Procurement report: Charlottesville bundling three intersection projects into one

One reason for this recurring segment is to show people the costs associated with providing government services. Virginia law requires the process to be transparent and I find the details to be fascinating.

Over the years, Charlottesville has had difficulty securing contracts for smaller transportation projects with bids coming in over the budgeted amount. On October 3, the city invited firms to bid on three separate intersection improvements in the hopes that a larger project might attract a contractor who can lower costs through economy of scale.

“This project is a combination of three VDOT intersection improvement projects; the Monticello 2nd Intersection Project, the 10th and Grady Bike Pedestrian Improvements Project, and the Preston and Harris Intersection Project,” reads the summary of the invitation to bid. (learn more)

Descriptions:

• “The Monticello 2nd Intersection consists of constructing pedestrian improvements on all four corners of the Monticello Ave and 2nd Street intersection to increase visibility for pedestrians and reduce the crossing distances across the intersection. Additionally, some signal work is included in this project.”
• “The 10th and Grady project consists of improvements and additions to the pedestrian signals and [Americans with Disabilities Act] curb ramp improvements and additions around the intersection.”
• “The Preston and Harris intersection consists of pedestrian improvements on all four corners of the intersection.”

Bids are due on November 13.

The window has closed in Albemarle County for firms to conduct an assessment of the Department of Community Development (CDD). A request for qualifications was sent out on October 7 and proposals were due October 22.

The copy of work is to “review performance of CDD’s current operations and administration, its interrelationship with departments internal and external to the County as well as provide insights as to how it compares to industry standards, similar localities and best practices.”

Other recent procurement activities:

• The City of Charlottesville seeks an attorney to provide legal counsel to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The request for qualifications states the person or business would be paid hourly. (learn more)
• Four firms submitted bids to submit bids for a project to upgrade the sidewalk at 12th Street NE and Grove Avenue to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lowest bid of $140,914 came from Linco Inc of Waynesboro with the highest coming from Graham Concrete LLC at $297,917. The contract went to Linco on October 7. (learn more)
• The City of Charlottesville is seeking bids for a firm to perform restorative maintenance at the Market Street Parking Garage. The concrete structure requires several repairs because such garages “require periodic maintenance to ensure ongoing structural integrity and safety for users.” Bids are due on October 29. (learn more)
• The City of Charlottesville is seeing a firm to furnish and plant 119 2” caliper trees across the city. They must also guarantee each tree lives for at least a year. The work is to be completed by January 16, 2026. Bids are due on October 23, 2025. (learn more)
• Charlottesville’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a company to provide certified umpires for the sport of softball for spring, summer, and fall programs. Bids are due December 2, 2025. (learn more)

Before you go: The time to write and conduct research for this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment comes from the October 27, 2025 edition of the program. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon.