Public Roofing Procurement:
When securing roofing or roofing services for a public entity, you shouldl be seeking both serviceability and value. You can not have one without the other. I'll explain that as we go.
EVERY state in the Republic has "Competitive Bidding Laws". All territories and provinces of Canada follow suit.
You must be careful to follow these simple rules to avoid possible litigation brought on by "Preferred Vendors", because it is illegal. No public entity has the authority nor the right to spend taxpayer dollars as if a private owner without competition.
Roofing material manufacturers may not serve as a consultant, bid processor, and supplier. In other words, the "We handle it all" mantra is factually incorrect. Many of them espouse a "Relation Based" approach to public work in this you must be careful, to avoid such exposure.
I realize many of you are novice when it comes to thermal and moisture protection (Division 7). That is perfectly reasonable, as you are paid for administrative skill, not the minutae of all construction trades.
Let's walk through this in layman's terms to address a basic outline for you to safely follow. Your district will be served also you will be satisfied that you've served the taxpayers by spending money wisely.
Fair?
I will not discuss the many subsets of roofing (single ply, modified, BUR, etc.), as that is not our purpose here. Only the procurement method.
1.) Do not let a "need" become an "emergency".
2.) Hire an "Independent" RCI Roof Consultant to understand your need and develop an approach to suit that need. DO NOT hire a roofing material manufacturer as your consultant for reasons explained.
http://www.rci-online.org/
3.) DO NOT buy roofing or roofing services through a "Purchasing Cooperative". I cannot emphasize this enough. Contrary to their claims, you will not save money. You will end up paying much, much, more.
4.) Projects over $50,000.00 must be advertised for bid in the local newspaper (your RCI consultant will help you with this).
5.) Conduct a "Pre-Bid" meeting with responsive contractors, your agency and your roofing consultant.
6.) Open received bids in a public forum with multiple witnesses. This is critical.
7.) "Performance and Payment Bond" : If your project is substantial, I always insist upon this process. The roofing contractor will furnish the "P&P Bond" that is secured by assets held by their bonding company. This will guarantee taxpayers are not "out of pocket" if the contractor fails to complete the work in a satisfactory manner. The bonding company will work with you to make sure the work is complete to your satisfaction.
Bonding rates are dependent upon financial strength of the roofing contractor. Typically, you will see bond rates at approximately 1%, or 2%. Please understand rates vary, that my estimation is only that: an estimate.
P&P Bond will eliminate all taxpayer exposure. It is very low cost insurance, all things considered.
8.) *DO NOT buy anything from Tremco, Garland, HyLoad, or Armko. They have exhibited predatory sales models to the point where Tremco was fined over $60,000,000.00 by the DOJ for misusing "Line Item' contracting with the GSA. I encourage you to do your own research by following this method:
a.) Type "School Roofing Scam" into your browser.
b.) Type "School Roofing Scam" into YouTube.
You will see my advice to you is correct, supported by habitual offenses.
Once you've gotten your Independent RCI consultant on board, you are strongly advised to insist upon mainstream manufacturers (GAF, Carlisle Syntec, Firestone) that are locally distributed and represented. This will keep approximately 70% of tax dollars spent within your local economy. Good?
Avoid the following terms like the plague:
"Proprietary Specifications"
"Preferred Vender"
"Sole Source"
"Line Item Contract"
"Job Order Contract"
These are all methods to avoid "fair competition", and can land you in a world of trouble, through scrutiny.
Mainstream manufacturers offer very inexpensive "No Dollar Limit" warranties that guarantee labor and material for the term of warranty. DO NOT accept anything LESS than a 20 year system, as it is in your best interest.
RCI (Roof Consultant's Institute) has proven themselves as taxpayer friendly and know your situation. They also know the "predatory" schemes I'm discussing with you now. They will lead you to success.
http://www.rci-online.org/
NOTE: Some members of RCI are also sales representatives for the manufacturers I've mentioned. ELIMINATE them for consideration IMMEDIATELY.
I am more than happy to furnish the names of respected consultants in your area or you may contact them directly. They will provide members in good standing.
Please do your own research. Please confirm what I've said here.
I furnish the data. You must judge for yourself.
*This comment is based upon research, and public record. I do not share "Opinions:", nor am I enriched by any decisions regarding manufacturers, consultants, distributors, or contractors.
Hopefully, you will find my general descriptions useful in getting started, and conclude your project achieving the "serviceability and value" you are seeking.
I thank each and every one of you who take time from your busy schedules to visit with me here. Humbled that anyone cares one bit about what I have to say.
My friends, I will suggest you reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".
Constructive criticism based upon public record is encouraged.
Respect,
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
CCC 1325620
Central email address : RobertRSolomon@aol.com
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