RTD has an unconventional view of "the lowest responsible bidder" process in bidding and awarding contracts. For years the proposed cost has only been given a sixty to eighty percent weight in awarding a contract. Good awards should always consider the bidder's credentials, past performance, reputation and the economic impact; among others.

Unfortunately the RTD staff went too far in establishing the bidding criteria on a proposed contract earlier this week. The contract up for renewal covered the security services used at all RTD facilities. The staff decided that the annual cost of the service should only constitute 20% of all factors used in awarding the new contract. (TWENTY PERCENT) You do know what the staff was really saying? We want the Board to award the contract to our friends.

The staff was not able to slip the new contract pass the Board of Directors thanks to District J representative, Bill Christopher. He questioned the 20% weight for the cost used in the bidding process as being "flawed". Polite talk for something stinks. As a result of his intervention the contract with the existing provider was extended for one year by the full Board with direction to the General Manager and staff to redo the bidding process after the criteria's "formula" is reevaluated.

Hopefully other members of the Board will start to be more diligent in protecting our interests.