At EHRA Engineering, success is built on the dedication and expertise of our team members. Among them is the Contract Administration team, a group of exceptional women who are instrumental in ensuring our construction projects run smoothly from start to finish. Comprising professionals from diverse backgrounds, this team embodies the essence of collaboration, adaptability and meticulous attention to detail.
Leading this remarkable team is Melyssa Hernandez, the Contract Administration Manager, who has been with EHRA for an impressive 17 years. Her extensive experience is complemented by the dedication of Nancy Tran, with 11 years at the firm; Nicole Davis, with 7 years; Christina Borja, with 4 years; and the newest member, Stephanie Boyd, who has brought her talents to EHRA for the past 2.5 years. Despite their varied paths to EHRA, they have merged into a cohesive team that is essential to our firm’s operations.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
While their job titles may say "Contract Administrators," the scope of their responsibilities is far more expansive. As Melyssa Hernandez suitably stated, "We are the first and last eyes on the majority of paperwork that passes through our office." This statement underscores the significant responsibility they take on with every project.
The Contract Administration team is involved in every phase of an EHRA construction project. They handle everything from advertisements, pre-bid documents and bid openings to final contracts and everything in between. Each day brings new challenges, and no two days are ever the same. Flexibility is key, as they juggle ongoing projects while also addressing urgent unforeseen tasks with tight deadlines. As they say, “You learn not to make a to-do list because it will quickly turn into your to-NOT list.”
Their work involves constant communication with contractors, developers, project managers and county, city and district officials. They adhere to strict deadlines and procedures, particularly with final closeouts, payment applications and bond reimbursements. For instance, the team ensures all approvals are completed before contracts are dated and signed, maximizing the developer’s chances of securing reimbursement on bonds and insurance.
THE SKILLS THAT MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN
When asked about the skills essential to their success, the team unanimously let out one word: "Multitasking." Each of them manages nearly 20 projects at any given time, plus additional projects to advertise weekly. Their ability to stay organized, communicate effectively and maintain patience is crucial.
The team’s role begins once they receive the green light from engineers that a project is ready to move forward. They take charge of advertising the project scope, preparing bid proposals and ensuring everything is meticulously assembled into a bid document. Timing is critical—bids must be advertised with sufficient lead time for contractors to prepare, and any errors can lead to costly delays and adjustments.
FROM START TO FINISH
The Contract Administration team is the engine that keeps our construction phase services moving. They organize meetings, create agendas, issue notices to proceed and manage pay requests, change orders and correspondence with contractors. They also handle project acceptance by the County and track projects through the one-year inspection, after which they can officially close out and file the project.
Amid all these moving parts, the team remains on top of every detail. If a client calls to ask about the status of a contract, they can quickly recall exactly where it is in the process. Their tracking of these projects is more thorough than a Domino’s pizza delivery because they understand that the devil lies in the details. When asked how they always manage juggling so many project details, Nicole Davis summed it up humorously but truthfully: “With hope, a prayer and a spreadsheet.”
What makes this team truly special is the bond they share. At EHRA, we pride ourselves on our one team culture, and this group exemplifies that spirit. They are always ready to support one another, and their camaraderie makes even the most challenging days worthwhile. These women are the unseen backbone of our construction phase services team, and we are deeply grateful for their invaluable contributions to our success.
