RFP 27-01 CDBG Consultant Services ADDENDUM 1.pdf

CDBG Consultant Services RFP 27-01 Addendum No. 1 – Questions and

Responses

1. Budget: Does the Town have an estimated budget or budget range for this engagement that we should be aware of in preparing our fee proposal?

The Town has allocated up to $15,000 for preparation and submission of the CDBG application. If the grant is awarded, consultant services for grant administration will be funded through the CDBG grant in accordance with CDBG program requirements and the amount awarded.

2. Onsite presence: The Scope of Work references public meetings/hearings, site visits, monitoring, and periodic on-site employee interviews. Is there an expected minimum frequency or amount of onsite presence in Groton the Town anticipates from the awarded consultant?

The Town has not established a minimum onsite presence requirement. The consultant will perform services as needed to fulfill the scope of work and comply with CDBG program requirements. During the grant application phase, the consultant may be asked to attend one or two evening Town Council meetings to present the application. Other meetings may be conducted virtually or in a hybrid format, as appropriate.

3. Engagement length: Could you clarify the anticipated duration of this engagement (e.g., through grant application only, or through full implementation of awarded activities)?

The initial scope covers the preparation and submission of the CDBG application.

If the grant is awarded, the engagement will extend through full project implementation and grant closeout, with administrative services funded via the CDBG award in accordance with program guidelines.

4. Time commitment: Is there an expected minimum time commitment (e.g., days per week or hours per month) the Town anticipates from the consultant, particularly during active grant administration?

No. The Town has not established a minimum time commitment. Services will be performed as needed to meet the project scope and all applicable CDBG requirements.

5. Submittal Requirements C and E: These sections reference resumes and prior work demonstrating experience with "municipal wayfinding plans and programs" and images/schematics of "wayfinding design work." Given this RFP is for CDBG grant administration services, could you confirm whether this language should instead refer to CDBG/grant administration experience, or if wayfinding experience is genuinely relevant to this project?

"municipal wayfinding plans and programs" and "wayfinding design work" should instead refer to the firm's qualifications, experience, and prior work related to CDBG grant writing and grant administration services.

6. Page limits: The RFP does not appear to specify a page limit for the proposal. Is there a preferred or maximum length for submittals?

No. The Town has not established a page limit. Each proposal should include all information requested in the RFP, including the materials identified in the Submittal Requirements demonstrating qualifications and experience with CDBG grant writing and administration services.

7. The RFP requires the consultant or grant administrator to hold a current Connecticut Certified Grant Administrator certificate. May this requirement be satisfied by a current Connecticut CGA serving as a committed subcontractor or named key team member, or must the prime respondent itself employ the qualifying CGA?

Yes, the requirement may be satisfied by a current Connecticut Certified Grant Administrator serving as a named subcontractor or key team member; the prime respondent is not required to directly employ the individual. The proposal must clearly identify the certified individual, outline their specific role and responsibilities, and include proof of their active Connecticut CGA certification.

8. What specific project or activity does the Town anticipate seeking 2026 Small Cities CDBG funding for? Please also confirm whether the anticipated project includes housing rehabilitation or construction requiring certified payroll review.

The Town anticipates applying for 2026 Small Cities CDBG funding to support the adaptive reuse of the former Groton Heights School for the development of affordable housing. The project is anticipated to include construction activities that will require compliance with applicable federal labor standards, including certified payroll review.

9. The RFP requires a lump-sum proposal and an hourly rate schedule for additional work. Should the lump-sum price cover application preparation only, with post-award administration priced separately if funding is awarded, or should it cover both application preparation and anticipated post-award administration?

The lump-sum proposal should cover application preparation and submission only. If the grant is awarded, grant administration services will be funded through the CDBG award in accordance with CDBG program requirements and the approved grant amount. Respondents must also provide the requested hourly rate schedule for any additional services as specified in the RFP.

10. If both phases are to be included, may respondents provide separate lump-sum amounts for the application phase and the contingent post-award phase?

Yes

11. Sections C and E of the Submittal Requirements refer to municipal wayfinding plans and request images or schematics of previous wayfinding design work. Please confirm that these references are inapplicable to this procurement and that respondents should instead provide resumes and project examples relevant to CDBG administration.

Yes