By Ethan Nahté
Sealed bids from bike trail developers for bike trail construction were to be received by the City of Mena until 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6. Mena A&P Commission conducted the Ward Lake Park bike trails bid opening at City Hall at that time where they publicly opened and read the bids aloud. The meeting was to open, review and select a trail builder.
Commission chair Rick Chrisman reported only one bid was received from Progressive Trails. “We made no decision due to the potential requirement for more bids and uncertainty if that will be acceptable to the Federal Economic Development Administration (grantor). We’ll be communicating with them.”
The scope of work consists of building mountain bike trails and trail features. The trail system to be constructed is a destination to attract hikers, bikers and trail runners of various skills, ages, and abilities alike.
A performance bond equaling 100% of the total amount of any bid exceeding $20,000 must be provided for any contract for the repair, alteration or erection of any public building, public structure or public improvement pursuant to Act 351 or 1953 as amended by Act 539 of 1979. Surety companies must be listed on Circular 570.
The Commission reserved the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids. Bidders could not withdraw their bids within 30 days after the date of bid opening. All bidding processes were required to be in accordance with State law.
Unless there are valid reasons not to, the Commission will accept the lowest bid. Even then they’re subject to weather delays and contractor schedules. Once started, there will be a six-month window to complete Ward Lake trails.
More information of how the bidding is affected by Monday’s meeting will be provided once the Commission reaches out to the grantor.
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