Detroit contractors invited to bid on M-1 RAIL construction

Bid Packages allow small and medium size contractors to better compete

DETROIT — Stacy and Witbeck, Inc., the construction manager for the M-1 RAIL Woodward Ave. street car project is soliciting bids for local contractors to work on M-1-related construction projects. Based in San Francisco, Calif., Stacy and Witbeck has built numerous streetcar and light rail projects across the country. The firm has been engaging Detroit community participation through meetings with contractors and joining local business and construction associations. “Our outreach provided us with a solid understanding of the local contractor landscape. The information we gathered helped us develop the bid packages in a unique way,” said Tom Gilman, Project Manager, Stacy and Witbeck. “Instead of developing several large bid packages that can only be fulfilled by large contractors and suppliers, we separated out some of the packages so that small and medium companies will be able to compete with the large firms.” Contractors and the public can view the 30 current bid packages (more will be released soon) at: stacywitbeck.app.box.com/m1rail. The bid packages include landscaping, concrete work, signage and much more. M-1 RAIL and Stacy and Witbeck have partnered with the Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce to host a contractor open house on Jan. 30 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (315 E. Warren Ave.) from 1-4 p.m.  It will be a chance for attendees to learn more about the bid packages. “The Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for inclusion of Black Businesses in Detroit’s new development projects,” said Tony Stovall, President of Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at www.m-1rail.com. — Staff report