Construction project declares emergency status amid unexpected delays
On Thursday, Broward County school superintendent Howard Hepburn declared an emergency for the district’s construction program after an audit identified a failed competitive bidding process. The emergency allows the district to keep AECOM, the current construction program manager, after its contract expires on Jan. 17.
AECOM is responsible for 166 active capital projects, roughly $1.27 billion in work, including fire safety systems, sprinklers, emergency lighting, power, and ventilation. Without oversight, the district risks stalled or inoperable life‑safety systems, potential suspension of occupancy permits, uncontrolled construction sites, and regulatory sanctions.
The district released a bid solicitation in August, but an internal audit found that the solicitation contained provisions that may violate district policy and state law, potentially discouraging competition. Consequently, Superintendent Hepburn recommended rejecting all bids and invoking the emergency procurement option to continue the program temporarily.
A search for new contractors is expected to take six to eight months, during which the emergency measure will bridge the gap. The decision follows a long record of construction program challenges, including four grand jury reports and a 2021 report criticizing bond execution.
School Board members expressed discontent with the need for an emergency declaration. Superintendent Hepburn said he is reviewing the grand jury findings and plans to implement accountability measures for staff involved.