TOWN OF HAMDEN

CONNECTICUT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP #26-06 Social Worker- Hamden Public Library

2901 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 06518

The Town of Hamden is soliciting qualified vendor to provide a social worker for the Hamden Public Library

This RFP and Addenda may be downloaded at https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard.

It is the sole responsibility of the responder to see that the proposal is in the hands of the proper authority prior to the opening.

The last day to submit questions to purchasing@hamden.com is THURSDAY April 1, 2026, at

12:00 pm.

Sealed proposals (1 original, 3 hard copies and a Flash Drive) will be received at the Finance

Office, Hamden Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518, to be held in the Purchasing lock box, on or before Thursday, April 9th, 2026, at 11:00 am, at which time they will be publicly opened.

The Town of Hamden reserves the right to accept or reject any or all options, bids, or proposals;

to waive any technicality in a bid or part thereof submitted, and to accept the bid deemed to be in the best interest of the Town of Hamden.

Philip W. Goodwin Purchasing Agent https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/BidBoard mailto:purchasing@hamden.com

Introduction:

The Hamden Public Library is seeking to contract for a social worker who will be embedded within the library system to assist in two primary focus areas. First, the social worker will help establish and facilitate wraparound services for vulnerable patrons and residents by coordinating efforts between the library and various Town human services departments. Second, the social worker will guide library staff in the development of a safe and supportive environment for these individuals, utilizing a whole-person, trauma-informed approach.

Background:

The Hamden Public Library system serves the Town of Hamden, which has a population size of

60,809 people. It consists of three stand-alone branches. As a first-ring suburb of New Haven and as a neighbor to five other surrounding towns, Hamden uniquely straddles issues more often seen in urban centers along with more suburban concerns. These include food insecurity, underemployment, unsheltered residents, substance use disorder, financially struggling residents, fragility of mental health, immigration, and isolation – loneliness. As in many Connecticut municipalities, the town has seen an expansion in the wealth gap. Economically, the town has a high mill rate and is facing challenges regarding the cost of public services. Hamden AENGLC ranking is 153 in the state.

In 2021-22 The Hamden Library Board of Trustees conducted an extensive community needs assessment to better understand the role of the library in the fabric of the town’s social infrastructure. To complete the assessment a library task force studied town demographics, created a resource list of primary businesses, nonprofits, faith centers, and political groups, hosted more than twenty community conversations with 220 participants,, and created two surveys [one for individuals 14 years+ and one for younger residents] delivered in both print and electronic formats and completed by 1,091 unique respondents. Data from this community needs assessment showed an expectation for the library to function as an inclusive enclave for connecting users to information and resources that will both improve and enhance the well-being of one’s life. The expectation that the library serves as a resource to connect citizens to social services was indicated in responses. Specifically, respondents asked the library to act as a convener to address difficult challenges facing the town – unemployment, cost and availability of housing, substance use disease, wealth gap…etc.

Increasingly the library finds that library visitors are demonstrating a greater need for intervention with subjects related to their basic life needs and there is a heightened sense of overall agitation.

This is seen in both challenges to various aspects of library services as well as to inquiries as to how the library could better serve marginalized communities. The immediate impact on staff is to act in roles not in our trained skill set. Hence, library visitors may find themselves feeling unheard, adrift, or overly cared for depending on the situation. Visitors may present to library staff and others as being in crisis. Given that the Hamden Public Library lacks library security personnel or a social worker, we are reliant on the Hamden Police Department to intervene in situations that may otherwise be better suited for a mental health provider. While the library is grateful for assistance from our Public Safety Officers, we find that such help can also be distracting for other visitors, often leaves library staff feeling helpless, and can make the library feel less welcoming.

Further frustration is added when it is library staff learns visitors may already be involved in a multitude of programs/services. Conversely, staff may grow immune to visitors who may consistently present as in need of assistance but are not in crisis. The presence of a trained mental health provider on staff would help assess appropriate responses and reinforce existing connections to programs/services.

Public libraries throughout the United States, including Connecticut, are incorporating social workers in their operational work. A common model for this service is to make the local public library a practicum site for social work students. Hamden Public Library as a system is well situated for this as both Southern Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University offer graduate level social work degrees. Also, Albertus Magnus offers a graduate program in human services. To best prepare the library, partners, and visitors for such a collaboration, the library must do the foundational work to be able to support such an endeavor. This means staff need to receive direct training in trauma-based, whole person theory to help discern how and when to seek the assistance of a social worker. Other foundational work would include facilitating resource sharing with the many human services departments of the Town. The goal of this facilitation is to amplify the distinct service goals of each department by creating informational bridges between the departments. Another core element to building the foundation is establishing relationships with the schools of social work to understand the parameters of their programs. Finally, to best assist visitors, library staff, and partners in developing relevant programs of service, the social worker would assess the needs of community members and help to forge lasting partnerships with service providers. Once this foundational work is realized the library will have staff trained and informed about mental health concerns, increased departmental awareness throughout the town as to services available to citizens, and cooperative collaborations with schools of social work. The Town of

Hamden will be better situated to provide wraparound services for citizens and institutions in need.

Scope of work:

This position has two specific areas of focus:

(1) to help facilitate wrap around services for vulnerable patrons and residents by serving as a coordinator between the library and other human services departments.

(2) to guide library staff in the appropriate development of a safe, supportive environment for such patrons and residents.

The contracted social worker will develop best practices for better fulfilling our mission of serving as an inclusive institution. By establishing effective conduits of resource sharing to enhance wraparound services for vulnerable populations, all Town departments will see improvements in communicating services, responding to public needs, and assisting one another within our unique core missions. Public care and safety will become better balanced to meet both the immediate needs and long-term concerns of vulnerable patrons. This means that the Hamden Police and Fire departments will become more of a partner with the library and other human services departments;

rather, than our go-to response team.

Nature and Duties of Work This position provides guidance and leadership to the library and its partners in working with vulnerable or at-risk individuals who are affected by mental health issues or addictions, live in poverty, are housing challenge, have chronic health issues, experience loneliness, and/or are subject to marginalization. Issues presented to this position may be varied and complex and require a great degree of discretion. The Social Worker supplies information and guidance to employees on serving vulnerable populations. The Social Worker is responsible for working with community organizations and community members to develop collaborative connections to address the needs of patrons and potential patrons who face barriers to library service.

This position works with library staff in de-escalating difficult situations. This will include on-going training with staff that involves trauma-based, whole person concepts. When available the

Social Worker will assess risk and evaluate threats posed by patrons who exhibit challenging behaviors, including risks that range from direct verbal abusive behavior, verbal, or physical threats to more indirect threats (such as threats of legal action).

This contract is to cover a 37.5 hour a week. Saturday hours and an occasional evening may be required and would be included in the regular schedule. This Contract is scheduled to run 1 year from start of project pending available funds.

Key Duties

• Meeting with Patrons/Clients: Works with patrons to identify individual needs and provides appropriate information, support, referrals, and advocacy. Works to build relationships with members of vulnerable populations without judgement. Provides crisis management support – does not conduct ongoing individual counseling.

• Employee Training & Development: Works collaboratively with HPL managers, teams, and other Town employees to build capacity and skills in assisting patrons who face marginalization.

• This position takes a leadership role in teams that aim to reduce barriers to service for the public.

• Collaborates with area schools of social work to develop a collaboration with school leaders to help develop the library as a placement site for interested students.

• Works with Community Organizations: Builds and maintains relationships with community organizations that serve populations that face marginalization, including working with security contractors, community support officers, emergency medical technicians and the police to find collaborative approaches to supporting individuals in the community. This may involve meeting with external partners, visiting other agencies, sitting on external committees, and attending community meetings.

• Incident Response: When available the social worker assists in identifying and resolving urgent safety and risk management issues on an individual basis using de-escalation techniques and non-violent intervention.

• Outreach: The social worker participates in library programs and events both inside and outside the library walls.

Qualifications This is a contracted position between the Town of Hamden via the Hamden Public Library and the social worker. Here are the basic qualifications to be considered for the position:

Licensed Master Level Social Worker (MLSW)

Experience in program coordination, management, and/or directing social service programs or departments.

Experience in crisis intervention and management.

Experience in developing and delivering staff training.

Knowledge of trauma-based, whole person theory.

Excellent communication skills.

Cultural Humility.

Deliverables

• Establish monthly Human Services sharing roundtable.

• Staff training using Trauma -Informed Framework o [Each month a new training will be held for library staff. To maximize the number of staff receiving training, it will be held three times a month.]

• Develop and facilitate regular patron resource hours at each library location.

• Cultivate partnership with area university social work programs to develop a social work internship.

• Create resource/guidance manual for library staff and partners.

• Nurture outreach with other human service organizations and participate/organize outreach opportunities.

Vendor Requirements All vendors to be paid with funds must meet and/or provide the following:

• Submit current W-9

• Submit required Certificate of Insurance.

• Submit copy of business license.

• Submit screenshot confirming UEI#

• Submit Town Conflict of Interest/Ethics Form

• Submit vendor Corp Resolution for Authorized Signatory (personnel at vendor who can execute contract).

GENERAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

SPECIFICATIONS -- PART A

Proposals shall be made on the RFP forms furnished by the Town, without alteration. Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope, stating on the outside of the envelope the words “RFP DOCUMENTS”, the Town’s RFP number, the title of the Project, the title of the RFP package for which a RFP is being submitted, and the time and date of the RFP opening.

All Responders shall provide Single sided (one original and three copies) and one electronic copy of your RFP unless otherwise specified.

Proposals received after the RFP opening deadline shall be rejected. All spaces on the RFP form must be filled in with figures and words or the Town, in its sole discretion, may reject the Proposal as non-responsive. No faxed or emailed Proposals are allowed.

Applicable If Checked

RFP SECURITY: If a security of a certified check or bid bond for 5% of the total is requested, such Security will be returned upon signing of the contract. Checks or bonds must be made to the order of the “Town of Hamden”. Security may be held by the Town of Hamden for a period not to exceed 90 days from the date of the opening of the proposals for the purpose of reviewing the proposals. A separate Security must accompany each proposal presented. This is only when a Security is requested in the Proposal Specifications

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: The successful bidder, upon his/her/its failure or refusal to sign the contract within five (5) business days of receipt of the contract from the Town, shall forfeit to the Town as liquidated damages for such failure or refusal an amount equal to the security deposited with his/her Proposal.

The Town may make such investigations and conduct such scope reviews as deemed necessary by the Town in order for the Town to determine the ability of the Responder to perform the work and the Responder shall promptly, upon the Town’s request, furnish to the Town all such data for this purpose.

The Town expressly reserves the right to reject a Proposal if, in the Town’s sole discretion, the Town determines that an RFP is non-responsive, a Responder is not responsible, a Responder is not qualified to perform the work, or the Town otherwise determines that the award of a contract to the Responder is not in the best interest of the Town. Conditional RFPs will not be accepted.

SUBCONTRACTORS: The Responder is specifically advised that any person, firm or other party to whom Responder intends to award a subcontract or purchase order must be acceptable to the Town and that approval of the proposed subcontract award cannot be sought from the Town unless and until the successful Responder submits all information and evidence to the Town regarding the qualifications, experience and responsibility of the proposed subcontractor. Although the Responder is not required to attach such information to its Proposal, the Responder is hereby advised of this requirement so that it may plan accordingly and prevent delays.

MODIFICATION: Any Responder may modify his/her/its Proposal prior to the scheduled deadline for receipt of Proposals. See paragraph one above.

The Responder wishing to modify its Proposal shall submit such modified Proposal in accordance with paragraph one above, shall unequivocally indicate that its prior Proposal is superseded by the modified Proposal and shall submit its modified Proposal in an envelope clearly marked “MODIFIED PROPOSAL”.

ERRORS: The Town, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to waive typographical or technical defects in the Proposal, as well as its right to correct an award erroneously made as a result of a clerical error on the part of the Town of Hamden.

PERMITS/LICENSES: All applicable permits and licenses shall be obtained at the sole cost of Responders. No permits or permit fees shall be waived by the Town unless otherwise stated in the Town’s Request for Proposal or Instructions to Responders.

OBLIGATIONS OF RESPONDER: Each Responder shall, prior to submitting a Proposal, familiarize itself with the conditions under which the work will be performed and conduct its own due diligence.

Responders shall be presumed to have read and to be thoroughly familiar with the specifications and all RFP documents. The failure of any Responder to request, receive or examine any information or the failure of the Responder to familiarize itself with the conditions relating to the performance and timing of the work shall in no way relieve any Responder from any obligation in respect to the Proposal and shall not subject the Town to any liability whatsoever.

Furthermore, the Responder is responsible for being aware of and conforming in all respects to all existing Federal, State of Connecticut, and Town of Hamden Statutes, Ordinances, Regulations, laws and other legal applicable legal requirements, regardless of whether any such applicable requirements are specifically identified in the RFP documents.

WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS: Proposals may be withdrawn prior to the time fixed for opening by submitting written notification of withdrawal to the Town prior to the RFP opening deadline.

Negligence or mistake on the part of the Responder in preparing the Proposal confers no right of withdrawal or modification of the Proposal after such Proposal has been opened.

“OR EQUAL” CLAUSE: Whenever a material, article or piece of equipment is identified in the RFP document by reference to manufacturers’ or vendors’ names, trade names, catalog numbers, etc., it is intended to establish a standard, unless otherwise stated; any material, article, or equipment of other manufacturers and vendors which will perform adequately the duties imposed by the general design may be considered equally acceptable if, in the opinion of the Town, the material, article, or equipment so proposed is of equal substance and function. Any substitutions must be approved in writing by the Purchasing Agent or his designee, who shall have sole discretion to determine the acceptability of the proposed substitute.

PATENTS: The contractor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Town and its officers, agents, and employees from and against liability and costs of any nature or kind, including cost and expenses for, or on account of, any patented or unpatented invention, process, article, or appliance manufactured or used in the performance of the contract, including its use by the Town unless otherwise specifically stipulated in the contract or RFP documents.

NON-COLLUSIVE RFP STATEMENT: All Responders shall be required to sign the non-collusive statement attached.

FUNDING: The municipal non-appropriation clause may be applicable.

Applicable if checked.

PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS: To ensure the delivery of goods and services in conformity with the specifications provided and payment of all subcontractors and suppliers, Responders shall provide payment and performance bonds for any project (1) which is governed by Connecticut’s Little Miller Act, C.G.S. §49-41 or (2) for which the Town requires the provision of payment and performance bonds. Successful Responders shall provide the Town with payment and performance bonds, at the Responder’s expense, each for the full amount of the contract awarded.

The Town shall be the Obligee under each bond and the bonds shall be issued by a company authorized to conduct surety business in the State, listed on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s List of Approved Sureties and subject to approval by the Town.

INSURANCE: The contractor will provide adequate proof of insurance to the Town for the types of insurance and limits indicated below, providing for all of its operations performed in compliance with this contract.

The successful Responder shall obtain and pay for the insurance coverage described below with the indicated minimum limits. Responders agree to furnish Certificates of Insurance to the Town and/or its Board of Education, certifying coverage to be in effect for the term of this contract and that the Town and/or Board of Education will be given sixty (60) days prior written notice of cancellation or non-renewal.

These requirements if checked also apply to any subcontractor or common carrier used by the Responder.

I. WORKERS COMPENSATION

a) Connecticut Statutory Limits

b) Applicable Federal Statutory Limits

c) Employer’s Liability $100,000 per Accident

$100,000 Disease per Employee

$500,000 Policy Limit

II. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY

Bodily injury and Property Damage Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Fire Damage $ 100,000 Medical Expense $ 5,000 Personal Injury/Advertising $ 1,000,000 General Aggregate $ 3,000,000 Products & Completed Operations Aggregate $ 1,000,000

Coverage to include Premise-Operations, Contractors Protective Liability, Products & Completed Operations, Explosion, Collapse & Underground, Contractual Liability, & Broad Form Property Damage.

III. BUSINESS AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY (including owned, hired & non-owned vehicles)

Liability (Combined Single Limit) $1,000,000

(If hazardous material or potential pollutants are transported, MCS90 – Accidental Pollution coverage is required)

IV. UMBRELLA/EXCESS LIABILITY (If required)

Liability Limit – Each Occurrence over primary $3,000,000 Self-Insured retention $10,000

V. RAILROAD PROTECTIVE LIABILITY (If required)

Bodily Injury and Property Damage $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Aggregate

VI. POLLUTION LIABILITY (If required)

Bodily Injury and Property Damage $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Aggregate

VII. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY (If required) $3,000,000 Each Occurrence

$3,000,000 Aggregate

VIII. MONEY & SECURITIES-BROAD FORM

Limit $(Insert Limit)

IX. CYBER LIABILITY

$(Insert Limit)

X. The Town of Hamden and/or Hamden Board of Education to be named as an additional insured on all insurance policies, except Workers Compensation and Professional Liability. Vendor coverage shall be primary and non-contributory. A waiver of subrogation shall apply in favor of the Town of Hamden on all policies except Professional Liability.

XI. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Responder shall defend, indemnify and hold the Town of Hamden and Hamden Board of Education harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, expenses, judgments, injuries to persons and/or property resulting out of, and alleged to result from or arise out of the performance of this contract and resulting from and alleged to result from the Responder’s negligence.

ITEM X AND XI MUST APPEAR ON THE FACE OF THE INSURANCE CERTIFICATE IN THE SECTION

ENTITLED “DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Requirements; Safety Compliance: According to Connecticut General Statutes, Section 31-53b (a) each contract entered into on or after July 1, 2007 , for the construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair of any public building project by the state or any of its agents, or by a political subdivision of the state or any of its agents, where the total cost of all work to be performed by all contractors and subcontractors in connection with the contract is at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) shall contain a provision requiring that, not later than thirty days after the date such contract is awarded, each contractor furnish proof to the Labor Commissioner that all employees performing manual labor on or in such public building , pursuant to such contract, have completed a course of at least ten hours in duration in construction safety and health approved by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration or, in the case of telecommunications employees, have completed at least ten hours of training in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.268. The contractor shall familiarize itself with all aspects of state law and any applicable regulations pertaining to these requirements in order to ensure full compliance. Moreover, contractor shall be solely responsible for full and timely compliance with all federal, state and local safety standards, rules and regulations.

INDEMNITY/HOLD HARMLESS: The contractor’s and subcontractor’s insurance policies will be endorsed to provide for the Town of Hamden and Hamden BOE to be named as an additional insured.

To the fullest extent permitted by law; the contractor will defend, indemnify and save harmless the Town of Hamden and Hamden BOE from and against all claims, expenses, judgements, suits and actions related to injuries to and/or damage to the property as a result of, arising from or alleged to arise from the activities of the contractor, its servants and agencies acting for the contractor and from the performance of this Project.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE: The Contractor, prior to the start of any work under this contract, shall provide the Town’s Purchasing Office with a Certificate of Insurance to conform to the following:

a. Form(s) acceptable to the Town of Hamden.

b. Insurance provided by insurance companies authorized to write coverage in the State of

Connecticut.

c. Policy dates must cover the term of this contract.

d. Certificate will provide for at least 30 days’ notice to the Town of Hamden prior to cancellation.

e. All additional insured certificates are to list the Town of Hamden.

Under no circumstances shall the Contractor begin work until (1) the contract for same shall have been signed by all parties, (2) the required bonds have been furnished by the Contractor and approved by the Town, (3) the required certificates of insurance have been filed with and approved by the Town’s Purchasing Office and (4) the Contractor has been duly instructed in writing by the Town to proceed with the work. If the Contractor commences the work before the provisions referred to in this paragraph are fulfilled, the Town, in its sole option, may cancel or terminate the contract without penalty or liability chargeable to the Town.

LICENSURE: At the time of the Proposal submissions, Responders shall possess the necessary license(s) to perform the work that is the subject of this Request for Proposal.

NON-RESIDENT CONTRACTORS: Out of state Contractors must post a bond with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. The non-resident contractor must receive a Connecticut tax registration number by completing and submitting form REG-1. Non-resident contractors are directed to familiarize themselves and achieve full compliance with applicable requirements, including Form AU-766.

Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action: 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, 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 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, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, 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. The following principles and requirements of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, as incorporated herein, will be incorporated into "Equal Opportunity - Non-Discrimination Clause" to be included in all RFP documents, purchase orders, leases and contracts. The principles of Affirmative Action are addressed in 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. Every contract to which the State is party must contain the nondiscrimination and affirmative action provisions provided in the Connecticut General Statutes Section 4a-60a.

The successful Responder also agrees to comply with all provisions of the Town’s Charter and Code of Ordinances – “Town of Hamden, Chapter 110, Business Transactions with Town”. The contractor shall cooperate fully with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (“the Commission”) and shall submit periodic reports of employment and subcontracting practices to the Commission in such a form, in such a manner, and at such time as may be prescribed by the Commission.

Sec. 4a-60. (Formerly Sec. 4-114a). Nondiscrimination and affirmative action provisions in awarding agency, municipal public works and quasi-public agency project contracts. (a) Every contract to which an awarding agency is a party, every quasi-public agency project contract and every municipal public works contract shall contain the following provisions:

(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, 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 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, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, 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 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 P.A 15-5 amended Subsecs. (a) and (c) by replacing references to the state or political subdivision of the state with references to awarding agency, amended Subsecs. (a)(2), (a)(3) and

(f) to (h) by changing "commission" to "Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities", amended Subsec. (a)(4) by adding reference to Sec. 46a-86, amended Subsecs. (a) to (d) and (h) by adding references to municipal public works contracts and quasi-public agency project contracts, amended Subsec. (c) by adding references to commission re provision of representation or documentation, amended Subsec. (d) by deleting former Subdiv. (2) re quasi-public agency and redesignating existing Subdivs. (3) to (6) as Subdivs. (2) to (5) and made technical and conforming changes throughout.

Sec. 4a-60a. Provisions re nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation required in awarding agency, municipal public works and quasi-public agency project contracts. (a) Every contract to which an awarding agency is a party, every contract for a quasi-public agency project and every municipal public works contract shall contain the following provisions:

(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;

The successful bidder also agrees to comply with all provisions of the Town’s Charter and Code of Ordinances – “Town of Hamden, Chapter 110 “Business Transactions with Town”. The contractor shall cooperate fully with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (“the Commission”) and shall submit periodic reports of employment and subcontracting practices to the Commission in such a form, in such a manner, and at such time as may be prescribed by the Commission.

Set Asides: If this Project is funded in whole or in part by State of Connecticut funds, Public Act 15-5 (§§58-71 and 88) requires that, effective with all contracts executed after October 1, 2015, all solicitations for municipal public works contracts funded in whole or in part with State funds state in the notice of solicitation that the contract must comply with the set asides mandated by Public Act 15-5. The set aside requirements include a requirement that 25% of the total value of contracts in excess of $50,000.00 be set aside for exclusive bidding for “small contractors,” as defined by Section 58 (a) (1), and 25% of such amount (that is, 6.25% of the total value), be set aside for “minority business enterprises,” as defined by Section 58(a) (4). For contracts in excess of $50,000.00, Responders must have obtained Commission approval of their Affirmative Action Plan prior to contract execution. RESPONDERS ARE EXPRESSLY

DIRECTED TO REVIEW PUBLIC ACT 15-5, SECTIONS 58-71 AND 88, TO FAMILIARIZE

THEMSELVES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH LAWS. RESPONDERS SHALL BE DIRECTLY

AND SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF P.A. 15-5,

SECTIONS 58 THROUGH 71 AND 88. THE TOWN ALSO DIRECT RESPONDERS’ ATTENTION TO

THE SECTIONS 63 AND 64 (NON-DISCRIMINATION REQUIREMENTS) AND 66-68 (AFFIRMATIVE

ACTION REQUIREMENTS).

Regardless of whether P.A. 15-5 is applicable to this Project, the contractor shall provide reasonable technical assistance and training to minority business enterprises to whom work is subcontracted to promote the participation of such concerns, to make a good faith effort to award a reasonable proportion of all subcontractors to such enterprises, and undertake such other reasonable activities or efforts as the Commission may prescribe to ensure the participation of minority business enterprises as contractors and subcontractors. The contractor shall include a provision in all subcontracts with minority business enterprises requiring the minority business enterprise to provide the Commission with such information on its structure and operations as the Commission finds necessary to make an informed determination as to whether the minority business enterprise is owned and operated by members of a minority group.

The contractor shall maintain full and accurate data, such as contract monitoring reports, for a period of three (3) years from the date of substantial completion of the project or for such longer period as is required by the law then in effect with regard to records retention. The contractor shall not discharge, discipline, or otherwise discriminate against any person who has filed a complaint, testified, or assisted in any proceeding with the Commission.

The contractor shall make available for inspection and copying any supporting data requested by the Commission and make available for interview any agent, servant, or employee having knowledge of any matter concerning the investigation of a discriminatory practice complaint of any matter relating to a contract compliance review.

CLAYTON ACT: The contractor or subcontractor offers and agrees to assign to the public purchasing body all right, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 15 or under Chapter 624 of the General Statutes of Connecticut arising out of the purchase of services, property or intangibles of any kind pursuant to a public purchase contract or subcontract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the public purchasing body awards or accepts such contract, without further acknowledgment by the parties.

AWARD TO OTHER THAN THE APPARENT LOW RESPONDER: The Town of Hamden reserves the right to award the work to a Responder other than the one which submitted the lowest price if it deems such action to be in the best interest of the Town of Hamden.

WAGE RATES: Workers employed in the various occupations on this named project shall be required to receive the minimum rates established by the State of Connecticut Labor Department Division of Regulations of Wages.

PRICES: Prices quoted for merchandise, supplies, or equipment shall be the net prices delivered into the Town of Hamden.

Town of Hamden reserves the right to award separate items to separate Responders. Responders may indicate exceptions to this.

Responders must include Federal ID number or Social Security number to be considered for RFP approval.

DAVIS-BACON ACT - PREVAILING RATES OF WAGES

If this Project is subject to the Connecticut Prevailing Wage law, C.G.S. §31-53 et seq., the Town of Hamden shall require the contractor to make payment of prevailing rates of wages in accordance with the wage section of the Davis-Bacon Act, Town of Hamden, Hamden Code, S 97.35 and State Statute 31-53, Part III. State Contracts and shall institute such investigations and periodic monitoring procedures as deemed necessary to determine compliance with labor standard provisions and the Federal requirements of the Act as amended.

AS PER THE TOWN OF HAMDEN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION RESOLUTION:

It is in the best interest of the Town to encourage minority and/or female business enterprise. Where two substantially similar Hamden Proposals are submitted, preference may be given to the minority and/or female contractor.

RESERVED RIGHTS OF TOWN:

The Town of Hamden reserves the right to accept or reject any or all RFPs or Proposals; to waive any technicality in an RFP or Proposal or part thereof submitted, and to accept the RFP deemed to be in the best interest of the Town of Hamden. Further, the Town reserves the right to split RFPs and quotations among two or more Responders.

The Town reserves the right to reject any Proposal submitted by a joint venture if the Town determines that any entity to the joint venture fails to satisfy the Town’s requirements (i.e., bonding, insurance, qualifications, responsibility).

PREQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:

The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services’ Contractor Prequalification Program (C.G.S §4a-

100) requires all contractors to prequalify before they can propose on a contract or perform work pursuant to a contract for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, repair or demolition of any public building or any other public work by the state or a municipality, estimated to cost more than $500,000 and which is funded in whole or in part with state funds, If this requirement is applicable to the project that is the subject of this Request for Proposal, Responders shall provide their Proposal update statement with their Proposal.

TIME OF COMPLETION AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

Responders understand and acknowledge that timely completion of the Project is essential.

Failure of the Contractor to achieve substantial completion of the Project within the calendar days stated herein will result in the Owner and the public incurring damages, additional costs and inconveniences that would be impossible or extremely difficult to accurately quantify at the time.

Therefore, the Responder and the Town agree that, if the Contractor fails to satisfactorily complete the Project hereunder within the time specified or within any extension of time that may have been allowed, there shall be deducted from any monies due or that may become due the Responder, the sum of ___________ ($_________________) for each and every calendar day, including

Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, that the Project remains incomplete. This sum shall not be imposed as a penalty, but as liquidated damages due Owner from Contractor by reason of the damages incurred, inconvenience and additional costs and expenses to the public together with other problems suffered as a result of any such delay thereby occasioned.

DISCREPANCY IN RFP FORM:

In the event of any discrepancy between the amount written in numerical figures and the amount stated in written words, the amount written in words will be controlling.

The Town of Hamden hereby notifies all Responders that the Town’s contract with the successful Responder shall contain the following provision:

Payment to Vendor shall be withheld by the Town when any real or personal property taxes, sewer assessment fees, sewer use charges, fines, interest, penalties, police or fire extra duty, police vehicle use fees, or lien fees imposed, assessed or otherwise levied by the Town of Hamden and due from/payable by Vendor are delinquent.

For purposes of this Contract, a tax, fee, charge, or fine shall be deemed delinquent if it remains unpaid, in whole or in part, for a period of thirty (30) days following the date upon which payment of such tax, fee, charge, or fine was due, together with any accrued interest and penalties.

The Town expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to set off against its account payable to Vendor and apply any sums due to Vendor by Town pursuant to this Contract to any delinquent real or personal property taxes, sewer assessment fees, sewer use charges, fines, interest, penalties, or lien fees imposed by the Town of Hamden and due from/payable by Vendor.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

ORDINANCE AMENDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS ORDINANCE

WHEREAS the Town of Hamden adopted a local prevailing wage ordinance requiring contractors working on town public works projects to pay laborers and mechanics wages based upon the wages established by the State of Connecticut Department of Labor to be prevailing for the corresponding classes or laborers and mechanics on projects of a similar character to the contract work in town; and

WHEREAS the threshold for local public works projects covered by the prevailing wage ordinance has not increased since the adoption of the ordinance; and

WHEREAS the Town wishes to amend its ordinance so that the Town's threshold for prevailing wages is 90% of that set by the Connecticut General Statutes.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED that Section 97.35 (A) of the Hamden Code of Ordinances is hereby amended and restated as set forth below:

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS

97.35: WAGES TO BE STATED IN CONTRACT.

(A) The advertised specification for every public works project by the Town of Hamden that is 90% or more of the amount set forth by the Connecticut General Statues, as may be amended, for new construction and/or that is 90% or more of the amount set forth by the Connecticut General Statutes, as may be amended, for remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair work, and which requires or involves the employment of mechanics, laborers or workmen employed upon the work contracted to be done, shall contain a provision stating the minimum wages to be paid various classes of laborers, mechanics and workman shall be based upon the wages established by the State through its Department of Labor to be prevailing for the corresponding classes of mechanics, laborers or workmen employed on projects of a character similar to the contract work in the town.

(B) Every contract based upon these specifications shall contain a stipulation that the contractor or his subcontractor shall pay all mechanics, laborers or workmen employed directly upon the site of the work, unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account, the full amount accrued at time of payment, computed at wage rates not less than those stated in the advertised specifications, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor or subcontractor and such laborers, mechanics and workmen, and that the scale of wages to be paid shall be posted by the contractor in a prominent and easily accessible place at the site of the work.

(C) Every contract based upon these specifications shall further stipulate that there may be withheld from the contractor so much of accrued payments as may be considered necessary by the Town to pay to laborers, mechanics and workmen employed by the contractor or any subcontractor on the work difference between the rates of wages required by the contract to be paid laborers, mechanics or workmen on the work and the rates of wages received by such laborers, mechanics or workmen and not refunded to the contractor, subcontractor or other agents.

(D) Every contract based upon these specifications shall contain the further provision that in the event it is found by the Town that any laborer, mechanic or workmen employed by the contractor or any subcontractor directly on the site of the work covered by the contract has been or is being paid a rate of wages less than the rate of wages required by the contract or be paid as aforesaid the Town may, by written notice to the contractor, terminate the contract, terminate the contractor's right to proceed with the work or such part of the work as to which there has been a failure to pay said required wages and to prosecute the work to completion by contract or otherwise, and the contractor and his sureties shall be liable to the town for any excess cost occasioned the town thereby.

MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS:

Questions/Requests for Information: All Questions shall be submitted in writing only and e-mailed to purchasing@hamden.com at least seven (7) days prior to the RFP opening date. Responders shall not attempt or engage in any ex parte or verbal communications with Town personnel prior to the RFP opening deadline.

All Applicable Codes to Be Met: All construction shall meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes, as well as ADA requirements.

Pre-RFP Meeting(s): Failure to attend a mandatory pre-RFP meeting may be deemed, by the Town, grounds for rejection of your proposal.

Deliveries: All deliveries are inside deliveries.

Provision of RFP Packets, Submission of RFPs: proposed packets will be mailed upon request.

RFP packets will not be faxed.

RFP proposals must be mailed back or delivered to: Hamden Government Center

Finance Department 2750 Dixwell Avenue

Hamden, CT 06518

Please include single-sided (one original and 3 copies) and one electronic copy of your RFP unless otherwise specified.

ALL ENVELOPES MUST BE MARKED PROPERLY WITH RFP #, RFP DATE, AND RFP TITLE ONLY.

Ownership of Documents – All qualification statements, proposals and RFPs submitted by Responders are to be the sole property of the Town and subject to the provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes (re: Freedom of Information).

Ownership of Subsequent Products –…