The contract for the construction of a new level to the Bulls Head parking lot was not awarded to the lowest bidder, The Royal Gazette has learned.

And while the Corporation of Hamilton would be happy to discuss its reservations about awarding the contract to a lower bidder with the contractors themselves, Secretary Roger Sherratt said he would not discuss them publicly.

The Royal Gazette learned six companies in total put in bids for the addition to the parking lot ranging from $3.2 million to $5.2 million.

With all the contractors pre-qualified, however, the question of why the Corporation had awarded the contract to D&J - who, at a bid of $3.48 million, would cost more than both Global Construction ($3.3 million) and Landmark Construction ($3.2 million).

"The Corporation reserved the right to select any bid," said Mr. Sherratt, adding that there were some concerns about some of the lower bids.

And, he said, after review, the Corporation decided not to go with those lower bids, but with D&J.

He was not willing to specify what those concerns were, however he added: "We would be happy to discuss (those concerns) with the contractors."

In fact, he added, the Corporation had previously spoken with an official from Landmark Construction about the issues.