City of Gaithersburg Historic Resources Survey Update

The City of Gaithersburg is seeking a qualified consultant to perform a historic resources survey update through a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT). The project specifically focuses on the Chestnut/Meem locally designated historic district, which contains 34 resources including 12 contributing and 22 non-contributing properties. The primary objective is to resurvey and update the existing Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP) form (M: 21-178), which was originally completed in 1995 and has not been revised since. The consultant will comprehensively document the district's resources, with particular attention to non-contributing properties built around 1950 during the post-war housing boom, as these may now qualify as contributing resources. Additionally, the consultant will evaluate the potential expansion of district boundaries to include 11 properties on the adjacent Floral Drive. A selection committee composed of City and MHT staff will choose the consultant from a pre-qualified request for qualifications (RFQ) pool. The proposal is due on January 6, 2026, with the original posting date of December 4, 2025.

While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly outlined in the procurement details, the project is located in Montgomery County, Maryland, which may have standard local procurement guidelines for minority or disadvantaged business enterprises. The survey update will require detailed historical research, architectural documentation, and potential boundary modification recommendations. No incumbent vendor is mentioned, and no specific budget range is provided in the procurement notice. The project appears to be funded through a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust, suggesting potential constraints on total project funding. Interested consultants will need expertise in historic preservation, architectural surveying, and knowledge of mid-20th century residential architectural styles, particularly those representative of post-war housing development. The comprehensive nature of the survey suggests the selected consultant will need to provide detailed documentation, photographic evidence, and a thorough assessment of each property's historical significance and potential contributing status.