VERNON BOARD OF EDUCATION

Connecticut

FY26-001

Request for Qualifications and

Request for Proposals For

Architectural Services

For

Rockville High School ASTE Program Mechanics Lab

Renovations

June 2, 2026

INVITATION TO BID

The Vernon Board of Education (Vernon BOE) is seeking qualifications and proposals from qualified firms to provide architectural services in connection with the renovation to Rockville High School ASTE Program Mechanics Lab located at 70 Loveland Hill Rd, Vernon, CT. This solicitation is both a request for qualifications and a request for proposals (RFQ/ RFP). The services to be performed are described in the Instructions to Proposers. The Instructions to Proposers and other bid documents may be viewed on the district website:

Vernon Public Schools https://www.vernonpublicschools.org/o/vps/page/bids

Proposers must respond to both the RFQ and the RFP, however such responses must be submitted in separate sealed envelopes clearly marked with the name of the Proposer, the words “Response to RFQ for Architectural Service for the Rockville High School ASTE Mechanics Lab Renovation or “Response to RFP for Architectural Service for the Rockville High School ASTE Mechanics Lab Renovation as applicable, and the bid number.

Each sealed envelope shall include 2 copies of the enclosure along with one electronic copy submitted on a thumb drive. Emailed, faxed, or late bids will not be accepted. No fee or hourly rate information shall be included except in the sealed envelope containing the Response to the RFQ. A mandatory walkthrough will be held on June 15, 2026 at 11:00am at 70 Loveland Hill Rd, Vernon, CT. Failure to attend will result in a disqualified proposal.

Submittal Packages must be received by the Vernon Board of Education at 30 Park Street, Vernon, CT, 06066 no later than July 13th, 2026 at 4:00pm.

Opening of RFQ packages shall take place at Vernon Board of Education at 30 Park Street, Vernon, CT, 06066 on July 14, 2026 at 11:00am. Once submittal packages have been opened no submission may be modified or withdrawn for ninety (90) days after the date such packages were opened.

Any questions concerning this solicitation shall be submitted only by email to Angela Cahill, Project Executive at Angela.Cahill@stvinc.com and copy vpsfacilities@vernon-ct.gov no later than June 22th, 2026 and responses will be provided by addendum posted on the State Portal no later than June 25th, 2026. Under no circumstances will the Vernon BOE respond to verbal requests.

No Proposer or prospective Proposers shall have any contact or communication with any member of the Vernon BOE or Committee or other Vernon officials or representatives regarding this procurement during the procurement phase except as expressly provided in this Invitation to Proposers. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in the disqualification of the noncomplying Proposer.

https://www.vernonpublicschools.org/o/vps/page/bids mailto:Angela.Cahill@stvinc.com mailto:vpsfacilities@vernon-ct.gov

Vernon BOE reserves the right to amend or withdraw this Invitation to Bid and the RFQ/RFP for any reason, to accept or reject any or all Bids, to waive any informalities or non-material deficiencies in any Proposal, and to make such award (or make no award) of a contract in connection with this RFQ/RFP all as determined by the Vernon BOE, in its discretion, to be in the best interest of Vernon BOE. A Bid may be rejected for irregularities of any kind, including without limitation, alteration of form, additions not called for, conditional proposals, and incomplete responses. A Bid may also be rejected if, in the opinion of the Vernon BOE, the Bid does not meet the standard of quality established by the RFQ/RFP. Any or all Bids may be rejected if there is any reason to believe that collusion exists among two or more Proposers. The foregoing provisions are for illustrative purposes and shall in no way limit the right of the Vernon BOE to reject any and all Bids, in whole or in part.

Attached Exhibits:

Exhibit A – Scope of Services Exhibit B – Form of Contract (Sample) Exhibit C – Insurance Requirements Exhibit D – Non-collusion Affidavit Exhibit E – Fee Proposal

VERNON BOARD OF EDUCATION

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

1. INTRODUCTION

The Vernon Board of Education (“Vernon BOE”) is requesting qualifications and proposals from design professionals for architectural services in connection with the Rockville High school ASTE Program Mechanics Lab Renovation located at Rockville High School, 70 Loveland Hill Road, Vernon, CT 06066 (the “Project”). This solicitation is both a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) and a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for the Architectural Services necessary for the Project. This RFQ/RFP has been posted on the following websites:

Vernon Public Schools https://www.vernonpublicschools.org/o/vps/page/bids

CT Source Bid Board https://portal.ct.gov/das/ctsource/bidboard?language=en_US

Proposers are required to respond to both the RFQ and RFP in accordance with the requirements set forth below.

2. BACKGROUND

Rockville High School serves all grade 9-12 students in the Town of Vernon, Connecticut. The ASTE program there (Academy for Agriculture Science and Technology Education) is the oldest of its kind in the state of Connecticut. Students from Vernon and surrounding communities are accepted into the ASTE program on an application-based process. They attend specialized curriculum classes in the ASTE building as well as their base curriculum in the High School building. The ASTE program instruction includes a mechanics lab which instructs the students on agricultural mechanics, such as farm equipment maintenance and repair, including but not limited to carpentry, metals, and vehicle maintenance. The mechanics lab needs renovation and upgrades to its MEP and equipment systems and envelope. The building will be occupied during construction, except for the summer months, and the high school will have students learn these skills in alternate labs while the Mechanics space is being renovated, however the construction will be taking place immediately adjacent to staff, students, and animals using the ASTE building.

The goal is to design the upgrades for bidding to a general contractor in the fall of 2026, with construction taking place during the 2nd semester of the 2026-27 school year and the summer of 2027, for occupancy in late August 2027.

3. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Architectural Services must be provided with the highest level of professional skill, care, and judgment and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Because the Project is partially funded by the State of Connecticut, DOE (Department of Education) the selected Architect is required to meet the requirements and conditions imposed by the State of Connecticut.

https://www.vernonpublicschools.org/o/vps/page/bids https://portal.ct.gov/das/ctsource/bidboard?language=en_US

Architectural services will generally include: Schematic Design; Design Development;

Construction Documents; Cost Estimating, Procurement, Construction Administration and Closeout. See Exhibit A for a more detailed list of services.

It is anticipated that the Vernon BOE will seek to employ a general contractor (“GC”) delivery method for construction and the Architect shall coordinate with the GC.

4. TIMING OF PROJECT

Vernon BOE anticipates that the selected Architect for the Project will be retained for at least 14 months, or until project is complete, following the bid opening date. The Project has an expected construction duration of 9-10 months.

5. IMPORTANT DATES

Issuance of RFQ/RFP:

Mandatory Site Visit:

Submission of Questions/Requests for Information:

Response to Questions/Requests for Information:

Deadline for Submission of Responses:

RFQ/ RFP Package Opening:

Interviews (if necessary):

June 2, 2026 June 15, 2026 at 11:00am June 22, 2026 at 4:00pm June 25, 2026 by 5:00pm July 13, 2026 at 4:00pm July 14, 2026 at 11:00am

TBD

6. PROCESS

6.1 Selection

Evaluation of responses to this RFQ/RFP will be the responsibility of the Vernon BOE Mechanics Lab selection committee. The evaluation and selection process will take place in two stages.

The committee will review all responses to the RFQ and, based on those responses and the Qualification Criteria described below, the committee will identify all proposers which are determined by the committee to be responsible qualified proposers (the “Qualified Proposers”).

Second, the committee will open and review the responses to the RFP submitted by the Qualified Proposers. The Contract will be awarded to one of the “most responsible qualified proposers” after consideration.

In its review of responses to this RFQ/RFP and selection of the Contract awardee, the committee will be guided by the selection of the Contract awardee that would best serve the interest of the Vernon BOE. The Vernon BOE reserves the right to negotiate with one or more of the Most Qualified Proposers and to accept modifications to the scope of services and fees proposed when such action would be in the best interest of the Vernon

BOE.

If determined to be warranted by the committee the committee may conduct interviews of some or all of the Most Qualified Proposers to assist the committee in the selection process. 2 of 20

6.2 Form of Contract

The Vernon BOE intends to use, and the Contract awardee will be expected to execute, a contract substantially similar to the form of contract attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Contract”). If a proposer has objections to any of the terms and conditions of the Contract, such objections should be included in the proposer’s response to this

RFQ/RFP.

6.3 Vernon BOE’s Right to Withdraw/Reject

The Vernon BOE reserves the rights to amend or terminate this RFQ/RFP, accept all or any part of a response, reject all responses, waive any informalities or non-material deficiencies in a response, and award the Contract to the proposer that, in the Vernon BOE’s judgment, will be in the Vernon BOE’s best interests.

7. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

7.1 Qualification Criteria

The Vernon BOE will identify those proposers that the Vernon BOE deems to be Qualified Proposers based on the criteria below (the “Qualification Criteria”):

7.1.1 The proposer is a legal entity properly licensed or registered under the laws of the State of Connecticut to perform the services that are the subject of this solicitation and is otherwise authorized to do business in the State of Connecticut.

7.1.2 The proposer has successful experience in providing Architectural services, generally, and, in particular, has successful experience in the past ten years designing school renovation projects of similar size and scope.

7.1.3 The proposer is able to demonstrate an adequate level of performance on past projects, including, without limitation, adherence to project schedules and project budgets and the satisfaction of past owners with such performance.

7.1.4 The proposer’s staff proposed to be assigned to the Project (“Project Team”) has satisfactory qualifications and experience on past projects of similar size and scope as the Project.

7.1.5 The proposer’s staff assigned to the project are licensed in, and practice regularly in, the State of Connecticut.

7.1.6 The proposer has an adequate degree of contract oversight capability and the organizational, team, and management structure proposed for the Project is satisfactory.

7.1.7 The number, context, and, where applicable, outcomes, of claims, disputes, arbitration, and litigation proceedings involving the proposer are acceptable.

7.1.8 The proposer’s approach to the Project and degree of the proposer’s demonstrated ability to develop and control project costs, quality, and schedule as well as the proposer’s methods for doing so, is satisfactory.

7.2 Content of Response to RFQ

Each proposer will be evaluated using the above Qualification Criteria. To assist and 3 of 20 expedite this evaluation, each proposer must provide the following information in the order listed below:

7.2.1 A Letter of Transmittal addressed William Meier III, signed by a principal of the proposer, not to exceed two (2) pages, describing in narrative form the proposer’s qualifications and why such proposer is the best professional for the Project.

7.2.2 Proposer Overview: Provide the name and location of the proposer, including the office location that will be serving the Vernon BOE, and full contact information for the proposer’s main point of contact.

7.2.3 List the staff proposed to work on the Project along with related responsibilities they will devote to the Project.

7.2.4 Provide information on the engineering and other consultants proposed and their respective qualifications of relevant experience and proposed staff.

Provide an organizational chart showing the personnel of the Design Team and their proposed involvement in the Project.

7.2.5 List two (3) references of similar projects and their contact information, along with a brief description of the projects including budget and date completed.

A statement of the proposer’s recent experience in Connecticut with public or private school renovations.

8. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

8.1 Proposal Criteria

The Proposal Criteria includes the following:

8.1.1 The proposer’s fee proposal.

8.1.2 The proposer’s proposed schedule.

8.1.3 The level of financial stability of the proposer.

8.1.4 The level of the proposer’s insurance coverage.

8.1.5 The degree of resources of the proposer that will help facilitate the Project.

8.2 Content of Response to RFP

Please provide the following information in the order listed below:

8.2.1 Fee proposal indicating lump sum of each phase of the services, and a total lump sum of all phase fees combined.

8.2.2 A proposed schedule for services showing each phase’s duration and total length of service for all phases combined. Construction duration is not yet known, but proposer to indicate their opinion of that phase given the scope of work and typical school schedule.

8.2.3 A financial statement reflecting financial stability.

8.2.4 Evidence of proper insurance coverage.

8.2.5 Descriptions of other resources of the proposer that will help facilitate the

Project.

8.2.6 Any objections to the terms and conditions of the Contract.

9. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Prior to the execution of the contract for the Project, Vernon BOE will require the contract awardee to provide to the Vernon BOE, a certificate of insurance (Accord or other approved format) evidencing the insurance coverage identified in Exhibit C. 4 of 20

10. PROJECT FUNDING

The obligations of the Vernon BOE under any contract executed by the Vernon BOE in connection with this Project are conditioned upon and subject to the appropriation of funds for the Project on an annual basis.

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

11.1 The Vernon BOE prohibits harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, or past or present physical or mental disability in accordance with Titles VI, VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 and applicable state laws.

11.2 The committee will be governed by the applicable Connecticut General Statutes construction receiving State assistance and in particular, grants from the CT DOE.

11.3 The selected firm must meet all municipal, state and federal AA and EEO practices and requirements. MBE’s, WBE’s, SBE’s are encouraged to apply.

11.4 The Vernon BOE’s Director of Finance reserves the sole and absolute right to reject the proposal of any proposer offering services which, in its opinion, does not meet the standard or quality established by this RFQ/RFP.

11.5 Proposals that are conditional or qualified shall be rejected.

11.6 The Vernon BOE is exempt from the payment of federal excise taxes and Connecticut sales and use taxes.

11.7 If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFQ/RFP or if additional data is necessary to enable interpretation by proposers of provisions of this RFP/RFP, revisions or addenda will be posted on the State Contracting Portal.

11.8 Questions regarding this RFQ/RFP should be referred to Angela Cahill, Project Executive at Angela.Cahill@stvinc.com and copy vpsfacilities@vernon-ct.gov. A summary of all questions and answers will be included in addenda.

mailto:Angela.Cahill@stvinc.com mailto:vpsfacilities@vernon-ct.gov

EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF SERVICES

In addition to the basic services outlined in the Contract Form, Exhibit. B, the selected firm will provide the following Scope of Services (“Services):

I. Schematic Design Phase.

Using the design from the Facility Study, Executive Summary and Educational Specification for the basis of the design, provide the following:

a. Collaborate with the committee develop schematic design.

b. Develop Schematic Design Documents that include plans, sketches and narratives to communicate the intended design.

c. Prepare cost estimates which are to be detailed enough to allow the Project team to further identify the Project direction and to begin budgeting for the Project.

II. Design Development Phase.

Upon the committee’s approval to proceed:

a. Provide Development Documents consisting of Architectural, MEP and

Structural documents which reflect 40-50% completion and based on approved Schematic Design. The Documents shall, at a minimum, include plans, sections, elevations, typical construction detail and diagrammatic layout of building systems.

b. Coordinate with engineering design and conduct preliminary meetings with the committee and Vernon staff

c. Coordinate and assist with the municipal approval process.

d. Prepare and outline specifications that identify major materials and systems

III. Construction Documents Phase Upon the committee’s approval to proceed:

a. Prepare Construction Documents for bidding to the contractors for construction purposes. The Construction Documents should also include sufficient design to comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory energy and environmental design criteria standards.

b. Attend meetings with Vernon representatives as needed.

c. Provide updated cost estimates for construction of the Project. Suggest value engineering, potential substitutions, and other cost saving alternatives where appropriate, if needed.

d. Submit Construction Documents to the committee for review, revisions, and approval.

IV. Procurement/Bidding Phase

a. Assist in the development and preparation for the bid.

Respond to questions by contractors and issue addenda required to communicate changes or clarifications to the bid documents.

b. Following receipt of bid submission, review and assist the committee in the selection process.

V. Construction Administration Phase Upon the committee’s approval to proceed:

a. In accordance with the Construction Documents, provide administration of the contract to ensure execution of the Project Documents and observation of the Work and contract trades.

b. Attend bi-weekly job meetings and prepare job meeting minutes.

c. Provide on-site review as needed; the review of shop drawings, payment applications, proposed change orders, and product submittals.

d. Observe all completed Work and reject Work that does not comply with the

Contract Document VI. Closeout Phase

a. Review closeout material for compliance

b. Conduct final inspections for final completion

c. Prepare intermediate and final punch lists

d. Review and advise on final application for payment

e. Consult with and advise the committee throughout the closeout process

SAMPLE

AGREEMENT

VERNON BOARD

OF EDUCATION

CONTRACT # XXXX

TITLE OF CONTRACT/AGREEMENT

This agreement, made and concluded by and between the TOWN OF VERNON BOARD OF EDUCATION a Local Education Agency organized and existing under the laws of the State of Connecticut, acting herein by its Director of Business and Finance, duly authorized, hereinafter designated the "Board" or “Town” and NAME OF CONTRACTOR.

hereinafter designated the "Contractor".

A. WITNESSETH, That said Contractor has agreed, and by these presents does for his, their, or its heirs, executors, Directors, successors, and assigns covenant, promise and agree to and with the said Board, for the consideration hereinafter mentioned and contained, and under the penalty expressed in bonds hereunto annexed, that the said Contractor shall and will, at his, its, or their own proper charge, cost and expense furnish all materials in accordance with this contract and the specifications which are a part hereof, viz:

TITLE OF CONTRACT/AGREEMENT

all to be in accordance with the terms of the proposal for said material submitted to the Director of Business and Finance of the Board, and made part of this contract.

1. CONTENTS OF CONTRACT. The information for bidders, the proposal, the specifications, together with special provisions following herewith, the Contractor’s bid including alternate bids, and the bond and any and all additions which may be inserted or attached to any, or all of the sections as listed above, together with the drawings named in the information for bidders are made a part of this Contract.

2. Any change in the scope of the project will be made in writing to the Board's representative and no additional work will be completed without the prior written approval of the Board.

B. DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE TO BE JUDGE. The Director of Business and Finance of the Board and his duly authorized representatives, hereinafter referred to as the "Director" shall be judge of the character, nature and fitness of all the materials furnished under this contract.

C. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR WHOLE WORK. The Contractor shall be responsible for the entire work until its final acceptance, and any unfaithful or imperfect work or defective material that may be discovered at any time before said final acceptance shall be immediately corrected or removed by said Contractor on requirement of the Director.

D. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR The selected Contractor is an independent contractor and is not an employee, partner, or co-venturer of, or in any other service relationship with the Town of Vernon or the Vernon Board of Education. The Contractor is not authorized to speak for, represent, or obligate the Town of Vernon or Vernon Board of Education in any manner without the prior expressed written authorization from the Town of Vernon or Vernon Board of Education.

E. DEFECTS IN MATERIAL. In the case the nature of the defect(s) is such that it is not expedient to have them corrected, the Director shall have the right to deduct from the amount due the Contractor on the final settlement of the accounts such sum of money as he considers a proper equivalent for the difference between the value of the materials specified and that furnished, or a proper equivalent for the damage.

EXHIBIT B

F. PARTIAL PAYMENT NOT ACCEPTANCE. It is also agreed that this is an entire contract for one whole and complete work, and that no partial payments on account by the Board, nor the presence of the Director or inspectors, or their supervision or inspection of work or materials, shall constitute an acceptance of any part of the work before its entire completion and final acceptance.

G. COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION OF WORK. The Contractor shall furnish the material contracted for within the time stated therefore in the specifications for this work.

H. EXTENSION OF TIME. If the Contractor is delayed in the prosecution or completion of the work by or on account of any act or omission of the Board, or by strikes or causes beyond control of the Contractor, he shall be entitled to such reasonable extension of time for the completion of the work as may be decided upon by the Director, provided, however, that no claim for an extension of time for any reason shall be allowed, unless, within three days after such delay occurs, notice in writing of the fact of said delay, its causes, and the extension claimed, shall be given by the Contractor to the Director.

I. TIME LIMITS. All time limits stated in the Contract Documents are of the essence of the Contract.

J. CONTRACTOR'S DUTIES AND LIABILITIES. The Contractor shall comply with all local, state and national laws and regulations, and with all Town ordinances in the prosecution of the work, and shall secure all necessary permits and licenses.

K. INDEMNIFICATION/HOLD HARMLESS

a. The selected Contractor agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Vernon, Vernon Board of Education and their respective officers, employees, elected officials, agents, servants and volunteers from and against any and all claims, liabilities, obligations, causes of action of whatsoever kind and nature for damages, including but not limited to damage to the premises or other property, and costs of every kind and description arising from its entry upon the premises, or arising from work or other activities conducted thereon, alleging but not limited to bodily injury, personal injury, medical malpractice, property damage caused by the Contractor and its employees, contractor, sub- contractors and agents. This indemnification includes the Contractor's duty to defend the Town of Vernon and Vernon Board of Education from any such claims.

b. The Contractor must carry the following insurance coverages:

Commercial General Liability (Vernon Board of Education added as additional insured):

Each Occurrence: $ 1,000,000 General Aggregate: $ 2,000,000 Product/Completed Operations Aggregate: $ 2,000,000 Fire Damage Legal Liability $ 100,000

Automobile Liability (Vernon Board of Education added as additional insured):

Each Accident: $ 1,000,000 Hired/Non-owned Auto Liability: $ 1,000,000

Workers' Compensation/Employers Liability

Workers' Compensation Statutory Requirement set forth by State of CT Employers Liability

Each Accident $ 500,000 Disease-Policy Limit $ 500,000 Disease-Each employee $ 500,000

Umbrella/Excess Liability (following form of general liability, auto liability and employer liability):

Each Occurrence: $ 1,000,000 General Aggregate: $ 1,000,000

Professional Liability (where required) Each Claim: $ 4,000,000 Annual Aggregate $ 4,000,000

All insurance may not be canceled or modified without thirty (30) days written notice to the Vernon Public Schools, Director of Business and Finance, 30 Park Street, Vernon, CT 06066.

L. CONTRACTOR LIABLE FOR DAMAGES.

i. The Contractor shall indemnify and save harmless the Board, its officer, agents and servants against and from all damages, costs and expenses which they or any of them may suffer by, from or out of any and all claims for payment for materials or labor used or employed in the execution of this contract, and also for injuries or damages received or sustained to person or property, or both, in consequence of or resulting from any work performed by said Contractor, or of or from any negligence in guarding said work, or of or from any act or omission of said Contractor, and said Contractor shall also indemnify and save harmless said Board from all claims under the Workmen's Compensation Act arising under or out of this contract.

ii. Employees' Compensation Insurance shall be as provided by Connecticut law and custom.

iii. See specifications for required types of insurance.

iv. Sub-contractors must be protected by insurance the same as the principal contractor.

v. It is agreed between the parties hereto that the amount of insurance set forth above does not in any way limit the liability of the Contractor to the Board by virtue of his promise to hold the

Board harmless so that in the event that any claim results in a settlement or judgment in any amount above said limits, the Contractor shall be personally liable to the Board for the difference.

vi. Certificates of the insurance company or companies, must be submitted to the Director before the Contractor starts work. Should any insurance expire or be terminated during the period in which the same is required by this contract, the Director shall be notified thirty

(30) days in advance and such expired or terminated insurance must be replaced with new insurance and a new certificate furnished to the Director.

vii. Failure to provide the required insurance and certificates may, at the option of the Board, be held to be a willful violation of this Contract.

M. WAIVER OF SUBROGATION REQUIREMENT The selected Contractor will require all insurance policies in any way related to the work and secured and maintained by the Contractor to include clauses stating each carrier will waive all rights of recovery, under subrogation and otherwise, against the Town of Vernon, Vernon Board of Education and their respective officers, employees, agents, servants, elected officials, and volunteers. The selected Contractor shall require of subcontractors, by appropriate written agreements, similar waivers each in favor of the Town of Vernon and Vernon Board of Education.

N. PATENTS. The Contractor shall defend any suits or proceedings brought against the Board for alleged infringements of patents by or by reason of any material furnished under this contract, and shall pay any damages or costs that may be awarded against the Board as a result of such suits, free of all expense to the Board.

O. AVOIDANCE OF CONTRACT. If this Contract shall be assigned without the written consent of the

Director, or if at any time the Director shall be of the opinion that the work on said material is necessarily or unreasonably delayed, or that the Contractor is willfully violating any of the conditions or agreements of this contract, or that the progress of the work is, in his opinion, being so delayed that said material cannot be supplied within the required time, the Director may give written notice, postage prepaid, to the Contractor, at his business address, to that effect. If the Contractor shall not, within ten days after the mailing of such notice, take appropriate measures, in the judgment of the Director, to insure the satisfactory completion of the work, he may notify the Contractor in writing, to discontinue all work on said material under this contract; and it is hereby agreed that the Contractor shall thereupon at once stop work and cease to have the right or claim to possession of the material; and the Board may, by means of such other agents or contractors as shall to it seem advisable, complete the work herein described, or such part thereof as it may deem necessary, and may take possession of and use such materials, except as otherwise provided. The Contractor shall not remove any portion of the materials after receiving such notice as aforesaid. And said Board is hereby authorized and empowered to apply sums of money due or to become due to said Contractor under this Contract by way of reduction in damages, and as part payment of such additional expense incurred by the Board as aforesaid.

P. CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. The Board’s obligation under this RFP is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for RFP purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Board for any payment may arise until funds are made available and approved for this RFP and until a Purchase Order has been issued.

Q. PAYMENTS. In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes 31-53, Certified Payrolls with a statement of compliance shall be submitted monthly along with the Contractor’s Application for Payment, to the Architect for review and certification. The Board will pay and the Contractor will receive, as full compensation for furnishing such materials, the amount stated in the proposal, or the sums of money computed at the several unit prices stated in the proposal submitted by the Contractor to the Director.

A copy of the proposal is made a part of this Contract. The Board may make such deductions from these sums as are provided for in this Contract.

R. FINAL COMPLETION AND FINAL PAYMENT. Upon receipt of written notice that the work is ready for final inspection and acceptance and upon receipt of Final Application for Payment, the Director will promptly make such inspection and, when he finds the work acceptable under the Contract Documents and the contract fully performed, he will promptly issue a final Certificate of Payment stating that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, and on the basis of his observations and inspections, the work has been completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract Documents and that the entire balance found to be due the Contractor, and noted in said final Certificate, is due and payable. The Director's final Certificate for Payment will constitute a further representation that the conditions precedent to the Contractor's being entitled to final payment as set forth herein had been fulfilled.

The acceptance of final payment shall constitute a waiver of all claims by the Contractor except those previously made in writing and identified by the Contractor as unsettled at the time of the final Application for Payment.

S. NO INTEREST TO BE PAID. No interest is to be allowed or paid by the Board upon any monies retained under the provisions of this contract.

T. TERMINATION

Termination For Cause: If, through any cause, the Contractor shall fail to fulfill in a timely and proper manner the obligations under this RFP, or if the Contractor shall violate any of the covenants, agreements, or stipulations of this RFP, the Municipality shall, thereupon, have the right to terminate this RFP by giving written notice to the Contractor of such termination and specifying the effective date thereof, at least five (5) days before the effective date of such termination. In such event, all finished or unfinished documents, data, studies, and reports prepared by the Contractor under this RFP shall, at the option of the Municipality, become its property and the Contractor shall be entitled to receive just and equitable compensation for any satisfactory work completed prior to the effective date of termination.

Termination for Convenience: Either party to this RFP may terminate this RFP at any time by a notice in writing, effective not less than thirty (30) days prior to the termination date. If the RFP is terminated by the Municipality as provided herein, the Contractor will be paid for services performed up to the date of termination.

U. CONTENTS OF CONTRACT. The information for bidders, the proposal, the specifications, together with special provisions following herewith, and the bond and any and all additions which may be inserted or attached to any, or all of the sections as listed above, together with the drawings named in the information for bidders are made a part of this Contract.

V. AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF INSPECTOR. An Inspector is a representative (but not a duly authorized representative as referred to in Article B of this Contract) of the Director assigned to make any and all necessary inspections of the work performed and materials furnished by the Contractor. Inspectors shall be authorized to inspect all work done on materials furnished. Such inspection may extend to all or any part of the work and to the preparation of the materials to be used. In case of dispute arising between the Contractor and the Inspector as to materials furnished or the manner of performing the work, the Inspector shall have the authority to reject material or suspend the work until the question at issue can be referred to and decided by the Director. The Inspector shall not be authorized to revoke, alter, enlarge, relax or release any requirements of the specifications nor to approve or accept any portion of the work, nor to issue instruction contrary to the plans and specifications. The Inspector shall not act as foreman or perform other duties of the Contractor nor interfere with the management of the work by the Contractor. Any advice which the Inspector may give the Contractor shall in no way be construed as binding the Director of the Board in any way nor releasing the Contractor from the fulfillment of the terms of the Contract.

W. FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES. The Contractor hereby agrees that neither he nor his subcontractors will refuse to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge from employment an individual or to discriminate against him in compensation or in terms, condition or privilege of employment because of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, except in the case of bona fide occupational qualification or need.

The Contractor further agrees that neither he nor his subcontractors will discharge, expel or otherwise discriminate against any person because he has opposed any unfair employment practice or because he has filed a complaint or testify or assisted in any proceeding under Section 31-127 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The advertisement of employment opportunities will be carried out in such manner as not to restrict such employment so as to discriminate against individuals because of their race, color, religious creed, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification or need.

The terms stated above are taken from Section 31-126 of the Connecticut General Statutes, "Unfair Employment Practices".

X. LAWS AND JURISDICTION. The parties hereto agree that this contract is subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the State of Connecticut.

Y. COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986. The Contractor hereby agrees that he is aware of and has complied with the hiring and documentation requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

The Contractor agrees that it has asked for and examined documentation in order to verify the legal employability of its employees and has executed the appropriate forms attesting thereto pursuant to the Act.

The Contractor further agrees to indemnify and hold the Board harmless from any costs and/or penalties incurred, including but not limited to fines, attorney's fees and costs arising from a claim of violation of said Act.

Z. DISPUTES. The parties agree that any dispute will be submitted to the Superior Court, Judicial District of Tolland, at Rockville, Connecticut.

AA. ANTI-TRUST PROVISIONS. The Contractor or Subcontractor offers and agrees to assign to the Board all right, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 15, or under Chapter 624 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, arising out of the purchase of services, property or intangibles of any kind pursuant to a public purchase contract or subcontract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the Board awards or accepts such contract, without further acknowledgement by the parties.

BB. COMPLIANCE WITH ORDERS. The contractor must comply with all executive orders in effect during the term of this agreement. Failure to comply may result in immediate termination of the contract at the sole discretion of the District.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto set their hands and seal this ______ day of __________________, 2026.

Signed in the presence of: VERNON BOARD OF EDUCATION:

By: ____________________________________

WILLIAM MEIER III

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto set their hands and seal this ______ day of __________________, 2026.

Signed in the presence of: CONTRACTOR NAME:

By: ____________________________________ INSERT NAME (Duly Authorized)

TITLE

EXHIBIT C

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Architect shall agree to always maintain in force during the contract the following minimum coverages and shall name Vernon Board of Education as an Additional Insured on a primary and non- contributory basis to all policies except Workers Compensation and Professional Liability. All policies should also include a Waiver of Subrogation. Insurance shall be written with Carriers approved in the State of Connecticut and with a minimum AM Best’s Rating of “A-“ VIII.

(Minimum Limits) General Liability Each Occurrence $1,000,000

General Aggregate $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $2,000,000

Auto Liability Combined Single Limit (includes all owned, Each Accident $1,000,000 hired & non owned autos)

Professional Liability Each Wrongful Act $4,000,000

Excess Liability (Umbrella)

Aggregate

Each Occurrence Aggregate

$4,000,000

$1,000,000 $1,000,000

If any policy is written on a “Claims Made” basis, the policy must be continually renewed for a minimum of two (2) years from the completion date of this contract. If the policy is replaced and/or the retroactive date is changed, then the expiring policy must be endorsed to extend the reporting period for claims for the policy in effect during the contract for two (2) years from the completion date.

Workers’ Compensation and WC Statutory Limits Employers’ Liability EL Each Accident $500,000

EL Disease Each Employee $500,000 EL Disease Policy Limit $500,000

Original, completed Certificates of Insurance must be presented to the Vernon Board of Education prior to contract issuance. Architect agrees to provide replacement/renewal certificates at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the policies. Should any of the above-described policies be cancelled, limits reduced, or coverage altered, 10 days written notice must be given to the Vernon Board of Education.

EXHIBIT D

NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

State of ) ss

County of )

, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

1. That he/she is a ( ) Partner; ( ) Officer; ( ) Member; ( ) Owner of the firm of:

the party making the foregoing proposal or bid;

2. He/she is fully informed respecting the preparation and contents of the attached proposal or bid and all circumstances regarding the same;

3. Said proposal or bid is genuine and is not a collusive or sham proposal or bid;

4. Neither the said bidder nor any of its officers, partners, members, owners, agents, representatives, employees, or parties-in-interest, including this affiant has in any way colluded, conspired, connived or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any bidder, or person, to put in a sham bid or to refrain from bidding, and has not in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement or collusion, or communication or conference, with any person, to fix the bid price or affiance or of any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit or cost element of said bid price, or of that of any other bidder, or to secure any advantage against the Vernon Board of Education or any person interested in the proposed contract;

5. The price or prices quoted in the attached proposal or bid are fair and proper and are not tainted by any collusion, conspiracy, connivance or unlawful agreement on the part of this Bidder or any of its agents, representatives, owners, employees, or parties-in-interest, including this affiant; and

6. All statements in said proposal or bid are true.

(Signed):

(Title):

Subscribed and sworn to me

This day of , 20 .

Notary Public, My Commission Expires:

EXHIBIT E

FEE PROPOSAL

To: Vernon Board of Education, 30 Park Street Vernon, CT 06066; Attn: William Meier

From: (“Proposing Firm”) Address:

Email Address:

Tel. No.

Project: Rockville High School ASTE Mechanics Lab Renovation

The Proposing Firm hereby proposes and agrees to provide the services described in the Request for Qualifications issued by the Town of Vernon for the Project on June 1, 2026 for the following sum of money:

A. Basic Services:

Lump Sum Fee for Basic Services (including compensation for the Proposing Firm and its subconsultants, if applicable): and 00/100 Dollars

Allocation of Lump Sum Fee per Phase:

Schematic Design: $ ( % of Lump Sum Fee) Design Development: $ ( % of Lump Sum Fee) Construction Documents: $ ( % of Lump Sum Fee) Bidding /Procurement: $ ( % of Lump Sum Fee) Construction Administration $ ( % of Lump Sum Fee) Close-Out $ ( % of Lump Sum Fee)

All expenses incurred by the Proposing Firm (and its subconsultants, if applicable) in providing the Basic Services shall be included in the Lump Sum Fee. The Town of Vernon will not reimburse the successful proposer for any such expenses.

B. Additional Services

For all Additional Services for which the parties are unable to agree on a lump sum, compensation shall be based on time spent at the hourly rates set forth below (the “Hourly

Rates”). The Hourly Rates represent all-inclusive prices per hour and include, but are not limited to, base salary, fringe and other benefits, insurance, taxes, miscellaneous personnel expenses.

Provide hourly rates for proposed staff and prime firm and consulting firms.

Contractor General Conditions Form Description Owner Supplied Included in General

Conditions Excluded costs determined by Project Personnel Related Expenses Project Executive Project Manager Asst. Project Manager Safety Officer Site Superintendent Engineering & Testing Baseline Layout

Field Office Expenses Trailer (If needed) Cleanup Field Dumpster Final Clean - Interior Insurance Employer’s Liability Workers Compensation Comprehensive Gen. Liability Builder’s Risk Project Closeout Punchlist Record Drawings & O&M Manuals Warranties Permits Demolition Permit Fire Dept. Permits Building Permits & Fees Bonding Fees

TOTAL COST GENERAL CONDTIONS $