The Superintendent recommends approval of Breedlove Land Planning (BLP) to serve as the civil engineer for the development of the Austin Road Property.

In March of this year, System Operations received approval from the Board to solicit proposals from design professionals and construction managers as it relates to future development of school system property along Austin Road where the Sims Academy of Innovation and Technology is located.

System Operations made a decision to separate civil engineering services from architectural services.  Normally the civil engineer serves as a consultant to the architect.  Barrow County Schools can work with both entities collaboratively without having to pay the markup associated with the traditional architect / civil engineer arrangement.

Proposals were received from 6 different civil engineering firms for this project.  A committee of five members reviewed proposals and discussed the merits of each.  Committee members included:
Doug Blackwell – Principal / CEO Sims Academy
Scott Walker – Walton EMC Account Executive

Kendall Dayton – Barrow County Schools Project Manager

Greg Webb - Barrow County Schools Director of Maintenance 

Joe Perno - Barrow County Schools Assistant Superintendent

The recommendation for a construction manager is expected to be presented at the January 2018 work session.

Barrow County Schools has worked successfully with BLP on numerous projects in the past including Bethlehem Elementary School, County Line Elementary School, additions and renovations to Auburn, Holsenbeck, and Statham Elementary Schools, and Apalachee High School.  BLP’s experience in project planning and design including high school facilities is extensive.

A flat fee of 3.5% was set for this project which is a fair and reasonable fee for this scope of work.  Normally an architect provides these services with the civil engineer serving as their consultant.  By splitting these pieces apart, Barrow County Schools will save 1.5% in markup costs.

The services of a civil engineer are needed to complete a master plan for the Austin Road property and to develop the necessary documents for earthwork, storm sewer, drives, walkways, and landscaping associated with the construction portion of the project.