Fort Wooster Park Improvements

The City of New Haven is soliciting bids for Fort Wooster Park Improvements (ITB 2026-ITB-370) involving site removals and preparation, new paths and picnic areas, new plantings, and site furnishings, with bids due June 24, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. electronically through the City's eProcurement Portal. A 25% minority and women-owned small business (MBE/WBE) participation goal is mandatory; failure to submit the completed MBE Utilization Form with full subcontractor listings and certifications results in bid rejection. The project is funded in part through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, obligated by December 31, 2024, and expended by December 31, 2026.

Work encompasses demolition and clearing, grading for swales, concrete sidewalks, reclaimed bluestone curbing, processed aggregate base, riprap installation, post-and-rope fencing (290 linear feet), wood chip paths (182 cubic yards), 14 tree plantings, 21 shrub units, 150 perennial and grass units, 1,780 square yards of lawn seeding, 1,055 square yards of native seed mix, kiosk installation, and three picnic tables. All work must comply with Connecticut Department of Transportation Form 818 standards and prevailing wage rates effective May 21, 2026 (over 100 job classifications ranging from $22.20 to $67.52 per hour plus fringe benefits). A CT Licensed Arborist-prepared tree preservation plan is required before work begins; the contractor bears liability for tree damage with three-year replanting warranty. Grass seeding and sodding are restricted to August 15–October 15 or April 1–May 15.

The pre-bid meeting is June 11, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. on site at 901 Townsend Avenue; questions are due June 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The contract term is one year with renewal options at the City's discretion. Bidders must submit a bid bond equal to 5% of total bid amount for bids exceeding $100,000. For construction projects with estimated value of $500,000 or more, 15% apprentice participation is required. The City intends to award within 120 days of solicitation opening. A pre-award conference regarding equal employment opportunity compliance will be scheduled the week prior to award; Commission on Equal Opportunities (EEOC) fees are tiered by contract amount. Contractors must comply with Connecticut prevailing wage requirements, the City of New Haven Living Wage Ordinance (for contracts exceeding $25,000), and maintain minimum insurance coverage ($1,000,000 general liability, $1,000,000 auto liability, statutory workers' compensation).