Request for qualifications to conduct an infrastructure assessment and develop a management plan to develop, manage and maintain the rail corridor

The New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct an infrastructure assessment and develop a comprehensive management plan for the Conway Branch Rail Trail project. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) covers approximately 21 miles of rail corridor spanning four towns: Ossipee, Tamworth, Madison, and Albany. The primary objective is to establish a shared vision for the rail trail, develop local government and stakeholder partnerships, and identify recreational and economic opportunities. The selected consultant will be responsible for a detailed infrastructure assessment, including evaluating bridges, culverts, road crossings, rails, vegetation, parking options, and pedestrian connections. Key deliverables include a comprehensive infrastructure assessment, a Natural Resources Inventory, a Historic District Area Form, and facilitation of 10-12 public meetings. The procurement timeline includes qualification statements due by August 20, 2025, interviews scheduled for October 3, 2025, and an anticipated project start date of December 15, 2025. Firms will be evaluated based on planning experience, railroad reuse and trail development expertise, infrastructure assessment approach, and professional references, with the contract awarded to the highest-scoring candidate.

The RFQ does not explicitly specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrict respondents to specific organizational types. The project will require comprehensive coordination with local governments and stakeholders across the four towns involved in the rail corridor. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the document indicates that previous studies have been conducted regarding potential rail service restoration, with the current focus shifted to recreational use. The RFQ does not provide a specific budget range or award value for the project. The final project deliverable is scheduled for completion by October 15, 2026, with a series of advisory committee meetings planned throughout 2026. The contract will ultimately require approval from the Governor and Executive Council of New Hampshire, suggesting a multi-stage review process for the selected consultant. Interested firms should prepare a detailed qualifications package that demonstrates expertise in infrastructure assessment, trail development, and collaborative municipal planning.