer any questions they might have.

At the commissioners’ meeting, Jason Smith from JM Smith Engineering presented a synopsis of the differences from each bid.

According to Smith, both vendors had similar methods of attacking the problem with soil nails; the difference is how it is done.

GCI is using a shotcrete finish on their concrete that is spread over the slope; whereas, Hayward Baker Incorporated is using a tecco type system that looks like a chain link fence and is pinned to the slope.

The difference between the two is that the tecco system allows vegetation to grow through the material and it will look more natural.

Smith continued by adding that in Hayward Baker Inc.’s plan they intend to drive the nails deeper into the soil.

Another difference, as addressed by Smith, is that Hayward Baker’s solution included a water line; whereas, GCI’s price did not include a water line.

In regards to the vendors’ expertise, GCI has a lot of experience in environmental sector and some experience in the GeoTechnical; however, Geotechnical is what Hayward Baker does.

In Garrett’s email, he requested that Stephens County reconsider its initial intent to award the contract to the highest bidder, Hayward Baker, and to give the final award to GCI.

In December of 2017, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners made the decision to immediately close a portion of W. Currahee Street, formerly Dick’s Hill Parkway, to all traffic near 4989 W. Currahee Street.

This portion of road was closed due to the safety of drivers being compromised.

WNEG News will provide continued coverage on this developing story as more information becomes available.