After the Department of Public Works terminated the procurement process for the new Simon Sanchez High School in August, it pursued a "two-track procurement strategy," with one track focused on demolition of the existing campus and the other on the public-private partnership (P3) procurement for construction of the new campus. But while DPW says an authorization to proceed demolition procurement is waiting on GDOE, education officials said it's been signed.

On Nov. 6, DPW said the approach allows demolition activities to advance while the "more complex" construction procurement moves through the remaining review process.

Demolition procurement awaiting final authorization

DPW said it has completed the actions necessary to advance the demolition invitation for bid (IFB), including review and clearance of the IFB by the Office of the Attorney General, as well as financial and administrative review processes.

DPW, GDOE leadership and TRMA met on Oct. 9 to review the remaining steps needed to proceed with the procurement. However, DPW said final action by GDOE is still required.

"The demolition plans and specifications, prepared by the Guam Department of Education's (GDOE) architect, TRMA, are awaiting GDOE's authorization for TRMA to complete the remaining services and release the documents for publication of the IFB," DPW said.

GDOE signed authorization

Guam News Network has reached out to GDOE Superintendent Judith Won Pat regarding the authorization and when it is expected to be completed.

"I’m communicating with deputy (Julie Ulloa-Heath) who is working with TRMA. She’ll call me with an update. I know that weeks ago I met with DPW, TRM, my legal counsels to get DN update. I then signed off on the plan. Hopefully, no later than tomorrow," Won Pat said.

DPW said that once authorization is provided and the remaining work is completed, the department is prepared to advertise and administer the demolition invitation for bid.

"We have completed the steps within DPW's responsibility to position the demolition procurement for release," said DPW Director Vince Arriola. "We appreciate the coordination among all parties involved and look forward to moving the procurement forward once the remaining authorization is provided."

New campus P3 procurement

Separately, DPW said preparation of the P3 request for proposals for construction and leaseback of the new Simon Sanchez High School campus is complete.

"The procurement package has undergone internal review and will require final review by the Office of the Attorney General before issuance. DPW intends to provide the completed procurement package to the incoming administration for consideration and implementation, including completion of the remaining review requirements and subsequent procurement activities," DPW said.

The proposal evaluation process is in line with the Ma Kåhat Act, which requires participation by designated representatives from multiple government agencies, including agency heads.

DPW acknowledged that those positions are subject to the upcoming transition of government from the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration to the Ada-Calvo administration.

"DPW believes it is important to ensure continuity and coordination as responsibility for the procurement moves forward," DPW said, noting its continued commitment to support "a smooth transition and providing the information, documentation, and technical assistance necessary to help advance the Simon Sanchez High School project."

DPW said it would continue coordinating with GDOE, the OAG and other stakeholders to move the two-track procurement process forward.