If the Lincoln Board of Education approves Hausmann Construction’s proposed guaranteed maximum price for the two new high schools, it will also give Hausmann oversight of a portion of the athletic complexes.
LPS hired Hausmann as construction manager of the two new high schools being built as part of the $270 million bond issue approved by voters in February.
As construction manager, Hausmann hires subcontractors and agrees to a maximum guaranteed price to develop the site and build the high schools. The company, not the district, will be responsible for anything over that agreed-upon amount.
The athletic complexes — shared district facilities for several sports — were going to be bid separately, but LPS Operations Director Scott Wieskamp said now that construction has begun on the high schools, it’s clear much of the work on the athletic facilities is interconnected.
Having Hausmann act as construction manager for both projects will save money and be easier logistically, he said.
While the total cost of the athletic complexes is $24.7 million, Hausmann will oversee just $11 million of the work.
For one thing, the $24.7 million includes $8.3 million to add artificial turf to practice fields at existing high schools — work that’s already begun and will not be Hausmann’s responsibility, Wieskamp said.
And the district earmarked only a portion of the bond funds for the remaining $16.3 million cost of the complexes, with the remainder coming from private sources.
That means construction of the complexes will be phased in, and Hausmann will be responsible for the work that can be done with the bond funds: $7.5 million on the northwest site and $3.5 million on the southeast site, according to the proposed amendment.
The wording of the original request for proposals for a construction manager on the high school projects allows the district to alter the scope of the work, Wieskamp said.
On Tuesday, the board considered the proposed guaranteed maximum price for the high schools: $125.1 million, which is about $1 million over budget but includes $3.2 million in contingency funds to cover unforeseen costs.
The board will vote on that proposal at its Nov. 24 meeting, a change that also includes an amendment to allow Hausmann to also oversee construction of the athletic complexes.
Hausmann has agreed to do the work on the athletic facilities for the same 0.49% fee that it agreed to build the high schools, Wieskamp said. That low cost is part of the benefit of having Hausmann do both projects, he said.
Hausmann’s fee for the high schools raised eyebrows in the construction world because it resulted in a dramatically lower bid than the other two companies vying for the high school construction manager project.
Hausmann’s bid, based on that fee, was $587,000, more than four times lower than Sampson Construction’s $2.7 million bid and nine time lower than Hampton Construction’s $5.2 million bid.
The discrepancy prompted Sampson’s attorney to ask the board to delay the vote a week back in September, but the board unanimously approved Hausmann as construction manager.
LPS' plan includes a shared competition site for football, baseball and track at the northwest school site and soccer, softball and tennis on the southeast high school site, a way to ease scheduling bottlenecks for varsity competitions.
Wieskamp said LPS officials are still deciding what work to do initially, but a football stadium is a high priority. They’ll make those decisions soon and will come to the board with a guaranteed maximum price sometime this winter.
Top Journal Star photos for November
Top Journal Star photos for November
Maison Burnley of the Slim Chickens softball team gets in a session of batting practice in preparation for a spring league season on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in the late afternoon at Holmes Lake Park. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Gustavo Torres, a worker with Pronto Turf, pours gravy on his Thanksgiving meal during a lunch break at Northeast High School, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020. Torres and six other workers from western states have been working over Thanksgiving to prepare the artificial turf at the high school practice field, and an anonymous donor catered the dinner as a surprise gift. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Alex Andrade (left) of Billy's Restaurant works swiftly to add items to their to-go Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. Andrade said they will be preparing over 200 to-go meals over the next two days for families to enjoy. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Nebraska takes on McNeese State without fans on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Cathy Goldman (left), a paraeducator at Elliott Elementary, looks on as her mother Margaret Elley prepares dinner, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. Goldman previously contracted COVID-19 and now keeps a distance whenever she is in a room with her elderly parents. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Nebraska State Capitol is seen lit in blue for "Public Health Thank You Day" on Nov. 23
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Jerry McDonald uses a leaf blower to clear derbies from his rental property on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
 Lauren Brown walks her dogs - two golden retrievers and a Collie, along the shore of Holmes Lake on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. The sun will stay with Lincoln for most of the week, with temperature forecasted to reach 70 degrees on Thursday, according to National Weather Service. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Chairs for the public at the City Council meeting are seen wrapped up in plastic bags to encourage social distancing on Nov. 23 at the County-City Building.Â
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Hay bales are seen in this photo taken on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, near Benedict, Neb. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Tyrus Whittle (left) prepares to touch tackle Harlem McGinnis during a late afternoon game of football with their friends on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, at Peter Pan Park. Tuesday's moderate temperatures made for perfect fall sports weather and it continues for the next few days. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
=DeEtta Mayrose (right) greeted employees arriving for an evening shift of Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, during a Thank-You event for health care workers at Bryan Medical Center - West Campus. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Scott Nash of Lincoln executes a "no-foot, layback air" during an unseasonably warm day on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, at Peter Pan Park. Today was the day to be out-and about as temperatures are forecasted to be much lower in the week to come. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
A pass to Omaha Westside's Koby Bretz (25) is defended by Elkhorn South's Trevor Winterstein (1) in the first quarter on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, during a Class A state final playoff game at Omaha Westside High School. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Ord's Kelen Meyer (2) gets a celebratory hug from teammate Quinton Ries (6) after winning the Class C-2 state football championship at Heedum Field on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Fremont. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
BDS's Dalton Kleinschmidt makes a catch next to Sandhills/Thedford's Reece Zutavern (24) during Class D-2 state championship game on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
BDS's Easton Weber fights for yardage as he is tackled by Sandhills/Thedford's Reed McFadden (left) in the Class D-2 state championship game on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Sandhills/Thedford fans line the field to watch the Class D-2 state championship game against BDS on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
A lone University of Nebraska-Lincoln prepares for a final with a start time of 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at Henzlik Hall. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
The WWII section in Veterans Memorial Memorial Garden on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Lincoln East High School Principal Sue Cassata (center) talks with students Samantha Knuth (left) and McKenna Grass, on Nov. 9, 2020.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Top Journal Star photos for November
Vehicles cross the railroad tracks on South 84th Street south of Nebraska 2 on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Governor Pete Ricketts appears via television screen to deliver his coronavirus briefing on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. The governor and his wife are currently in quarantine after coming in close contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Cyclists make use of the bike trails that which run through Van Dorn Park on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Jadon Kroeten prepares a pizza for takeout at Yia Yia's on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers out onto a nearly empty stadium before taking on Penn State on Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Top Journal Star photos for November
Husker fan cutouts fill the North Stadium stands before the team takes on Penn State on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Kathryn Goertzen and Kurt Goertzen watch the television screen on the northwest side of Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Nebraska inside linebacker Luke Reimer celebrates beating Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Wahoo's Elle Glock (left) holds aloft the championship trophy with teammate Taylor Luben after they defeated St. Paul in five sets during the final of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament on Saturday, Nov. 7 2020, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Hold Fast Kat (left), ridden by Tara Hynes, battles for position against Final Affair, ridden by Jake Olesiak, on final day of live horse racing at the Lincoln Race Course on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020.  KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
With flags supporting President Donald Trump and a loud speaker on his backpack, Wyatt McGinty, 15, circles his bicycle in front of a group of Joe Biden supporters rallying on North Sixth Street, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. About a dozen Biden supporters gathered to support the Democratic presidential candidate, with slightly more supporters of President Donald Trump circled the street with Trump flags by their cars and trucks. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Voters wait in line at Humann Elementary School to check in and fill out their ballots in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Molly Dickinson, who traveled to the polling place at "J" Township Town Hall on her horse Earl, leaves after voting, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry speaks during Lancaster County Republican election watch party, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at Embassy Suites. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Mitch Sweeney sprays the seats during cleaning in between state volleyball tournament games on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Shy, a 2-year-old rescue dog, looks on as Deb DeFruiter of Lincoln (center left) and Carol Wheeler of Auburn (center right) gather at an animal welfare protest outside Nebraska State Office Building, Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Organizers rallied to support Rick Herchenbach, a state employee who claimed the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has failed to regulate cat and dog breeders and rescue facilities. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Park goers are seen on the new hiker-biker bridge between the Rock Island and Jamaica North trails, Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Lincoln Southeast's Taveon Thompson tackles Elkhorn South's Dilan Krause in the first half during Class A state football quarterfinals, Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at Seacrest Field. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
After losing his shoe, Omaha Westside's Koby Bretz dives into the end zone to score a touchdown against Lincoln East during the Class A quaterfinals match on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at Omaha Westside.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
CWC's Morgan Ramsey wipes her eyes as she waits to receive runner up medals with her team during the Class D-2 state championship match on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for November
Wahoo's Elle Glock (right) leads her teammates as they celebrate their five-set win over St. Paul's during the final of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament on Saturday, Nov. 7 2020, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for November
Omaha Skutt's Lindsay Krause (27) dives for a kill by Norris' Ella Waters in the third set during the final of the Class B state volleyball tournament on Saturday, Nov. 7 2020, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Reach the writer at 402-473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com .
On Twitter @LJSreist
Want to see more like this?
Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.