The approval of Fontaine’s GMP contract amendment was the main focus of the meeting. This contract establishes a guaranteed maximum price for the construction project, which only changes with additional requirements or change orders outside of the agreement. The contract encompasses all general conditions and requirements necessary for managing and executing the project, such as management personnel costs, job trailers, and essential project tools. It also accounts for allowances and scope holds for undefined or anticipated project scope not assigned to specific bid packages. The GMP includes values for the awarded bid packages and holds for unpurchased ones, with the project currently 90% bought out.

The committee was informed that the construction budget was set at $147,537,913 under the PFA. With the approved GMP at $147,368,525, the project is under budget by $169,388. It was recommended and subsequently approved that the district retains this difference within the project’s contingency. This decision allows the district to use the funds for any unforeseen project needs, although it will not influence MSBA’s grant participation.

The committee’s actions were lauded for bringing the project to this phase under budget, reflecting effective decision-making and project management over the past 18 months. The goal is to continue this trend and potentially bring the project in under the GMP, providing additional savings to the community.