Six submit bids to lead construction of new Durfee high school

The companies had until Friday at 11 a.m. to submit “request for qualifications” packets that detail their proposed project teams, their bonding capacity as well as relevant prior building projects.

FALL RIVER - Six construction companies have filed paperwork outlining their qualifications to be the construction manager that will oversee the building of the new B.M.C. Durfee High School.

The companies had until Friday at 11 a.m. to submit “request for qualifications” packets that detail their proposed project teams, their bonding capacity as well as relevant prior building projects.

The information that was submitted to the Purchasing Department at Fall River's Government Center did not include bids with proposed dollar amounts. Next month, the Durfee Building Committee will issue a request for proposals - which will call for proposed project budgets - after narrowing down the initial list of six applicants.

The companies that responded to the request for qualifications all have built public schools and other facilities across Massachusetts and the country:

•Dimeo, a Providence construction company, has built the Fall River Justice Center, as well as construction projects at Johnson and Wales, Yale University, Providence College and Western Connecticut State University.

•Gilbane Building Company, which is based in Providence, has built schools across the country, in Florida, Georgia, Washington D.C., California and Massachusetts.

•Skanska, an international company with a New York City headquarters, has built schools in New Hampshire, North Carolina and Florida.

•Shawmut Design and Construction, which is based in Providence, has built several K-12 public schools across Massachusetts.

•Consigili, a national construction management company, has built several K-12 public schools in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

•Suffolk Construction, a Boston-based national company, has built public schools and universities across the country.

After reviewing bid proposals and interviewing finalists, the Durfee Building Committee expects to award a contract by the first week of June. Construction is expected to begin next year, with the new Durfee slated to open in September 2021.

On March 6, Fall River’s voters approved a debt exclusion to help pay for the new Durfee, which will cost around $263.5 million to build. Mayor Jasiel Correia’s administration said the city will pay $98.5 million; $40 million from the tax levy and $58.5 million through a debt exclusion.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority will pay $165 million — about 62.5 percent of the total cost — and will reimburse the city in regular increments as the School Department incurs planning and construction costs.

The new Durfee will be a 501,000-square-foot facility and will be built on the current school’s Elsbree Street campus. According to the project timetable, crews will begin moving utilities at the site this fall in time for construction to begin next year.

Email Brian Fraga at bfraga@heraldnews.com