TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has approved several new bid awards and change orders totaling more than $100,000 during its latest public meeting, covering a range of public service and infrastructure projects.
The county awarded contracts for meal delivery, extended existing service agreements, and authorized financial adjustments for multiple ongoing construction projects, including major road and building improvements.
Driftwood Deli & Sub Shop LLC and Legacy Hospitality & Entertainment Group LLC were approved as the lowest qualified bidders for the county’s delivered meals contract (B2026-10). Several bid items deemed unresponsive — including items 25 through 56 — will be rebid, along with items 1 through 24, to expand the vendor pool for meal delivery services.
Contract extensions and rejections
The commissioners also approved a one-year contract extension with Timothy Peters Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc. to continue providing countywide plumbing services through March 2027.
However, all bids for the furnishing and delivery of miscellaneous groceries, frozen foods, and kitchen supplies were rejected under state purchasing law. Officials said the specifications for those contracts will be substantially revised before rebidding to better align with current operational needs.
Change orders for county construction projects
The board approved several change orders adjusting contract values on ongoing capital projects across Ocean County:
• Justice Complex Annex – Ernest Bock & Sons, Inc. received an $85,328.63 contract increase (Change Order No. 13)
• Cross Street Reconstruction, Lakewood – P & A Construction, Inc. received an increase of $24,403.87 (Change Order No. 7)
• County Road Resurfacing Contract 2021D – Earle Asphalt Company received an increase of $16,757.97 (Change Order No. 2)
• Manahawkin Lake Dam Rehabilitation, Stafford – Vulcan Construction Group, Inc. contract decreased by $27,810.38 (Change Order No. 1)
• Dock Road Reconstruction, Eagleswood – Arawak Paving Company, Inc. contract decreased by $14.00 (Change Order No. 2)
Key points:
• Meal delivery contracts awarded to two local vendors; multiple bid items to be rebid
• Plumbing services contract extended through 2027
• Over $100,000 in construction adjustments approved, including major courthouse and roadway projects
County officials said the financial adjustments reflect standard project modifications and cost reconciliations as work progresses across multiple county facilities and infrastructure upgrades.
