Arkel Constructors has secured a $3.8 million contract to serve as general contractor on the Bridge Center for Hope project, with construction expected to begin within the next two weeks.
During a special board meeting Friday, RI International, the center’s service provider, recommended Arkel for the contract, which the board of directors unanimously approved.
The firm’s proposal allows for a simultaneous launch of the crisis receiving center, substance use and respite programs, as opposed to the “phased approach” officials had originally planned—a move that will ensure substantial site completion by Nov. 2.
However, the firm was one of just two to respond to the request for proposals RII issued in late March. (Four other firms started the bid process but didn’t submit an offer.) The other bidder was Sahene Construction, whose initial $5.4 million estimate was reduced to $3.5 million during a Q&A session with RII and Architectural Resource Team, according to a presentation delivered by RII at Friday’s meeting.
As a public entity, why didn’t the Bridge Center go with the lowest bidder? The presentation offers some explanation, detailing how Sahene immediately shaved off nearly $2 million from its price without “sufficient detail to how that change was made,” whereas Arkel cut its initial cost from $3.9 million to $3.8 million with a thorough explanation.
“We asked [Sahene] where they got their savings from, and they couldn’t come up with an answer,” RII officials said during the presentation. “Arkel was able to give us substantial information, and $3.8 million is in keeping with other medical construction projects of similar size and scope.”
Moreover, the price is below comparable facilities that range from $4.6 million to $5.2 million.
The 24,000-square-foot center is scheduled to be completed by late fall and is expected to open this year. It will have the capacity to serve up to 5,000 people per year. Licensed staff will stabilize patients and offer them a path to mental health and/or substance use treatment.
“RI International reported that no other facilities are providing this level of comprehensive care,” says Charlotte Claiborne, Bridge Center executive director. “Having this facility will become a huge community asset for the residents of East Baton Rouge Parish, and we’re excited to be able to deliver a facility of this caliber under one location for the community.”
Funded by $6 million in annual property taxes that were passed by parish voters in 2018, the Bridge Center will be located in Mid City, across from Baton Rouge General.
