City issues RFP for owner's representative

Working in preparation if Birmingham residents approve a bond proposal on August 6 to permit the city to issue up to $57.4 million in general obligation bonds to demolish and reconstruct a new N. Old Woodward parking garage, city commissioners on Monday, July 1, unanimously approved issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for an owner's representative to provide professional services to oversee all of the work involved in the project.

Assistant city manager Tiffany Gunter explained they would like to move forward issuing the RFP “knowing we would not make a final commitment until well after August 6 – probably not until the third or fourth week of August. It's to begin the pre-construction phase of the Woodward Bates project, so this way we would have someone on board.”

An owner's representative or project manager is typically a third party who is hired by the owner of a project to represent them during site selection, design and construction phases, as well as relocation, if that is relevant. The goal is to have a knowledgeable person on site every day looking out for the city's interest, from all aspects, including financial.

Commissioners confirmed with Gunter that anyone selected during the RFP process would not be contracted unless the city goes forward with the project.

Commissioners approved issuing the RFP, 6-0, with commissioner Mark Nickita not in attendance.