Board of Trustees Turns to Second Low Bidder for LTC Facility

GILLETTE, WY – The Campbell County Health (CCMH) Board of Trustees voted last night to negotiate a contract with Ascent Construction for construction of the new Long Term Care facility. The vote was unanimous, with Trustees Dr. Sara Hartsaw and Randy Hite excused and not in attendance.

The original bid was awarded to AP Wyoming/S & S Builders in July 2013, with the intent to begin construction in late August. Prolonged contract negotiations delayed the start of construction by over two months, and no contract has been signed.

"Both parties worked on the agreement with the best of intentions," said CEO Andy Fitzgerald. "This project has such strategic importance to CCMH that Administration recommended to the Board that we end negotiations with AP and move in a different direction."

Ascent's original bid for the project was a GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) of $31,525,000, approximately $500,000 higher than the low bid from AP Wyoming. The new contract will be negotiated at a GMP of $31,600,000. The changes include a deduction for civil engineering fees, and the addition of reimbursable to the architects and permitting costs.

"Ascent has assured us that they can meet their construction timeline of 15 ½ months," said Carl Sorenson, VP of Facilities and Plant Operations. "If we move forward with Ascent we can potentially begin construction the first week of November."

Ascent Construction is based in Centerville, Utah and is one of Utah's top 10 general contractors.

"Ascent Construction is excited to be selected by the Campbell County Health Board and Executive Staff to construct the new Pioneer Manor long-term care facility," said Brad Knowlton, President of Ascent. "This will be a beautiful facility designed by Lantz-Boggio Architects. After seven years of planning by so many people, it will truly be an honor to make this facility a reality for the seniors of Campbell County. We are grateful for the opportunity and for the trust, confidence, and support shown by the Hospital Board."

Media Contact
Karen Clarke
Manager Community Relations
Phone: 307-688-1581
Email: karen.clarke@ccmh.net