Title
a. Reject the sole bid received for construction of the Medical Surgical 3, Project No 9600-55; and
b. Adopt Plans and Specifications for the Natividad Medical Center, Project #9600-55 Medical -Surgical 3 Renovation, Bid #NMC-1014 for contractors to bid on construction; and
c. Authorize Natividad Medical Center to advertise the “Notice to Bidders” in a newspaper of general circulation.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Reject the sole bid received for construction of the Medical Surgical 3, Project No 9600-55; and
b. Adopt Plans and Specifications for the Natividad Medical Center, Project #9600-55 Medical -Surgical 3 Renovation, Bid #NMC-1014 for contractors to bid on construction; and
c. Authorize Natividad Medical Center to advertise the “Notice to Bidders” in a newspaper of general circulation.
SUMMARY:
Natividad Medical Center ("Natividad") received a single bid in response to the Medical Surgical 3 solicitation. Staff have determined that proceeding with a sole bid does not ensure adequate competition or the best value to Natividad and the County of Monterey ("County"). Accordingly, staff recommend that the County reject the sole bid, exercising its discretion under the bid documents to maintain a fair, competitive, and transparent procurement process, implement minor modifications to the contract documents, and re-advertise the project. Staff anticipate that these modifications will attract lower, more responsive bids while causing only minor delays to project implementation.
DISCUSSION:
Following the Board's approval to solicit competitive bids on October 21, 2025, Natividad advertised and solicited bids for the renovation and modernization of the Medical-Surgical Inpatient Unit on the third floor of Building 500. The project includes new patient charting stations, improved headwall lighting, and updated interior finishes in patient care and corridor areas. California Public Contract Code section 20150.9 authorizes the County, in its discretion, to reject any bids presented. Consistent with this provision, the bid package for Project No. 9600-55 expressly reserved the County's right, in its sole discretion and in the County's best interest, to reject any or all bids or to waive any irregularities or informalities in the bids or the bidding process.
Design and construction documents were prepared by Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA) under the On-Call Architectural Agreement (MYA6333) and received approval from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) following submission on May 23, 2024, with HCAI approval granted on May 7, 2025. The sole bid was opened publicly at the County Administration Building, located at the Monterey County Government Center in Salinas in compliance with public contracting procedures.
Because only one bid was submitted, moving forward with an award would limit competitive evaluation and may not yield the most advantageous outcome for Natividad and the County. Accordingly, staff recommend that the County reject all bids, modify the bid documents to attract wider participation and improve competitiveness, and approve the re-advertisement of the "Notice to Bidders" for Project No. 9600-55, Medical-Surgical 3 Renovation, in a newspaper of general circulation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Plans and Specifications were reviewed and approved by NMC’s Finance Committee and Board of Trustees on August 7, 2026. The Office of County Counsel has reviewed this Board request.
FINANCING:
NMC transferred $7,958,209 to Fund 404 to support the design and construction of the Medical-Surgical 3 Renovation Project. Based on the estimated probable cost, sufficient funding is available to cover construction. The total identified project cost is $7,958,415, which includes $6,000,000 for construction, $1,161,000 allocated as a construction reserve and 797,415 for soft costs. As of June 2026, current expenditures total $352,534. Rejection of the sole bid will have no impact on the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS SECTION:
This project will significantly elevate the overall quality of the facility, creating a modern, comfortable, and patient-centered environment that supports the delivery of high-quality care, enhances the patient experience, and improves functionality for clinical staff.
_X_ Well-Being and Quality of Life
_X Sustainable Infrastructure for Present and Future
_ Safe and Resilient Communities
___ Diverse and Thriving Economy
___ Administrative
Prepared by: Brian Griffin, Project Manager (831) 783-2605
Approved by: Nancy Buscher, Interim Chief Executive Officer, 783-2553
Attachments: Medsurg 3 - Bid Documents General Conditions, Medsurg 3 - Plans_S240593-27-00, Notice to Bidders