A Pennsburg contractor will do the work to convert the Upper Perkiomen Middle School to a center for fourth and fifth graders in East Greenville. Last week, the school board awarded the contract for general construction to Gordon H. Baver, Inc.

            During the March 14 regular meeting, the members also approved contracts for plumbing and mechanical work at the school, located at 510 Jefferson Street, for a total $1.230 million. They also voted to reject a bid for electrical construction.

            Daniel Cicala, a principal with Fidevia Construction Management and Consulting in partnership with Blackney Hayes Architects from Philadelphia, is providing the pre-construction and construction services for the work.  He estimated the total cost of the project, including a contingency, at $2.414 million. The amount represents a decrease of nearly $900,000 from the Lititz company's initial estimate five months ago.

            "We got a really good bid result," Cicala said during his presentation." You should be very happy."

            Gordon H. Baver, Inc. provided the lowest of seven general construction bids and will be paid $1.052 million to paint and install cubbies in the classrooms, remove the lockers and create a new entrance. Baver's bid included $989,000 to complete the renovations and an alternative bid to provide storage shelving above the cubbies for $33,000.

            The school board rejected a second option for the contractor to purchase outdoor playground equipment. According to Superintendent Alexis McGloin, district officials will purchase the equipment.

            Rogers Mechanical, of Boyertown, was awarded the mechanical contract. The company, which presented the low of four base bids, will be paid $153,400.

            LGB Mechanical, Inc., of West Berlin, NJ won the low bid for the plumbing contract. LGB's price of $25,225 came in significantly lower than Rogers Mechanical's price of $38,092.

            The members rejected the lone electrical bid, $385,900 from Eagle Electric Group Inc., of Pottstown. Cicala described the number as significantly higher than initially estimated. He said the specifications are currently available for bid on PennBid, the state's electronic document and bid management program.

            According to Cicala, the project schedule hasn't changed. Substantial completion of the Upper Perkiomen 4th and 5th Grade Center is expected by Aug. 15. Final completion is expected by Sept. 1. 

            "So far, so good," said Melanie Cunningham, a board member who chairs the facilities committee.