Shelby Center for Engineering Technology

Auburn, Alabama

Existing site conditions exposed this project to potential cost overruns, a risk our procurement strategy helped mitigate. Our subsurface investigation indicated a high water table (which could require extensive dewatering and shoring) and the presence of existing underground utilities nearby. We also recognized excavation of the basement could provide backfill materials for another area of the building, but we couldn’t assess the suitability of the materials until excavation was underway. To avoid “worst case scenario” bids and keep project costs under control, Hoar (in collaboration with the owner and architect) instructed bidders to include standard dewatering and existing utilities protection costs, as well as unit prices for a stipulated quantity of imported fill and unsuitable soil removal. Despite project unknowns, our procurement strategy enabled the owner to understand and better control project costs and future change orders.