Architectural & Engineering Assessment, Design and Construction Administration Services for Renovations to Demore, Dinda, Bittner Jr. Memorial Park

The Town of Berlin, Connecticut (Hartford County) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP #2026-03) seeking a qualified Architectural and Engineering firm to provide comprehensive assessment, design, and construction administration services for renovations to Demore, Dinda, Bittner Jr. Memorial Park located at 36 Wilcox Court, East Berlin. The procurement encompasses two concurrent design phases with potential phased bidding and construction schedules. Phase I deliverables include an existing conditions survey, geotechnical investigation, hazardous materials assessment, schematic design, design development, and construction document preparation with permitting approvals; Phase II includes bidding assistance and construction administration services through project close-out. The project scope involves replacing the pool house, converting the 4,500 square foot main pool and 575 square foot wading pool into a community splash pad, expanding parking, converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts, and constructing a new playscape, while addressing utility, drainage, access, and ADA compliance improvements. The Town anticipates commencing construction in late Summer/Fall 2026 with an 18-24 month contract period. Qualified proposers must demonstrate extensive experience in municipal projects with particular expertise in pool and recreational facility renovations and provide comprehensive documentation of team composition across multiple engineering disciplines. Evaluation criteria include background experience, responsiveness to RFP requirements, references, and proposed fees, with the Town reserving the right to negotiate final contract terms and conduct interviews with finalist firms. The proposal submission deadline is September 10, 2025 at 10:00 am, with the RFP release date of August 13, 2025.

The RFP does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting response to particular enterprise categories, though the Town of Berlin is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or other legally protected factors. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are listed in the procurement documents. The feasibility study, prepared by KBA, provides existing infrastructure and design recommendations that proposing firms must integrate into their assessment and design work. The total estimated project cost ranges from approximately $5,375,000 to $5,950,000, with individual component estimates including splash pad conversion ($2,500,000-$3,000,000), pool house renovation or replacement ($1,100,000-$1,250,000), pickleball court conversion ($625,000-$700,000), new playscape ($400,000-$550,000), and parking expansion ($200,000-$300,000). The Town, with a population of approximately 20,000 and annual operating budget of $102 million, has indicated that unforeseen conditions could potentially increase renovation costs beyond current estimates. Contract award and architectural/engineering services fees will be subject to project approval by the Town of Berlin and adequate funding authorization.