Bids were opened March 1, 2011, for W.O. 05-15 Howard Heights Park Improvements. As part of the Howard Heights storm drain project constructed last fall, this project will construct park improvements consisting of irrigation and seeding within the stormwater detention facility created with that project.

Although A-1 Landscaping was the low bidder on the project, after discussion with the Legal Department, their bid was determined to be non-responsive.  The bid was determined to be non-responsive for the following reasons: 

• The plans and specifications were not bought from either the City of the designer.
• A bound copy of the bid package inclusive of the insurance requirements and the Montana prevailing wage rates was not submitted.
• Unit prices for bid items (which govern in the event of mathematical descrepencies) were not provided.

For these reasons, the second low bid submitted is asked to be approved by Council.  The recommended bidder is Good Earth Works Co.    

The Council may:
• Award W.O. 05-15  Howard Heights Park Improvements, to The Good Earth Works Co., Inc.  in the amount of $117,823.80; or
• Reject all bids and do not award W.O. 05-15 Howard Heights Park Improvements.

Funding for W.O. 05-15 Howard Heights Park Improvements will be provided from City storm drain funds.  The City received four bids for this project as follows:

Contractor	Bid Amount
Engineer's Estimate	$209,401.08
A-1 Landscaping*	$117,389.00
The Good Earth Works Co. Inc.	$117,823.80
Sylvan Landscaping	$150,214.78
SteVon's Inc.	$224,356.19

* Bid deemed non-responsive.

Staff recommends that Council approve the construction contract for W.O. 05-15 Howard Heights Park Improvements, with The Good Earth Works Co., Inc. in the amount of $117,823.80.