The C.S. McCrossan construction firm, which was low bidder for roadwork on the St. Croix Bridge construction project but then lost the job, has sued the state and wants construction stopped while the legal issues are worked out.
McCrossan lost the project because the Minnesota Department of Transportation said the company didn’t meet the goals for using minority and disadvantaged businesses. McCrossan’s bid was nearly $6 million lower than the eventual bid winner, Ames Construction and Lunda Construction.
The Ames/Lunda bid, although higher, met the MnDOT goal of 16.7 percent for disadvantaged business participation, while McCrossan called for 10.6 percent.
In the lawsuit, McCrossan claims that MnDOT’s action was unlawful and demands an immediate stop to the project, KSTP says.
MnDOT would not comment on the lawsuit.
Disadvantaged Businesses?
First off, the bridge shouldn’t even be built, but this whole disadvantaged business stuff is shady. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/civilrights/certification.html Based on your race or sex you get preferential treatment in construction contract awards? I don’t get why some groups get to be on that list, and others do not. Is this really effective in rooting out racism and sexism in our culture?
Also, “Individual owners applying for DBE certification must have a personal net worth that does not exceed $1.32 million.” Wow, that sure does sound “economically disadvantaged”.