A bill authorizing the use of $16.4 million for financing and predevelopment stage expenses of the Simon Sanchez High School project also headed for a vote Thursday. Bill 235 receiving the green light—coming as a competing bidder, General Pacific Services, filed an appeal with the Office of Public Accountability.

The company claims the department of public works failed to respond to its procurement protests related to the project.

As KUAM News previously reported, demolition and groundbreaking for the new Simon Sanchez High School were placed on hold in November following GPS's protest, which raised concerns over the timeliness and completeness of procurement records.

In a statement, GPS argued, “Previously withheld documents show that core tech international bid $195 million on a project the legislature capped at $165 million. GPS bid $86 million. Dpw chose to negotiate with CTI.”

Despite the ongoing appeal, the bill passed with a vote of 10 yays and 5 nays and is headed to the governor’s desk.