RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION
Photo courtesy of Stantec Sport Group
“ Some agencies and owners in our area have listened , which has resulted in getting competent contractors to competitively bid ,” he said . “ The biggest struggle we face is competing on hard bid / RFPs with unqualified contractors . When a project that requires technical accuracy — like a track , field or court — is awarded to an unqualified general contractor , construction manager or subcontractor , it most often ends with the end user being unhappy .
“ Because of the technical accuracy that most athletic projects require and depending on level of play that will use the fields ( such as rec programs , travel sport programs , high schools , college etc .), we have also suggested these types of RFPs use the design / build method ,” Arcella added . “ Select a competent contractor with design / build experience from an initial submission process . Short-list the most competent , and then work with the selected firm to design and build what the particular agency wants . This process helps achieve the best possible , technically accurate , athletic facility built for the best possible price and within the set budget .” SFM
Mary Helen Sprecher wrote this article on behalf of the American Sports Builders Association ( ASBA ). For more information , visit www . sportsbuilders . org . ASBA publishes Sports Fields : Construction and Maintenance Manual , which walks readers through the decisionmaking process that should precede deciding upon a field surface , as well as its location . It is available in both hard copy and electronic form from the ASBA website . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com May 2024 | SportsField Management
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