Elkhart terminates curb-ramp contractor, plans phase 2 rebid with NDOT prequalification
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Summary
The city terminated Almac Soda Bear Inc.’s contract for the 2025 curb ramp replacement project for delays and noncompliance, will pay for completed work, and will advertise a phase 2 bid that will likely require NDOT prequalified contractors.
The Board of Works voted July 1 to terminate Almac Soda Bear Inc.’s contract for bid No. 25-072025, the 2025 Street Department curb ramp replacement project, citing slow progress and failure to meet specifications. The city said it will pay the contractor for work completed to date and will proceed to advertise a second-phase bid to finish the remaining ramp work.
Engineering staff said Almac was the low, responsive bidder originally but rapidly fell behind schedule and failed to adhere to project specifications. Staff notified the contractor and concluded that termination was appropriate after attempts to get the project back on track.
Public Works staff said completed work has been accepted as compliant where applicable and will be paid. For the rebid, staff recommended limiting bidders to NDOT prequalified contractors for curb-ramp projects to reduce the risk of future schedule and compliance problems; officials said local firms that do the work are already NDOT prequalified.
The board approved termination by voice vote and subsequently authorized staff to advertise bid No. 25-172025 for the Street Department resurfacing/curb ramp project phase 2. Public Works said purchase orders and funds will remain open into the next season to allow sufficient time for contract completion.