27-19-PLAN Danvers-Peabody-Salem Rail Trail Feasibility.pdf

City of Salem, Massachusetts

Request for Proposals

RFP No. 27-19-PLAN

Danvers-Peabody-Salem Rail Trail Feasibility Study

September 9, 2026

Issued by the City of Salem on behalf of the Town of Danvers, City of Peabody, and City of Salem

PROPOSALS DUE:

October 7, 2026 11AM

*Late proposals will be rejected

REMOTE INFORMATION SESSION (NON-MANDATORY):

September 16, 2026 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84460003152

Passcode: 290402

Anthony P. Delaney Chief Procurement Officer

93 Washington Street, 2nd Floor Salem, MA 01970 adelaney@salem.com

(978) 619-5695 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84460003152 mailto:adelaney@salem.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General Information 12

1.1 Procurement Description 12

1.2 Approval 13

1.3 Incorporation by Reference 13

1.4 Time for Award 13

1.5 Right to Cancel/Reject 13

1.6 Taxation 13

1.7 Obtaining the Request for Proposals 14

2. Instructions to Proposers 15

2.1 Requirements and Submissions 15

2.2 Proposal Delivery 16

2.3 Signatures 17

2.4 Questions, Changes, Modifications, and Withdrawals 17

3. Project Description 19

3.1 Site Location and Context 19

3.2 Project History 19

3.3 Goals 21

3.4 Planning Context 22

4. Scope of Work 24

4.1 Scope of Services 25

Task 1: Project Management and Administration 25 Task 2: Stakeholder and Agency Coordination 27 Task 3: Existing Conditions and Background Assessment 28 Task 4: Alternatives Development and Phase 1 Screening 29 Task 5: Preferred Alternative(s) Analysis 29 Task 6: Implementation Planning and Final Deliverables 30

4.2 Timeline 31

4.3 Funding 32

4.4 Reference Materials 32

4.5 Submittals 32

4.6 Form of Contract 35

4.7 Appendices 35

5. Evaluation and Selection 37

5.1 Selection Process 37

5.2 Comparative Criteria 41

5.3 Rule for Award

6. Terms and Conditions 42

6.1 Term of Contract 42

6.2 Assignment and Subcontracting 42

6.3 Ownership of Material 42

6.4 Access to Records 42

6.5 Conflict of Interest 42

6.6 Fair Practices 43

6.7 Debarment 44

6.8 Insurance Requirements 44

6.9 Indemnification 44

6.10 Federal and State Law 44

6.11 Audit Data 44

6.12 Fee Negotiation 45

6.13 Sample Contract 45

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 27-19-PLAN

DANVERS-PEABODY-SALEM RAIL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY

COVER SHEET

Proposer: _________________________________________________________________

Street Address: _______________________________ _____________ ________ _______ (Number and Street) (City) (State) (Zip)

Taxpayer Identification No:

(Social Security Number) (Federal Identification Number)

Contact Name: _________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _________________________________________________________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________

Fax: _________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature: __________________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Title: __________________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________

COVER SHEET

Submissions:

Completed Cover Sheet Checklist (this page) Price Proposal Form (can provide own form if necessary) Non-Price Proposal o Signed Certificate of Non-Collusion o Signed Tax Compliance Certification o Signed Certificate as to Corporate Bidder (if applicable) o Plan of Service

Acknowledgement of Addenda: __________ (if applicable)

CHECKLIST

Proposer’s Name:

Name of Lead Individual or Company making Proposal:

The following are to be attached to this proposal form. (Responses should be detailed in accordance with the previous specific requests for information under “Technical Proposal” in the RFP document)

1) A synopsis of similar projects.

2) A synopsis of other significant contracts, with examples, related to similar services for municipal or state agencies.

3) Resumes of key personnel. A list with the name, address, telephone number, date of service and contact person’s name for a minimum of four relevant projects.

4) Number of consecutive years the proposer has been engaged in directly related services.

5) A completed Proposal Signature Form.

The undersigned, hereafter called the proposer, having fully familiarized himself with all of the proposer documents, hereby agrees and declares:

1) That prices inserted cover all services, labor, materials, transportation, insurance, and all other necessary expenses to fulfill the conditions of the contract within the time stated.

2) That if a substitute manufacturer’s name or model number is not inserted by the proposer under the appropriate column, it is understood that the proposer will furnish only the specified item and no substitute will be accepted.

3) Pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 62C, sec. 49A, the proposer hereby certifies that the proposer has filed all state tax returns and paid all state taxes required under law.

4) The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this proposal has been made and submitted in good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this certification, the word “person” shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation, union, committee, club, or other organization, entity, or group of individuals.

The following items are to be completed by the proposer:

Title of Proposal:

Guaranteed Date of Completion:

Company Name:

Company Address:

Social Security or Federal Identification Number:

Our company is: A Corporation A Partnership Individually Owned

Signature of Company Official

Telephone Number:

Facsimile Number:

Email Address:

Terms: % Days, Net Days

PRICE PROPOSAL

Price proposal must be provided in a separately sealed envelope.

Proposer’s Name:

Name of Lead Individual or Company Making Proposal:

Selection of a Respondent to perform this project design will be based upon qualifications, experience, historical performance record, understanding of needs, suggested innovations and the Respondents' proven capabilities. In addition to the data and documentation being submitted by the Respondent in response to this request, the municipality will also rely on information received from the references submitted with the proposal.

The prices quoted and totaled below include the cost of all labor, materials, insurance, and all other necessary expenses to fulfill the conditions of the contract. All travel costs to be incurred by the consultant shall be paid by the consultant.

The following detailed price proposal is based upon the Scope of Services. Consultants are encouraged, where appropriate, to propose creative, innovative, and cost-effective approaches to the Scope of Services. The Technical Proposal and Price Proposal may reflect modifications or alternative approaches to the general Scope of Services.

Respondents are encouraged to submit pricing based on MassDOT’s Standardized Scope of Service Guidance for Preparing Work Hour Estimate Forms for Consultant Services and spreadsheet.

TOTAL PRICE: $_______________________________________

The City of Salem, on behalf of the Town of Danvers and City of Peabody, reserves the right to choose any or all of the phases or tasks to be resulting from this RFP. Vendors MUST provide pricing on all phases and tasks. Some of the phases and tasks may not be awarded and deleted phases and tasks may be assumed by the City.

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

NAME (PRINTED)

____________________DATE

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

FORM A

NON-COLLUSION

The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this bid or proposal has been made and submitted in good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this certification, the word "person" shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation, union, committee, club, or other organization, entity, or group of

(Signature of authorized individual submitting proposal)

(Printed Name)

(Name of Proposer)

(Date)

FORM B

TAX COMPLIANCE

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 62C, §49A, I certify under the penalties of perjury that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, I am in compliance with all laws of the Commonwealth relating to taxes, reporting of employees and contractors, and withholding and remitting child support.

(Printed Name)

(Name of Proposer)

(Federal Tax Identification or Social Security Number)

FORM C

CERTIFICATE OF CORPORATE AUTHORITY (if applicable):

I, _______________________________ certify that I am the _____________________ of the corporation named as Bidder in the Bid included herein, that _________________, who signed said Bid on behalf of the Bidder was then ________________________ of said corporation, that I know his signature, that his signature thereon is genuine and that said Bid was duly signed, sealed and executed for and in behalf of said corporation by authority of its governing body.

(Corporate Seal) (Secretary-Clerk)

(Printed Name)

(Name of Proposer)

PART 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PROCUREMENT DESCRIPTION

1.1.1 PROJECT

The Town of Danvers, City of Peabody, and City of Salem (The Municipalities) are advancing a rail corridor feasibility study to evaluate future use options for the inactive rail corridor connecting the three communities and to establish a shared, implementable vision for its long-term future. This study is supported by several prior planning efforts and seeks to respond to changing conditions within the corridor that have created new opportunities for regional mobility, connectivity, resiliency, and economic development.

The need for this report is informed in part by the 2021 Harmony Grove Path Feasibility Study, which identified a preferred alignment to close an approximately 1,500-foot critical gap in the regional trail network. That effort was further advanced through a 2023 concept design that explored a complex off-corridor solution involving private property crossings, a cantilevered structure over the North River, and utility relocation. At the time, the active freight rail line constrained the use of the rail corridor itself. With rail service ceasing in 2023, the corridor has emerged as a potential opportunity for alternative reuse, prompting renewed consideration of whether the rail right-of-way may offer a more direct, cost-effective, and publicly beneficial solution to that specific network gap. The recent cessation of rail operations has also opened a broader set of potential future use scenarios for the corridor.

These include rail-to-trail conversion or alternative passenger rail service. Continued or resumed freight operations are also possible, dependent on future decisions made by the rail operators and the economic viability of service restoration.

The corridor presents opportunities to support transit-oriented development, strengthen regional connectivity, and advance broader economic revitalization efforts in surrounding neighborhoods. At the same time, future reuse of the corridor is not guaranteed. Ownership, legal status, operational considerations, and regulatory requirements remain complex and are not yet fully understood.

1.1.2 SCOPE SUMMARY

The Municipalities seek consultant services to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating future use alternatives for the inactive rail corridor connecting the three communities. The selected consultant will provide multidisciplinary planning, engineering, and public engagement services to assess the corridor's long-term potential and develop an implementable strategy that advances regional mobility, multimodal connectivity, economic development, environmental resilience, and other community priorities. The study will build upon previous corridor planning efforts while addressing current ownership, regulatory, operational, and physical conditions that impact reuse opportunities.

The work will include stakeholder and agency coordination, community outreach, technical evaluation of viable corridor alternatives, conceptual planning, and implementation planning.

The consultant will use a phased approach, identifying and screening potential reuse scenarios before advancing the most feasible alternative(s) for detailed engineering, environmental, ownership, and cost analyses. The study will culminate in the development of conceptual designs, implementation recommendations, and a comprehensive feasibility report that positions the Municipalities to pursue future design, environmental review, regulatory approvals, and state and federal funding opportunities while establishing a coordinated long-term vision for the corridor.

1.2 APPROVAL

Any contract that may result from the procurement shall be subject to the approval of the Mayor of the City of Salem on behalf of the Municipalities.

1.3 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All requirements, specifications, terms and conditions described in this Request for Proposals (‘RFP’) shall be incorporated by reference into any contract that may result.

1.4 TIME FOR AWARD

Any contract that may result from the procurement shall be awarded within forty-five (45) days after the proposal due date. The time for award may be extended for up to 45 additional days by mutual agreement between the Municipalities and the most advantageous proposer.

The final scope and fee will require the approval of MassDOT and FHWA before award of contract.

1.5 RIGHT TO CANCEL/REJECT

The City reserves the right to cancel this RFP or reject in whole or in part any and all proposals if the City determines that cancellation or rejection serves the best interests of the Municipalities.

1.6 TAXATION

Purchases made by the City are exempt from the payment of Federal excise tax and the payment of Commonwealth of Massachusetts sales tax and any such taxes must not be included in the proposal pricing.

Copies of the City’s tax-exempt paperwork shall be available upon request of the selected contractor.

1.7 OBTAINING THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The RFP and related documents shall be available for free download from the City of Salem’s Purchasing Department website at www.salem.com/bids http://www.salem.com/bids

PART 2. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

2.1 REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMISSIONS

Below please find a description of the requirements and submissions that must be included as part of a proposal.

2.1.1 PRICE PROPOSAL FORM

Every proposal must include a completed ‘Price Proposal Form.’ See attached. The price proposal shall be separately sealed and labeled as “Price Proposal.”

The Municipalities seek proposals that demonstrate maximum value and total work to be performed within the funding available. All cost assumptions must be clearly documented in this submittal. There will be no reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, photographs, travel, etc. All prices are fixed and are not subject to increase during the period of this contract. The contract is subject to the availability of funds.

2.1.2 NON-PRICE/TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

Each proposal must include a Non-Price/Technical, which shall be separately sealed and labeled as “Non-Price Proposal,” containing:

NON-COLLUSION FORM

Every proposal must include a certification of good faith, certifying that the proposal was made in good faith and without collusion or fraud. See ‘Non-Collusion Form’ attached.

TAX COMPLIANCE FORM

Every proposal must include a written certification that the proposer has complied with all state laws relating to taxes, reporting of employees and contractors, and child support. See ‘Tax Compliance Form’ attached.

CORPORATE BIDDER FORM AND/OR SIGNATURES FORM

If the proposal is being submitted by a corporation, the proposal must include a certification that the individual submitting the bid has been authorized to bind the corporation. See ‘Certificate of Corporate Authority’ attached and “Signatures Form” Attached

PLAN OF SERVICES

Cover Letter

A cover letter signed by an officer of the firm, binding the firm to all statements made in the proposal is required. Include a primary contact person for the proposal.

The cover letter should be addressed to City of Salem, Purchasing Department, Anthony Delaney, 93 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Salem, MA 01970.

Qualifications and Experience A description of the history, experience and qualifications of your firm and any proposed subcontractors to perform the Scope of Services. Please provide:

1. Structure of company, i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation; Size of firm; Years firm has been in business;

2. Name(s) of principals in firm; educational and experiential background of principals;

3. Provide an operation and staffing plan, including but not limited to, your staff training program and staff uniforms

4. Identify the primary contact assigned to the project.

5. Provide evidence of company’s insurance with the minimum stipulated limits outlined in the attached sample contract.

6. List all current rail trail feasibility study contracts for the past three consecutive years.

7. References for 3 similar projects your firm has undertaken with contact information;

8. Listing of any actions taken by any regulatory agency or litigation involving the firm or its agents or employees with respect to any work performed;

9. The proposer must demonstrate the ability to carry out the scope of services as listed in Part

III of this RFP as well as address each of the Minimum Criteria as set forth in Part IV of this

RFP.

10. Attention shall also be paid to the Comparative Criteria as set forth in Part 5 of this RFP.

Subcontracting

If subcontracting is planned, submit name of the firm(s), address of contact person(s), phone number(s), names of responsible operating officers, and evidence of any required insurance, permits, and licensing/authorization of proposal documents. Describe relevant experience.

General Proposal Appearance The name of the proposer and title of the project must appear on the outside front cover of each proposal. Each page of the proposal must be numbered consecutively from the beginning of the proposal, excluding all appended material.

2.2 PROPOSAL DELIVERY

Below please find a description of the manner in which sealed proposals must be submitted.

Price and Non-Price proposals must be separately sealed and labeled.

2.2.1 DUE DATE AND TIME

Proposals shall be received by the Purchasing Office on or before October 7, 2026 at 11:00

AM.

Any proposal received after that time shall be rejected as non-responsive.

2.2.2 ADDRESS

Sealed proposals shall be delivered to the Office of the Purchasing Agent, 93 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Salem, MA 01970.

Facsimile and email submissions will not be accepted.

2.2.3 HOURS OF OPERATION

Proposals must be delivered during the normal hours of operation of the City of Salem:

Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

2.2.4 COPIES

Proposers must submit six (6) paper original and one (1) copy on a USB flash drive. The price and non-price proposals must be in separate, sealed, labeled envelopes. The USB drive shall not include the price proposal.

2.2.5 LABELING

Price and Non-Price proposals must be separately sealed and labeled. Each proposal shall be labeled with (1) the proposal number and title, (2) the proposal due date, (3) the name of the proposer and (4) price or non-price proposal.

2.3 SIGNATURES

A proposal must be signed as follows: 1) if the proposer is an individual, by her/him personally; 2) if the proposer is a partnership, by the name of the partnership, followed by the signature of each general partner; and 3) if the proposer is a corporation, by the authorized officer, whose signature must be attested to by the clerk/secretary of the corporation, and with the corporate seal affixed.

2.4 QUESTIONS, CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS AND WITHDRAWALS

2.4.1 QUESTIONS

Questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing to Anthony Delaney at adelaney@salem.com at least ten (10) days prior to the bid opening date. Written responses will be mailed to all bidders on record as having picked up the RFP.

2.4.2 CHANGES

If any changes are made to this RFP, addenda will be issued. Addenda will be posted in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, on the website and e-mailed to all proposers on record as having picked up the RFP.

2.4.3 MODIFICATIONS AND WITHDRAWALS

A proposer may correct, modify, or withdraw a proposal by written notice received by the City of Salem prior to the time and date set as the proposal due date.

Modifications must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly labeled "Modification No.__" to the address listed in part one of this section. Each modification must be numbered in sequence and must reference the RFP.

After the proposal due date, a proposer may not change any provision of the proposal in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the Municipalities or fair competition. Minor informalities will be waived, or the proposer will be allowed to correct them.

2.5 UNFORESEEN OFFICE CLOSURES

If, at the time of the scheduled due date, 93 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Salem, MA 01970, is closed due to uncontrolled events such as fire, snow, ice, wind, or building evacuation, the due date will be postponed until 11:00 AM on the next normal business day. Proposals will be accepted until that date and time.

PART 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 SITE LOCATION AND CONTEXT

The rail trail feasibility study project area is located on the North Shore region of eastern Massachusetts within the Town of Danvers and cities of Peabody and Salem. The existing inactive freight rail alignment separates from the Newburyport/Rockport MBTA Commuter Rail line at the Salem Depot Commuter Rail Station between downtown Salem and the North River. It runs west along the North River to Peabody Square and continues to its terminus near Route 128 in Peabody. Freight service occurred on this line until 2023 when Rousselot (5 Allens Lane, Peabody) ceased operations. The line splits into two additional inactive spurs at Peabody Square: one running northwest a short distance within Peabody, and another running north to Danvers, with crossings over the Waters River and Crane Rivers. These inactive spurs pose the perfect opportunity to connect Peabody’s Independence Greenway and Danvers’ Rail Trail to downtown Salem and the MBTA’s Salem Depot Station and complete critical gaps in the Border to Boston trail.

The character of the built and natural environment varies greatly through the study area. It includes dense and mixed-use downtown Peabody and Salem, residential neighborhoods of various scales, and commercial and light industrial districts in all three communities. Urban riverfronts compose a portion of the study area including those areas along the North and Crane Rivers, such as Peabody’s East End Veterans Memorial Park in Peabody and Leslie’s Retreat Park in Salem located along the banks. Much of the corridor is surrounded by former industrial sites once served by the freight line that are in various stages of redevelopment and revitalization. These brownfield sites offer opportunities to the Municipalities, but not without challenges. In addition, substantial portions of the corridor are subject to current and worsening future flood risk that will be a consideration for any future use

3.2 PROJECT HISTORY

In 2012, through an EPA Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant, the Cities of Peabody and Salem completed the Riverwalk Visioning Study, to create a plan for a Riverwalk between the communities along the North River. The path would create a continuous pedestrian greenspace from Peabody Square to Salem MBTA Commuter Rail Station—assuming that the rail line would remain active. The Cities of Peabody and Salem have also evaluated alternatives for engineering interventions to reduce flooding associated with the North River.

While the communities elected not to proceed with any alternatives directly at the river, Peabody constructed upstream storage to mitigate flooding and it remains a concern to the three communities

All three Municipalities have built momentum towards advancing greenways and connecting to Essex County’s regional trail network system and beyond. Substantial multiuse path segments have been built, and others are in various stages of planning and design. Between

Danvers’ Rail Trail, Peabody’s Independence Greenway, Kristen Crowley Trail, and South Peabody Trail Network, and Salem’s Mayor Salvo Multiuse Path - the communities have built miles of trails and offroad paths, contributing to a robust system that is missing connecting links.

The communities collaborate with one another as well as regional partners to address these remaining gaps in the network. In particular, the Cites of Peabody and Salem undertook work to address a 1,500’ gap in the planned network between Grove Street in Salem and Howley Street in Peabody. However, this work was done under the assumption that the freight rail line would remain active, and access to the rail line was not considered. As a result, a proposed 1,500’ alignment is highly complex, crossing multiple properties, cantilevering over portions of the North River, and conflicting with public utilities. Upon freight service stopping along the line, the Municipalities elected to instead explore feasibility of a multiuse path through not just this area, but the five to seven miles of inactive freight lines through the three communities in light of the potential transformational impacts of such a future use.

Prior to the end of freight activity, the City of Peabody explored the feasibility of establishing passenger service on the line between Salem Depot and Peabody Square. This was evaluated through a study in 2018 and further explored through a 2019 technical memorandum from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization. Exploration of the future of the corridor must consider such possibilities because there continues to be support for this among the public and elected officials.

The future status of the rail line is relevant to several projects in the Municipalities.

MassDOT is evaluating replacement of the North River culvert at the North Street overpass in Salem, and its impacts on vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle circulation. Additionally, MassDOT is leading the design of the reconstruction of Bridge Street between Flint Street North Street in Salem. The rail line in its current state is a design constraint for the two projects. Access to the rail line, for a path or other use, and new multimodal crossings would provide design flexibility to greatly enhance these projects. The City of Salem evaluated the feasibility of new rail crossings in its North Street Shared Path Connection Feasibility Study in 2023 and determined that the line’s legal status precluded these. Additionally, MassDOT has ongoing efforts developing and building out trails in Peabody with the construction of the Independence Greenway Extension and the design of the Rail Trail West Extension in Danvers, scheduled for the TIP in 2028.

3.3 GOALS

OVERALL

Existing Conditions

• Adequately establish conditions of infrastructure for the purpose of evaluating feasibility of alternatives.

• Identify community goals relevant to the rail corridor based on available documentation of previous planning and community engagement initiatives.

Community Engagement

• Support the effectiveness of the project working group by assisting the

Municipalities in identifying and recruiting members, maintaining enthusiasm, and utilizing members’ knowledge and networks.

• Equip the public to provide meaningful input into the planning process by communicating complex regulatory and technical matters effectively to people of a wide range of knowledge levels.

• Build awareness of the benefits and costs of alternatives.

• Achieve significant levels of participation from the region’s diverse population, with an emphasis on involving people who do not typically participate.

• Create an atmosphere that fosters robust and inclusive dialog that leads toward consensus.

• Foster opportunities to create enthusiasm and support for the preferred alternative among the public, local government, and potential implementation partners.

Alternatives Analysis

• Establish baseline understanding through which the feasibility of alternatives can be broadly understood and fully considered by the public.

• Present costs and challenges clearly so that the public had a realistic understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of the alternatives.

Project Management and Deliverables

• Strengthen the working partnership among the municipalities and cultivate relationships among partners likely to be involved in implementation of the preferred alternative.

• Orient final deliverables to advancing the preferred alternatives.

o Structure narratives, cost details, and technical information to be utilized in procurement documents to obtain services necessary to advance the preferred alternative.

o Develop impactful narratives and visualizations that may be used to support funding requests to advance the preferred alternative.

FOR TRAIL ALTERNATIVE SPECIFICALLY

Close Critical Gaps in the Regional Trail Network

• Provide a continuous connection between Salem, Peabody, and Danvers.

• Integrate with existing and planned regional trail systems.

• Improve continuity within the North Shore’s active transportation network.

Improve Multimodal Transportation

• Expand safe and accessible walking and bicycling opportunities.

• Enhance connections between neighborhoods, transit, employment centers, and community destinations.

• Reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicle travel.

Improve Safety

• Create a dedicated off-road corridor that enhances safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users.

• Incorporate appropriate lighting and visibility considerations to improve user comfort and safety where appropriate.

• Evaluate opportunities to provide emergency vehicle access and support efficient emergency response along the corridor.

• Improve safety at roadway crossings through context-sensitive crossing treatments and other engineering measures, as appropriate.

Strengthen Regional Connectivity

• Improve access to schools, parks, commercial centers, and other key destinations.

• Enhance connections between communities and regional transportation assets.

• Support seamless travel across municipal boundaries.

Support Economic Development and Revitalization

• Improve access to business districts, regional shopping centers, and employment centers.

• Encourage redevelopment and investment adjacent to the corridor.

• Increase the corridor's value as a regional transportation and community asset.

Advance Equity and Accessibility

• Provide a transportation and recreational resource that serves users of all ages and abilities.

• Improve access for underserved populations.

• Incorporate universal accessibility and inclusive public engagement throughout project development.

Advance Environmental Resilience and Climate Goals

• Encourage mode shift through expanded active transportation opportunities.

• Support state and municipal climate and sustainability objectives.

• Promote environmentally responsible reuse of an existing transportation corridor.

3.4 PLANNING CONTEXT

The Danvers-Peabody-Salem Rail Trail Feasibility Study will be undertaken in the context of extensive long-term planning efforts by the three Municipalities related to equitable transportation, transportation mode shift, complete streets, climate mitigation, economic development, environmental justice, and equitable open space. See the following planning documents located in the appendices for detailed information on the planning context of the project. The Municipalities will make available any additional available documents needed to support the feasibility study.

• 2012 Riverwalk Visioning Study

• 2016 Peabody Independence Greenway & Border to Boston Connection Feasibility Report

• 2018 Salem Bicycle Master Plan

• 2018 Peabody Trolley Feasibility Study

• 2019 Boston MPO Passenger Service Technical Memorandum

• 2021 Salem-Peabody Multi-Use Path Feasibility Study

• 2023-2030 Salem Open Space & Recreation Plan

• 2023 MVP Action Grant – Resilient North River Corridor & Riverwalk Project

• 2023 North Street Shared Path Connection Feasibility Study

• 2023 – 2029 Peabody Recreation & Open Space Plan

• 2025 Danvers Open Space and Recreation Plan

• 2025 Danvers Transportation Community Needs Assessment

PART 4. SCOPE OF WORK

It is the intention of the Municipalities to retain a MassDOT prequalified consultant (or team of consultants) who will be responsible for complying with all necessary MassDOT project development guidelines to ensure the project is eligible for TIP funding.

The following tasks are not meant to be a complete representation of all work that may be required within the design phases. Rather, it is a broad guideline as to the general scope of services the Municipalities are expecting to address as part of the project. Proposers are encouraged to include any additional tasks they would recommend for satisfying the goals of the project. Proposers shall clearly identify tasks that are additional to typical MassDOT requirements and the General Conditions below.

4.1 SCOPE OF SERVICES

Task 1: Project Management and Administration

The consultant shall establish and maintain the project management framework necessary to ensure the study is completed on time, within budget, and in close coordination with the Town of Danvers, City of Peabody, and City of Salem (collectively referred to herein as the “Municipalities”) and other key stakeholders.

Key components of this task include:

● Kickoff meeting with the Municipalities and key stakeholders

● Project Management Plan and schedule

● Regular monthly coordination meetings and progress reporting

● Document and data collection plan:

o 2018 Trolley Feasibility Study review o 2019 CTPS Transit Technical Assistance Memo o 2021 Harmony Grove Path Feasibility Study o 2023 North Street Shared Path Connection Feasibility Study o CSX and MBTA documentation and correspondence review

Deliverables:

The Consultant shall ensure that all final project deliverables, including reports, presentations, PDFs, maps, and digital content, are fully accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 requirements.

● Final work plan and schedule

● Project management and communication protocol

Task 2: Stakeholder and Agency Coordination The consultant shall design and implement a coordinated community and stakeholder engagement strategy in partnership with the Municipalities' staff. This strategy will be embedded throughout the project. The approach shall prioritize broad participation, ensuring that residents and stakeholders inform project recommendations and priorities.

Key components of this task include:

● Coordination with the Municipalities’ staff to design and implement a community engagement plan and stakeholder management framework that outlines outreach methods, target audiences, and feedback integration processes.

● Use of multilingual materials (Spanish), accessible communications, and hybrid in-person and virtual engagement formats to broaden participation and reduce barriers to involvement.

● Establishment of a project stakeholder committee and provision of regular updates throughout the project. Members of the committee may include the City of Salem, City of Peabody, Town of Danvers, Massachusetts Office of Housing and Economic Development, MassDOT, MBTA, and CSX.

● Specific CSX and MBTA engagement strategy and coordination with Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) on abandonment/common carrier process (if applicable).

● Implementation of engagement activities throughout the project to gather input and feedback, supported by the design, launch, and maintenance of a dedicated project website that provides updates, virtual engagement tools, and accessible project information.

Engagement checkpoints envisioned throughout the project include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Public engagement checkpoint, Task 3

● Set expectations for the public based on conversations with CSX and MBTA on future opportunities.

● Share alternatives and screening findings with the public before advancing to Phase 2.

● Neighborhood meetings, online survey, and public forums.

Public engagement checkpoint, Task 4

● Share viable alternatives and detailed findings with the public.

● Share conceptual designs and illustrative plans with the public for feedback.

Public engagement checkpoint, Task 5

● Share final recommendations and recommended actions with the public.

Deliverables:

● Public Engagement Strategy

● Public Involvement Summary - Summary of engagement outcomes for all tasks throughout the two project phases

● Engagement materials for all tasks (e.g., pamphlets, surveys, presentations, printed posters)

PHASE 1 - INVESTIGATION

Task 3: Existing Conditions and Background Assessment

The consultant shall establish the necessary foundational understanding of the corridor before any alternatives are evaluated. Building on prior studies, where possible, the consultant shall identify gaps in existing data and conduct new analysis as needed.

Key components of this task include:

● Prior study update and gap analysis: Identify where prior studies reduce need for new analysis versus where new data is required. Determine which assumptions from cost, ridership, regulatory conditions, and CSX/MBTA status should be updated.

● Rail status, ownership, and legal conditions: CSX and MBTA’s intentions and posture toward the corridor will be among the most consequential factors shaping the direction of this study. The answers to the key questions that follow could fundamentally alter the range of viable alternatives, the regulatory pathway forward, and the pace at which the municipalities can act. Building on the ownership, legal, and regulatory findings, the following questions will guide early engagement with CSX and MBTA and inform the Phase 1 screening* (Task 4). Steps will include:

o Obtain current ownership records, deed research, and title review for the right of way.

o Identify existing easements, encroachments, or utility crossings.

o Confirm current ownership and operational status of CSX/MBTA line.

* 1 Screening in the context of this study refers to a structured, criteria-based evaluation process used to assess information, conditions, and potential alternatives at a high level to determine their relative feasibility and identify which elements warrant further, more detailed analysis. The results of this screening will be used to eliminate clearly infeasible options, highlight key constraints and risks, and define the subset of viable alternatives that advance to more detailed evaluation in subsequent tasks.

● Corridor mapping and physical conditions:

o Develop an updated map of the corridor with track alignment, grade crossings, bridges, and abutting parcels building on past feasibility studies.

o Conduct field reconnaissance and infrastructure condition assessment. This includes bridges, retaining walls, at-grade crossings, drainage, and signal and track infrastructure.

● Existing land use and demographic analysis: Characterize the land use context and demographic profile of communities along the corridor to inform alternative evaluation.

o Land use and zoning along the corridor, including existing uses and future land use designations.

o Planned developments and known redevelopment opportunities adjacent to the corridor.

o Community features and points of interest, including schools, parks, employment centers, and transit connections.

o Demographic analysis of corridor-area communities, including population density, income levels, vehicle access, and transit dependency.

● Environmental and site constraints: Conduct a screening-level environmental review to identify constraints that may affect the feasibility or cost of corridor alternatives. Findings will be carried forward into the detailed assessment in Task 4. This includes screening of wetlands, floodplains, contamination/hazmat screening, and any known environmental constraints along corridor.

● Regulatory and process mapping: Map out the process to decommission the rail line with the Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) common carrier designation. Include:

o Timeline and requirements for formal abandonment proceeding o Railbanking process under the National Trails Act o Massachusetts-specific considerations (right of first refusal, etc.)

● Regular updates and coordination meetings:

o Meet with the project stakeholder committee detailed in Task 2.

● Existing Conditions Summary Report - Synthesis of prior studies, existing corridor conditions, regulatory context, and environmental constraints, including identification of data gaps and updated assumptions

Task 4: Alternatives Development and Phase 1 Screening

The consultant shall apply a consistent screening framework across all identified alternatives to assess high-level feasibility before public engagement and deeper analysis in Phase 2.

While the study is intended to advance understanding of trail opportunities within the corridor and to evaluate whether the rail right-of-way could support a more direct and feasible trail connection, the study shall also consider other future use scenarios to provide the Municipalities, stakeholders, and the public with a clear understanding of the tradeoffs associated with each option.

Alternatives beyond trail use are intended to inform decision-making regarding corridor preservation, abandonment, and future reuse, and do not require equal technical analysis at this stage unless identified through screening as warranting additional study.

The goal of this task is to narrow the field to the most feasible alternatives that can be shared with the public and carried forward into detailed analysis in Phase 2, while clearly documenting why alternatives are advanced or eliminated.

Key components of this task include:

● Alternatives identification

○ Alternative 1: Rail trail conversion. For trail-based alternatives, the consultant shall evaluate the feasibility of reuse of the rail corridor as a multi-use path and compare potential implementation pathways, including railbanking and abandonment. Analysis should consider connectivity to the existing and planned regional trail network, access points, constructability, ownership implications, and whether use of the rail corridor offers advantages over previously studied off-corridor alignments.

■ Alternative 1A: Railbanking and rail trail conversion

■ Alternative 1B: Abandonment and rail trail conversion

○ Alternative 2: Freight/passenger/rail trail combinations. This analysis is intended to inform future coordination with CSX and other stakeholders and to clarify whether freight viability supports or limits future abandonment or corridor conversion pathways.

○ Alternative 3: Passenger transit service. Passenger rail feasibility shall be reviewed at a planning level through an update to the prior study. This review should revisit prior assumptions related to project costs. The consultant should also consider relevant changes in regional transit planning, including MBTA service planning initiatives, electrification efforts, and future service models that could affect feasibility.

○ Alternative 4: No build / use of rail corridor is not feasible.

● Phase 1 screening criteria o Alignment with municipal and regional goals o Physical and technical feasibility (high-level) o Ownership and acquisition feasibility o Environmental constraints (screening level) o Stakeholder and community support (preliminary) o Implementation capacity of local governments and any partners o Order-of-magnitude cost considerations

● Corridor Screening Report - detailed study on recommended alternatives

PHASE 2 – PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE(S) ANALYSIS

Task 5: Detailed Feasibility Assessment and Conceptual Design

Detailed Feasibility Assessment: The consultant shall conduct a deeper, more detailed feasibility assessment of the alternative or alternatives advanced from the Phase 1 (Task 4) screening. Where Task 4 evaluated all alternatives at a high level, the consultant shall focus resources on the most promising option(s), examining transportation and engineering feasibility, ownership and acquisition pathways, environmental constraints, cost, and implementation capacity in greater detail.

Key components of this task include:

● Transportation and engineering feasibility o For passenger rail: updated ridership, operating costs, infrastructure needs o For freight: operational requirements, Centennial Park/Rousselot property access considerations o For rail trail or multiuse trail: trail design standards, access points, connections to existing network

● Ownership and acquisition o Detailed review of acquisition pathway for viable alternative o STB abandonment process (if applicable) with detailed timeline and requirements o Easement resolution and title clearing

● Environmental review o Detailed environmental constraints for viable alternative alignment o Anticipated federal, state, and local permits required

● Cost estimating o Acquisition costs o Design and permitting costs o Construction costs o Operations and maintenance costs

● Implementation capacity assessment o Review of local government, state agency, and non-profit partner capacity to manage implementation

Conceptual Designs: The consultant shall translate the viable alternatives into a tangible, illustrative vision for the corridor through the development of conceptual plans, sections, and renderings that communicate the corridor's potential to the public, elected officials, and future funders.

Key components of this task include:

● Conceptual design for viable alternatives

● Illustrative plans, sections, renderings

● Key design considerations (accessibility, connections, programming, phasing)

● Detailed feasibility assessment memo (to be incorporated into final report)

● Conceptual designs, plans, sections, and renderings (10 percent design to support public understanding and concept feasibility)

Task 6: Implementation Planning and Final Deliverables The consultant shall synthesize all prior technical analyses, community engagement findings, and design recommendations into a comprehensive Final Feasibility Report and Implementation Strategy. This task will translate viable alternatives into an actionable roadmap that positions the

Municipalities to pursue environmental review, preliminary engineering, regulatory approvals, and funding applications.

Key components of this task include:

● Recommended actions and next steps based on viable alternatives

● Phased implementation plan

● Funding strategy: Identify federal, state, local, and private sources relevant to viable alternatives

● Review of capacity of local governments, agencies, and non-profits to manage implementation

● Final report and presentations

● Final Feasibility Report and Implementation Strategy (ADA Accessible)

4.2 TIMELINE

Procurement Timeline

Release RFP September 9, 2026

RFP Virtual Info Meeting September 16, 2026

Questions due September 30, 2026 4PM Proposals Due October 7, 2026 11:00AM Selection Committee Review week of October 14, 2026 Consulting Team Interviews (shortlisted) week of October 14, 2026 Independent Cost Review October-November 2026 Contract Negotiation/Execution November 2026 Notice to Proceed approximately November 16, Year

Project Timeline

The study, including project activities and deliverables, shall be completed no later than October 31, 2028. Respondents shall provide a proposed, detailed schedule of project milestones, deliverables, and activities.

4.3 FUNDING

The Municipalities secured $750,000 to advance the Border to Boston Trail network. A total of $600,000 of Community Project Funding (CPF) was awarded. MassDOT has committed to providing a 20% match in the amount of $150,000. The project’s study area is within three communities. The municipalities will execute an Inter-Municipal Agreement for Administration of the project.

Total funding available for this work is currently $750,000. The Municipalities request that the responding firms propose project scope and budget utilizing the entirety of this amount. In the event that the Municipalities secure additional funding, they may elect to undertake additional tasks within the scope of this procurement under the resulting contract.

4.4 REFERENCE MATERIAL

• 2012 Riverwalk Visioning Study

• 2018 Salem Bicycle Master Plan

• 2018 Peabody Trolley Feasibility Study

• 2019 Boston MPO Passenger Service Technical Memorandum

• 2021 Salem-Peabody Multi-Use Path Feasibility Study

• 2023-2030 Salem Open Space & Recreation Plan

• 2023 MVP Action Grant – Resilient North River Corridor & Riverwalk Project

• 2023 North Street Shared Path Connection Feasibility Study

• 2023 – 2029 Peabody Recreation & Open Space Plan

The Appendices provide the consultant available documents that will prove useful to familiarizing the team with related studies and projects.

4.5 SUBMITTALS

4.5.1 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Please submit six (6) hard copies and a PDF file (USB flash drive) of your proposal, packaged as required in section 2.2.4

The Municipalities are not specifically limiting the length or organizational style of submittal documents. However, a succinct, orderly document which forthrightly responds to the provisions of this RFP is most favorable.

The submittal requirements of each firm interested in being considered for this engagement should include:

1. Project Manager/Lead: A summary of the educational and professional experience of the individual whom the lead design firm is proposing to serve as the project manager for this engagement. For the purposes of this engagement, the Project Manager must have demonstrated experience in project management activities for a project of this scope.

Further, the Project Manager is expected to have primary responsibility for overseeing the planning, organization, management, and control of the work products, staff, schedules, cost, quality, communications, and procurement of outside services, if applicable.

2. Project Team: Proposal should include resumes of all other team members assigned to this engagement, whether in-house professional staff or proposed sub-consultants, as well as brief profiles highlighting their individual or company’s expertise.

B. Project Histories

1. Similar Projects: List and/or provide single sheet profiles of all relevant…