RFP - Atlantic Avenue Park FINAL.pdf

CITY OF NEW LONDON

Purchasing Agent 13 Masonic Street • New London, Connecticut 06320

2026-17 CONL

REQUEST FOR

QUALIFICATIONS/PROPOSALS (RFQ/P)

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR

ATLANTIC STREET PARK

The Day Redevelopment – New London, Connecticut

Issue Date: June 12, 2026

Pre-Proposal Conference: June 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM (On-Site)

Questions Due: July 2, 2026 by 4:00 PM EST

Proposals Due: July 17, 2026 by 2:00 PM EST

Funded by: CT DECD Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2030

Issued by the City of New London, Purchasing Agent

Submit electronically via OpenGov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newlondonct

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Minority/Women’s Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.

This contract is subject to state spending allocation goals and contract compliance requirements.

City of New London –2026-17 CONL: Atlantic Street Park RFQ/P Atlantic Street Park Design Services

Atlantic Street Park – Professional Design Services RFQ/P Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: Introduction and Purpose

Section 2: Project Background and Description

Section 3: Scope of Services

Section 4: Deliverables and Submission Requirements

Section 5: Future Grant Positioning

Section 6: DECD Compliance Requirements

Section 7: Proposal Submission Requirements

Section 8: Fee Structure and Format

Section 9: Schedule

Section 10: General Terms and Conditions

Section 11: Attachments and Reference Documents

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

The City of New London (“City”), through its Purchasing Agent, is soliciting proposals from qualified professional design firms or teams to provide comprehensive landscape architectural, civil engineering, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP), stormwater and green infrastructure, and related professional design services for the Atlantic Street Park, a new public linear park along Atlantic Street in downtown New London, Connecticut.

This project is funded in part by a $250,000 DECD Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) planning grant. The deliverables produced under this RFQ/P are intended to result in construction-ready documents that will support additional grant applications for park construction, as well as serve as bid documents for a public competitive procurement of construction services.

The selected firm or team will serve as the design professional of record for all site design disciplines, delivering a complete set of construction documents based on the approved Conceptual Master Plan prepared by SLR International Corporation, along with visual assets and documentation suitable for future grant applications.

1.1 Administering Entity and Contacts

This RFQ/P is issued by the City of New London. All inquiries and submissions must be directed to the City via the OpenGov platform.

No contact with other City officials or elected representatives regarding this RFQ/P is permitted from the date of issuance through the date of award.

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SECTION 2: PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION

2.1 The Atlantic Avenue Corridor

The Atlantic Street Park is a central element of a broader transformation of the Atlantic Avenue corridor in downtown New London, alongside the Water Street Garage expansion (with a new transit/welcome center), the National Coast Guard Museum, the former Day Newspaper redevelopment (housing and commercial), and The Savings Bank complex (hospitality).

The Atlantic Street Park will connect these developments by converting the middle portion of Atlantic Street into a pedestrian-only linear park, creating a public gathering space and furthering a cohesive, walkable downtown experience.

2.2 Atlantic Street Park – Approved Conceptual Master Plan

Attached is a detailed Conceptual Master Plan for the Atlantic Street Park, included as Exhibit A to this RFQ/P. This is the approved conceptual design and serves as the mandatory basis for all work under this contract. While creativity is welcomed, the selected design team’s role is to advance and expand this concept through engineering, detailing, permitting, and construction documentation - not to propose a wholesale alternative design vision.

Exhibit A also includes a Precedent Images sheet (Sheet 2) illustrating the proposed design aesthetic, material palette, and character. Proposers should review the full exhibit carefully when developing their scope, approach, and fee. Proposers should also review public information on the Water Street Garage expansion as well as the U.S. Coast Guard Museum plans.

2.3 Adjacent Facilities and Coordination Areas

The park design must coordinate with existing infrastructure, Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, a historic landmark at the southern end of the park (scope in Phase 3.4) and the Water Street Garage, undergoing a separate facade retrofit requiring close coordination (scope in Phase 3.5)

2.4 Heritage Context

The park site has significant heritage and trail connections and the design team’s responsibility is to accommodate these elements in signage and coordinate wayfinding.

SECTION 3: SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected design team shall advance the approved Conceptual Master Plan (Exhibit A) through regulatory permitting and into final construction documents suitable for public competitive bidding. The scope is organized into the following phases. Respondents must structure their proposals and fee breakdowns to correspond with these phases to enable direct comparison.

Phase 1.0 – Site Survey

Prepare a Topographic Survey meeting Connecticut State Agency Minimum Standards (§§ 20- 300b-1 through 20-300b-20), Horizontal Accuracy Class A-2, and Topographic Accuracy Class T-2. Deliver a project base map at 1” = 20’ with 1-foot contours showing all existing utilities, Atlantic Street Park – Professional Design Services RFQ/P Page 4 structures, site features, stormwater infrastructure, the pedestrian bridge, garage access points, and the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse vicinity.

Phase 2.0 – Site Investigations

Conduct the site investigations needed to characterize existing conditions and establish reliable cost parameters for construction, scaled to the build-up construction approach (Section 2.2) — concentrated on the retaining wall, drainage, and surface-preparation requirements rather than a full subsurface program across the site. Investigations sufficient to support grant applications and a credible 60% cost estimate shall be completed during this phase.

2.1 Geotechnical Exploration

The project is intended to be constructed primarily by building up over existing grade rather than by wholesale excavation (see Section 2.2). Subsurface exploration shall therefore be focused on the elements that carry structural load or manage drainage, not on areas that will be capped with fill, gravel, or pavement. At a minimum, explorations shall be sufficient to provide geotechnical design recommendations for:

The retaining wall adjacent to the Water Street Garage (lateral earth pressure, bearing capacity, proximity to garage foundations, surcharge loading, wall type, and drainage recommendations)

Underground stormwater detention and infiltration systems behind the wall

The investigation shall include field infiltration/percolation testing at representative locations for stormwater design and CTDEEP permitting. Deliver a geotechnical engineering report with design recommendations, boring logs, and a digitized boring location plan. Borings of paving subgrade in areas to be capped (rather than excavated) are not required unless the design team identifies a specific need.

2.2 Utility Investigation

Review available record drawings and conduct a visual/surface assessment of existing storm and sanitary sewer connections serving the project area. Other than the expanded park area created by the retaining wall, the existing streetscape is anticipated to be the base layer beneath the park and not removed except as required. Wholescale restructuring of existing utility infrastructure should be avoided.

2.3 Floodplain Review

Review the FEMA FIRM for the project area. The majority of the site does not fall within a flood zone but some components may fall within FEMA flood zones. Determine to what extent the proposed park scope falls within or affect a regulated floodplain, determine if those areas should have specific or reduces scopes. Prepare prior to construction the Flood Management Certification application for CTDEEP if required. Advise on any design implications.

2.4 Environmental Findings (Provided Separately)

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is being obtained. Phase II ESA and hazardous materials survey may also be performed by a separate consultant. The selected design team shall incorporate findings from all environmental reports into the park design, cost estimate, and construction documents.

Phase 3.0 – Design Development (60% Design)

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Advance the approved Conceptual Master Plan (Exhibit A) to 60% Design Development. The 60% DD set and associated cost estimate will serve as the basis for all future grant applications.

The design must be sufficiently developed to support credible cost estimating, grant narratives, and regulatory submissions.

Governing cost strategy: To control construction cost, the design shall minimize excavation and preserve the existing roadway and sidewalk subgrade as the base layer wherever feasible. New park surfaces should be built up over existing grade using clean fill, gravel, or pavement, with earthwork concentrated at the retaining wall and required drainage and utility runs. The design team shall flag any location where this approach is not feasible and recommend the minimum intervention needed.

3.1 Coordination

• Coordinate construction schedule with adjacent public and private developments to identify interface points, sequencing constraints, and temporary conditions

• Attend virtual design coordination meetings (approximately bi-weekly) throughout Design Development

3.2 Design Development Plans

Develop Design Development plans (approximately 60% design) based on the approved Conceptual Master Plan (Exhibit A), suitable for regulatory agency submission. The plan set shall include, at minimum:

• Title Sheet

• Existing Conditions and Removals (including existing bridge, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure)

• Materials Layout

• Dimensional Layout

• Grading and Drainage

• Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure Plans (infiltration areas, bioswales, permeable paving, rain gardens, underground detention as applicable)

• Landscaping (with emphasis on native species, pollinator habitat, shade canopy, and ecological benefits)

• Utilities (including connections to existing municipal water, sewer, and stormwater systems)

• Sediment and Erosion Controls

• Structural Concept (retaining wall system sized and located with preliminary sections and the geotechnical basis sufficient for cost estimating; seat walls and sunken seating area structure shown in concept; bridge rehabilitation/replacement basis). Full structural details — final sections, elevations, foundation, drainage, and waterproofing details — are completed at 100% Construction Documents (Phase 5.0)

• Site Details

• Site Electrical & Lighting Concept (fixture intent, general layout, and energy-efficient/solar-ready infrastructure approach sufficient for cost allowance). Final photometric calculations and circuiting are completed at 100% Construction Documents (Phase 5.0)

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3.3 Pedestrian Bridge

Assess the existing bridge that spans the park and develop a preferred design concept (rehabilitation or replacement) to integrate for park access purposes with a cost comparison of the two approaches and recommended aesthetics and wayfinding treatment.

3.4 Nathan Hale Schoolhouse Integration

Develop creative design concepts for integrating the Schoolhouse with the park, including a modest sunken seating area (approximately two tiered rows) oriented for small learning groups and informal gatherings, interpretive/educational elements, wayfinding, landscaping, and lighting.

3.5 Retaining Wall and Water Street Garage Coordination

The retaining wall adjacent to the Water Street Garage is a critical element that expands the usable park footprint. The design team shall:

• Design the retaining wall system based on geotechnical recommendations, including structural engineering, subdrainage, waterproofing, and integration with the park’s stormwater system

• Coordinate with the Water Street Garage structural engineer to ensure the wall design does not compromise the garage’s structural integrity

• Include earthwork quantities and construction sequencing in the cost estimate

3.6 Heritage Interpretation and Trail Connectivity

Heritage content will be developed separately. The design team shall accommodate that content physically and coordinate wayfinding.

3.7 Play Area, Water Feature, Event Infrastructure, and Specialty Elements

Develop an integrated play area and water feature concept. The concept shall evaluate up to two water feature approaches — one higher-investment option (e.g., a recirculating splash pad) and one lower-cost, lower-maintenance alternative (e.g., misting arches or a raised stream/channel feature) — with a comparison of construction costs, annual operating costs, and maintenance requirements for each.

The park is intended to host markets, events, and community activities. The design shall accommodate this scale of programming, including a designated vendor zone with utility support sized for food trucks and market vendors, level hard-surface areas with ADA circulation, and be suitable for small performances and educational programs. Provide on-grade service and emergency-vehicle access, maintain continuous vehicular access to Water Street Garage and Union Plaza Parking, and include security camera locations covering key areas.

3.8 Stormwater and Green Infrastructure

• Evaluate and design green stormwater infrastructure appropriate to site conditions

• Assess existing stormwater connections and identify opportunities for reasonable improvements as part of the park

• Quantify environmental benefits (runoff reduction, pollutant removal, infiltration capacity) for grant applications

3.9 Cost Estimate

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Prepare an opinion of probable construction costs with a detailed line-item breakdown organized into the following independently fundable compo2026nents, to support phased construction and multi-source grant stacking:

• (a) Pedestrian bridge (replacement or rehabilitation, including structural, architectural, and signage / aesthetic elements)

• (b) Streetscape surface treatments and pedestrian infrastructure built over the existing roadway/sidewalk base (decorative crosswalk, ADA-compliant surfacing, rising bollards, and pedestrian lighting) — excluding removal or reconstruction of existing roads and sidewalks except where specifically required

• (c) Stormwater and green infrastructure (bioretention, permeable paving, underground detention, infiltration systems, and municipal stormwater connections)

• (d) Native landscaping and urban tree canopy (shade trees, flowering shrubs, perennials, groundcover, pollinator habitat)

• (e) Play area and water feature (playground equipment, surfacing, water feature systems, and associated site work) including playground and play features

• (f) Sunken seating area (two tiered rows), event infrastructure, site lighting, signage, furnishings, and public art (seat walls, lawn seating, electrical, lighting, interpretive elements, wayfinding, benches, tables, receptacles, bike racks, bollards, murals, nautical-themed panels)

• (g) Retaining wall, site grading, and earthwork

Each component’s cost estimate shall include all labor, materials, equipment, general conditions, overhead, profit, and contingency attributable to that component. Where costs are shared across components (e.g., mobilization, erosion controls), a reasonable allocation method shall be documented. The cost estimate shall also include:

• A design contingency appropriate to the level of design completion (15–20% at 60% DD;

5–10% at 100% CD)

• A separate line item for construction contingency (recommended 10%) to account for unforeseen conditions, including potential subsurface remnants from demolished structures

• Identification of any utility relocations required, with estimated costs

• Include a concise Component Phasing Summary (approximately one page) identifying which components can be bid and constructed independently (at minimum: pedestrian bridge, sunken seating area, streetscape/pedestrian infrastructure, and park core), with high-level sequencing recommendations. Detailed interface conditions at construction boundaries are developed as part of the final Construction Documents (Phase 5.0)

• Prepare a preliminary estimated annual maintenance and operating cost summary by system (water feature, lighting, irrigation, landscape maintenance, stormwater infrastructure, furnishings) to inform the City’s long-term budgeting

Phase 4.0 – Permitting & Community Input

Secure all necessary regulatory approvals. Tasks include:

• Conduct stormwater quality assessment per City of New London Regulations and CTDEEP/Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation 2024 Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual

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• Prepare plans and supporting documents for land use approvals, including one plan-view site rendering for presentation purposes

• Attend up to two (2) meetings with the New London Planning and Zoning Commission

• Respond to regulatory agency comments and make necessary revisions

• Assist in obtaining water feature approvals from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, if applicable to the selected water feature type

• Coordinate with New London Historic Commission and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as required

• Coordinate with CTDEEP regarding stormwater permits and Flood Management Certification if applicable

• Participate in up to two community meetings, as necessary, to hear, consider and incorporate as appropriate community feedback.

Phase 5.0 – Construction Documents (100% Final Design)

Prepare final construction documents suitable for public competitive bidding. Attend bi-weekly virtual coordination meetings throughout this phase. The CD set shall include complete plans, details, and specifications across all disciplines for all park elements including the water feature, pedestrian bridge, sunken seating area, site lighting, signage, and stormwater infrastructure.

Material Durability and Maintenance:

• Specify durable, low-maintenance, vandalism-resistant materials suited to a coastal New England climate (freeze-thaw, salt, heavy use): no painted mild steel or untreated wood in exposed locations, graffiti-resistant art coatings, 10-year minimum playground warranties, and long-life LED lighting

• Specify water feature systems designed for ease of winterization and seasonal startup, with recommended maintenance schedule and estimated annual operating costs

• Specify native, climate-adapted plantings; smart irrigation if provided; walkways and paving that accommodate municipal snow removal equipment

• Require in the construction specifications that the contractor provide manufacturer O&M documentation for all installed systems at project closeout, compiled into a consolidated Operations and Maintenance Manual

• Submit 90% design documents for design team coordination and municipal agency review

• Conduct 90% review meeting; confirm remaining refinements, value engineering, and potential bid alternates

• Conduct page-turn review of final documents with the design team

• Prepare Bid Form and provide final Bid Set plans and specifications in PDF format

• Organize specifications with clearly separable sections for independently constructible components (particularly the pedestrian bridge and streetscape/pedestrian infrastructure), so that extractable bid packages can be assembled with minimal additional effort if components are funded and bid separately

• Structure the Bid Form schedule of values to align with the seven component categories identified in Section 3.9, enabling the City to: (a) evaluate bids on both a combined and component basis, (b) track DECD progress payment reimbursements (AIA G702/G703)

Atlantic Street Park – Professional Design Services RFQ/P Page 9 against grant budget line items without manual reconciliation, and (c) report progress by component for multi-source grant compliance

• Incorporate all DECD-required construction contract language for future CIF capital grant compliance (prevailing wage, CHRO, bonding, DAS prequalification, insurance, project signage – see Section 6)

• Prepare Record Document (As-Built Drawing) templates and specifications requiring the construction contractor to deliver as-built drawings in PDF format at project closeout

The project shall be bid as a lump sum with a schedule of values for project components provided at time of bid.

Phase 6.0 – Procurement Phase

• Provide bid-phase support, including a pre-bid site meeting, responses to bidder RFIs, up to three (3) addenda, review of bidder qualifications, and assistance with bid tabulation and the contractor recommendation.

Phase 7.0 – Construction Administration

Provide construction-phase services to ensure the project is built in conformance with the design intent. Construction Administration services may be proposed as both a flat fee or on an hourly/budget basis, with the understanding that the budget will be re-evaluated following procurement. Tasks include:

• Tasks include issuing a conformed Permit Set; administering submittals, RFIs, change orders, and shop drawings; attending the pre-construction meeting and conducting progress observations and inspections; performing semi-final and final punch-list inspections; and preparing as-built Record Documents per DECD closeout requirements. A one-growing-season landscape warranty inspection may be included if carried in the construction-phase fee.

Phase 8.0 – Reimbursable Expenses

Proposers shall include a direct cost allowance for out-of-pocket expenses associated with printing, reproductions, mileage, and similar costs. Reimbursable expenses shall be billed at actual cost with no markup.

SECTION 4: DELIVERABLES AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The selected design firm shall provide the deliverables described under each phase in Section 3, submitted at the completion of that phase. The items below note format and copy requirements that supplement, but do not replace, the Section 3 scope:

4.1 Survey and Site Investigations Phase

• Topographic Survey Map (digital CAD and PDF)

4.2 Design Development Phase (60%)

• 60% Design Development plan set (digital CAD and PDF)

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4.3 Construction Document Phase (100%)

• 100% Final Bid Set across all disciplines – digital CAD, PDF, and three hard-copy sets

SECTION 5: FUTURE GRANT POSITIONING

The deliverables under this contract will support future state and federal grant applications for construction funding. In addition to the technical deliverables in Sections 3 and 4, the firm shall provide the following grant-specific deliverables:

5.1 Visualization Package (at 60% Set)

• Four (4) high-resolution, photorealistic 3D renderings of key park areas: gateway entrance, sunken seating/event space, play area/water feature, and passive seating plaza with food truck area

• One (1) plan-view aerial rendering of the full park (minimum 300 DPI at 24”x36”)

• One (1) annotated illustrative site plan with feature callouts

• One (1) before-and-after comparison graphic showing existing conditions versus proposed design

5.2 Technical Documentation for Grant Applications

• Native plantings and urban tree canopy summary with quantified ecological benefits and environmental education potential (species counts, canopy coverage, pollinator habitat area)

• Pedestrian safety and traffic calming summary documenting the conversion of vehicular street to pedestrian park, ADA compliance, rising bollards, and decorative crosswalks

• Documentation of public meetings, P&Z hearings, and community engagement conducted during design

SECTION 6: DECD COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Current Grant – Planning Phase ($250,000)

This planning grant falls under DECD Guidelines Section 12 (projects $250,000 or less). The City will self-certify compliance and submit the required Compliance Certification forms. The design professional must hold proper professional credentials.

6.2 Future Construction Grant – Build Into Bid Documents Now

The construction-phase hard costs are anticipated to exceed $1,000,000, which will trigger full DECD construction-grant compliance to the extent future grants are obtained. The selected firm should be aware that the construction bid package, specifications, and contract documents it prepares must conform to the then-current DECD Construction Grant Guidelines (see Section 11.2) - including, among other things, prevailing wage, CHRO good-faith-effort and set-aside, DAS prequalification, bonding, public advertising, insurance, retainage, project signage, and closeout requirements — so that the City can proceed directly to public competitive bidding upon receipt of a future grant. Proposers are not required to detail these requirements in their

Atlantic Street Park – Professional Design Services RFQ/P Page 11 proposals; the City will confirm the applicable Guidelines version at the time the construction documents are prepared.

SECTION 7: PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Proposals must be organized as follows and shall not exceed forty (40) pages, exclusive of resumes, required forms, and appendices. Proposals will only be accepted electronically via the City of New London’s eProcurement platform, OpenGov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newlondonct .

7.1 Transmittal Letter (5 points)

A signed letter on the firm’s letterhead identifying the prime firm, all subconsultants, the designated project manager, and the principal-in-charge. The letter must affirm the firm’s understanding of the scope, ability to meet the project schedule, and willingness to enter into a contract with the City of New London.

7.2 Firm Qualifications, Experience, and Project Team (40 points)

• Description of the prime firm and all subconsultants, including years in practice, office locations, and total staff

• Demonstrated experience with public park and open space projects of similar scope — with emphasis on New England or comparable urban downtown settings — and with urban stormwater and green infrastructure design; experience on DECD- or other grant-funded projects is preferred

• Minimum of three (3) relevant project references from the past seven (7) years, including client contact, project budget, and construction status

• Project team: an organizational chart of key personnel and their roles across all disciplines, with resumes including relevant licenses and certifications

7.3 Project Understanding, Approach, and Scope (40 points)

• A narrative demonstrating understanding of the project goals, site conditions, community context, and grant program alignment

• The proposed design approach — including how the team will advance the approved Conceptual Master Plan through construction documents and integrate the key site elements (pedestrian bridge, Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, Water Street Garage, heritage context, and stormwater/green infrastructure) into a cohesive park

• Anticipated challenges, proposed solutions, and the team’s quality-control approach

• A phase-by-phase narrative of the services to be provided (Phases 1.0 through 8.0, per

Section 3), sufficiently detailed to enable direct comparison with other proposals

7.4 Project Schedule (15 points)

Include a project schedule showing phases, milestones, and durations.

7.5 Fee Proposal

Include a fee proposal structured per Section 8 of this RFQ/P.

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Do not include a fee proposal at this time. Fee proposals will be selected from the short-listed firms after qualifications are evaluated.

7.6 Evaluation and Selection

A Selection Committee comprising representatives of the City of New London, supported by its project partners, will review qualifications, develop a short list, request fee proposals from those short-listed firms, conduct interviews, and select the firm that best meets the project’s needs.

Selection will be based on the criteria reflected in Sections 7.1 through 7.5 above, considered holistically. The City is not bound to accept the lowest fee. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, negotiate with the selected proposer, and re-solicit if necessary.

SECTION 8: FEE STRUCTURE AND FORMAT

The available budget for the first phase of this engagement is $250,000, funded by the CIF planning grant. This budget must cover all services through 60% Design Development and associated site investigations (Phases 1.0 through 3.0), plus the grant positioning deliverables in Section 5. Proposers should structure their fees accordingly, clearly identifying the fee for each phase so the City can evaluate which phases are achievable within the available budget.

Do not include a price proposal with the qualifications. Price proposals will be requested from the short-listed firms after qualifications are evaluated. This section is included for reference only at this time.

8.1 Fee Breakdown by Phase

No. Phase / Service Fee Type Fee Amount

1.0 Site Survey Lump Sum $________

2.0 Geotechnical, Environmental, and Site

Investigations

Lump Sum $________

3.0 Base Mapping & Design Development

(60%)

Lump Sum $________

4.0 Permitting Phase Lump Sum $________

5.0 Construction Documents (Final Design) Lump Sum $________

6.0 Procurement Phase Lump Sum $________

7.0 Construction Administration Hourly/Budget $________

8.0 Reimbursable Expenses Budget $________

TOTAL $________

8.2 Subconsultant Fees

Proposers shall identify all subconsultant fees within each phase. A summary table listing each subconsultant firm, their discipline, and their total fee shall be included.

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8.3 Hourly Rate Schedule

All proposers shall include a complete hourly rate schedule for all personnel classifications.

8.4 Reimbursable Expenses

Include a rate schedule for reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses shall be billed at actual cost with no markup.

SECTION 9: SCHEDULE

9.1 Procurement Schedule

Milestone Date

RFQ/P Issued June 12, 2026

Pre-Proposal Conference (On-Site, Atlantic Street) June 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Deadline for Written Questions July 2, 2026 by 4:00 PM EST

Responses to Questions Issued (Addendum) July 8, 2026

Proposals Due July 17, 2026 by 2:00 PM EST

Interviews Week of July 27, 2026

Selection and Notification of Award August 10, 2026

Contract Execution August 19, 2026

Notice to Proceed August 2026

9.2 Anticipated Project Schedule

Phase Estimated Duration

Phase 1.0 – Site Survey 3 weeks

Phase 2.0 – Site Investigations 8 weeks (concurrent with 1.0)

Phase 3.0 – Design Development (60%) 10 weeks (begin week 4, concurrent with 2.0)

NTP to 60% DD Completion ~20 weeks

Phase 4.0 – Permitting 2 months*

Phase 5.0 – Construction Documents 14 weeks (may overlap with 4.0)*

Phase 6.0 – Procurement 8 weeks (estimated)

Phase 7.0 – Construction Administration 9 months (estimated)

*Schedule may be affected by local review and approval durations.

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SECTION 10: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

10.1 Proposal Validity

Proposals shall remain valid for ninety (90) days from the proposal due date.

10.2 Insurance Requirements

• Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): $1,000,000 per claim / $2,000,000 aggregate

• Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate

• Workers’ Compensation: Statutory limits

• Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit

The City of New London and the State of Connecticut shall be named as additionally insured under the Commercial General Liability policy.

10.3 Ownership of Documents

All documents, drawings, plans, specifications, reports, renderings, and other deliverables produced under this contract shall become the property of the City of New London upon final payment. The City and its approved users shall have the right to use, reproduce, and distribute such documents for any purpose related to the Atlantic Street Park project and future grant applications.

10.4 Conflict of Interest

Per DECD requirements, members and relations of the governing body and/or staff of the City shall be prohibited from receiving contracts for materials or services related to this project.

Proposers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

10.5 Contract Form

The City will provide the professional services agreement upon selection. The contract will be between the City of New London and the selected firm. By submitting a proposal, the firm agrees to negotiate in good faith based on the City’s contract form. Proposers should not attach their own contract forms or terms and conditions to their proposals.

SECTION 11: ATTACHMENTS AND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

11.1 Exhibits (Distributed with this RFQ/P)

• Exhibit A: Atlantic Street Park – Approved Conceptual Master Plan (SLR International Corporation) — two sheets: Sheet 1, Site Plan; Sheet 2, Precedent Images illustrating the intended design aesthetic, material palette, and character

11.2 Reference Documents (Publicly Available)

• DECD Bidding, Contracting & Procurement for Construction Guidelines (Revised January 2026) – portal.ct.gov/decd

• CHRO Contract Compliance Notice (Effective October 1, 2025) – portal.ct.gov/chro

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• CIF 2030 Program Information – portal.ct.gov/communityinvestmentfund

END OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS/PROPOSALS

Proposals must be received no later than July 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST

Submit to:

Joshua Montague, City of New London https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/newlondonct

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Minority/Women’s Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.

This contract is subject to state spending allocation goals and contract compliance requirements.