2027-004 Downtown Improvements Project - Phase V

The City of Gardner, Massachusetts Department of Community Development and Planning is soliciting sealed bids for the Downtown Improvements Project Phase V (Bid 2027-004), with bids due August 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The project is financed through the Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and subject to federal, state, and local regulations.

The scope encompasses demolition of existing sidewalks, curbing, and wheelchair ramps; removal of existing crosswalk pavement markings; installation of new concrete sidewalks, granite curbing, and wheelchair ramps with detectable warning panels; crosswalk reconfiguration; installation of pedestrian crosswalk posts with electrical wiring and 3-inch Schedule 80 PVC conduits; traffic signal reconstruction at the intersection of Willow Street and Main Street; loam and seed work; and site restoration. Work is located along Willow Street between Pleasant Street and Main Street in downtown Gardner, Worcester County. All sidewalks and ramps must comply with ADA accessibility standards (maximum 1.5 percent cross-slope and 4.5 percent longitudinal slope). Signal equipment must be listed on the current MassDOT Qualified Traffic Control Equipment List. The contractor must notify DigSafe at least 72 hours prior to earth-moving operations and bears responsibility for permit fees, inspection costs, and utility damage replacement.

Bidders must submit a 5% bid deposit in the form of a bid bond, certified check, or cashier's check payable to the City of Gardner. The successful bidder must provide performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract price. Both Massachusetts state minimum wage rates and federal Davis-Bacon wage rates apply; contractors must comply with the greater of the two. The contract requires substantial completion by October 30, 2026. Liquidated damages are $250.00 per calendar day for delays beyond the substantial completion date. The city reserves the right to reject any and all bids and modify the scope of work by up to 25% of the total contract price without exceeding financial limitations.

A voluntary pre-bid meeting was held on July 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the site. Hard copies of bidding documents are available for $100.00 (non-refundable); electronic copies are available through the City of Gardner website at http://www.gardner-ma.gov/bids.aspx. The contract is subject to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30, Section 39M.