No-bids right for professional services
A recent article quoted School District 300 board President Joe Stevens regarding contracts associated with construction projects within the district. Specifically, he mentions Elgin architectural firm Burnidge Cassell, that he "would not have signed such a (no-bid) contract" for the services they have provided. I disagree strongly with his position.
Like any professional services - legal, financial, medical - architectural and engineering design services considered on a project-by-project basis are an extreme disservice to the district and the taxpayers. Professional services for publicly funded construction work should be qualifications-based and long-term. Qualified design professionals ensure projects are designed and constructed to provide for the safety of the public user, the long-term benefit to the taxpayer funding the work, the programmed use of the building, and the rigorous standards of their profession including education, professional licensure and applicable codes and regulations.
Just as the district would not hire a new (lowest bidding) attorney for each new legal issue it addresses, it should not contract with a new professional for the design of every construction project. Information that must be relearned each time by a new design professional is costly and time consuming. School buildings and the mechanical systems within are designed with lifetimes exceeding 20-30 years in mind. Knowledge of existing conditions (in remodeling and addition work) and familiarity with historic construction records is essential to a quality design and successful project. Close relationships with district administrative, maintenance, and specialty staff is essential.
The learning curve for district requirements and standards is steep. The "lowest bidder" will shortcut that process to maximize their profit, whereas the highly qualified professional will spend additional time to make sure the information is correct and understood, in order to maintain the long-term relationship.
Mike Kukovec
Professional engineer
Hampshire