The West Linn City Council authorized the city manager on June 16 to execute a $98,000 preconstruction agreement with Skanska USA Buildings Inc. for the citys operations complex project.

Staff described the contract as the preconstruction phase of a construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) delivery method that brings a contractor into the project during final design to perform constructability reviews, cost estimating and early trade coordination. The council was told the preconstruction contract covers only preliminary services; a separate amendment will be presented later for a guaranteed maximum price before any building construction begins.

Public Works staff said the city issued an RFP on the OregonBuys procurement portal, received 14 responses, shortlisted six firms, interviewed candidates on May 19 and ranked Skanska as the top candidate. "That delivery method will provide enhanced coordination with the design teams, subcontractors, and public agencies throughout the design process," the project presenter said. Staff highlighted Skanskas national experience, local team members and familiarity with sustainable construction methods being considered for the project.

City legal counsel and special counsel explained that the contract uses an American Institute of Architects (AIA) standard template for CMGC work. Several contract sections remain "TBD" in the draft because the CMGC approach identifies final costs and schedules during preconstruction; those blanks are filled when the GMP is negotiated and brought back to council for approval. "This is a CMGC contract, which means that everyone is working together throughout the entire process," special counsel Chad Jacobs told councilors.

Staff said the city's current planning-level budget for the full project is in a range and that the city is working toward a firm budget target. The presentation cited an estimated construction range of $25 million to $35 million and a stated firm budget figure discussed internally of about $35,000,000 "all in," though the final GMP will determine the actual construction contract amount.

Councilors asked about the many "TBD" entries in the draft contract, the timeline to bring a GMP back for council approval and the extent of public outreach. Staff said land-use applications would be filed soon, additional design and community meetings will occur and no construction will begin until the GMP is returned for council approval. The motion to authorize the preconstruction agreement passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.