DESIGN_SERVICES_POST_OFFICE_SQUARE.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

PEX01826A

DESIGN SERVICES POST OFFICE SQUARE

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PURCHASES

999 BROAD STREET

BRIDGEPORT CT 06604

Submission Deadline:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 by 2:00 pm

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. Submission Guidelines

4. Evaluations

5. Evaluation Criteria

6. Selection Process

7. Terms and Conditions

8. Required Response Format

9. Appendix A

10. Appendix B

Attachments:

A - City of Bridgeport Contractor Agreement

C - NO CONFLICTS FORM 10-2018 and 02-2025

1. Introduction

The City of Bridgeport seeks proposals for DESIGN SERVICES POST OFFICE

SQUARE.

The requirements of this project are outlined in greater detail under Scope of Work.

The selected awardee must meet all municipal, State and Federal practices and requirements.

The initial term for the contract will be nine (9) months with two (2) 6-month renewal options, for a potential total term of 21 months Written acknowledgement from vendor will be required.

Please note the City of Bridgeport encourages Minority business enterprises (MBE), Women business enterprises (WBE) and City-based businesses (CBB) to submit proposals. MBE, WBE or CBB State and/or City certification(s) showing the vendor’s current M/WBE and/or CBB status must be included as part of the proposal package at the time of submission for such status to be considered. For details, please see City Ordinance 3.12.130D (setting an attainable goal of 30% for prime contractor utilization of certain target groups for contracts stemming from

QBS selection process and City Ordinance 3.12.130E (setting a possible award of 10 additional points to the evaluation criteria scoring).

1.1. City Background

Bridgeport is the most populous city in Connecticut. The US Census Bureau's American

Community Survey estimates the city's 2024 population to be 151,616. Located at the mouth of the Pequonnock River on Long Island Sound, the compact city encompasses a total of 16 square miles. With 24 miles of waterfront, the city offers significant opportunities for waterfront development, recreation, and commerce. It is located 60 miles from Manhattan and 40 miles from The Bronx, forming part of the New York metropolitan area. The city borders Trumbull to the north, Fairfield to the west, and Stratford to the east and serves as a key economic and transportation hub within the Greater Bridgeport region and the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-

Danbury metropolitan statistical area, the second largest in Connecticut.

Bridgeport offers excellent transportation infrastructure, by rail, road, and even sea. Located directly on I-95, the city is also connected to New England and New York via Route 8 and the

Merritt Parkway. The city’s regional transit center offers direct passenger rail service from

Amtrak, from the Metro-North commuter line to New York, and from the Shoreline East commuter service to New Haven and New London (with connections to Hartford and

Springfield, MA). The transit center, in addition to serving the Greater Bridgeport Transit

Authority’s regional bus lines, also hosts national bus service from Greyhound. Additionally, the

Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry sails year-round, providing interstate auto-ferry service between

Connecticut and New York.

The city is also home to several higher education institutions, including the University of

Bridgeport, Housatonic Community College, Paier College, Fairfield University's Bellarmine

Campus, and Sacred Heart University Center for Healthcare Education.

Nicknamed the "Park City," Bridgeport boasts 35 public parks spanning 1,300 acres, including

Seaside Park and Beardsley Park, both designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The city is also home to major cultural and entertainment venues, including Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the

Barnum Museum, Total Mortgage Arena, and Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, which attract residents and visitors alike.

Bridgeport is currently in the midst of a public arts renaissance, with dozens of murals going up across the city. These efforts are viewable at the below linked story map:

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/086ae6d42c294a5c8dc8311aa910495d

1.2. Project Overview and Summary

Post Office Square is an existing 0.76-acre community green space in Downtown North that the

City will redesign and enhance into a resilient, multi-use public space. The project will improve the site to better reflect community priorities, support local businesses, and advance the goals of

Plan Bridgeport related to sustainability, equity, and connectivity. The redesigned Post Office

Square will integrate nature-based design strategies, including green infrastructure and climate resilience measures, while accommodating mixed community uses such as recreation, cultural programming, and small business opportunities. This project is intended to serve as a model for the redesign and activation of underutilized urban parcels throughout Bridgeport.

1.3. Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

All inquiries regarding this bid must be presented in writing and may be posted directly on the procurement portal, OpenGov.

Questions will be received until Monday, November 10th, 2025, no later than 5:00 pm. All Questions will be answered Wednesday, November 19th 2025 no later than 5:00 pm.

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Project Description

The City of Bridgeport is requesting

The City of Bridgeport (“the City”) is requesting detailed Proposals “Technical and Fee Proposals” from firms interested in providing professional services for design services for the Post Office Square Project site (“Post Office Square.”) The prospective consultant (hereinafter “Consultant” or “Contractor”) shall specialize in Landscape Architecture and/or Architecture and/or Civil Engineering, with demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of complex public spaces that integrate community, environmental, and economic development goals. The selected Consultant must have at least 10 years of experience in the design of multi-functional urban spaces and landscape design. Consultant shall have extensive experience in Design Development, Construction Documentation, Construction Administration, and the permitting processes. Priority will also be given to firms that are local to Bridgeport or have

Bridgeport representation, and minority-owned firms.

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/086ae6d42c294a5c8dc8311aa910495d

The consultant team must include a designer with demonstrated experience in urban site planning and resilient design, particularly in the areas of stormwater management, green infrastructure, and adaptive reuse of underutilized urban spaces. Experience with flood and heat mitigation and green infrastructure is highly desirable, especially in the context of mixed-use community spaces. Familiarity with the design and construction of urban parks, public event spaces, and micro-retail infrastructure is strongly preferred.

Office of Planning and Economic Development

The Office of Planning and Economic Development (“OPED”), leading this effort and guided by the

City’s 10-year comprehensive plan, Plan Bridgeport, plays a key role in securing funding and resources to drive these initiatives forward. Whilst overseeing a wide range of initiatives, including transportation, climate mitigation and resilience, neighborhood revitalization, waterfront development, and housing, the department ensures projects are advanced efficiently, sustainably, and with strong community engagement. By prioritizing equity and long-term impact, the department fosters meaningful improvements that enhance quality of life and create a more resilient, inclusive Bridgeport.

SITE

The project site consists of five City-owned parcels located at 1136, 1144, 1148, 1154, and 1160 Main

Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The properties are situated in the Downtown North area, a primarily commercial and industrial section of the city.

• 1136 Main St. – PID #6012 – 0.16 acre

• 1144 Main St. – PID #6011 – 0.32 acre

• 1148 Main St. – PID #6010 – 0.05 acre

• 1154 Main St. – PID #6009 – 0.10 acre

• 1160 Main St. – PID #6008 – 0.13 acre

Combined, these parcels total approximately 0.76 acres.

Located within easy walking distance of downtown Bridgeport’s commercial core, Greater Bridgeport

Transit bus terminal, and State of Connecticut Superior Court. Post Office Square benefits from strong pedestrian access and proximity to retail, cultural venues, and public transportation.

https://gis.vgsi.com/bridgeportct/

Downtown Bridgeport, where Post Office Square is located, has long served as the city’s civic and commercial core. It housed major department stores, banks, and theaters that drew visitors from across the region, and many of its historic buildings remain in active use. Recent years have brought new commercial and housing developments, cultural programming, and public events, increasing activity in the district.

The City has worked with community partners; Skateport, Downtown Special Services District, (“DSSD”), Groundwork Bridgeport, Berlinetta Brewing, and numerous local and regional public https://engage.bridgeportct.gov/plan-bridgeport https://gis.vgsi.com/bridgeportct/ and private stakeholder agencies and organizations, to work towards a connected, community oriented, vibrant community space in the City.

The Post Office Square site was formerly occupied by a deteriorated row of buildings known as the “Preservation Block,” demolished in 2019 for safety reasons. It is now a community public space with the potential to become a vibrant, connected multi-use gathering place. The City seeks a design that incorporates the City’s POCD “Plan Bridgeport”, and nature-based solutions to enhance biodiversity, resilience, and connectivity within the downtown.

In 2022, the Office of Planning and Economic Development at the City of Bridgeport applied for a Connecticut Communities Challenge grant for the creation of Post Office Square post demolition that occurred in 2019. Relevant activities include:

• A currently existing shared wall on the property at the South end of the site.

• During the time of demolition, the site preparation work was completed in accordance with CTDOT Standard Specifications (Form 817) and applicable environmental regulations. This included excavation, grading, and placement of backfill and granular fill to establish subgrades for future construction.

• No previous designs or ESA’s have been completed for the Post Office Square Project post demolition.

Post Office Square will be the pilot project for other vacant and blighted lots and underutilized areas in commercial and residential areas. It will also serve as proof of concept for community-led design and effective acquisition and development of public community and open spaces that will be ecologically resilient.

PROJECT SCOPE

The goal of this project is to develop full design and 100% construction documents for Post Office

Square—a 0.76-acre, city-owned parcel—transforming it into an activated community space with green and resilient infrastructure. The consultant will work with the City, DSSD, and other stakeholders to advance the community’s conceptual redesign into a resilient, vibrant public space that supports local ecosystems, strengthens local businesses, fosters social connectivity, and aligns with the City’s Plan of

Conservation and Development, Plan Bridgeport, and other planning goals.

The Consultant shall provide services, equipment, and materials necessary to provide final designs, construction-ready reports, plans, estimates, and other data to facilitate the construction of the Post Office

Square project site. The scope requires that the Consultant obtain supplemental surveys and maps, prepare detailed design documents - including cost estimates, permits, approvals, and final design plans - and manage project coordination meetings.

Other deliverables include a georeferenced GIS file package (such as FileGDB, KMZ/KML, MSPK, or

SLPK) of the completed design for the Post Office Square Project. Moreover, the Consultant will consider community input collected throughout the engagement process.

The selected Consultant will be required to perform the basic engineering services to be specified more fully in a contractual agreement (“Contract”). The Contract will provide for payment for all phases of work completed. The City anticipates a Contract that will include community engagement/participatory design, site survey, schematic design, final design, construction documentation, and cost estimations;

however, the City may request additional project elements in the initial or subsequent professional services agreements as the City may deem appropriate.

2.2. Qualification Expectations

Eligible respondents must be able to demonstrate the following:

- Demonstrated experience with similar projects. To be qualified, the proposed project awardee for this project must have recently and successfully completed recent projects with similar scope and complexity and shall provide references for those projects.

- Demonstrated experience with municipalities comparable to the City of Bridgeport. Any additional information which demonstrates the respondent’s ability to perform the required work not already mentioned herein, must be provided.

- Assigned Staff and office support must have the necessary experience, organization, and professional skills and facilities to successfully perform the required services described in the scope of work in this RFP. Description of the firm’s composition with identification of roles of all anticipated employees and/or subcontractors, if any. Resumes of key personnel are required for all key personnel.

- No pending criminal litigation or criminal charges against the firm, Principal Owners, Partners, Corporate Officers, or management Personnel.

2.3. Key Deliverables

The Scope of Work is organized into six primary tasks (including subtasks). Task 6 is defined but will be undertaken only upon request by the City.

Task 1 - Project Coordination and Meetings

1.1 - Project Coordination Meetings

The Consultant shall facilitate a project kickoff meeting with the City and establish an appropriate schedule for regular status meetings. In addition to these regular status meetings, the

City anticipates up to ten (10) additional meetings after each plan submittal to discuss and resolve comments. Minutes to each meeting shall be prepared by the Consultant. The Consultant should assume that five (5) project meetings will be required. Written progress reports will be provided in tandem with any project invoices. The number of meetings outlined is from project start to completion of 100% design and construction documents, not including bid services and construction administration.

Deliverables: Within seven (7) days of the execution of the Contract, the Consultant shall prepare and submit to the City a Project Execution Plan including, but not limited to, the following information:

• Detailed design schedule indicating all deliverables milestones; review approval dates;

dates and times for regular and special meetings.

• Flow chart outlining steps needed to obtain required approvals from the City and other approving authorities.

1.2 - Project Stakeholder Engagement

The Consultant will also participate in up to five (5) meetings with relevant project stakeholders which may include several departments in the City, Groundwork Bridgeport, DSSD, and other agencies as required. Additionally, as noted above, the Consultant will consider community input collected throughout the engagement process. The Consultant will also engage with community stakeholders in up to five (5) meetings in effort to ensure a participatory process. In total, the

Consultant can be expected to participate in up to ten (10) meetings with the community and stakeholders.

Deliverables: Community Input Report - Summary of findings and ideas generated in the design workshops including base maps, and conceptual plans developed by stakeholder participation

(this summary must be reproducible in an 8.5 x 11-inch format to be distributed to the community, and local design team); and meeting minutes of design and/or construction discussions at local design team meetings.

Task 2 - Survey and Mapping 2.1 – Field Surveys

2.1 – Field Surveys

Field survey shall be created by the Consultant to include all additional information as indicated below. The survey shall cover the site and contain sufficient information for the design and construction of the project scope.

Deliverables: Updated Surveys with particular attention to the following:

• Topographic information, including spot elevations of key site features.

• Location of underground utilities, and utility surface expressions.

• Location and inverts for all sewer and sanitary infrastructure.

• Labelled direction of stormwater flow and areas of obvious drainage problems.

• Existing site features, including building-mounted hose bibs and Fire Department

Connections.

• Location of other structural features that may require removal or reuse.

Utility rights should be accounted for.

Task 3 – Detailed Design

3.1 – Cost Estimation

The estimate for the 30%, 75%, and 90% submittals shall include a detailed estimate of all items anticipated for construction and completion of the Post Office Square Project. The estimate will be made available for review and comment. The 100% submittal will include necessary revisions based on any final revision to the plans. The engineer’s estimate will be organized with each pay item having its own calculation backup sheet. This final estimate will be submitted for use during construction. The Consultant will be advised of any changes in the construction budget. The

Consultant is responsible for meeting the requirements of the budget and ensuring that the design proposed can be realized within the limits of the allocated budget. The Consultant will be required to propose alternate designs and make value engineering recommendations to the City if the project cost exceeds the project budget.

Deliverables: Cost estimates shall be presented at each design phase indicated herein. Cost estimates should include the cost estimation tool and shall be based on the Consultant’s knowledge of recent similar work and the current local market.

3.2 - Advanced Design Plans (30%, 75%, 90%)

It is anticipated at this time that the corridors shall be displayed on construction plan sheets. A

PDF of the plans listed herein and a georeferenced GIS file package (such as FileGDB, KMZ/KML, MSPK, or SLPK) shall be provided to the City staff. The Consultant will work closely with the City and the community to confirm materials and methods for construction. The site plan will be accompanied by a refined cost estimate that will guide any modifications during final construction documentation.

Deliverables:

30% plans shall include but are not limited to, the following design elements that will make up the Draft Design Package:

• Conceptual site plan showing general layout of paths, gathering spaces, green areas, play areas, and amenities

• Approximate locations of stormwater features (e.g., rain gardens, bio-retention areas)

• Preliminary circulation and access plan (pedestrian paths, vehicle access, parking)

• Community feedback from engagement sessions (maps, diagrams, surveys)

• Diagrams showing how community preferences shaped the design

• Preliminary materials and methods (paving, benches, lighting, plants, accessibility, sustainability)

• Rough cost estimate for site improvements, amenities, and stormwater features (+/- 20–

30%)

• Conceptual diagrams or simple 2D/3D renderings showing design intent and spatial layout

• Notes on potential construction challenges, site issues, or early approval considerations

75% and 90% plans shall include but are not limited to, the following design elements that will make up the Draft Design Package :

• Title Sheet.

• Index of Drawings, Legend & Abbreviations.

• Elevations.

• General Notes.

• Typical Sections.

• Alignment Plans.

• Survey Baseline Data.

• Work Zone Traffic Control.

• Miscellaneous Tables.

• Miscellaneous Details.

• General Plans.

• Profiles.

• Stormwater management plans with grading, drainage, and calculations; progressed to

75%, 90% Construction Documents.

• Updated Construction Cost Estimates based on current market pricing, to a degree of certainty of +/- 5%. The cost estimates shall provide for 15% contingencies. This estimate will clearly distinguish the cost of stormwater management practices from costs related to general site improvements, materials, and amenities.

• Pavement Marking and Signage Plans.

• Sign Text Data Sheets.

• Landscape Plans and Details.

• Traffic Signal Plans.

• Structural Plans.

• Approval Letters from statutory and approving authorities as needed.

• All recommended public space amenities (see section 3.2a)

• Parking Area Plan:

o The Consultant will work with the City to obtain written approvals for proposed parking locations within municipal ROW.

The Draft Design Development package shall be submitted to the City, for approval. The

Consultant will ensure that the Draft Design Development packages meet the City’s submission and approval requirements, the Consultant shall submit the packages to the City for review. The

Consultant is responsible to obtain and secure all required permits and approvals from the appropriate approving authorities.

The Consultant shall make revisions to the Final Schematic Design packages as required by the

City or any other approving authority and re-submit as necessary to obtain approvals.

3.2a Public Space Amenities:

In addition to the detailed designs above, the Consultant shall include locations and specifications for amenities listed herein. It should be noted that the proposed amenities listed below currently have allotted construction funding available. Therefore, the Consultant should account for one phase of implementation with a specified timeline.

Public Space Amenities:

• Rain Garden / Pollinator Garden

• Beer Garden

• Incubator Spaces for Micro-retail

• Public Art

• Food Truck Infrastructure

• Benches

• ADA compliant pathways

• Multiuse Open Area

• Shared Wall Space

• Storage space

3.3 Draft Permits

Constructions Permits will be required during the construction phase due to the nature of ground disturbance associated with the public space construction, grading and proximity to surrounding infrastructure. As part of the final plan, the Consultant is responsible for obtaining and securing all required permits and approvals from the appropriate approving authorities including supplying all documentation, footing locations and permit drawings. The Consultant is responsible to obtain and secure all required permits and approvals from the appropriate approving authorities.

Deliverables: The Consultant will be responsible for all applicable permits and present copies of said permits to the City with the submission of the Final Plans.

3.4 Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E - 100%)

The Consultant shall develop final Construction documents (100% drawings) including the following:

typical sections specifying materials to be used, horizontal and vertical alignment design, grading design, signing and striping with emphasis on side street connections[DB1] . The final plans shall be sufficient for bidding and construction.

Deliverables: Final construction drawings shall be provided both electronically and printed. And will include the following:

• A set of plotted drawings to scale

• E-transmit of georeferenced GIS file package (such as FileGDB, KMZ/KML, MSPK, or

SLPK) drafted. Transmit shall include all referenced blocks, pen files, etc.

• PDF file of survey, plotted to read at the plot scale and 11x17 format

Please note that the final design should include information on:

• Drainage (with the incorporation of on-site stormwater management to the extent possible given site and soil constraints)

• Utilities/lighting

• Park amenities

• Contract specifications

• As noted in Task 3.3: Permitting – Consultant shall assist in obtaining all necessary permitting authority requirements, if any, along with recommendations as to any other permits needed. The general contractor will be responsible for obtaining any local building permits required as a part of their bid package.

• Contract documentation package consisting of bid documents, technical specifications, and construction drawings. Plan set should include the following:

• Existing conditions/topographic survey plan

• Site layout/site dimension plan

• Grading/drainage plan

• Economic Impact and Community Impact Data Report

• Community Input Report

• Landscape plan

• Construction details

• Site plan enlargements for key site amenities

• Site sections/elevations for representative areas

3.5 Agency Review, Response & Revisions

The Consultant shall review agency and client comments, respond to comments and revise the plans, specifications and/or estimate as appropriate. The Consultant shall maintain a comment log to keep track of responses and changes to drawings.

Deliverables: Copies of revised/updated plans and drawings as necessary, as well as a write-up of the responses to agency and the City’s comments.

3.6 Final Project Transfer

At the conclusion of the Project, the Consultant shall prepare for the transfer of both the plans and engineering documents and reports.

Deliverables: The Consultant shall provide the City with a set of hard copies, a georeferenced GIS file package (such as FileGDB, KMZ/KML, MSPK, or SLPK) of the completed design of Post Office Square, and one electronic media copy (.dwg file for each sheet) as well as a .pdf file of the final plans, together with all survey maps, data and calculations.

Task 4 – Environmental Assessment

The consultant is expected to, review all environmental review documents, and determine if, an environmental impact statement is necessary, along with any assessments, including but not limited to, historic/archaeological, hazardous materials, transportation, noise/vibration, environmental justice, and natural resources assessments.

Task 5 – Operations and Maintenance Plans

5.1 Development of Operations and Maintenance Plans

The Consultant will develop an Operations and Maintenance Plan (O&M Plan). Using the 100% design documents, and final design plan, the Consultant will identify anticipated maintenance needs for all public space amenities as well as other maintenance needs such as mowing, litter removal, and other activities. Once necessary activities have been identified, the Consultant shall outline an anticipated schedule for each maintenance activity. In addition to this information, the

Final O&M Plan will include procedures for emergency maintenance activities including but not limited to severe flooding, extreme heat, extreme cold, and impacts from stormwater.

The Consultant will provide costs for planned maintenance and operations activities, and any required equipment.

Deliverables: The Consultant shall complete a Final Operations and Maintenance Plan, with schedule and costs. The FO&M Plan should include all public space amenities, as identified in section 3.2a.

5.2 Economic Impact and Community Impact Data Report

Economic Impact and Community Impact Data should include the following statistics and outcomes:

• Job Creation & Increased Employment: # of full-time, direct, permanent jobs; total # of indirect jobs; Job Quality: salaries/pay vs. state or county averages, benefits offered, local hiring

• Increase in Grand List

• Vehicular traffic, transit use, bike, and foot traffic. Increased access to/usage of community amenities (transit, parks)

• Safety, security, crime rates in the neighborhood (beginning in 2022)

• Additional private investment in the neighborhood (beginning in 2022)

• Vacancy rate of other business sites in the neighborhood

Deliverables: The Consultant shall complete an Economic & Community Impact Report.

5.3 Transition of Property Maintenance

The Consultant will assist in preparing all necessary documentation to support the transition of public space maintenance responsibilities from OPED to the organization(s) designated for ongoing maintenance.

Task 6 - Bid Services and Construction Administration (if applicable)

The City anticipates managing the bidding and construction administration for the Post Office Square project site. The Consultant may be asked to provide support services to the City in these areas, as needed. These services should be identified as separate from the rest of the proposal.

6.1 Bidding and Contractor Selection

The Consultant's responsibilities will include assisting the City in bid package creation, locating potential bidders, soliciting and evaluating contractor bids, facilitating pre-bid and bid opening meetings, reviewing and tabulation bids, and reporting recommendations for contract award. The construction contract will be funded in part by the Connecticut Communities Challenge grant and City capital, and other public funding sources that may be subject to bidding and selection under applicable law or as required by those grants.

The Consultant may also be asked to support the City in preparing construction-related documents that comply with the latest version of the DECD Bidding, Contracting, and Construction Guidelines, including but not limited to:

• Bonding and insurance requirements

• Copies of contracts

• Schedule of values

• Payment requisitions and change orders

Deliverables: (in addition to duties outlined above): Minutes of pre-bid and bid opening meetings, preparation of any addenda to bid documents, and final bid report. The Consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Attendance to pre-bid site visit

• Written responses to bidders RFIS, RFCs, and Requests for Substitutions

• One (1) meeting with City staff to discuss bid responses and possible value engineering

• Complete and updated Construction Documents reflecting all non-contractual clarifications, amendments and addenda arising during the bid process due to errors, omissions, and conflicts in the construction documents, as necessary

6.2 Construction Administration Services

In addition to the items listed in Section 6.1, the Consultant responsibilities will also include assisting in construction administration during the construction phase of the proposed project.

Responsibilities include preparing and submitting all necessary building permits, updating site visit schedules, producing construction meeting minutes, site visits and observation reports, response to Construction RFIs, including Construction Sketches, Change Orders and

Construction Change Directives, Certification of Payment applications, Certification of

Substantial and Final Completion, Confirmation of City one-year inspection reports and all other documentation prepared during the Construction Administration Phase, as necessary.

The Consultant’s role will also include supporting the City in meeting DECD requirements for approval of construction funding. This includes submission of updated budgets, bidding process documentation, project schedules, cash flow updates, progress reports, and supporting materials such as Applications and Certificates of Payment (AIA Document G702) approved by the architect/engineer, along with appropriate invoices.

Deliverables: In addition to the duties outlined above, the Consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Coordinate with the City of Bridgeport to prepare and submit for building permits.

Consultant shall include OPED in all correspondences to receive notifications from reviewer(s). OPED will provide any documentation required for the application. OPED will reimburse the consultant for application fees.

• Provide a schedule of site visits at significant milestones in line with the approved construction schedule. The site visit schedules shall be adjusted to coincide with the bi-weekly updates of the construction schedule as necessary. The Consultant shall approve the Contractor’s Construction Schedule.

• Participate in the pre-construction meetings, bi-weekly progress meetings and walk-throughs.

• Prepare and distribute construction meeting minutes and share with OPED for review within 2 days of such meeting.

• Review and approve submittals including shop drawings and material submissions;

• Review Contractor’s proposed alternatives and substitutions and make recommendations to OPED;

• Respond to RFP’s and issue clarifications including supplemental sketches in a timely manner;

• Review Change Order Requests and prepare necessary Construction Change Directives;

• Observe construction activities on site for compliance with Contract Documents. Report to OPED, in a timely manner, on issues compromising quality or ability to certify;

• Monitor compliance with applicable permits, environmental and stormwater regulations;

• Review and certify Contractor’s Applications for Payment based on the work completed;

• Certify Substantial Completion;

• Certify Final Completion;

• Assist OPED in developing the punch-list;

• Participate in the one-year inspection.

• Prepare any other documentation as necessary.

2.4. Schedule, Timeline, and Milestone Tracking

SCHEDULE

Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026.

Procurement of Design Services Schedule

Notice of RFP: October 30th , 2025

Submit Written Questions by: November 10th, 2025

Addenda to RFP (if applicable) distributed by: November 19th, 2025

Proposals Due: December 3, 2025 by 2:00 pm

Construction Bidding Anticipated Summer 2026

Construction Anticipated Fall 2026

3. Submission Guidelines

3.1. Contacting the City of Bridgeport

The exclusive means by which all prospective respondents may obtain RFP packages, direct inquires, request and receive addenda and supplemental information, and submit proposals shall be through the City of Bridgeport’s bidding platform.

The City of Bridgeport has made it possible for vendors to view our solicitations, download bid packages and ask questions, free of charge.

Instructions to do so are as follows:

1. Go to https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct

2. Click on any bid you see. It will take you to that bid’s page.

3. On the right-hand side of the page, click on Register now for free!

4. After you register, you'll be able to view/download or ask questions on any bid you have interest in.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct

If you have any trouble registering, please contact OpenGov using the chat feature or send an email to procurement-support@opengov.com

Addenda Notification: Respondents are required to register on OpenGov. Once the respondent has completed registration, they will receive addenda notifications in their email. Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of each respondent to periodically check the site for any addenda.

3.2. Electronic Submission Instructions

THIS METHOD IS PREFERRED.

Submissions are encouraged to be made electronically through the OpenGov site at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct no later than 2:00 pm on

Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Questions and Answers: It is the responsibility of each firm to inquire about additional information or clarification as to any aspect of the RFP or the Project by submitting questions. The City of Bridgeport will receive questions until Monday, November 10, 2025 at

5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) and will promptly provide answers to such questions no later than Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 5:00 pm by publishing them on the Procurement

Portal and the All firms are obligated to become familiar with such questions and answers and to submit or revise their proposals accordingly. The City of Bridgeport assumes no responsibility for a firm’s failure to read questions or answers and to revise their responses accordingly.

Late Submissions: City will not assume responsibility if a submission is misdirected, or its delivery is delayed. It shall be the sole responsibility of the submitter to pay for any type of delivery service charge, and to see that the Office of the Purchasing Agent receives his/her submission on time. The clock used shall be the Purchasing Agent’s official date and time stamp clock. The City does not assume financial responsibility for late deliveries by the U.S. Postal

System or any other delivery service.

Expenses: The City shall not be responsible for and/or shall not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submission, or presentation of any submission, or costs incurred by the responding firms during the interview and negotiations phase of the solicitation process

Information and Materials: Any information or materials submitted to this RFP shall become the property of the City of Bridgeport and will not be returned. All submitted materials will be available for public review.

Dates: Please keep in mind dates are estimates only and are subject to change.

3.3. Paper Submission Instructions

Submissions may also be made as follows:

Please see Submission Instructions

Sealed submissions must be received and time-stamped by the Department of Public Purchases prior to RFP closing time. No submission received after closing time will be considered. The mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct opening will be in the City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases’ Conference Room. To ensure proper handling and avoid misdirected delivery, please mark your RFP envelope as follows:

PEX01826A-DESIGN SERVICES POST OFFICE SQUARE

Send your submissions to:

Ann Binkley City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases 2nd floor, 999 Broad Street Bridgeport, CT 06604

RFP submissions are due:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)

3.4. Timeline

Release Project Date: October 30, 2025

Question Submission Deadline: November 10, 2025, 5:00pm

Question Response Deadline: November 19, 2025, 5:00pm

Response Submission Deadline: December 3, 2025, 2:00pm

4. Evaluations

Selection Process

All Proposals will be reviewed, evaluated and ranked by the City and DSSD. After an initial review of all submitted proposals, respondent(s) may be invited for interviews for the purpose of clarifying their proposal(s).

Evaluation Criteria Percentage of Total

Firm’s General Organization & Experience and Expertise of Project Team

20%

Environmental Site & Community

Engagement Experience & General Open

Space Planning and Schematic Design &

Portfolio of Relevant Experience

30%

Quality and Completeness of Proposal -

Adequacy of Scope and proposed methodology will weigh heavily

20%

Fee Proposal - Most Cost Effective Reliable

Cost/ shall consider fee proposal relative to other Consultant’s bids, likelihood of added services, adequacy of scope for the quoted fees.

30%

Total 100%

Please Note: This RFP does not commit the City of Bridgeport to award a contract or to procure a contractor for services. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals.

5. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated utilizing an evaluation matrix based on a City Selection Committee’s project specific or weighted criterion. Typical decision criteria are listed in the chart below. The decision criteria in the chart below are for demonstration purposes, only. The decision criteria can vary based on project scope or request for proposal (RFP) type.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Responsiveness

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 1 (25% of Total)

2. Experience and References

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 1 (25% of Total)

3. Project Plan and Timeline

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 1 (25% of Total)

4. Cost

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 1 (25% of Total)

6. Selection Process

The City Selection Committee will review the responses to compliance with the required documentation to determine responsiveness. MBE firms, or firms that form a joint venture with non-MBE prime, and who are entitled to Evaluation Credits pursuant to City ordinance, will be determined and evaluation credits will be issued for purposes of selection.

The City Selection Committee, comprised of key internal stakeholders, will review, evaluate proposals, and score them and rank the responses on a 100-point scale with any evaluation credits awarded. Upon completion of the evaluation and scoring, the City Selection Committee may conduct post-evaluation interviews with the most qualified suppliers prior to a final decision. The City of Bridgeport reserves the right to reject any or all submissions and cancel this request for proposal (RFP), without liability.

Provide a timeline for when a decision will be made and the process for how suppliers will be notified.

7. Terms and Conditions

7.1. Terms and Conditions

Contractual terms and conditions are included in Attachment A of this RFP.

7.2. Payment Terms

Payment terms are Net 45 Days.

7.3. Warranty and Support

7.4. Openness of Procurement Process

Written responses, other discussions, correspondence, and all other pertinent records shall be handled as public records in compliance with State and Federal open records statutes and regulations.

7.5. Errors and Omissions

Once a response is submitted, the City of Bridgeport may consider requests by any contractor to correct errors or omissions but shall retain sole discretionary authority to determine the outcome of such a request.

7.6. Collusion

By offering a response to this RFP the suppler certifies that no attempt has been made or will be made by the consultant to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. All persons interested in this project, principal or principals being named therein, and no other person have an interest in this project or in the

Agreement which they may participate in. No person or agency has been employed or retained to solicit or secure this Agreement upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee, excepting legitimate employees or established commercial agencies maintained by the consultant for the purpose of doing business. All firms interested in this project (including the firm's employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists attorneys and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process, including the evaluation panel and other administrative staff. The policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms; assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process.

7.7. Suspension and Debarment

The City will not participate in contracts with parties that have been debarred, suspended or excluded from Federal assistance programs per 2 CFR part 180 and part 1532 and 40 CFR part

31.35. Further, the respondent is required to verify that the respondent, or its principals, as defined at 49 CFR 19.995, or affiliates, as defined at 49 CFR 29.905, are excluded or disqualified as defined at 49 CFR 29.40 and 29.945

The respondent is required to comply with 49 CFR 29, Subpart C and must include the requirement to comply with 49 CFR 29, Subpart C in any lower tier covered transaction it participates in.

By signing and submitting its bid or proposal, the respondent or proposer certifies as follows:

The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact relied upon by the City if it is later determined that the respondent or proposer knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to remedies available to the City the Federal Government may pursue available remedies, including but not limited to suspension and/or debarment. The respondent or proposer agrees to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR 29, Subpart C while this offer is valid and throughout the period of any contract that may arise from this offer. The respondent or proposer further agrees to include a provision requiring such compliance in its lower tier covered transactions.

7.8. Contract & Insurance Requirements

The attached Professional Services Agreement with insurance rider, Exhibit A and Exhibit B, will govern the successful vendors engagement.

Any proposed modification to the agreement must be submitted with a proposal package. Note that proposed modifications may be taken into account when determining the best interest of the

City during the evaluation process. The decision to accept any modifications will be at the sole discretion of the City.

7.9. City of Bridgeport Reservation of Rights

This solicitation is for a “Request for Proposal (RFP) only”. This request for proposal is not to be construed as a specific proposal or an offer to buy any products or services. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the City expressly reserves all rights in its sole discretion and in the best interests of the City at any time prior to the selection of a preferred respondent and participating in a final contract, without any liability therefore, to:

• Modify any dates or other terms of the RFP upon posting notice,

• Waive any informality or non-material deficiencies in submissions,

• The consultant misstates or conceals any material fact in the proposal,

• Reject any and/or all proposals,

• Withdraw the RFP,

• Decline to select qualified vendors from the respondents to the RFP,

• Select one, more than one, or no respondents

• Not liable to any Respondent for damages of any type however arising.

8. Required Response Format

8.1. Firm Profile

A company overview should be provided, along with experience and expertise, certifications and accreditations, and key personnel assigned to the project including resumes. All personnel in responsible charge of the project will be required to process and maintain valid professional licenses and certifications for the State of Connecticut.

8.2. Case Studies | Comparable Projects

Prove demonstrated experience with similar projects. To be qualified, the proposed project awardee for this project must have recently and successfully completed recent projects with similar scope and complexity and shall provide references for those projects.

Provide demonstrated experience with municipalities comparable to the City of Bridgeport. Any additional information which demonstrates the respondent’s ability to perform the required work not already mentioned herein, must be provided.

8.3. Solution Proposal

A solution description, a detailed scope of work, a project plan, and a summary of how quality assurance will be maintained and guaranteed.

8.4. Financial Proposal

A cost breakdown including payment terms and cost justification should be provided.

8.5. Management Proposal

An organizational structure along with roles and responsibilities should be provided. Additionally, a communication strategy should be provided along with a project and quality assurance plan. Finally, responses shall clearly indicate the legal name, address, telephone number, and email address of the respondent and shall indicate whether the respondent is a corporation, general partnership, individual or other business entity.

9. Appendix A

Professional Services Insurance Rider

As a provider of Professional Services, the Consultant shall provide and maintain insurance coverage related to its services in connection with the Project in compliance with the following requirements.

The insurance required shall be written for not less than the scope and limits of insurance specified hereunder, or required by applicable federal, state and/or municipal law, regulation or requirement, whichever coverage requirement is greater. It is agreed and understood that the scope and limits of insurance specified hereunder are minimum requirements and shall in no way limit or preclude the City from requiring additional limits and coverage to be provided under the

Consultant's policies.

The insurance obligations under this agreement shall be (1) all the insurance coverage and/or limits carried by or available to the Consultant; or (2) the minimum insurance coverage requirements and/or limits shown in this agreement, whichever is greater.

Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance:

Workers' Compensation: With respect to all operations the Consultant performs, it shall carry workers' compensation insurance in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the State of

Connecticut, and Employer's Liability limits of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) coverage for each accident, One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) coverage for each employee by disease, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) policy limit coverage for disease.

Commercial General Liability: With respect to all operations the Consultant performs it shall carry Commercial General Liability insurance providing for a total limit of One Million Dollars

($1,000,000) coverage per occurrence for all damages arising out of bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, products/completed operations, and contractual liability coverage for the indemnification obligations arising under this Agreement. The Annual Aggregate limit shall not be less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000).

Automobile Liability: With respect to each owned, non-owned, or hired vehicles the

Consultant shall carry Automobile Liability insurance providing One Million Dollars

($1,000,000) coverage per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

Professional Liability: The Consultant shall provide Professional Liability Insurance covering errors and omissions. Such insurance shall be in an amount no less than $1,000,000 for each claim and $1,000,000 Aggregate. Such insurance coverage shall remain in place for seven years after City’s acceptance of Consultant’s work, and if Consultant’s insurance coverage is written on a “claims made” basis, such seven-year requirement can be satisfied through a combination of an extended reporting period and tail coverage.

Acceptability of Insurers: The Consultant's policies shall be written by insurance companies licensed to do business in the State of Connecticut, with an AM Best rating of A-VII, or better. Additionally, all carriers are subject to approval by the City of Bridgeport.

Subcontractors: The…