Klein_Memorial_Auditorium_Solar_Panel_Installation.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

MNX037265

KLEIN MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM SOLAR PANEL

INSTALLATION

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PURCHASES

999 BROAD STREET

BRIDGEPORT CT 06604

Submission Deadline:

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 by 2:00 pm

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. Required Response Format

4. Evaluations

5. Evaluation Criteria

6. Selection Process

7. Submission Guidelines

8. Terms and Conditions

9. Vendor Questionnaire & Submission

10. Appendix A

Attachments:

A - Klein Memorial Auditorium 36 Month History

B - Klein Roof Sections

1. Introduction

The City of Bridgeport seeks proposals for Klein Memorial Auditorium Solar Panel

Installation.

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.

1.1. Project Overview and Summary

The City of Bridgeport, owners of the Klein Memorial Auditorium, seeks comprehensive

Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the placement of solar panels (Photovoltaic cells) on the roof of the facility to reduce utility costs. A new roof was installed on the Klein Memorial in the Spring of 2023 with a TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing System and is covered under warranty.

The utility bills for the Klein Memorial Auditorium are high and the City seeks to reduce or eliminate these costs.

The Klein Memorial Auditorium is a 1,447-seat performing arts center that serves as a hub for

Bridgeport and surrounding communities. Built in 1940, it is one of only 7 Broadway-sized stages remaining in Connecticut. The venue was built with funds willed to the city by Bridgeport native Jacob B. Klein (1862-1932), a lawyer and active supporter of Bridgeport community organizations. The trustees of Klein Memorial have purchased the site on Fairfield Avenue for the construction of the auditorium to the memory of its donors: Jacob B. Klein and Ray R. Klein.

The auditorium, designed by local architect Leonard Asheim, was designed in the Art Deco style and features bronze doors, a marble lobby, inlaid wood and geometric motifs.

As recently as 2010, The Klein operated as a rental house and was only in use 65 days per year.

That all changed in 2013 when the after school program began, and The Klein held its first fundraising event. Klein Theatre Arts is totally tuition-free, and to fund it The Klein relies on support from foundations, government and corporations as well as donations from individuals.

Other operating costs are funded through rentals and self-presentations, which now total over

150 per year.

The Klein houses 4 resident companies: Academy of New England Ballet Company, ConnectUs, Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras, and Fairfield County Children’s Choir. It also is home to numerous dance companies and concert promoters, civic ceremonies, including Conn naturalization ceremony, and graduations. In the past 12 months, The Klein has also brought such diverse talents as Vienna Boys Choir, the original concert series Footsteps of Peace, the

Parris Island Marine Corps Band, Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Ensemble, and its own 75th anniversary concert hosted by Paul Shaffer. In 2016 The Klein presented two-time

Emmy Award recipient Loretta Swit of M*A*S*H in a 1-woman play entitled, “Eleanor

Roosevelt: Her Secret Journey”, as well as the satiric comedy troupe Capitol Steps, and many more.

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Project Description

The City of Bridgeport seeks proposals offering a variety of options to place solar panels on the

Klein Memorial Auditorium. This can include, but is not limited to, outright purchase, roof leasing options, power purchase agreement. The City seeks a maintenance contract with the selected contractor or subcontractor to perform routine and needed maintenance on the solar installation.

Qualified respondents are encouraged to provide multiple proposals offering a variety of options to the City of Bridgeport. We welcome suggestions and the inclusion of education related resources or programs to make this project visible and potentially serve as an educational tool, similar to a solar dashboard.

These maintenance costs should be detailed within the proposal submission. It is the responsibility of the selected contractor to obtain all applicable and necessary permits and approvals.

The selected contractor will be responsible for working with the company providing the warranty on the Klein roof to ensure the warranty is not jeopardized by the installation of solar panels.

Klein building information:

The roof of the Klein was replaced in the Spring of 2023. Included in this RFP is information pertaining to the facility and building. The Klein has four distinct roof sections. The square footage for each roof section are as follows. Please see included images and architecture drawings.

Approximate Roof Sections:

R1 - 3,700 sq. ft.

R2 - 9,600 sq. ft.

R3 - 2,000 sq. ft.

R4 - 1,600 sq. ft.

2.2. Qualification Expectations

Eligible respondents must be able to demonstrate the following:

2.2.1 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.

2.2.2 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.

2.2.3 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.

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

2.3. Key Deliverables

A solar photovoltaic system that is capable of creating power that offsets the utility bills of the

Klein building

2.4. Pricing

All pricing must be valid for no less than one hundred and twenty (120) days from the RFP opening date. Services and materials for this project are exempt from State of Connecticut sales tax.

3. Required Response Format

3.1. Executive Summary

The executive summary should include an introduction, a summary of the proposal, an understanding of requirements, and the value proposition.

3.2. Company 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.

3.3. 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.

3.4. 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.

3.5. Financial Proposal

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

3.6. 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.

3.7. References

Please provide three (3) client references applicable to your value proposition.

4. Evaluations

Selection of the successful proposal will be based upon submission of proposals meeting the evaluation criteria shown in the Evaluation Criteria Section. Proposal evaluations will be based on a points scale, using the Evaluation Criteria listed.

As part of the evaluation process, the City may ask questions of a clarifying nature from Offerors as required. The City may also request an oral presentation to explain the proposal and answer questions.

The City Reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time or reject an or all proposals received as a result of this RFP if it is in the best interest of the City. The City reserves the right to waive any informality in any proposal.

The selection committee will consist of at least 4 representatives from the following entities:

• One Representative from City of Bridgeport Public Facilities Department

• Three Representatives from Energy Improvement District for the City of Bridgeport

Evaluation Criteria: A 100-Point System

Cost of installation, operations, and maintenance (40 points)

Responsiveness to solicitation (30 points)

Experience and references (20 points)

Project plan and timeline (10 points)

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. Cost of installation, operations and maintenance

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 40 (40% of Total)

2. Responsiveness

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

3. Experience and References

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 20 (20% of Total)

4. Project Plan and Timeline

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 10 (10% of Total)

6. Selection Process

The City Selection Committee will review the responses to compliance with the required documentation to determine responsiveness.

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.

7. Submission Guidelines

7.1. 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.

7.2. 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 Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

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 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) and will promptly provide answers to such questions no later than Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 4:00 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.

NOTE: IF THE MARGARET E. MORTON GOVERNMENT CENTER, 999 BROAD STREET

BRIDGEPORT,CT IS CLOSED FOR ANY UNFORESEEN EVENT, BIDS WILL BE DUE AT

THE SAME TIME ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY THAT THE MARGARET E. MORTON

GOVERNMENT CENTER IS OPEN

7.3. Paper Submission Instructions

Submissions may also be made as follows:

mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct

ONE (1) ORIGINAL AND ONE (1) ELECTRONIC VIA THUMBDRIVE MUST BE

SUBMITTED.

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 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:

MNX037265 Klein Memorial Auditorium Solar Panel Installation

Send your submissions to:

Caroline Sanchez City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases 2nd floor, 999 Broad Street Bridgeport, CT 06604

RFP submissions are due:

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)

7.4. Timeline

Release Project Date: April 6, 2026

Pre-Proposal Meeting (Non-Mandatory): April 14, 2026, 10:00am

910 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605

Question Submission Deadline: April 21, 2026, 4:00pm

Question Response Deadline: April 28, 2026, 4:00pm

Response Submission Deadline: May 5, 2026, 2:00pm

8. Terms and Conditions

8.1. Payment Terms

All payments will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the resulting

Agreement.

8.2. Warranty

In addition to any warranty implied by law or fact, and any other express warranties, bidder expressly warrants all items to be free from defects in design, workmanship and materials to conform strictly to applicable specifications and to be fit and sufficient for the purpose intended to be merchantable. All warranties shall survive inspection, test, acceptance of and payment by the City.

8.3. 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.

8.4. 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.

8.5. 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.

8.6. 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.

8.7. Insurance Requirements

Prior to award a satisfactory Certificate of Insurance (COI) will be required. See Appendix A for

Professional Services Agreement insurance coverage.

8.8. 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.

8.9. Conflict of Interest

The proposer certifies that to the best to their knowledge or belief, no elected/appointed official or employee of the City is financially interested, directly or indirectly, in the purchase of the foods or services specified in this Request for Proposal.

Proposers are required to complete and answer the No Conflict form located in the Submission section.

8.10. City Exempt From Certain Taxes

The City is exempt from certain Connecticut sales taxes under Title 12, Chapter 219 of the

Connecticut General Statues, as amended from time to time. Services and materials for this project are exempt from State of Connecticut sales tax.

8.11. Pricing

All pricing must be valid for no less than one hundred and twenty (120) days from the RFP opening date.

9. Vendor Questionnaire & Submission

1. Federal I.D. Number or Social Security Number:*

*Response required

2. Respondent Proposal*

Upload your response and cost proposal here.

(Do not upload cost information)

*Response required

3. Agreement*

Upload a sample of your Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance Agreement

*Response required

4. No Conflicts / Disclosure Form*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• NO_CONFLICTS_FORM_10-2018_a...

*Response required

5. Additional Vendor Documents (optional)

Vendor can upload additional documents relevant to solicitation.

10. Appendix A

Professional Services Insurance Rider

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 https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/241250/38aae334-e810-4186-ad31-9fea93d917c5_NO_CONFLICTS_FORM_10-2018_and_02-2025.pdf 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.

"Tail" Coverage: If any of the required liability insurance is on a "claims made" basis, "tail" coverage will be required at the completion of the Project for a duration of three (3) years, or the maximum time period reasonably available in the marketplace. Continuous "claims made" coverage will be acceptable in lieu of "tail" coverage, provided its retroactive date is on or before the effective date of this Agreement. If continuous "claims made" coverage is used, Professional

Services Provider shall be required to keep the coverage in effect for a duration of not less than three (3) years following acceptance of the work by the City.

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 Consultant shall require all subcontractors to provide the same "minimum scope and limits of insurance" as required herein. All Certificates of Insurance shall be provided to the City's Office of the City Attorney and to the City’s Purchasing Department required herein

Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions: Any deductible or self-insured retention must be declared to and approved by the city. All deductibles or self-insured retentions are the sole responsibility of the Consultant to pay and/or to indemnify.

Notice of Cancellation or Nonrenewal: Each insurance policy required shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be suspended, voided, cancelled, or reduced in coverage or in limits before the expiration date except after thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the City. Notwithstanding this requirement, the

Consultant is primarily responsible for providing such written notice to the City thirty (30) days prior to any policy change or cancellation that would result in a change of the amount or type of coverage provided. In the event of any such change the Consultant shall provide comparable substitute coverage so that there is no lapse in applicable coverage or reduction in the amount of coverage available to the City related to the Consultant’s Services.

Waiver of Governmental Immunity: Unless requested otherwise by the City, the Consultant and its insurer shall waive governmental immunity as defense and shall not use the defense of governmental immunity in the adjustment of claims or in the defense of any suit brought against the City.

Additional Insured: The liability insurance coverage, (excluding Workers' Compensation &

Professional Liability, if included) required for the performance of the Services shall include the

City as an Additional Insured with respect to the Consultant's activities to be performed under this Agreement. Consultant’s insurance shall be primary and shall not seek contribution from any other insurance carried by the additional insured in the payment of a claim.

Waiver of Subrogation: Consultant hereby waives the right to subrogate or seek recovery from

City of Bridgeport and its insurance carriers. This waiver of subrogation does not apply to

Professional Liability coverage.

Certificate of Insurance: Prior to the commencement of services under this Contract, the

Consultant shall furnish Certificate(s) of Insurance to the City. The Certificate(s) will specify all parties who are endorsed on the policy as Additional Insureds (or Loss Payees). The Certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. Renewals of expiring Certificates shall be provided prior to expiration but no more than fifteen (15) days after policy renewal.

Certificates shall designate the City in the following form and manner:

“City of Bridgeport, its elected officials, officers, department heads, employees, agents, servants, successors and assigns ATIMA Margaret E. Morton Government Center 999 Broad Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604”

All insurance documents required should be mailed to the Office of the City Attorney 999 Broad

Street 2nd Floor Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604.

Waiver of requirements: The City Attorney may vary these insurance requirements at her sole discretion if it determines that the City's interests will be adequately protected by the provision of different types or other amounts of coverage.