Nassau County opened bids on August 11 for the Glen Cove Avenue retaining wall rehabilitation (H66302-01G). Six firms showed up. Thomas Novelli Contracting of Farmingdale was apparent low at $1,192,600. The high bid came in at $3,908,543 — a 228% spread from low to high.

That spread is unusually wide for a six-bidder field. It suggests very different reads on what this job actually costs — or very different assumptions about site conditions, means and methods, or how long the work takes.

Novelli's number is less than a third of the top bid. In a two-bidder situation, a gap like that raises questions about whether the low number is real. With six bidders in the room, it is easier to see where the field clusters and whether the low is an outlier or the pack is overpriced.

The contract has not been formally awarded. Nassau County DPW is reviewing.

Why this matters. Structural and retaining-wall work in Nassau County is moving. If you price this kind of job, six bidders means a competitive field — and a 228% spread means someone in that field left a lot of money on the table.

What to do next. Nassau County DPW's next round of solicitations — including a 2027 General Requirements contract — is due September 29. Details are on our RFP Wire board.