However, diving deeper, the waters became murkier.
The Devil’s in the Details: Contracts and Cost-Shaving
While the dispute seemed straightforward on the surface, the court emphasized the nuances in how contracts were awarded.
Typically, public works contracts, draped under the Prevailing Wage Act, employ a low-bid approach.
This method, while frugal, poses a potential risk as bidders might trim costs, leading to wages that don’t truly reflect the market value.
On the contrary, BSC Group’s selection didn’t wear the cost-conscious lens. Their approach prioritized “expertise and experience” first and addressed costs later.
This modus operandi doesn’t resonate with the Prevailing Wage Act, setting the stage for the court’s pivotal conclusion.
Roving Engineers in Massachusetts : Key Stakeholders Weigh In
Outside perspectives shed more light on this tangled issue.
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts submitted an amicus brief suggesting that the BSC contracts didn’t fit the mold required by the prevailing wage law.
