Low Bidder IBTS Pledges to Return Any Profits to City

CENTRAL —  A non-profit organization established by the National Governors Association has made an unusual offer to the City of Central: If the organization gets the contract to administer city government in Central, it will return any profits to the taxpayers.

The organization was already the low bidder at $16.2 million.

The Institute for Building Technology & Safety, or IBTS, is governed by a Board of Directors representing the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments, and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices.

IBTS has administered more than $200 million in government contracts and is currently performing services for 20 Louisiana cities, parishes, and other governmental entities, according to its proposal.

The proposal submitted by the IBTS says, “As a show of our commitment to the community of Central, we pledge that, should our expenses, including a reasonable fee for the risks of this project, be less than the final fixed price of the contract, IBTS will give the excess amount back to the city or provide additional services as determined by the Mayor and City Council.”

IBTS has selected David Ratcliff of Baton Rouge to serve as Project Director; Larry Walters as Public Works Director; Dean Born as Permits and Inspection Manager; Kenneth Eglinsdoerter as Planning & Zoning Administrator; Daniel Leone, P.E., as Engineering and Stormwater Services Manager, and Helen Lemoine as assistant city clerk.

IBTS has assembled a team which includes three other firms: Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC), GCR & Associates, and Verma Systems.

The IBTS proposal says, “IBTS has sufficient certified and experienced personnel and equipment to complete the transition and perform all services required by the City of Central. Chapter C provides the overall staffing approach for Central’s City Services. We have existing infrastructure, support staff and technology support services in Louisiana, and are ready to hit the ground running. We have the experience to ensure that there is a smooth and seamless transition without any interruption of services.” We have assembled a management team and organizational structure that contains a highly qualified, experienced, and professionally certified staff of over 20 full time equivalent professionals with experience supporting municipal services and have strong knowledge of the City and its operations.”

Like the other bidders, IBTS submitted letters of recommendation and evidence of its bonding, insurance, and financial capability, and its lack of conflicts of interest.