The City of Charlotte has announced it plans to re-bid the CityLynx Gold Line Phase 2 project construction contract this September after completion of negotiations with the original bidders.
This past July, the City received a total of two bids for the Phase 2 construction contract. The invitation for bid included the CityLynx Gold Line Phase 2 element and other planned City improvements along the Gold Line corridor. Improvements include upgrades to traffic signals, storm water, water and sewer, and elements of the Frazier Avenue Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Project.
After reviewing the bids, City staff determined that both bids contained unreasonably high costs, especially on traditional infrastructure items. The apparent low bid for construction placed the CityLynx Gold Line Phase 2 Project $9.2 million (6.6%) over the $150 million project budget. The City improvements, not part of the Gold Line Phase 2 project, from the apparent low bid were $21 million over the estimate. As is typical with City projects, these improvements were coordinated, combined and bid together to minimize costs, disruptions and impacts to citizens along the corridor including Center City, the Elizabeth neighborhood and Historic West End.
During the negotiation period with the two bidders, staff determined that changes were necessary. As a result, changes have been made to the scope of the project that may allow for a better opportunity for bidders to come within the project budget and a more competitive bid environment. These changes in the scope included modifications to the waterline and traffic control/phasing plans among other items. Staff believes this change in scope is significant enough to warrant a project re-bid.
The City plans to re-bid the Phase 2 project construction contract in September 2016. A construction contract is estimated to then be awarded by City Council in November.
