Representatives of JE Dunn Construction Company gave an overview of construction management for the jail project Tuesday in an open meeting at the Nevada/Vernon County Community Center. The meeting was followed with a site visit.

Ryan McConnell, project manager, JE Dunn, explained bidding instructions to a group of approximately 25 people.

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Sealed bids will be received on May 20 per a bid schedule at the Vernon County Circuit Court. Bids can be mailed to the Vernon County Clerk's Office, Attn: Tammi Beach, 100 West Cherry, Nevada, MO 64772 if received before 1 p.m. on May 20. Telephone and fax bids will not be accepted. Any bids received after the schedule bid time will be returned. A bid bond, certified check or cashier's check for bid security made payable to "Vernon County" in the amount equal to 10 percent of the bid amount must be submitted with the bid.

Contractors can obtain project drawings and manuals at the Vernon County Courthouse for a $150 refundable deposit if returned within 15 days after bid in acceptable condition. Project drawings and manuals are also available for purchase or web viewing at Lane Blueprint and Reprographics, www.laneblueprint.com .

Larry Goldberg, principal architect, Goldberg, Sullivan & McCrerey, expressed the importance of contractors knowing the ins and outs of this complex project. "Please familiarize yourself with the entire project before you bid," Goldberg said. Goldberg explained that bids in areas such as electricity and plumbing should include a training and transitioning period with county personnel at the end of the project.

JE Dunn will review bids for approximately two weeks after May 20.

Lowest qualified bids will be selected.

"Just because you are the lowest bidder doesn't mean you will be awarded the bid," McConnell said. JE Dunn will contact each bidder once bids are accepted.

Several contractors from within a 50-mile radius of Nevada were present at the meeting.

"We definitely want to encourage local participation in this project," McConnell said.

Contractors with questions may contact McConnell at (816) 627-3234 or send an e-mail to ryan.mcconnell@jedunn.com.