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School project hits snag
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Posted on May 02 2001
The State Board of Education entered last week a decision to entrust the construction of Saipan’s second junior high school to the hands of a Guam-based construction firm.
But the move, executed based on recommendations offered by the Department of Public Works and the Procurement and Supply Office, is reportedly being contested by the chosen bidder’s closest competitor.
The Public School System’s governing board selected Guam Pacific Power Corporation from a string of bidders vying for the Kagman Junior High School project.
During the course of the bidding process, PSS had narrowed its options down to two highly-competitive bidders: GPPC and Telesource Inc. The latter reportedly submitted a letter of protest addressed to the school system, with a copy sent to the Attorney General’s Office.
This recent development has raised worries among education officials that PSS moves to fast-track the school project may be hampered.
Though speaking highly of the two firms’ workmanship quality, BOE Capital Improvement Projects Chairman Roman C. Benavente explained that the decision to award the contract to GPPC was primarily based on the endorsement made by DPW and the Procurement and Supply.
“Our initial intent is really to expedite this project that’s why we awarded it to a credible company. We are confident that GPPC can finish the project on time just like the other projects it has done for PSS,” said Mr. Benavente.
GPPC was the project contractor behind PSS’ newly-constructed classroom facilities at Gregorio T. Camacho and Dandan Elementary Schools. The firm was also responsible for seeing to the completion of much-awaited Marianas High School gymnasium.
Mr. Benavente added the board stands pat on its decision despite Telesource’s protest. PSS is currently routing the contract for signatures.
The Junior high school in Kagman is eyed to accommodate at least 600 students with the anticipated student population growth at Saipan’s lone junior high school.
The PSS’ ten-year growth projection for Hopwood is at 1613 by SY 2009-2010.
With the two Junior high schools on island, a total of 1800 students combined can be conveniently accommodated, according to the PSS CIP.
