ECC Construction Bidding 3.30.2025

Updates from the Etna Center for Community

Weeks of March 10 - March 30, 2025

Above. Bidding opening on 3.26.2025 with Bridget Barrett, Mary Ellen Ramage, and Megan Tuñón.

After an extensive public bidding and selection process, Volpatt Construction was awarded the Etna Center for Community Construction Phase contract on March 28, 2025. This contract covers the final and most substantial phase of construction includes:

• Renovation of the three-story building on Butler Street

• New construction a single-story addition on Locust Street.

The month-long bidding process adhered strictly to grant guidelines and included the following key steps:

• 2.26.2025 - Invitation for Bid sent to local agencies via email

• 3.2.2025 and 3.6.2025 - Advertisements in local newspaper

• 3.12.2025 and 3.14.2025 - Site visits with prospective bidders

• 3.19.2025 - Responded to Requests for Information from prospective bidders

• 3.26.2025 - Bid due date, public bid opening

• 3.27.2025 - Bid review

• 3.28.2025 - Awarded to lowest, qualified bidder

1. Required ad in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 2-3. Bid documents posted on Butler St. windows.

Compared to the Selective Demolition public bidding process, the Construction Phase bidding attracted significantly greater interest. During the bidding period, 42 unique companies and organizations contacted the Etna Community Organization to inquire about and obtain the bidding documentation - more than 20 of which were potential General Contractors. Across the two scheduled site walkthroughs, we welcomed 38 individuals representing General Contracting firms and potential subcontracting companies, all seeking to gain a better understanding of the building and project scope in preparation for submitting a bid.

Above. Robert Tuñón (right) provides an overview to potential bidders during the Construction Phase bidding site walkthrough. Photo by Megan Tuñón.

At the public Bid Opening on March 26, 2025, three companies submitted submitted bids for the project and attended the opening:

• Caliber Contracting - $6,173,267

• Tail Industries, Inc. - $5,689,200

• Volpatt Construction - $4,134,000

Each bid included comprehensive supporting documentation, such as a bid bond, cost breakdown, construction schedule, company financials, client and project references, project team details, subcontractor list, and other required materials.

Following the opening, our team conducted a thorough review to verify the completeness and accuracy of each submission. In accordance with grant requirements, the Construction Phase contract was awarded to Volpatt Construction, the lowest qualified bidder.

Above. Robert Tuñón (right) opens the sealed bids during the public bid opening. Photo by Megan Tuñón.

While the Construction Phase bidding process was underway, work on the Selective Demolition Phase was reaching completion. TI Services and their subcontractors finalized remaining tasks and prepared the site for a clean transition into the Construction Phase contract.

Wrap-up of the Selective Demolition phase contract.

1. Robert Tuñón and Bridget Barrett review the roof repair and resulting floor damage.

2-3. Rear of the building at the conclusion of the Selective Demolition phase.

4. Third Floor at the conclusion of the Selective Demolition phase.

5. First Floor of the building at the conclusion of the Selective Demolition phase.

Future work anticipated:

• Begin the Construction Phase contract.

Photo credits: Robert Tuñón unless otherwise noted.