Justia Government Contracts Opinion Summaries

In this case concerning the award of a concessions contract for concessions at a public park in the City of Providence the Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the superior court in favor of Defendants - the City, the Rhode Island Zoological Society (the Zoo), P.G.S., Inc., and various municipal officials - holding that the trial justice did not abuse his discretion or commit a clear error of law.Plaintiff brought this complaint after the City awarded the concessions contract to the Zoo rather than to Plaintiff, La Gondola, Inc. The trial justice entered judgment for Defendants. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that the trial justice properly (1) concluded that the bidding process was free of corruption, bad faith, and/or an abuse of discretion; (2) held that a certain amendment to the contract was not enforceable; and (3) denied Plaintiff's claim of intentional interference with prospective contractual relations. View "La Gondola, Inc. v. City of Providence" on Justia Law

The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the superior court granting summary judgment in favor of Defendant, Pare Engineering Corporation, on John Rocchio Corporation’s action asserting claims for interference with prospective contractual relations, negligence, and breach of contractual obligations due to Rocchio as a third-party beneficiary of the contract between Pare and the Warwick Sewer Authority (WSA), holding that summary judgment was properly granted.The WSA entered into an agreement with Pare for consulting and engineering services relating to a sewer infrastructure expansion project planned by the WSA. Pare provided requests for proposal that would serve as the basis for the biding process for potential general contractors. Rocchio was the low bidder, but the contract was awarded to another bidder. Rocchio then brought this action. The hearing justice granted Pare’s motion for summary judgment. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that summary judgment was appropriate on all claims. View "John Rocchio Corp. v. Pare Engineering Corp." on Justia Law

Cardi Corporation contracted with the State to construct a portion of a highway construction project dealing with Interstate 195 in Rhode Island (I-Way Project). Cardi subcontracted with High Steel to supply steel for the project. Asserting that it was never paid for 182,873 pounds of temporary steel bracing, High Steel brought suit against Cardi. In response, Cardi filed a third-party action for breach of contract against the State. The superior court granted summary judgment in favor of the State on the third-party suit. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that the contract was clear and unambiguous and did not require payment for temporary bracing steel. View "High Steel Structures, Inc. v. Cardi Corp. v. State" on Justia Law