LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF AVON, CONNECTICUT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

March 25, 2026

The Town of Avon is seeking proposals from qualified professional planning consultants to complete the ten-year review and update of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §8-23 until 12 noon on May 6, 2026.

The documents comprising the Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Town’s website, www.avonct.gov/bids.

The Town, in its sole discretion, reserves the rights to amend or terminate this Request for Proposals, accept all or any part of a proposal, reject all proposals, accept or reject any combination of alternates (if any), waive any informalities or non-material deficiencies in a proposal, and award the proposal, if at all, to the lowest responsible and qualified proposal that meets the criteria set forth in the RFP and that is in the best interests of the Town.

http://www.avonct.gov/bids

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25/26-3

Proposal Closing Date & Time: May 6, 2026 at 12:00 noon Proposal Delivery Location: Avon Town Hall, Office of the Town Manager The Town of Avon is seeking proposals from qualified professional planning consultants to complete the ten-year review and update of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §8-23.

One (1) original, five (5) copies and one electronic copy of a USB drive of sealed proposals must be received in the Avon Town Hall, Town Manager’s Office, 60 West Main Street, Avon, CT 06001, by the date and time noted above. The Town will not accept submissions by e-mail or fax.

The Town will not accept proposals received after the date and time noted above.

The documents comprising the Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Town’s website, www.avonct.gov/bids. Each proposer is responsible for checking the Town’s website to determine if the Town has issued any addenda to this RFP and, if so, to complete its proposal in accordance with the RFP as modified by the addenda.

Proposals must be held firm and cannot be withdrawn for ninety (90) calendar days after the opening date.

The Town, in its sole discretion, reserves the rights to amend or terminate this Request for Proposals, accept all or any part of a proposal, reject all proposals, accept or reject any combination of alternates (if any), waive any informalities or non-material deficiencies in a proposal, and award the proposal, if at all, to the lowest responsible and qualified proposal that meets the criteria set forth in the RFP and that is in the best interests of the Town.

This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) includes:

- Standard Instructions to Proposers - Proposer’s Legal Status Disclosure Form

- Required Contract Terms - Proposer’s Non-Collusion Affidavit Form

- Specifications - Proposer’s Statement of Reference Form

- Insurance Requirements - Addenda, if any

- Proposal Form - The Contract in the form attached

STANDARD INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

1. INTRODUCTION

The Town of Avon is seeking proposals from qualified professional planning consultants to complete the ten-year review and update of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §8-23. This RFP is not a contract offer, and no contract will exist unless and until a written contract (the “Contract”) is signed by the Town and the successful proposer.

Interested parties should submit a proposal in accordance with the requirements and directions contained in this RFP. Proposers are prohibited from contacting any Town employee, officer or official concerning this RFP, except as set forth in Section 6, below. A proposer’s failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification.

Except as otherwise provided in the Contract, if there are any conflicts between the provisions of these Standard Instructions to Proposers and any other documents comprising this RFP, these Standard Instructions to Proposers shall prevail.

2. RIGHT TO AMEND OR TERMINATE THE RFP OR CONTRACT

The Town may, before or after proposal opening and in its sole discretion, clarify, modify, amend or terminate this RFP if the Town determines it is in the Town’s best interest. Any such action shall be effected by a posting on the Town’s website, www.avonct.gov/bids. Each proposer is responsible for checking the Town’s website to determine if the Town has issued any addenda and, if so, to complete its proposal in accordance with the RFP as modified by the addenda.

If this RFP provides for a multi-year Contract, the Town also reserves the right to terminate the Contract in subsequent years in the event that the Town Council declines to appropriate sufficient funds. The Town shall have no obligation or liability to the successful proposer for any unfunded year or years.

3. KEY DATES

Pre-Proposal Conference: This item is not applicable to this RFP.

Proposal Opening: May 6, 2026 Interviews: Week of May 18, 2026 or May 25, 2026 Preliminary Notice of Award: June 1, 2026 Contract Execution: Withing 30 days of Preliminary Notice of Award

The Interviews, Preliminary Notice of Award and Contract Execution dates are anticipated, not certain, dates.

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4. OBTAINING THE RFP

All documents comprising the Request for Proposals may be obtained on the Town’s website, www.avonct.gov/bids.

5. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Proposals must be received in the Avon Town Hall, Town Manager’s Office, 60 West Main Street, Avon, CT 06001 prior to Proposal Closing date and time. Postmarks prior to the opening date and time do NOT satisfy this condition. The Town will NOT accept late proposals. The Town will NOT accept submissions by e-mail or fax. Proposers are solely responsible for ensuring timely delivery.

One (1) original, five (5) copies and one electronic copy of a USB drive, of all proposal documents must be submitted in sealed, opaque envelopes clearly labeled with the proposer’s name, the proposer’s address, the words "PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS,” and the Proposal Title, Proposal Number and Proposal Opening Date. The Town may decline to accept proposals submitted in unmarked envelopes that the Town opens in its normal course of business. The Town may, but shall not be required to, return such proposal documents and inform the proposer that the proposal documents may be resubmitted in a sealed envelope properly marked as described above.

Proposal prices must be submitted in the format of the Proposers choosing and attached to the Proposal Form included in this RFP. The person signing the Proposal Form must initial any errors, alterations or corrections on that form.

Proposals may be withdrawn personally or in writing provided that the Town receives the withdrawal prior to the date and time the proposals are scheduled to be opened. Proposals are considered valid, and may not be withdrawn, cancelled or modified, for ninety (90) calendar days after the opening date, in order to give the Town sufficient time to review the proposals, investigate the proposers’ qualifications, secure any required municipal approvals, and execute a binding contract with the successful proposer.

An authorized person representing the legal entity of the proposer must sign the Proposal Form and all other forms included in this RFP.

6. QUESTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

Questions concerning this RFP are to be submitted only via email and directed only to:

Name: Grace Tiezzi Department: Town Manager’s Office E-mail: gtiezzi@avonct.gov mailto:gtiezzi@avonct.gov

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Questions concerning this RFP’s Specifications are to be submitted only in writing (including by e-mail or fax) and directed only to:

Name: Hiram Peck Department: Planning and Community Development E-mail: hpeck@avonct.gov Fax: 860-409-4375

Proposers are prohibited from contacting any other Town employee, officer or official concerning this RFP. A proposer’s failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification.

The appropriate Town representative listed above must receive any questions from proposers no later than ten (10) business days before the Proposal Closing Time. That representative will confirm receipt of a proposer’s questions by e-mail.

The Town will answer all relevant written questions by issuing one or more addenda, which shall be a part of this RFP and the resulting Contract, containing all questions received as provided for above and decisions regarding same.

At least five (5) calendar days prior to Proposal Closing Time, the Town will post any addenda on the Town’s website, www.avonct.gov, (under “Find It Fast”) Public Bids & RFPs. Each proposer is responsible for checking the website to determine if the Town has issued any addenda and, if so, to complete its proposal in accordance with the RFP as modified by the addenda.

No oral statement of the Town, including oral statements by the Town representatives listed above, shall be effective to waive, change or otherwise modify any of the provisions of this RFP, and no proposer shall rely on any alleged oral statement.

7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Town reserves the right, either before or after the opening of proposals, to ask any proposer to clarify its proposal or to submit additional information that the Town in its sole discretion deems desirable.

8. COSTS FOR PREPARING PROPOSAL

Each proposer’s costs incurred in developing its proposal are its sole responsibility, and the Town shall have no liability for such costs.

9. OWNERSHIP OF PROPOSALS

All proposals submitted become the Town’s property and will not be returned to proposers.

10. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

All information submitted in a proposal or in response to a request for additional information is subject to disclosure under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act as amended and judicially interpreted. A proposer’s responses may contain financial, trade secret or other data that it claims should not be public (the “Confidential Information”). A proposer must identify specifically the mailto:hpeck@avonct.gov

- 4 -pages and portions of its proposal or additional information that contain the claimed Confidential Information by visibly marking all such pages and portions. Provided that the proposer cooperates with the Town as described in this section, the Town shall, to the extent permitted by law, protect from unauthorized disclosure such Confidential Information.

If the Town receives a request for a proposer’s Confidential Information, it will promptly notify the proposer in writing of such request and provide the proposer with a copy of any written disclosure request. The proposer may provide written consent to the disclosure, or may object to the disclosure by notifying the Town in writing to withhold disclosure of the information, identifying in the notice the basis for its objection, including the statutory exemption(s) from disclosure. The proposer shall be responsible for defending any complaint brought in connection with the nondisclosure, including but not only appearing before the Freedom of Information Commission, and providing witnesses and documents as appropriate.

11. REQUIRED DISCLOSURES

Each proposer must, in its Proposal Form, make the disclosures set forth in that form. A proposer’s acceptability based on those disclosures lies solely in the Town’s discretion.

12. REFERENCES

Each proposer must complete and submit the Proposer’s Statement of References Form included in this RFP.

13. LEGAL STATUS

If a proposer is a corporation, limited liability company, or other business entity that is required to register with the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s Office, it must have a current registration on file with that office. The Town may, in its sole discretion, request acceptable evidence of any proposer’s legal status. Each proposer must complete the Proposer’s Legal Status Disclosure Form included in this RFP.

14. PROPOSAL (BID) SECURITY

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

15. PRESUMPTION OF PROPOSER’S FULL KNOWLEDGE

Each proposer is responsible for having read and understood each document in this RFP and any addenda issued by the Town. A proposer’s failure to have reviewed all information that is part of or applicable to this RFP, including but not limited to any addenda posted on the Town’s website, shall in no way relieve it from any aspect of its proposal or the obligations related thereto.

Each proposer is deemed to be familiar with and is required to comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, codes and orders that in any manner relate to this RFP or the provision of goods, or the performance of services, or the performance of the work described herein.

By submitting a proposal, each proposer represents that it has thoroughly examined and become familiar with the scope of work, or the services, or the goods described in this RFP, and it is

- 5 -capable of performing the work/delivering/installing the goods or providing the services to achieve the Town’s objectives. If applicable, each proposer shall visit the site, examine the areas and thoroughly familiarize itself with all conditions of the property before preparing its proposal.

16. TAX EXEMPTIONS

The Town is exempt from the payment of federal excise taxes and Connecticut sales and use taxes per Federal Tax Exempt #06-6001957 and pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 219, § 12-412(1).

The proposer shall, however, include in its proposed cost, any applicable state educational fee.

17. INSURANCE

The successful proposer shall, at its own expense and cost, obtain and keep in force at least the insurance listed in the Insurance Requirements that are a part of this RFP. The Town reserves the right to request from the successful proposer a complete, certified copy of each required insurance policy.

18. PERFORMANCE SECURITY

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

19. PAYMENT BOND

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

20. DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

21. AWARD CRITERIA; PRELIMINARY SELECTION; CONTRACT EXECUTION

The Town reserves the right to correct, after proposer verification, any mistake in a proposal that is a clerical error, such as a price extension, decimal point error or FOB terms. If an error exists in an extension of prices, the unit price shall prevail. In the event of a discrepancy between the price quoted in words and in figures, the words shall control.

The Town reserves the rights to accept all or any part of a proposal, reject all proposals, and waive any informalities or non-material deficiencies in a proposal, and accept or reject any combination of alternates in any proposal, if any. The Town also reserves the right, if applicable, to award the purchase of individual items under this RFP to any combination of separate proposals or proposers.

The Town will select, if at all, the lowest, responsible and qualified proposal that meets the criteria set forth in the RFP and is in the best interests of the Town; meaning that, in addition to price, due consideration will be given to factors such as a proposer’s experience, references, capabilities, past performance, State of Connecticut prequalification (if applicable), and other relevant criteria. The Town may reject any proposer if, in the sole judgment of the Town, the proposer’s past performance gives rise to a substantial risk that the proposer may not provide satisfactory performance.

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The Town generally will not award the proposal to any business that or person who is in arrears or in default to the Town with regard to any tax, debt, contract, security or any other obligation.

The Town will issue a Preliminary Notice of Award. The preliminary notice of award may be subject to further negotiations with the proposer. The making of a preliminary award to a proposer does not provide the proposer with any rights and does not impose upon the Town any obligations. The Town is free to withdraw a preliminary award at any time and for any reason. A proposer has rights, and the Town has obligations, only if and when a Contract is executed by the Town and the proposer.

If the proposer does not provide all required documents and execute the Contract within ten (10) business days of the date of the Preliminary Notice of Award, unless extended by the Town, the Town may call any proposal security provided by the proposer and may enter into discussions with another proposer.

The Interviews, Preliminary Notice of Award and Contract Execution dates in Section 3’s Key Dates are anticipated, not certain, dates.

22. NONRESIDENT REAL PROPERTY CONTRACTORS

If the successful proposer is a “nonresident contractor” as defined in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12- 430(7)(A) as amended, it shall comply fully with the provisions of § 12-430(7) and, prior to execution of the Contract, shall furnish the Town with proof that it is a “verified contractor” within the meaning of General Statutes Section 12-430(7) or that it has posted a bond with the Commissioner of Revenue Services in compliance with General Statutes Section 12-430(7). The successful proposer agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Town, its employees, officers, officials, agents, volunteers and independent contractors, including any of the foregoing sued as individuals (collectively, the “Town Indemnified Parties”), from any and all taxes, interest and penalties that the State of Connecticut asserts are due with respect to the successful proposer’s activities under the Contract.

The successful proposer shall also be required to pay any and all attorney’s fees incurred by the Town Indemnified Parties in enforcing any of the successful proposer’s obligations under this section, whether or not a lawsuit or other proceeding is commenced, which obligations shall survive the termination or expiration of the Contract.

23. COMPLIANCE WITH IMMIGRATION LAWS

By submitting a proposal, each proposer confirms that it has complied, and during the term of the Contract will comply, with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (“IRCA”) and that each person it provides under the Contract will at all times be authorized for employment in the United States of America. Each proposer confirms that it has a properly completed Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9, for each person who will be assigned under the Contract and that it will require each subcontractor, if any, to confirm that it has a properly completed Form I-9 for each person who will be assigned under the Contract.

The successful proposer shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Town, its employees, officers, officials, agents, volunteers and independent contractors, including any of the foregoing sued as individuals (collectively, the “Town Indemnified Parties”), against any and all proceedings, suits, actions, claims, damages, injuries, awards, judgments, losses or expenses,

- 7 -including fines, penalties, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and costs, brought or assessed against, or incurred by, the Town Indemnified Parties related to or arising from the obligations under IRCA imposed upon the successful proposer or its subcontractor. The successful proposer shall also be required to pay any and all attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the Town Indemnified Parties in enforcing any of the successful proposer’s obligations under this provision, whether or not a lawsuit or other proceeding is commenced. The successful proposer’s obligations under this section shall survive the termination or expiration of the Contract.

24. NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

Each proposer shall submit a completed Proposer’s Non-Collusion Affidavit Form that is part of this RFP.

END OF STANDARD INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

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REQUIRED CONTRACT TERMS

The following provisions will be mandatory terms of the Town’s Contract with the successful proposer. If a proposer is unwilling or unable to meet, or seeks to clarify or modify, any of these Contract Terms, the proposer must disclose that inability, unwillingness, clarification and/or modification in its Proposal Form (see Section 11 of the Standard Instructions to Proposers):

1. DEFENSE, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION

The successful proposer agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Town, its employees, officers, officials, agents, volunteers and independent contractors, including any of the foregoing sued as individuals (collectively, the “Town Indemnified Parties”), from and against all proceedings, suits, actions, claims, damages, injuries, awards, judgments, losses or expenses, including attorney’s fees, arising out of or relating, directly or indirectly, to the successful proposer’s malfeasance, misconduct, negligence or failure to meet its obligations under the RFP or the Contract. Without limiting the foregoing, the obligation to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless includes injuries to persons (including injuries resulting in death) and injuries to property (including injuries to the environment). The successful proposer’s obligations under this section shall not be limited in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of the successful proposer’s insurance.

In any and all claims against the Town Indemnified Parties made or brought by any employee of the successful proposer, or anyone directly or indirectly employed or contracted with by the successful proposer, or anyone for whose acts or omissions the successful proposer is or may be liable, the successful proposer’s obligations under this section shall not be limited by any limitation on the amount or type of damages, compensation or benefits payable by the successful proposer under workers’ compensation acts, disability benefit acts, or other employee benefits acts.

The successful proposer shall also be required to pay any and all attorney’s fees incurred by the Town Indemnified Parties in enforcing any of the successful proposer’s obligations under this section. The successful proposer’s obligations under this section shall survive the termination or expiration of the Contract.

As a municipal agency of the State of Connecticut, the Town will NOT defend, indemnify, or hold harmless the successful proposer.

2. NO ASSIGNMENT; SUBCONTRACTING

The successful proposer shall not subcontract, transfer or assign all or any portion of its obligations or rights (including but not limited to any right to payment) under the Contract.

3. W-9 FORM

The successful proposer must provide the Town with a completed W-9 form before Contract execution.

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4. GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING PAYMENTS & REPORTING

The selected proposer shall bill the Town for services on a monthly basis. All payments are to be made 30 days after the appropriate Town employee receives and approves the invoice, unless otherwise specified in the Specifications.

This contract is subject to monthly and quarterly reporting which is outlined in the Specifications.

A sample monthly reporting template is included as part of this request for proposals.

5. TOWN INSPECTION OF WORK

The Town may inspect the successful proposer’s work at all reasonable times. This right of inspection is solely for the Town’s benefit and does not transfer to the Town the responsibility for discovering patent or latent defects. The successful proposer has the sole and exclusive responsibility for performing in accordance with the Contract.

6. REJECTED WORK OR MATERIALS

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

7. MAINTENANCE AND AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS

The successful proposer shall maintain all records related to the work described in the RFP for a period of five (5) years after final payment under the Contract or until all pending Town, state and federal audits are completed, whichever is later. Such records shall be available for examination and audit by Town, state and federal representatives during that time.

8. ADVERTISING

The successful proposer shall not name the Town in its advertising, news releases, or promotional efforts without the Town’s prior written approval.

If it chooses, the successful proposer may list the Town in a Statement of References or similar document required as part of its response to a public procurement. The Town’s permission to the successful proposer to do so is not a statement about the quality of the successful proposer’s work or the Town’s endorsement of the successful proposer.

9. PREVAILING WAGES

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

10. PREFERENCES

This item it not applicable to this RFP.

11. WORKERS COMPENSATION

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

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12. SAFETY

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

13. NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

In the performance of the Contract, the successful proposer will not discriminate or permit discrimination in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the State of Connecticut against any person or group of persons on the grounds of race, color, religious creed, age (except minimum age), marital status or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, mental retardation, mental disability or physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, unless the successful proposer shows that such disability prevents performance of the work involved.

In the performance of the Contract, the successful proposer will take affirmative action to insure that applicants with job-related qualifications are employed and that employees are treated when employed without regard to their race, color, religious creed, age (except minimum age), marital status or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, mental retardation, mental disability or physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, unless the successful proposer shows that such disability prevents performance of the work involved.

In accordance with the Town’s Affirmative Action Plan, the successful proposer shall comply with all provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, United States Executive Orders 11246, 11375, 11478, and if applicable, the Connecticut Fair Employment Practice Law and Executive Order No. 3 of Governor Meskill.

14. STATE OF CONNECTICUT NON-DISCRIMINATION/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

PROVISIONS (CGS SECT. 4a-60)

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. Sect. 4a-60, (1) The Contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of the Contract such Contractor will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by such Contractor that such disability prevents performance of the Work involved, in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the state of Connecticut; and the Contractor further agrees to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants with job-related qualifications are employed and that employees are treated when employed without regard to their race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by such Contractor that such disability prevents performance of the Work involved;

(2) The Contractor agrees, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Contractor, to state that it is an “affirmative action-equal opportunity employer” in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities;

(3) The Contractor agrees to provide each labor union or representative of workers with which such Contractor has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding and each vendor with which such Contractor has a contract or understanding, a notice to be provided by the

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Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities advising the labor union or workers' representative of the Contractor's commitments under this section, and to post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment;

(4) The Contractor agrees to comply with each provision of this section and sections 46a-68e and 46a-68f and with each regulation or relevant order issued by said commission pursuant to sections 46a-56, 46a-68e, 46a-68f and 46a-86; and

(5) The Contractor agrees to provide the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities with such information requested by the commission, and permit access to pertinent books, records and accounts, concerning the employment practices and procedures of the Contractor as relate to the provisions of this section and section 46a-56.

(b) The contractor agrees and warrants that he or she will make good faith efforts to employ minority business enterprises as subcontractors and suppliers of materials on such public works or quasi-public agency project.

(c) Except as provided in section 10a-151i:

(1) Any Contractor who has one or more contracts with an awarding agency or who is a party to a municipal public works contract or a contract for a quasi-public agency project shall include a nondiscrimination affirmation provision certifying that the Contractor understands the obligations of this section and will maintain a policy for the duration of the Contract to assure that the contract will be performed in compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of subsection (a) of this section. The authorized signatory of the Contract shall demonstrate his or her understanding of this obligation by (A) initialing the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the body of the Contract, (B) providing an affirmative response in the required online bid or response to a proposal question which asks if the Contractor understands its obligations, or (C) signing the Contract.

(2) No awarding agency, or in the case of a municipal public works contract, no municipality, or in the case of a quasi-public agency project contract, no entity, shall award a contract to a contractor that has not included the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the contract and demonstrated its understanding of such provision as required under subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(d) For the purposes of this section, “contract” includes any extension or modification of the contract, “contractor” includes any successors or assigns of the Contractor, “marital status” means being single, married as recognized by the state of Connecticut, widowed, separated or divorced, and “mental disability” means one or more mental disorders, as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”, or a record of or regarding a person as having one or more such disorders. For the purposes of this section, “contract” does not include a contract where each contractor is (1) a political subdivision of the state, including, but not limited to, a municipality, unless the contract is a municipal public works contract or quasi-public agency project contract, (2) any other state, as defined in section 1-267, (3) the federal government, (4) a foreign government, or (5) an agency of a subdivision, state or government described in subdivision (1), (2), (3) or (4) of this subsection.

(e) For the purposes of this section, “minority business enterprise” means any small contractor or supplier of materials fifty-one per cent or more of the capital stock, if any, or assets of which is owned by a person or persons: (1) Who are active in the daily affairs of the enterprise, (2) who

- 12 -have the power to direct the management and policies of the enterprise, and (3) who are members of a minority, as such term is defined in subsection (a) of section 32-9n; and “good faith” means that degree of diligence which a reasonable person would exercise in the performance of legal duties and obligations. “Good faith efforts” shall include, but not be limited to, those reasonable initial efforts necessary to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements and additional or substituted efforts when it is determined that such initial efforts will not be sufficient to comply with such requirements.

(f) Determination of the Contractor's good faith efforts shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following factors: The Contractor's employment and subcontracting policies, patterns and practices; affirmative advertising, recruitment and training; technical assistance activities and such other reasonable activities or efforts as the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities may prescribe that are designed to ensure the participation of minority business enterprises in public works projects.

(g) The Contractor shall develop and maintain adequate documentation, in a manner prescribed by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, of its good faith efforts.

(h) The Contractor shall include the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section in every Subcontract or purchase order entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a Contract with the state or municipality, and in every subcontract entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a municipal public works contract or contract for a quasi-public agency project, and such provisions shall be binding on a Subcontractor, vendor or manufacturer, unless exempted by regulations or orders of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The Contractor shall take such action with respect to any such Subcontract or purchase order as the commission may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance in accordance with section 46a-56; provided, if such Contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a Subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the commission regarding a state contract, the contractor may request the state of Connecticut to enter into any such litigation or negotiation prior thereto to protect the interests of the state and the state may so enter.

15. STATE OF CONNECTICUT NON-DISCRIMINATION ON BASIS OF SEXUAL

ORIENTATION PROVISION (CGS SECT 4a-60a)

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. Sect 4a-60a, (1) The Contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of the Contract such Contractor will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of sexual orientation, in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the state of Connecticut, and that employees are treated when employed without regard to their sexual orientation;

(2) The Contractor agrees to provide each labor union or representative of workers with which such Contractor has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding and each vendor with which such Contractor has a contract or understanding, a notice to be provided by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities advising the labor union or workers' representative of the Contractor's commitments under this section, and to post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment;

(3) The Contractor agrees to comply with each provision of this section and with each regulation or relevant order issued by said commission pursuant to section 46a-56; and

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(4) The Contractor agrees to provide the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities with such information requested by the commission, and permit access to pertinent books, records and accounts, concerning the employment practices and procedures of the contractor which relate to the provisions of this section and section 46a-56.

(b) Except as provided in section 10a-151i:

(1) Any Contractor who has one or more contracts with an awarding agency or who is a party to a municipal public works contract or a contract for a quasi-public agency project shall include a nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the Contract certifying that the Contractor understands the obligations of this section and will maintain a policy for the duration of the Contract to assure that the Contract will be performed in conformance with the nondiscrimination requirements of this section. The authorized signatory of the Contract shall demonstrate his or her understanding of this obligation by either (A) initialing the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the body of the Contract, or (B) providing an affirmative response in the required online bid or response to a proposal question which asks if the Contractor understands its obligations.

(2) No awarding agency, or in the case of a municipal public works contract, no municipality, or in the case of a quasi-public agency project contract, no entity, shall award a contract to a contractor who has not included the non-discrimination affirmation provision in the contract and demonstrated its understanding of such provision as required under subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(c) For the purposes of this section, “contract” includes any extension or modification of the contract, and “contractor” includes any successors or assigns of the contractor. For the purposes of this section, “contract” does not include a contract where each contractor is (1) a political subdivision of the state, including, but not limited to, a municipality, unless the contract is a municipal public works contract or quasi-public agency project contract, (2) any other state, as defined in section 1-267, (3) the federal government, (4) a foreign government, or (5) an agency of a subdivision, state or government described in subdivision (1), (2), (3) or (4) of this subsection.

(d) The Contractor shall include the provisions of subsection (a) of this section in every Subcontract or purchase order entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a contract with the state or municipality, and in every subcontract entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a municipal public works contractor contract for a quasi-public agency project, and such provisions shall be binding on a Subcontractor, vendor or manufacturer unless exempted by regulations or orders of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. The Contractor shall take such action with respect to any such Subcontract or purchase order as the commission may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance in accordance with section 46a-56; provided, if such Contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a Subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the commission regarding a state contract, the Contractor may request the state of Connecticut to enter into any such litigation or negotiation prior thereto to protect the interests of the state and the state may so enter.

16. STATE OF CONNECTICUT SET ASIDE PROVISIONS

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

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17. STATE GRANT/LOAN AGREEMENT

This item is not applicable to this RFP.

18. SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER PERSONNEL MUST BE AUTHORIZED TO WORK

The Successful proposer confirms that it has complied with the obligations under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) and that the employees, independent contractors and other personnel it provides under this Contract are authorized for employment in the United States. The successful proposer further confirms that it has properly completed I-9s for all employees assigned to the Town’s place of business. The successful proposer agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the Town in the event that any of the employees or other personnel provided by the successful proposer are found not to be authorized to work under the law or in the event that there is a determination that the obligations set forth under IRCA, including, but not limited to, the failure to correctly prepare and maintain I-9s, have not been complied with by the successful proposer. The successful proposer agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Town harmless against any claims brought against the successful proposer or the Town as a result of these obligations, including but not limited to, settlement fees, judgments and attorneys’ fees and costs.

19. CESSATION OF BUSINESS/BANKRUPTCY/RECEIVERSHIP

If the successful proposer ceases to exist, dissolves as a business entity, ceases to operate, files a petition or proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws or has such a petition or proceeding filed against it, the Town has the right to terminate the Contract effective immediately.

In that event, the Town reserves the right, in its sole discretion as it deems appropriate and without prior notice to the successful proposer, to make arrangements with another person or business entity to provide the services described in the Contract and to exercise any or all of its rights at Law, in equity, and/or under the Contract.

20. NON-EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP

The Town and the successful proposer are independent parties. Nothing contained in the Contract shall create, or be construed or deemed as creating, the relationships of principal and agent, partnership, joint venture, employer and employee, and/or any relationship other than that of independent parties contracting with each other solely for the purpose of carrying out the terms and conditions of the Contract. The successful proposer understands and agrees that it is not entitled to employee benefits, including but not limited to workers compensation and employment insurance coverage, and disability. The successful proposer shall be solely responsible for any applicable taxes.

21. VALIDITY

The invalidity of one or more of the phrases, sentences or clauses contained in the Contract shall not affect the remaining portions so long as the material purposes of the Contract can be determined and effectuated.

22. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS; PERMITS

The successful proposer shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, codes and orders of all governmental bodies, including the United States, the State of Connecticut and the Town, related to its proposal and the performance of the Contract. The successful proposer shall

- 15 -also, at its own expense, obtain all permits and approvals from all such governmental bodies required for performance of the Contract, and shall immediately notify the Town in writing of the loss or suspension of any such approval or permit.

The following are incorporated by reference into this Agreement as though fully set forth and stated herein: The 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments of the United States Constitution, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VI and VII of the 1964 United States Civil Rights Act, Presidential Executive Orders 11246, 11375, 11478 (nondiscrimination under federal contracts), Act 1, Section 1 and 20 of the Connecticut Constitution, Governor Grasso's Executive Order Number 11, Governor O'Neill's Executive Order Number 9, the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Law (Sec. 46a-60-69) of the Connecticut General Statutes, Connecticut Code of Fair Practices (46a-70-81), Deprivation of Civil Rights (46a-58 (a)(d) ), Public Accommodations Law (46a-63-64), Discrimination against Criminal Offenders (46a-80), definition of blind (46a-51(1)), definition of Physically Disabled (46a-51 (15) ), definition of Mentally Retarded (46a-51-13 ), cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (46a-77), Sexual Harassment (46a-60 (a)-8), Connecticut Credit Discrimination Law (360436 through 439), Title 1 of the State and the Local Fiscal Assistance Act 1 1972, and the affirmative action provisions provided in the Connecticut General Statutes Section 4a-60a. This Agreement is subject to the provisions of Executive Order No. Three of Governor Thomas J. Meskill, promulgated June 16, 1971, concerning labor employment practices, Executive Order No. Seventeen of Governor Thomas J. Meskill promulgated February 15, 1973, concerning the listing of employment opening and Executive Order No. Sixteen of Governor John G. Rowland promulgated August 4, 1999, concerning violence in the workplace, all of which are incorporated into and are made a part of the contract as if they had been fully set forth in it. The contract may also be subject to Executive Order No. 7C of Governor M. Jodi Rell, promulgated July 13, 2006, concerning contracting reforms and Executive Order No. 14 of Governor M. Jodi Rell, promulgated April 17, 2006, concerning procurement of cleaning products and services, in accordance with their respective terms and conditions.

23. CONNECTICUT LAW AND COURTS

The Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws (as opposed to the conflicts of law provisions) of the State of Connecticut, and the parties irrevocably submit in any suit, action or proceeding arising out of the Contract to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut or of any court of the State of Connecticut, as applicable.

END OF REQUIRED CONTRACT TERMS

SPECIFICATIONS FOR

25/26-3

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The Town of Avon is seeking proposals from qualified professional planning consultants to complete the ten-year review and update of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §8-23.

The selected consultant will lead a comprehensive, community-driven planning process that establishes a clear vision for Avon through 2036. The updated POCD will articulate goals, policies, and implementation strategies necessary to achieve that vision and will include a full review of existing plans, regulations, codes, ordinances, and other guiding documents.

The consultant will work closely with Town staff, elected and appointed officials, and a project working group that includes representatives from the Planning and Zoning Commission and other boards, commissions, and community stakeholders. The Town Planning Director will serve as the primary staff liaison. The consultant shall designate a qualified project manager to serve as the primary point of contact and oversee all aspects of the work.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW:

Avon is a suburban community located approximately ten miles west of metropolitan Hartford.

Encompassing 22.6 square miles and home to roughly 19,000 residents, the Town is characterized by scenic landscapes, thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, and a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial uses. Avon is widely recognized for its strong school system, high-quality municipal services, and exceptional quality of life. Residents enjoy extensive parks, recreational facilities, and community programs within a setting that blends traditional New England character with modern amenities.

SCOPE OF SERVICES:

The Scope of Services includes three components: (1) Required Plan Content (what the updated POCD must address); (2) Consultant Tasks & Responsibilities (how the consultant will complete the work) and (3) Deliverables (what the consultant will provide).

1. Required Plan Content:

The updated POCD must meet all statutory requirements and address the following focus areas:

Housing • Expand the diversity of housing choices, including affordable and attainable options.

• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements related to fair housing access and opportunity.

• Recommend policies and practices that avoid discrimination or barriers to housing.

Town Center Development • Develop detailed alternative scenarios for the Town Center.

• Identify strategies to create a vibrant, mixed-use, walkable center with a balanced blend of retail, residential, and public gathering spaces.

Natural, Historic & Environmental Resources

• Protect and enhance natural resources and historic structures.

• Advance open space planning and long-term stewardship strategies.

• Identify and protect existing and potential public surface and groundwater drinking water supplies.

• Assess sewer and water service constraints.

Transportation & Mobility • Evaluate transportation systems, including roads, sidewalks, multi-purpose trails, and other public ways.

• Recommend improvements to connectivity, safety, and multimodal access.

Energy & Sustainability • Promote energy-efficient development patterns.

• Consider green development practices, renewable energy opportunities, and energy conservation strategies.

Economic Development • Identify economic development goals across residential (including multifamily), commercial, and industrial land uses.

• Analyze land use patterns needed to support a sustainable tax base and maintain high-quality municipal services.

Community Facilities & Services

• Assess community facilities to ensure adequate services for current and future residents.

• Recommend strategies to support an intergenerational community, including coordination with agencies providing intellectual, economic, social, and physical resources for residents of all ages.

2. Consultant Tasks & Responsibilities

Project Initiation & Management

• Conduct a project kickoff meeting.

• Develop a project management and communication plan.

Community Engagement • Design and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy to ensure broad and meaningful stakeholder participation.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Analyze demographic, economic, housing, land use, infrastructure, environmental, and transportation data.

• Identify emerging trends that may influence Avon’s future

Review of Existing Plans • Evaluate the effectiveness of the current POCD.

• Review related plans (e.g., Bike/Pedestrian Plan, Affordable

Housing Plan, Community Energy Plan) and regulations for consistency. Identify areas for alignment or revision.

Vision & Goal Setting • Develop a clear, community-supported vision for Avon’s future.

• Reassess and refine goals and priorities of the existing POCD as needed.

Plan Development • Prepare a draft POCD with updated goals, policies, implementation strategies, cost considerations, and tracking mechanisms.

• Update and create maps,…