title
Authorization to participate in the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program to access RSMeans Construction Cost Estimating Database owned by Gordian Group Inc.
presenter
Presenter: Leonard Langston, Jr., Interim Chief Property Officer
Recommendation
The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Chicago Housing Authority (“CHA”) recommends that the CHA Board of Commissioners (“Board”) approve participating in the existing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program contract with Gordian Group, Inc. for access and usage of RSMeans construction cost estimating database from July 30, 2026, through February 4, 2030. The contract award to Gordian Group, Inc. is in the approximate aggregate value of $3,412,625, consisting of a 3.5-year base contract value of $2,388,875 and 1.5-year option term aggregate value of $1,023,750.
The Board further authorizes the CEO to approve each request to exercise the options awarded under the contract.
|
Recommended Awardee |
Base Contract Value |
Base Term |
Option Terms |
Total Contract Value |
|
Gordian Group, Inc. |
$2,388,875 |
3.5 years |
1st Option: 1Year $682,500 2nd Option: ½ Year $341,250 |
$3,412,625 |
|
Aggregate Total: |
$2,388,875 |
|
$1,023,750 |
$3,412,625 |
The requested action complies in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and CHA policies. CHA staff has completed all necessary due diligence to support the submission of this initiative.
Funding
MTW Funds
Background
Maintaining accurate pricing across hundreds of construction industry related items is not only time-intensive but also introduces significant risks. Market fluctuations in material costs and labor rates occur frequently, and ensuring accuracy would require ongoing, dedicated oversight with specialized expertise. Without consistent updates, estimates can quickly become outdated leading to underpricing, margin erosion, or overpricing that impacts competitiveness. By utilizing RSMeans, the industry standard for construction cost estimating database, it will mitigate these issues and provide CHA’s construction vendors with a tool to accurately price construction projects and CHA the ability to confirm pricing quotes in a timely and effective manner. Gordian Group Inc. acquired RSMeans in 2014. Since then, RSMeans has offered their standard construction cost estimating database under the Gordian brand.
Procurement Activities
CHA staff recommend awarding a contract to Gordian Group Inc. for the supply, delivery, support and maintenance of RSMeans construction cost estimating database. The underlying procurement contract was competitively procured by Sourcewell through solicitation #010626 issued on November 18, 2025, to establish a national cooperative contract for Job Order Contracting or Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Program Management Consulting Services. Sourcewell, a State of Minnesota local government and service cooperative acts as the contracting agency for any other Public Agency that elects to utilize the resulting Master Agreement. A pre-proposal conference was held on December 19, 2025. Nineteen responses were received on January 06, 2026.
Based on the evaluation from the lead agency, The Gordian Group Inc. was awarded the Joint Purchase Master agreement via contract# 010626-GGI for Job Order Contracting or Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Program Management Consulting Services with Related Solutions for all participating agencies.
The base contract for the underlying agreement is four (4) years, February 16, 2026, to February 4, 2030, with three additional one-year options to extend.
Contracting Requirements
The CHA has reviewed the proposed vendor and has determined the vendor utilization plans meet with the CHA’s stated goals.
The Gordian Group, Inc. (Gordian) will meet CHA’s 20% M/W/DBE participation requirement through a combination of indirect participation and a waiver. Gordian has committed to 15% indirect participation with SP Murphy (MBE - Cook County) and 2% indirect participation with TEC Services (WBE - Cook County).
To satisfy CHA’s Section 3 requirements, Gordian has elected to submit an Other Economic Opportunity (OEO) Plan with the following commitments: Workforce Development, Contractor Readiness, and a Mentorship Program. Gordian Group will pursue a technology access initiative of donation of computers to CHA for resident use and providing employment outreach opportunities encouraging CHA residents to apply through Gordian’s standard hiring process.
Additionally, Gordion will satisfy any unmet commitments through quarterly payments to the workforce development initiatives or scholarship funds, as designated by CHA. Gordian has previously held one contract with CHA.
Vendor Background Information
Arul Elumalai, Group President; 30 Patewood Drive, Suite 350, Greenville, South Carolina, 29616 The Gordian Group, Inc. is the industry Leader in Building Intelligence Solutions. The Gordian Group has been in operation for approximately 36 years, and its industry experience encompasses work within the federal sector, healthcare, higher education, and Co-op/GPO partnerships. They empower organizations to budget more effectively with RSMeans™ Data and Flash AI™ Estimating, build faster through Job Order Contracting, and maintain assets with confidence using Assessments and Capital Planning. Their insights, technology, and expertise help companies plan, procure, and optimize every stage of the building lifecycle.
Based on the foregoing, it is in the best interest of the CHA for the Board to authorize the CEO or his designee, to enter into a contract for access to RSMeans construction cost estimating database with Gordian Group Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $3,412,625.
Respectfully Submitted:
______________________
Keith Pettigrew
Chief Executive Officer