PRF69 Norwottuck Rail Trail Improvements

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is requesting proposals for professional design and engineering services for repair and improvement of the Norwottuck Rail Trail, with proposals due July 24, 2026 and a pre-proposal site meeting on June 25 at 10 a.m. The trail spans nine miles across Northampton, Amherst, Hadley, and Belchertown.

The scope encompasses 100% construction plans, specifications, and estimates; permit acquisition and approvals; and full bidding and construction phase services. Work includes assessment and remediation of structural and drainage deficiencies caused by beaver activity in wetland areas, root intrusion, frost heaves, culvert deterioration, bridge decking, stormwater flooding near Hampshire Mall, fence replacement, and line painting. Four primary deliverables are due: Station Road section design and permitting by January 31, 2027; conditions assessment of the entire trail with wayfinding analysis by December 31, 2027; prioritized maintenance planning by December 31, 2027; and preparation of plans and specifications for identified repairs by June 30, 2028.

Consultant teams must include civil engineers, structural engineers, landscape architects, surveyors, archeological consultants, permitting specialists, environmental scientists, and hydrological engineers, with principal-in-charge personnel registered in Massachusetts. Bidders must register in the Commbuys system and submit proposals via the Create Quote function. Cost spreadsheets must use MassDOT weighted unit prices; bids exceeding posted Office of the Secretary of Administration contract rates will be disqualified.

Evaluation criteria include project understanding, consultant team qualifications and past performance on similar projects, schedule feasibility, proposal quality and responsiveness, and references. The contract term extends to June 30, 2028. Questions are due June 26 by 4 p.m., with answers provided by July 6 at 12 p.m. Anticipated award is August 20, 2026. Site meeting RSVP is due June 22.