Request for Proposals (RFP) For

Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) for Funding the Creation or Renovation of Tie-up Facilities for

Transient Recreational Boats 26’ or Larger

RFP Name: 2025 Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant

Issued By:

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

October 8, 2025

The Request for Proposal is available in electronic format on the

State Contracting Portal by filtering by Organization for the

Department of Energy & Environmental Protection https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard or from the Agency’s Official Contact:

Name:

Address:

Phone:

E-Mail:

Tricia Bari PO Box 280, 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 860.447.4328 DEEP.BoatingBIG@ct.gov

The RFP is also available on the Agency’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/BIG

RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN

October 21, 2025 At 4:00

PM EST

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

The Agency reserves the right to reject any and all submissions or cancel this procurement at any time if deemed in the best interest of the State of Connecticut (State).

STATE OF CONNECTICUT PROCUREMENT NOTICE

https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard mailto:DEEP.BoatingBIG@ct.gov https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/BIG

STATE OF CONNECTICUT STANDARD RFP FOR PSA PROCUREMENTS 7.20.21

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Page

Section I — GENERAL INFORMATION A. Introduction B. Instructions

Section II — PURPOSE OF RFP AND SCOPE OF SERVICES A. Agency Overview B. Service Overview C. Scope of Services Description D. Performance Measures E. Contract Management/Data Reporting

Section III — PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OVERVIEW A. Submission Format Information B. Evaluation of Proposals

Section IV — REQUIRED PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OUTLINE AND REQUIREMENTS . 15 A. Cover Sheet B. Table of Contents

C. Proposer Executive Summary D. Main Proposal Submission Requirements to Submit a Responsive Proposal 16

E. Attachments F. Declaration of Confidential Information G. Conflict of Interest – Disclosure Statement H. Statement of Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 & 24

Section V — MANDATORY PROVISIONS A. Standard Contract Provisions B. Assurances C. Terms and Conditions D. Rights Reserved to the State E. Statutory and Regulatory Compliance

Section VI — APPENDIX A. Abbreviations / Acronyms / Definitions B. Statement of Assurances C. Proposal Checklist

Section VII - ATTACHMENTS

A. Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Application Form . . . . . A B. BABAA Certification Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . B C. Statement of Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C D. Sample Personal Service Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . D

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. INTRODUCTION

1. RFP Name and Number. 2025 Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant RFP, #

SOLICITATION NUMBER

2. RFP Summary. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Boating Division administers the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program in Connecticut. This program provides federally funded grants for qualifying projects that create or renovate tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26’ or larger.

3. RFP Purpose. The purpose of the program is to increase the availability of transient boater amenities in Connecticut which may include mooring buoys, day-docks, navigational aids (channel markers, buoys, directional information), transient slips (slips that boaters with recreational vessels occupy for no more than 15 consecutive days), safe harbors for transients, floating docks and fixed piers, floating and fixed breakwaters, dinghy docks, restrooms and showers, retaining walls, bulkheads, dockside utilities, recycling and trash receptacles, dockside electric service, dockside water supplies, dockside pay telephones, debris deflection booms and marine fueling stations.

4. Commodity Codes. The services that the Agency wishes to procure through this RFP are as follows:

• 49000000: Sports and Recreational Equipment and Supplies and Accessories

• 94000000: Organizations and Clubs

B. INSTRUCTIONS

1. Official Contact. The Agency has designated the individual below as the Official Contact for purposes of this RFP. The Official Contact is the only authorized contact for this procurement and, as such, handles all related communications on behalf of the Agency. Proposers, prospective proposers, and other interested parties are advised that any communication with any other Agency employee(s) (including appointed officials) or personnel under contract to the Agency about this RFP is strictly prohibited. Proposers or prospective proposers who violate this instruction may risk disqualification from further consideration.

Name: Phone: E-Mail:

Name: Tricia Bari Address: PO Box 280, 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 Phone: 860.447.4328 E-Mail: DEEP.BoatingBIG@ct.gov

Please ensure that e-mail screening software (if used) recognizes and accepts e-mails from the Official Contact.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

mailto:DEEP.BoatingBIG@ct.gov

2. Registering with State Contracting Portal. Respondents must register with the State of CT contracting portal at https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/Registration if not already registered. Respondents shall submit the following information pertaining to this application to this portal (on their supplier profile), which will be checked by the Agency contact.

• Secretary of State recognition – Click on appropriate response

• Non-profit status, if applicable

• Notification to Bidders, Parts I-V

• Campaign Contribution Certification (OPM Ethics Form 1):

https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms

3. RFP Information. The RFP, amendments to the RFP, and other information associated with this procurement are available in electronic format from the Official Contact or from the Internet at the following locations:

• Agency’s RFP Web Page insert https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/BIG

• State Contracting Portal (go to CTsource bid board, filter by “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection” https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard

It is strongly recommended that any proposer or prospective proposer interested in this procurement check the Bid Board for any solicitation changes. Interested proposers may receive additional e-mails from CTsource announcing addendums that are posted on the portal. This service is provided as a courtesy to assist in monitoring activities associated with State procurements, including this RFP.

4. Procurement Schedule. See below. Dates after the due date for proposals (“Proposals Due”) are non-binding target dates only (*). The Agency may amend the schedule as needed. Any change to non-target dates will be made by means of an amendment to this RFP and will be posted on the State Contracting Portal and, if available, the Agency’s RFP Web Page.

• RFP Released:

• Deadline for Questions:

• Answers Released:

• Proposals Due:

October 8, 2025 October 10, 2025 October 15, 2025 October 21, 2025

5. Contract Awards. The award of any contract pursuant to this RFP is dependent upon the availability of funding to the Agency. Funding for all awards and future budget periods is contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of the BIG Program and the availability of future-year budget authority.

6. The Agency anticipates the following:

• Total Funding Available: Variable, depending on project tier

• Number of Awards:

• Contract Cost:

• Contract Term:

• Funding Source:

• Funding Levels:

Variable, depending upon quality of proposals received Variable, depending upon services provided January 1, 2026 – December 2028 Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/Registration https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/BIG https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard

Tier I-State: An annual maximum of $300,000 is available to each applying state under the Tier 1-State portion of the BIG Program. DEEP is making $290,000 available for these projects; ten thousand (10,000) dollars goes to administrative costs to manage the grant program. Tier 1-State is designed for smaller projects that add transient boating infrastructure to the area. Projects will be selected at a minimum funding level of $30,000 and a maximum of $290,000. Selected projects must be authorized by USFWS. See Federal Guidance posted on the CTSource Bid Board. NOFO Number: F26AS00008.

Tier II-National: The remainder of the BIG Program annual funding (2% of the fund money, but not less than $8 million nationally, less whatever is awarded under Tier 1-State) is typically awarded to larger projects under Tier II- National. Tier II-National projects that qualify at the state level are then competitively judged at the national level. Top scoring projects are awarded and eligible for funding status by the USFWS. See Federal Guidance posted on the CTSource Bid Board. NOFO Number: F26AS00009.

Please note: While both tiers of the BIG Program are very competitive, the level of national competition within Tier II-National is especially high. Successful projects are of a superior nature and are submitted with very thorough applications. To be competitive in Tier II- National, it is recommended that applicants provide a minimum of 51% non-federal matching project funds.

Source of Funds: Funds come from the Sport Fish Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund. This Trust Fund is contained within the Highway Trust and has been reauthorized under the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 2005, and subsequently revised and reauthorized under the Federal Infrastructure Act. The funds result from a federal excise tax on fishing equipment, trolling motors and import duties on boats, and motorboat fuels.

How Funds are Awarded: All funds are awarded to an appropriate state agency.

For Connecticut, the DEEP Boating Division is designated as the administering entity for the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program. The DEEP encourages local units of government and private facilities to participate in the program by submitting grant requests for transient facilities to the DEEP’s Boating Division.

Applicants will be notified if their project was not selected at the state level to go to the federal level. States are generally notified by January of each year of grant awards. DEEP will in turn notify remaining applicants of the status.

Awarded federal funds can be used to reimburse up to 75% of the approved project costs. The remaining matching funds must be non-federal and must be provided by the applicant.

7. Eligibility. Eligible projects may include:

• Mooring buoys

• Day docks

• Navigational aids (channel markers, buoys, directional information)

• Transient slips (slips that boaters with recreational vessels occupy for no more than 15 consecutive days

• Safe harbors for transients

• Floating docks and fixed piers

• Floating and fixed breakwaters

• Dinghy docks

• Restrooms and showers

• Retaining walls

• Bulkheads

• Dockside utilities

• Recycling and trash receptacles

• Dockside electric service

• Dockside water supplies

• Dockside pay telephones

• Debris deflection booms

• Marine fueling stations

Eligible facilities constructed under this program must be:

• Secure and safe with service available;

• Designed and constructed such that each capital improvement component of the project has an identified useful life, and that useful life has been determined by using a generally accepted method which is referenced in your application. In general, facilities with a longer useful life will be more competitive, but must have a minimum 20-year useful life, signed and sealed by a licensed engineer;

• Used by transient recreational boaters (boaters not at their home port and staying not more than 15 consecutive days);

• Designed to accommodate recreational boats 26’ in length or larger;

• In boating access waters at least 6’ deep (at mean low water)*;

• On designated navigable waters;

• Within two miles of a stationary public pumpout facility (not including pumpout vessels);

• Open to the public;

• Used for the original stated grant purpose throughout the useful life of the project; and

• Maintained through their useful life

*Water depth less than 6 feet; at mean low water may be allowed if an applicant demonstrates to the Commissioner’s satisfaction that the project can still serve the typical boater at that location.

Conditions:

• Facilities that participate in the program must allow the feature(s) constructed under the BIG Program to be open to the general public and provide access to shore along with other existing basic features of the facility such as fuel, pumpouts, and restrooms.

• Some type of reservation system must also be available to ensure boaters space when they arrive.

• Access to other nonessential features of the facility is recommended but not required.

• Reasonable rates (prevailing rates in the area) must be charged to boaters for transient mooring facilities constructed under the BIG program.

Projects are ineligible for funding if the proposed activities include:

• Activities or construction that does not provide a benefit to the public

• Law enforcement patrols

• Law enforcement activities against the applicant (i.e. unpermitted structures)

• Law enforcement violations (i.e. operations without permits)

• Degradation of valuable natural resources or cultural or historic nature of the area

• Dredging

• Installation or maintenance of pumpout facilities of vessels

• Land Acquisition

• Construction, renovation or maintenance of shops, stores, food service or other retail businesses, lodging, facility administration of management

• Construction, renovation or maintenance of facilities for boat transportation, storage, repair or other services

• Purchase of operation of service boats to transport boaters to and from mooring areas (launches)

• Marketing activities that do not focus on BIG or BIG-funded facility

• Purchase of supplies or other expendable personal property not directly related to achieving the project objectives

• Routine, custodial and/or janitorial maintenance activities (those that occur regularly on an annual or more frequent basis)

• Construction or maintenance of facilities designed for trailerable boats

• Construction of slips or moorings for long term rental (more than 15 days)

• Dry land storage or haul out facilities

• Any other activities that are inconsistent with the purposes of BIG or that are inconsistent with Federal Cost Principles (see 2 CFR part 200, subpart F)

8. Inquiry Procedures. All questions regarding this RFP or the Agency’s procurement process must be directed, in writing, electronically, (e-mail) to the Official Contact before the deadline specified in the Procurement Schedule. The early submission of questions is encouraged. Questions will not be accepted or answered verbally – neither in person nor over the telephone. All questions received before the deadline(s) will be answered. However, the Agency will not answer questions when the source is unknown (i.e., nuisance or anonymous questions). Questions deemed unrelated to the RFP or the procurement process will not be answered. At its discretion, the Agency may or may not respond to questions received after the deadline. The Agency may combine similar questions and give only one answer. The agency will release the answers to questions on the date(s) established in the Procurement Schedule. In the event there is a need to amend the RFP, the Agency will publish any and all amendments to this RFP on the State Contracting Portal and, if available, on the Agency’s RFP Web Page.

9. Proposal Due Date and Time. The Official Contact is the only authorized recipient of proposals submitted in response to this RFP. Proposals must be received by the Official Contact on or before the due date and time: October 21, 2025, no later than 4pm.

Proposals received after the due date and time will be ineligible and will not be evaluated. The Agency will send an official letter alerting late respondents of ineligibility.

An acceptable submission must include the following:

• One (1) conforming electronic copy of the original proposal.

The proposal must be complete, properly formatted and outlined, and ready for evaluation by the Screening Committee.

The original proposal must carry original signatures and be clearly marked on the cover as “Original.” Unsigned proposals will not be evaluated. The original proposal and each conforming copy of the proposal must be complete, properly formatted and outlined, and ready for evaluation by the Screening Committee.

10. Multiple Proposals. The submission of multiple proposals is not an option for this procurement.

A. AGENCY OVERVIEW

• DEEP is dedicated to conserving, improving, and protecting our natural resources and the environment, and increasing the availability of affordable, renewable and reliable energy.

• The mission of the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program is to provide federally funded matching grants for qualifying projects that create or renovate tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26’ or larger and construction of associated boater amenities.

• The DEEP Bureau of Outdoor Recreation’s Boating Division administers the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program through its Navigation and Boating Infrastructure Section.

B. SERVICE OVERVIEW

• Service Title: Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program – Opportunity for

Funding the Creation or Renovation of Tie-up Facilities for Transient Recreational Boats 26’ or Larger

• Problem Statement: There are over 675,000 large cruising boats in the United States which have a significant economic impact on waterfront communities. An optimal number of transient recreational boater facilities to accommodate demand created by these larger vessels does not yet exist in Connecticut. The BIG program funds projects designed to improve docking and recreational boating amenities to better accommodate these larger boats.

• Service Outcome Goals: The goals of the program are to strengthen local community ties to transient boaters and marine manufacturers; raise awareness of the economic benefits of recreational boating; promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities; provide continuity of access to coastal communities;

promote awareness of transient boating opportunities; and to provide areas of safe harbor for transient boaters.

• Service Policies: It is the policy of the DEEP to promote the creation and/or renovation of transient boater facilities for recreational vessels 26’ and larger and to provide these services and associated funded amenities at the boating facility.

Facilities that participate in the program must allow the feature(s) constructed under the BIG Program to be open to the general public and provide access to shore along with other existing basic features of the facility such as fuel, pumpouts, and restrooms. Some type of reservation system must also be available to ensure boaters space when they arrive. Access to other nonessential features of the facility is not required. Reasonable rates (prevailing rates in the area) must be charged to boaters for transient mooring facilities constructed under the BIG Program.

• Target User Population: The target user population for this grant opportunity is the transient (boaters from outside of the facility harbor) recreational boating community and the marine facilities that support such transient recreational boating activities.

• Service Authorization (Public Act / Statute): The DEEP’s statutory authority to enter into contracts for the services identified herein are CGS sec. 4-8, as amended; CGS sec. 22a-6(2) as amended, CGS sec. 22a-22. All work conducted under this Federally funded program shall be conducted in conformance with 50 CFR Part 86 and 2 CFR Part 200. All work conducted under this program shall also comply with

• all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq).

II. PURPOSE OF RFP AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

• Connecticut marine facilities have improved transient boater access by installing amenities at several sites along the Connecticut shoreline and its tributaries. For information about prior successful projects in Connecticut, visit the DEEP Boating Division’s BIG Website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/BIG/Boating- Infrastructure-Grant-Program

• Vision for a Successful Service: A successful BIG Project would consist of a cost-effective, innovative, new publicly accessible transient recreational boater tie-up facility including slips or moorings (or a combination of these amenities); support facilities which are ADA accessible and available to transient boaters including but not limited to fuel, pumpout facilities, restrooms and bath facilities, laundry, access to upland historical, scenic, natural, cultural and recreational opportunities; access to dining and commercial activities such as shops, restaurants and other desirable transient boater destinations; and land transportation to area attractions. A successful project would also be located at a prominent waypoint for transient boaters and would provide safety, security and service, be located on a navigable waterway, have slips or moorings with a water depth of at least 6 feet at low tide, have public/private partnerships to increase services to boaters, and that would create a positive economic impact on the local economy. All BIG projects must be maintained for a useful life of at least 20 years.

• Priorities for Improvement: Priority will be given to facilities that provide transient recreational boating facilities to a new area of Connecticut.

C. SCOPE OF SERVICE DESCRIPTION

1. Organizational Expectations

• Marine Facilities including but not limited to marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs;

municipal, state, or tribal public docking facilities.

• The location of the BIG project sites will be at waterfront marine facilities located in tidal, coastal or navigable waters of the State of Connecticut that have a minimum depth of 6 feet and provide access to transient boater services and amenities described above.

2. Service Expectations

• Core Components of Service: Eligible grant activities are identified in section I.

B.7., above.

• Major Deliverables: Deliverables include the completion of construction/installation/renovation of all individual components of the transient boating access project, constructed as proposed and approved by DEEP and as authorized by all required local, State and Federal regulatory authorizations;

photographs of the completed work; a completed Notice of Grant Agreement filed on the land records of the municipality within which the project is located; interim progress reports/logs and a final project report including supporting documentation to demonstrate that all project components have been completed as designed and approved; and a final financial report documenting all eligible costs associated with the project by the deadlines identified in the State contract.

• Legal Requirements around Compliance with State/Federal Regulations: All activities proposed must be eligible under the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program and all selected grantees and their subcontractor’s will need to comply with applicable State/Federal requirements.

• Hours of Operation: As defined by each applicant, but at a minimum, hours must include general operating hours of the facility between Memorial Day – Columbus Day of each boating season.

• Target User Population: Transient Boater Recreational Marine Facilities.

https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/BIG/Boating-Infrastructure-Grant-Program https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/BIG/Boating-Infrastructure-Grant-Program

3. Data and Technology Expectations

• Data collected shall include a completed quarterly and/or annual log of transient boater usage of the funded facility and amenities and fees collected. The log shall include the boater’s name, vessel name, length of vessel, dates during which the vessel utilized the transient recreational boater facilities, port of origin, and vessel registration number or documentation number.

4. Financial Expectations

• Eligible project expenditures shall be tracked using receipts and invoices for eligible items purchased and work conducted per the State contract requirements and reported using the billing form provided in the State contract.

5. Budget Expectations

• Projects shall be conducted in accordance with cost standards and eligibility criteria as identified in 2 CFR Part 200 and 50 CFR part 86.

• Grants shall require a minimum 25% non-federal matching contribution by the grantee.

• Total available funding shall be determined by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Port Fish Restoration Program at the time of federal award.

• The Period of Award shall be determined at the time of contract issuance but shall not exceed 2 years in length.

• Proration of eligible BIG costs, as applicable, must be conducted in accordance with 2 CFR

Part 200 and 50 CFR Part 86.

• Upon completion of the project and closure of the Federal Award, the grantee shall collect fees for transient recreational boater use of the facilities at the prevailing rate for the area. Fees collected shall be used in accordance with the BIG program rules identified in 50 CFR Part 86.

D. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The following performance metrics highlight key priorities that will be analyzed with providers/vendors collaboratively during the life of the contract. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather an indication of significant performance metrics of interest to The Agency.

The Agency looks forward to working with providers/vendors to define additional important performance metrics.

• Performance metrics shall include a completed quarterly and/or annual log of transient boater usage of the funded facility and amenities and fees collected. The log shall include the boater’s name, vessel name, length of vessel, dates during which the vessel utilized the transient recreational boater facilities, port of origin, and vessel registration number or documentation number.

E. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT/DATA REPORTING

As part of the State’s commitment to becoming more outcomes-oriented, the DEEP seeks to actively and regularly collaborate with providers/vendors to enhance contract management, improve results, and adjust service delivery and policy based on learning what works.

Reliable and relevant data is necessary to ensure compliance, inform trends to be monitored, evaluate results and performance, and drive service improvements. As such, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reserves the right to request/collect other key data and metrics from providers/vendors.

A. SUBMISSION FORMAT INFORMATION

1. Required Outline. All proposals must follow the required outline presented in Section IV – Proposal Outline. Proposals that fail to follow the required outline will be deemed non-responsive and not evaluated.

2. Cover Sheet. The Respondent will utilize Attachment A – Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Application Form for Tier I-State or Tier II-National Funding Assistance as a Cover Sheet capturing the following information:

• RFP Name or Number:

• Legal Name:

• FEIN:

• Street Address:

• Town/City/State/Zip:

• Contact Person:

• Title:

• Phone Number:

• E-Mail Address:

• Authorized Official:

• Title:

• Signature:

3. Table of Contents. All proposals must include a Table of Contents that conforms with the required proposal outline.

4. Executive Summary. Proposals may include a high-level summary, not exceeding 1 page, of the main proposal and cost proposal.

5. Attachments. Attachments other than the required Appendices or Forms identified in the RFP are not permitted and will not be evaluated. Further, the required Appendices or Forms must not be altered or used to extend, enhance, or replace any component required by this RFP. Failure to abide by these instructions will result in disqualification.

6. Packaging and Labeling Requirements. The proposal must be signed by the Proper. Unsigned proposals will be rejected. Proposals must be submitted through CTSource.

7. Declaration of Confidential Information. Proposers are advised that all materials associated with this procurement are subject to the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy Act, and all rules, regulations and interpretations resulting from them. If a proposer deems that certain information required by this RFP is confidential, the proposer must label such information as CONFIDENTIAL prior to submission. In the proposal submission, the proposer must reference where the information labeled CONFIDENTIAL is located in the proposal. EXAMPLE: Section G.1.a. For each subsection so referenced, the proposer must provide a convincing explanation and rationale sufficient to justify an exemption of the information from release under the FOIA. The explanation and rationale must be stated in terms of (a) the prospective harm to the competitive position of the proposer that would result if the identified information were to be

III. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OVERVIEW

released and (b) the reasons why the information is legally exempt from release pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-210(b).

DEEP however, has no obligation to initiate, prosecute, or defend any legal proceeding or to seek a protective order or other similar relief to prevent disclosure of any information pursuant to a FOIA request. The proposer bears the burden of establishing the availability of any FOIA exemption in any proceeding where it is an issue. In no event shall DEEP or any of their staff, have any liability for disclosure of documents or information in the possession of DEEP which DEEP or such staff, determines to be required pursuant to the FOIA or other requirements of law.

8. Conflict of Interest - Disclosure Statement. Proposers must include a disclosure statement concerning any current business relationships (within the last three (3) years) that pose a conflict of interest, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-85. A conflict of interest exists when a relationship exists between the proposer and a public official (including an elected official) or State employee that may interfere with fair competition or may be adverse to the interests of the State. The existence of a conflict of interest is not, in and of itself, evidence of wrongdoing. A conflict of interest may, however, become a legal matter if a proposer tries to influence, or succeeds in influencing, the outcome of an official decision for their personal or corporate benefit. The Agency will determine whether any disclosed conflict of interest poses a substantial advantage to the proposer over the competition, decreases the overall competitiveness of this procurement, or is not in the best interests of the State. In the absence of any conflict of interest, a proposer must affirm such in the disclosure statement. Example: “[name of proposer] has no current business relationship (within the last three (3) years) that poses a conflict of interest, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-85.”

B. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

1. Evaluation Process. It is the intent of the Agency to conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of proposals received in response to this RFP. When evaluating proposals, negotiating with successful proposers, and awarding contracts, the Agency will conform with its written procedures for PSA procurements (pursuant to C.G.S. § 4-217) and the State’s Code of Ethics (pursuant to C.G.S. §§ 1-84 and 1-85). Final funding allocation decisions will be determined during contract negotiation.

2. Evaluation Review Committee. The Agency will designate a Review Committee to evaluate proposals submitted in response to this RFP. The Review Committee will be composed of individuals, Agency staff or other designees as deemed appropriate.

The contents of all submitted proposals, including any confidential information, will be shared with the Review Committee. Only proposals found to be responsive (that is, complying with all instructions and requirements described herein) will be reviewed, rated, and scored. Proposals that fail to comply with all instructions will be rejected without further consideration. The Review Committee shall evaluate all proposals that meet the Minimum Submission Requirements by score and rank ordered and make recommendations for awards. The Agency Head will make the final selection. Attempts by any proposer (or representative of any proposer) to contact or influence any member of the Review Committee may result in disqualification of the proposer.

3. Minimum Submission Requirements. To be eligible for evaluation, proposals must (1) be received on or before the due date and time; (2) meet the Proposal Format requirements; (3) meet the Eligibility and Qualification requirements to respond to the procurement, (4) follow the required Proposal Outline; and (5) be complete. Proposals that fail to follow instructions or satisfy these minimum submission requirements will not be reviewed further. The Agency will reject any proposal that deviates significantly from the requirements of this RFP.

4. Evaluation Criteria (and Points). Proposals meeting the Minimum Submission Requirements will be evaluated according to the established criteria. The criteria are the objective standards that the Review Committee will use to evaluate the technical merits of the proposals. Only the criteria listed below will be used to evaluate proposals. The points are disclosed below.

Scoring Element

Range Points available Score

Does the project qualify under the purpose of the project?

No N/A

Can’t be granted

Yes

Is the project a minimum of $30,000.00 for Tier 1 or $300,000 for Tier 2?

No 0

Yes 1

Amount of match provided

25% 0

26-35% 5

36-49% 10

50+% 15

Number of Public/Private or Public/Public Partnerships

1 5

2 10

3+ 15

Degree of Project Innovation

None 0

Low to High 3 to 15

Cost Efficiency

No evidence 0

Above Average 4

Very Good 7

Excellent 10

Prominent Waypoint Linkage No 0

Yes 10

Access to recreational, historical, cultural, natural, or scenic opportunities

National significance 5

Regional Significance 5

Local Significance 5

Positive Impact on local economy

Very Little 1

Moderate 3

Significant 5

Multi-state efforts resulting in coordinated locations for moorage

Are facilities open to the public? No 0

Yes 5

Are facilities on navigable waters?

Are security, safety and service available at the proposed facility?

Is the water depth at least 6 feet deep at MLW (prior to application or if dredging is proposed)?

Is a public pump out available on site or within 2 miles?

Is there a pumpout onsite?

Yes 1

Will the proposed facilities accommodate transient boats 26ft and longer?

Do the proposed improvements have a life expectancy of 20 years or more?

Does the project provide transient facilities to a new area of CT?

Yes 1-5

Is the project ADA accessible? No 0

Rate the overall application.

Is the proposed work clear?

No 0

Yes 1-10

Are timelines attainable? No 0

TOTAL POINTS

Note: As part of its evaluation of the Staffing Plan, the Review Committee will review the proposer’s demonstrated commitment to affirmative action, as required by the Regulations of CT State Agencies § 46A-68j-30(10).

5. Proposer Selection. Upon completing its evaluation of proposals, the Review Committee will submit the rankings of all proposals to the Commissioner. The final selection of a successful proposer is at the discretion of the Commissioner. Any proposer selected will be so notified and awarded an opportunity to negotiate a contract with the Agency. Such negotiations may, but will not automatically, result in a contract. Any resulting contract will be posted on the State Contracting Portal. All unsuccessful proposers will be notified by e-mail or U.S. mail, at the Agency’s discretion, about the outcome of the evaluation and proposer selection process. The Agency reserves the right to decline to award contracts for activities in which the Commissioner considers there are not adequate respondents.

6. Contract Execution. Any contract developed and executed as a result of this RFP is subject to the Agency’s contracting procedures, which may include approval by the Office of the Attorney General. Fully executed and approved contracts will be posted on State Contracting Portal and the Agency website. A sample contract is included in Attachment D.

A. Cover Sheet

B. Table of Contents

C. Executive Summary

D. Main Proposal

E. Attachments (clearly referenced to summary and main proposal where applicable)

F. Declaration of Confidential Information

G. Conflict of Interest - Disclosure Statement

H. Statement of Assurances

A: Cover Sheet

The Respondent must use a Cover Sheet capturing the following information:

• RFP Name or Number:

• Legal Name:

• FEIN (not required for currently contracted providers/vendors:

• Street Address:

• Town/City/State/Zip:

• Contact Person:

• Title:

• Phone Number:

• E-Mail Address:

• Authorized Official:

• Title:

• Signature:

IV. REQUIRED PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OUTLINE AND REQUIREMENTS

Legal Name is defined as the name of provider, vendor, CT State agency, or municipality submitting the proposal. Contact Person is defined as the individual who can provide additional information about the proposal or who has immediate responsibility for the proposal. Authorized Official is defined as the individual empowered to submit a binding offer on behalf of the proposer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFP and any amendments or attachments hereto.

B: Table of Contents

Respondents must include a Table of Contents that lists sections and subsections with page numbers that follow the organization outline and sequence for this proposal. (Not Required)

C: Proposer Executive Summary

The page limitation for this section is one (1) page briefly describing how the Respondent meets the eligibility and qualification criteria outlined in the Proposal Overview and a brief overview of why the Respondent should be selected for the activities highlighted in the scope of services.

D: Main Proposal Submission Requirements to Submit a Responsive Proposal:

The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Application Form for Tier I-State or Tier II- National Funding Assistance (Attachment A) shall serve as the body of the main proposal.

Additional pages shall be attached in response to questions #5 and #8 of the application form.

E: Attachments

Attachments other than the required attachments identified are not permitted and will not be evaluated. See the Proposal Checklist in Appendix VI of this RFP for a list of relevant attachments. Further, the required attachments must not be altered or used to extend, enhance, or replace any component required by this RFP. Failure to abide by these instructions may result in disqualification.

F: Declaration of Confidential Information

If a proposer deems that certain information required by this RFP is confidential, the proposer must label such information as CONFIDENTIAL prior to submission. The proposer must reference where the information labeled CONFIDENTIAL is located in the proposal.

EXAMPLE: Section G.1.a. For each subsection so referenced, the proposer must provide a convincing explanation and rationale sufficient to justify an exemption of the information from release under the FOIA. The explanation and rationale must be stated in terms of (a)the prospective harm to the competitive position of the proposer that would result if the identified information were to be released and (b) the reasons why the information is legally exempt from release pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-210(b).

G: Conflict of Interest – Disclosure Statement

Proposers must include a disclosure statement concerning any current business relationships (within the last three (3) years) that pose a conflict of interest, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-85. A conflict of interest exists when a relationship exists between the proposer and a public official (including an elected official) or State employee that may interfere with fair competition or may be adverse to the interests of the State. The existence of a conflict of interest is not, in and of itself, evidence of wrongdoing. A conflict of interest may, however, become a legal matter if a proposer tries to influence, or succeeds in influencing, the outcome of an official decision for their personal or corporate benefit. In the absence of any conflict of interest, a proposer must affirm such in the disclosure statement. Example:

“[name of proposer] has no current business relationship (within the last three (3) years) that poses a conflict of interest, as defined by C.G.S. § 1-85.”

H: Statement of Assurances

Place after Conflict of Interest-Disclosure Statement. Sign and return Attachment C.

A. STANDARD CONTRACT PROVISIONS

Agencies may include any standard PSA contract provisions that are valuable to communicate in advance to the provider/vendor community. This may include a sample agency PSA, an agency specific PSA contract template, or a reference to the Comptroller’s Office PSA Terms and Conditions, which includes generic state contract requirements. (See Attachment D)

B. ASSURANCES

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, a proposer implicitly gives the following assurances:

1. Collusion. The proposer represents and warrants that the proposer did not participate in any part of the RFP development process and had no knowledge of the specific contents of the RFP prior to its issuance. The proposer further represents and warrants that no agent, representative, or employee of the State participated directly in the preparation of the proposer’s proposal. The proposer also represents and warrants that the submitted proposal is in all respects fair and is made without collusion or fraud.

2. State Officials and Employees. The proposer certifies that no elected or appointed official or employee of the State has or will benefit financially or materially from any contract resulting from this RFP. The Agency may terminate a resulting contract if it is determined that gratuities of any kind were either offered or received by any of the aforementioned officials or employees from the proposer, contractor, or its agents or employees.

3. Competitors. The proposer assures that the submitted proposal is not made in connection with any competing organization or competitor submitting a separate proposal in response to this RFP. No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the proposer to induce any other organization or competitor to submit, or not submit, a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. The proposer further assures that the proposed costs have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other organization or competitor for the purpose of restricting competition. Nor has the proposer knowingly disclosed the proposed costs on a prior basis, either directly or indirectly, to any other organization or competitor.

V. MANDATORY PROVISIONS

4. Validity of Proposal. The proposer certifies that the proposal represents a valid and binding offer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFP and any amendments or attachments hereto. The proposal shall remain valid for a period of 180 days after the submission due date and may be extended beyond that time by mutual agreement. At its sole discretion, the Agency may include the proposal, by reference or otherwise, into any contract with the successful proposer.

5. Veracity of Statements. The proposer certifies that the submitted information is true, accurate and complete to the best of his/her knowledge.

6. Press Releases. The proposer agrees to obtain prior written consent and approval of the Agency for press releases that relate in any manner to this RFP or any resultant contract.

C. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, a proposer implicitly agrees to comply with the following terms and conditions:

1. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. The State is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its hiring, employment, or business practices. The State is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, or activities.

2. Preparation Expenses. Neither the State nor the Agency shall assume any liability for expenses incurred by a proposer in preparing, submitting, or clarifying any proposal submitted in response to this RFP.

3. Exclusion of Taxes. The Agency is exempt from the payment of excise and sales taxes imposed by the federal government and the State. Proposers are liable for any other applicable taxes.

4. Proposed Costs. No cost submissions that are contingent upon a State action will be accepted. All proposed costs must be fixed through the entire term of the contract.

5. Changes to Proposal. No additions or changes to the original proposal will be allowed after submission. While changes are not permitted, the Agency may request and authorize proposers to submit written clarification of their proposals, in a manner or format prescribed by the Agency, and at the proposer’s expense.

6. Supplemental Information. Supplemental information will not be considered after the deadline submission of proposals, unless specifically requested by the Agency.

The Agency may ask a proposer to give demonstrations, interviews, oral presentations or further explanations to clarify information contained in a proposal.

Any such demonstration, interview, or oral presentation will be at a time selected and in a place provided by the Agency. At its sole discretion, the Agency may limit the number of proposers invited to make such a demonstration, interview, or oral presentation and may limit the number of attendees per proposer.

7. Presentation of Supporting Evidence. If requested by the Agency, a proposer must be prepared to present evidence of experience, ability, data reporting capabilities, financial standing, or other information necessary to satisfactorily meet the requirements set forth or implied in this RFP. The Agency may make onsite visits to an operational facility or facilities of a proposer to evaluate further the proposer’s capability to perform the duties required by this RFP. At its discretion, the Agency may also check or contact any reference provided by the proposer.

8. RFP Is Not an Offer. Neither this RFP nor any subsequent discussions shall give rise to any commitment on the part of the State or the Agency or confer any rights on any proposer unless and until a contract is fully executed by the necessary parties. The contract document will represent the entire agreement between the proposer and the Agency and will supersede all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, alleged or made, between the parties. The State shall assume no liability for costs incurred by the proposer or for payment of services under the terms of the contract until the successful proposer is notified that the contract has been accepted and approved by the Agency and, if required, by the Attorney General’s Office.

D. RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE STATE

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, a proposer implicitly accepts that the following rights are reserved to the State:

1. Timing Sequence. The timing and sequence of events associated with this RFP shall ultimately be determined by the Agency.

2. Amending or Canceling RFP. The Agency reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFP on any date and at any time, if the Agency deems it to be necessary, appropriate, or otherwise in the best interests of the State.

3. No Acceptable Proposals. In the event that no acceptable proposals are submitted in response to this RFP, the Agency may reopen the procurement process, if it is determined to be in the best interests of the State.

4. Award and Rejection of Proposals. The Agency reserves the right to award in part, to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part, for misrepresentation or if the proposal limits or modifies any of the terms, conditions, or specifications of this RFP. The Agency may waive minor technical defects, irregularities, or omissions, if in its judgment the best interests of the State will be served. The Agency reserves the right to reject the proposal of any proposer who submits a proposal after the submission date and time.

5. Sole Property of the State. All proposals submitted in response to this RFP are to be the sole property of the State. Any product, whether acceptable or unacceptable, developed under a contract awarded as a result of this RFP shall be the sole property of the State, unless stated otherwise in this RFP or subsequent contract. The right to publish, distribute, or disseminate any and all information or reports, or part thereof, shall accrue to the State without recourse.

6. Contract Negotiation. The Agency reserves the right to negotiate or contract for all or any portion of the services contained in this RFP. The Agency further reserves the right to contract with one or more proposer for such services. After reviewing the scored criteria, the Agency may seek Best and Final Offers (BFO) on cost from proposers. The Agency may set parameters on any BFOs received.

7. Clerical Errors in Award. The Agency reserves the right to correct inaccurate awards resulting from its clerical errors. This may include, in extreme circumstances, revoking the awarding of a contract already made to a proposer and subsequently awarding the contract to another proposer. Such action on the part of the State shall not constitute a breach of contract on the part of the State since the contract with the initial proposer is deemed to be void ab initio and of no effect as if no contract ever existed between the State and the proposer.

8. Key Personnel. When the Agency is the sole funder of a purchased service, the Agency reserves the right to approve any additions, deletions, or changes in key…