Community Based Programming at Blue Hill Recreation Center

The City of Hartford is requesting expressions of interest from qualified nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and other mission-driven partners to provide community-focused programming at the Blue Hills Recreation Center, with responses due August 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Eligible respondents include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, educational institutions, arts and cultural organizations, health and human service providers, workforce development organizations, and other entities with demonstrated experience delivering community programming. No set-aside or preference program restricts eligibility.

The facility, located at 9 Lebanon Street in Hartford, comprises approximately 4,500 square feet and is currently undergoing renovations with completion anticipated in October 2026. Space will be made available through a shared-use arrangement, with final allocation, scheduling, and operational requirements to be negotiated. Respondents must describe their space requirements, proposed operational schedule, estimated participant numbers, equipment and facility needs, and staffing plan. Programs must benefit residents of the Blue Hills neighborhood and surrounding communities.

Evaluation criteria are alignment with community needs and City priorities, program quality and innovation, organizational experience and capacity, demonstrated community partnerships, financial sustainability, and ability to maximize community facility use. No specific pricing structure is outlined; the solicitation is designed to identify qualified partners rather than solicit bids for services with established costs. Selected respondents may be invited to participate in interviews and negotiate facility use agreement terms. Submission does not constitute a commitment to award space.

Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF format to Susan Sheppard, Purchasing Agent, via the City of Hartford electronic bidding site at www.hartfordct.gov/procurement/purchasing.