2026-020 RFQ Professional Consulting Services (Airport)

The City of Gardner, Massachusetts is seeking professional consulting services for the Gardner Municipal Airport through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #2026-020, targeting airport engineering and planning consultants to support various airport projects over a five-year period beginning on or near December 1, 2025. The procurement focuses on potential projects under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division Airport Safety and Maintenance Program. Specific project scopes include rehabilitating the access road, constructing T-hangars, developing a snow removal equipment storage facility, creating a vegetation management plan, acquiring avigation easements, conducting tree clearing design and permitting, installing fencing and access controls, and making administration building improvements. The evaluation process will comprehensively assess firms based on criteria such as firm background, experience with municipal airport projects in Massachusetts, familiarity with FAA/MassDOT Airport Improvement Projects, current firm capacity, references, staffing, project understanding, and environmental considerations. The submission deadline is Monday, November 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm, with requirements for one original and three copies plus an electronic file submission.

The RFQ strongly encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (SDVOBE), and other diverse business enterprises. Selected consultants must maintain professional liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and workers' compensation insurance. The City retains flexibility in the procurement process, reserving the right to cancel the contract at any time, separate projects, and potentially award contracts to multiple firms if deemed in the best interest of the airport. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated in the documentation, the comprehensive nature of the potential projects suggests significant scope for multiple consulting engagements. The procurement approach allows for a flexible, multi-year partnership with consulting firms capable of supporting various airport infrastructure and development initiatives, with an emphasis on comprehensive technical expertise and local municipal airport experience.