Richardson ISD trustees unanimously approved a resolution Dec. 17 that authorizes $747,026 for the hiring of consulting firm EMG – Bureau Veritas to oversee its comprehensive inspection of schools and facilities.
The last comprehensive facilities assessment was performed in 2000 when district building stock comprised 5.1 million square feet. Since then the assessment has been updated every five years. Today buildings in Richardson ISD total 6.4 million square feet. The average building age for a facility in Richardson ISD is 47 years, according to Executive Director of Facilities Michael Longanecker.
A district-appointed committee put out a request for proposals for the audit in October. Five firms submitted applications and were scored by the committee based on four weighted categories, including:
- firm profile: 35 percent;
- performance and experience: 25 percent;
- cost of services: 25 percent; and
- personnel and methodology: 15 percent.
Two firms were interviewed by the committee, but EMG – Bureau Veritas was ultimately chosen. The committee also recommended the board approve an additional $50,000 for overtime staff hours that will arise due to building inspections performed during nonschool hours.
The firm should be able to deliver its facilities assessment to the board by the fall, according to Assistant Superintendent Sandra Hayes.
