CHULA VISTA -- Attorneys for Southwestern Community College are working to sever contracts with two construction companies, and are exploring ways to get the bond-funded money back, school officials said Thursday.
The college's "Corner Lot" project near H Street and Otay Lakes Road has been put on hold as attorneys try to cancel the $8.1 million contracts. $5.8 million has already been paid out to BCA Architects and Seville Construction Services.
"Errors were made in the past. What we're trying to do is make sure we understand what those problems were, why they occurred, and address and resolve any issues that we have," said school president Dr. Melinda Nish.
Nish said the school discovered discrepancies in the bid selection process, also known as procurement, but wouldn't specify. She promised to reveal the discrepancies once the school finished its internal investigation.
Southwestern announced measures to address "pay to play" concerns shortly after criminal charges were filed in the Sweetwater case.
Construction executive Henry Amigable used to work for Seville when it won its contract with Southwestern. Amigable has been charged with two felony bribery charges in the Sweetwater case.
Sweetwater school board members are accused of accepting meals, tickets, and other gifts from contractors, failing to report them, and then steering contracts to them.
Nish told San Diego 6 News she is "hopeful" the college will be able to recoup some or all of the money already paid to the two construction firms, but added that Southwestern attorneys have been instructed to keep "all options" on the table.
The Corner Lot project is part of more than $380 million in construction projects funded by a 2008 bond measure approved by South County voters.
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