Design services post office square

The City of Bridgeport is seeking design services for the Post Office Square Project through a Request for Proposal (RFP) numbered PEX01826A, soliciting landscape architecture, architecture, and civil engineering firms to redesign a 0.76-acre community green space in Downtown North. The primary objective is to transform an underutilized urban parcel into a resilient, multi-use public space supporting local businesses and enhancing biodiversity. The lead consultant must demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of experience in multi-functional urban and landscape design, including design development, construction documentation, construction administration, and permitting. Required deliverables include comprehensive design services, community engagement, environmental assessments, and operational and maintenance plans. The project will incorporate various amenities such as a rain garden, beer garden, micro-retail incubator spaces, public art, food truck infrastructure, benches, and ADA-compliant pathways. Evaluation criteria will assess the firm's organization, environmental and community engagement experience, project portfolio, proposal quality, and cost-effectiveness, with each category weighted between 20-30%. Proposals are due on December 3, 2025, by 2:00 pm, with anticipated construction beginning in Fall 2026, and an initial contract term of nine months with two 6-month renewal options.

The City of Bridgeport strongly encourages submissions from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and City-based businesses, with a goal of 30% prime contractor utilization for these groups. Preference will be given to firms that are local to Bridgeport, have Bridgeport representation, or are minority-owned. The consultant team must include a designer with demonstrated expertise in urban site planning and resilient design, focusing on stormwater management, green infrastructure, flood and heat mitigation, and adaptive reuse of underutilized urban spaces. While specific budget details are not explicitly stated, the project is partially funded by a Connecticut Communities Challenge grant. The contract will require comprehensive insurance coverage and adherence to non-discrimination provisions. Firms must complete a No Conflicts / Disclosure Form, which mandates reporting potential legal and ethical concerns, including any business or familial relationships that could constitute a conflict of interest. The successful consultant will be responsible for developing a design that supports community, environmental, and economic development goals, with familiarity in urban parks, public event spaces, and micro-retail infrastructure strongly preferred.