Companies interested in constructing Rutherford County’s newest high school placed bids in hopes of landing the contract, which usually goes to the bidder who can complete the project for the least amount of money. Hardaway Construction was awarded the school project, but were disqualified.

Assistant Superintendent of Engineering Gary Clardy explained to the committee that Hardaway Construction was in the process of renewing its license when the bid was made, which disqualified the company. The project was awarded to the next lowest bidder, Biscan Construction, at a price $663,000 more than Hardaway Construction’s bid.

A contract was already signed with Hardaway Construction, however, before it was disqualified and the company filed a complaint with the state contractor.

Clardy told the committee that the project may have to go back to bid.

“If we do have to revisit, it will take three to four weeks to get it back out there,” Clardy said.

Clardy reassured the committee that Stewart’s Creek High School will still open its doors for the 2013 school year as planned.

“We have time to build the building and we will get it completed for the 2013 school year,” Clardy said.

Building Stewart’s Creek High School will cost the county more than $40 million, but county officials are hoping to have some money left over for projects at Eagleville, La Vergne, and Smyrna high schools.

“We’re hoping we will have enough money targeted and savings that we will have approximately $3 million left,” Clardy told the committee.