Berlin Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project

The Town of Berlin, Connecticut is issuing Request for Proposal #2026-04 to procure consulting engineering services for the Berlin Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project (State Project No. 007-267), a federally-funded pedestrian safety initiative. The project encompasses sidewalk installation and connectivity improvements totaling approximately 9,040 linear feet across six streets in the vicinity of Willard and Hubbard Elementary Schools: Worthington Ridge (1,170 linear feet), Peter Parley Row (730 linear feet), Lower Lane (4,125 linear feet), Toll Gate Road (430 linear feet), Main Street East Berlin (1,040 linear feet), and Meadow Lane (1,545 linear feet). The selected consulting engineering firm will be responsible for providing comprehensive design services including site surveys, civil engineering design, environmental assessment, permitting assistance, preparation of construction documents, and potential construction inspection services. Deliverables must comply with Connecticut Department of Transportation requirements and standard specifications, with emphasis on creating ADA-compliant sidewalks and ensuring proper drainage and traffic control. Eligible vendors must demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in Connecticut performing similar services for similarly-sized municipalities, hold proper Connecticut licensure, and maintain compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The evaluation criteria prioritize design and technical competence, capacity and capability to perform within the allotted timeframe, past performance record, and knowledge of federal, state, and municipal procedures. The deadline for submitting questions is October 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., and proposals must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov procurement portal by October 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., with proposals remaining valid for sixty days following the opening date.

The solicitation documents do not identify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular types of organizations, including disadvantaged enterprises, though all proposers must comply with applicable federal and state regulations. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The project is funded entirely through the Federal Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, eliminating the need for local cost-share and ensuring federal funding availability. Proposers must submit Standard Form 330 (Architect Engineer Qualifications), three business references with contact information, a certificate of insurance naming the Town as an additional insured, and a W-9 form. The Town is exempt from federal excise taxes and Connecticut sales and use taxes, which must not be included in negotiated lump-sum prices. The design fee will be negotiated on a lump-sum basis following consultant selection, with the projected construction cost estimated at $3,050,000, providing context for the anticipated scope and complexity of the design services required.