Oswegatchie Fire House -New Construction

The Town of Waterford, Connecticut, located in New London County, is seeking qualified contractors to construct a new 9,988 square-foot Oswegatchie Fire Station through a competitive bid process (IFB #26-004). The project involves constructing a new fire station on a new site location and requires phased work that maintains full operational status of the existing fire station until the new facility is complete. Key deliverables include comprehensive construction services encompassing structural work, mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure, fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, communications systems, and security technology integration. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with questions due by January 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Sealed bids are due February 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM via the Town's electronic procurement portal, with bid opening conducted via Zoom. Contractors must complete the project within 396 consecutive calendar days following the Notice to Proceed, with liquidated damages of $1,000 per day for delays. The Town intends to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder and requires comprehensive technical qualifications, including manufacturer authorizations, specialized system integration certifications, and compliance with multiple industry standards and building codes.

The contract includes specific set-aside requirements mandating that a minimum of 25 percent of the state-funded contract value be awarded to Department of Administration Services-certified small and minority-owned businesses. Contractors must also comply with prevailing wage requirements under Connecticut General Statutes Section 31-53, with hourly rates subject to annual adjustments. Insurance requirements include $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence, $1,000,000 automobile liability, and statutory workers' compensation limits. Bid security of 10 percent is required for bids exceeding $50,000, and performance and payment bonds must equal 100 percent of the contract sum if total values exceed specific thresholds. All project personnel must complete a 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety and Health Course, with documentation required within 30 days of contract award. The project involves sophisticated technology integration, including a Bogen Nyquist E7000 IP-based public address system, Mercury Avigilon access control system, Avigilon video surveillance system, addressable fire alarm system, and intrusion detection with DMP control panels. While specific budget details are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive technical specifications and system requirements suggest a significant capital investment for this municipal infrastructure project.