Florida State Statute 287.055 (2)(g) states that  “continuing contract” is a contract for professional services entered into in accordance with all the procedures of this act between an agency and a firm whereby the firm provides professional services to the agency for projects in which the estimated construction cost of each individual project under the contract does not exceed $2 million, for study activity if the fee for professional services for each individual study under the contract does not exceed $200,000, or for work of a specified nature as outlined in the contract required by the agency, with the contract being for a fixed term or with no time limitation except that the contract must provide a termination clause. Firms providing professional services under continuing contracts shall not be required to bid against one another.”  

Current board policy limits us to $500,000.00.  This is an unrealistic figure based on current market conditions and is creating significant delays in carrying out Board approved capital projects in the Educational Facilities Plan.  The limit should be increased to $2M consistent with surrounding counties Nassau, Duval, etc.  The recommendation will require an amendment to CCSB Policy 6.01 (B) 1 (a).

The majority of major capital projects are coming in over the $500,000.00 policy limit.  The problem the policy limit creates is that the architectural and design services (continuing contract) required for capital projects are rendered useless because once the projection exceeds $500K, our policy requires us to basically start over and advertise for professional services (architectural/design, engineering, etc) and bid the project accordingly.  This results in a minimum 3-4 month delay in executing Board approved capital projects.   

Ex.  KHE Parking Lot project.   We engaged our continued contract architectural and engineering services with that project.   The original cost estimate was $400K; however, the market brought the bid in at $597K.  We had to postpone the project due to the limit but still had to pay the continuing service architect/engineering fees for a project that got shelved.

Board approved capital projects were limited to $500K.  This resulted in significant project delays and incurring professional service fees for projects that were shelved.

Board approved capital projects up to $2M can be designed per FS 287.055 allowing for projects to be executed in a more timely and fiscally responsible manner.  

Ensure effective management of the organization, operations, and facilities to maximize the use of resources and promote a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment for Clay County students.

Approve for advertising the amendments to SB Policy 6.01 (B) 1(a) - Annual Architect/Engineer Selection as recommended per FS 287.055.