The recent meeting of the Millis School Building Committee on May 7, 2025, focused on critical decisions regarding the procurement process for the construction of the new middle-high school. The committee discussed two primary procurement methods: the traditional General Contractor (GC) approach under Chapter 149 and the Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) approach under Chapter 149A.

The GC method, commonly known as design-bid-build, involves designing the project first, then bidding it out to contractors, ultimately awarding the contract to the lowest bidder. While this method can lead to lower initial costs, it often lacks transparency regarding subcontractor expenses and can result in numerous change orders due to incomplete designs. This approach is generally suitable for simpler projects but may not be ideal for the complexities of the Millis school project, which involves renovations and logistics challenges.

In contrast, the CMR approach allows for a more collaborative process, where the construction manager is involved during the design phase. This method emphasizes qualifications over price, enabling the town to select a team based on expertise rather than just cost. The CMR approach also allows for early construction packages, which can expedite the project timeline and potentially reduce overall costs. The committee noted that this method has previously yielded positive results, as seen in the Clyde Brown project, which was completed under budget and on time.

After thorough discussion, the committee unanimously voted to proceed with the CMR approach for the middle-high school project. This decision reflects the complexities of the project, including the need for careful coordination between new and existing structures, as well as the necessity of managing an occupied site during construction.

Additionally, the meeting included updates from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The MSBA has authorized the project to move into the schematic design phase, and the committee discussed the need to request an extension for the feasibility study agreement due to delays in the selection process. The MSBA also highlighted the importance of minimizing ineligible square footage in the project to maximize reimbursement for the town.

As the committee moves forward, they will work closely with the selected construction manager to ensure that the project remains on track and within budget, while also addressing the community's needs and expectations. The next steps will involve finalizing the design and preparing for the upcoming town meeting, where further approvals will be sought.