New Hood and Fire Suppression System

United Community & Family Services (UCFS Healthcare), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center serving Eastern Connecticut, has issued a Request for Proposal for a general contractor to coordinate a comprehensive kitchen hood and fire suppression system replacement project at the Sheltering Arms Residential Care Home located at 165 McKinley Avenue, Norwich, Connecticut. The scope of work includes removal and disposal of the existing kitchen hood and fan, installation of a new 6-foot stainless steel back supply grease exhaust hood with an 1800 CFM wall mount utility exhaust fan, new exhaust and makeup air ductwork with insulation and electrical controls, engineered stamped mechanical permits, and installation of a new fixed kitchen fire suppression system (Ansul 3 gallons) protecting a 6-foot hood, 6-burner range, and 24-inch griddle with all necessary agent cylinders, controls, detection lines, piping, nozzles, and testing. Additionally, the contractor must complete all associated electrical, plumbing, and gas connections. The RFP evaluation criteria include cost analysis, product features, experience with similar projects, staff credentials, ability to meet timing requirements, regulatory compliance, insurance requirements, references, and customer service capability. The solicitation opened on December 4, 2025, at 7:00 AM EST with a mandatory pre-bid walkthrough scheduled for December 12, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., and proposals are due on December 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EST. Interested contractors should direct inquiries to Pamela Allen Kinder, VP Business Development, at pkinder@ucfs.org or 860-822-4146.

There are no set-aside designations or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that may respond to this procurement. However, all bidders must maintain specific insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, Business Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 per accident, statutory Workers Compensation coverage, and Umbrella/Excess Liability of $1,000,000, with UCFS named as an additional insured on a primary, non-contributory basis. Proposals must include a one-page letter of interest, one-page history and credentials summary, firm resources documentation, three professional references, and proof of insurance, along with explanations of any litigation or claims history. Contractors must also acknowledge familiarity with RFP conditions and confirm submission without collusion, and comply with UCFS's tobacco-free campus policy. No incumbent contractor information or estimated total project value is provided in the solicitation documentation.