25 January, 1968
Walter M. Tisdale
Service Bldg. "A"
President Evan R. Collins
Administration Bldg. #249
Campus Progress Report No. 116
A set of working drawings fof the Planetarlum ~ Accelerator that
wil] be used for Invitations to bid the building have been completed, and were
malted on 19 January to the Construction Fund. We have not yet received our coples
but they should be here momentarily. The archIltect has already been Instructed to
advertise for bids on 31 January. It Is thefr Intention to allow one month for
bldding and we contemplate a bld opening on | March.
There Is a possibility that If sufficient bidders do not show
interest, the bidding perlod would be extended two weeks for greater competition.
In elther case, we should be able to commence construction as soon as weather
permits, provided we are fortunate enough to recelve a competent bidder that
comes within the funds allocated,
Central Office Is still taking a hard line on making no allow~
ances for excessive construction costs In thls area. This requires us to com-
pete with all other areas without any preferential treatment and Is really a
most unrealistic handicap. | mention this because | feel that even If the bids
do not come within the funds allocated, we have great equity that could be used
to make a case with the Central OFFICE FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS.
White 1 don't Itke to lean upon this possibility, we certainly shall have to
exhaust it if we ane not lucky with our bids. One good thing In our favor Is
that because of the smaller size of the bullding, we expect to see greater In~
terest shown by a great many more local contractors, who can handle Jobs in the
million and one-half price range. They also are better equipped to handle the
local labor market.
will keep you posted on the outcome of all these developments.
Ce: Dre C. Luther Andrews Walter M. Tisdale
Dr. Jagadish Garg Assistant to the President
Or. Curtis Hemenway for Planning & Development
Or. Harry Crull
