BUSD approves RFP for inspection of BHS/SMS fence

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

A security fence will be constructed around the campus shared by Bonsall High School and Sullivan Middle School, and the BUSD board meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16, included authorizing district staff to issue a request for proposals for inspection services for the fencing.

The 4-0 board vote, with Michael Gaddis absent, authorized BUSD staff to issue the RFP. A separate RFP for the construction of the school security fencing project was authorized for bid Aug. 17.

“We’re putting in an additional perimeter fence that will create a single point of entry on campus,” BUSD superintendent Joseph Clevenger said.

Currently the middle school and high school can be accessed from the south, west and east portions of the school grounds. The fencing will filter visitors to a single point where school staff can monitor and verify visitor entry. The fence will be 7 feet high and will be ornamental steel and chain link fencing. The design and eventual construction will also include a double pedestrian gate at the main campus entry which will include a camera and buzzer system, a motorized vehicular gate at the main entrance, an access system for pedestrian gates and electrical engineering to ensure operation.

On June 15, the BUSD board voted 5-0 to award a design contract to AlphaStudio Design Group, which is based in Carlsbad, for architectural services related to fencing around the campus. The design contract has a Dec. 31, 2022, expiration date and AlphaStudio Design Group will be paid $16,750. Any construction involving a public school in California must be approved by the Division of the State Architect, so the AlphaStudio tasks also include processing the project through DSA for review and approval. A visual survey will document existing observable conditions and determine the extent of work required. AlphaStudio will also assist the school district during the bid phase of the project including pre-bid meetings and responses to requests for information. The design phase will also determine whether modification of the existing irrigation system is warranted.

On May 18, the BUSD board authorized district staff to advertise a request for qualifications inspection firms to establish a pre-approved pool of inspection service providers. At the Aug. 17 meeting the board approved three firms to be placed on the pre-approved list. Construction Inspection Services, Quality Control Consultants and TYR IOR are the three firms on the list.

“It will be an additional step to ensuring the safety of all of our students during the school day,” Clevenger said.

After the bids have been received and reviewed, the BUSD board will consider the award of a construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder. The work has an estimated cost of $200,000.

The actual construction timeframe will be contingent upon DSA approval.

“Spring break’s our target goal,” Clevenger said.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at [email protected].