Master Planning Project - The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Inc.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Connecticut is requesting proposals for development of a comprehensive ten-year master plan aligned with its "Aquarium Without Walls" strategic initiative, with proposals due July 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST and vendor presentations scheduled August 3–7, 2026. The maximum fee proposal cannot exceed $300,000. There are no set-asides or eligibility restrictions; the solicitation is open to all vendors.

The scope encompasses strategic planning and phased implementation roadmap across three major site components: facility updates and improvements to the current 140,000-square-foot building (established 1988 in a historic 1867 ironworks structure); development of a dedicated annex within Manresa Wilds, a future 125-acre public park on Manresa Island (approximately 13,000 square feet, potentially expandable to 39,000 square feet); and creation of a riverfront annex adjacent to the Aquarium on the Norwalk River (expected accessibility upon completion of the Walk Bridge Project in 2031). The project spans five phases: Discovery & Assessment, Visioning & Experience Framework, Concept Development, Financial Modeling & Phasing, and Final Master Plan. Deliverables include a comprehensive master plan document, site plans, concept visuals, business plan with financial models, implementation roadmap, and board presentation materials. The project timeline is constrained to 6–8 months.

The Aquarium currently serves over 500,000 annual visitors with a $15 million-plus operating budget and maintains continuous Association of Zoos & Aquariums accreditation since 2013. Funding is provided through a Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development grant, which reserves right of review prior to contract finalization.

Proposals will be evaluated on approach quality and clarity, relevant experience with aquariums and cultural institutions, creativity and vision, team qualifications, and cost-to-value ratio. The top two-to-three finalists will be invited for in-person interviews. Vendor selection occurs August 14, 2026 with contract execution by August 28, 2026. Consultants must submit minimum three references from the past five years and provide certificates of insurance naming The Maritime Aquarium as additional insured. Questions are due July 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EDT; contact Dave Truedson, COO, at dtruedson@maritimeaquarium.org or 203-852-0700.