RFQ. RFP #2-2627 Saw Mill Rd Affordable Housing Project

The Town of Guilford, Connecticut is soliciting competitive proposals under RFQ/RFP #2-2627 from qualified firms to develop affordable housing on an 11.33-acre tract on Saw Mill Road, with questions due November 18, 2026 and proposals due December 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The solicitation is open to all vendors, with no set-aside or preference program identified.

The scope covers designing, constructing, and managing residential units on Map 79 Lot 9, zoned R-5 in the West River area. All units must serve households earning no more than 100% of area median income (AMI), with at least 51% serving households at or below 80% AMI. Homes are primarily three-bedroom with some two-bedroom units, must be warranted under Connecticut State Statute, and must be designed for energy efficiency and sustainability. A minimum 40-year affordability deed restriction applies, renewable for an additional 40 years. The developer handles due diligence, permitting, construction, and all site improvements, including utilities, septic systems, landscaping, and driveways. Required insurance includes Workers' Compensation ($500,000 limits), Commercial General Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence/$5,000,000 annual aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), and Errors and Omissions ($2,000,000 per occurrence/annual aggregate), maintained for six years after final payment.

The property will be offered at nominal cost pending Town meeting approval. The Town anticipates potential State Community Development Block Grant funding of up to $500,000 for construction, administration, and program costs, with construction operations and wages required to comply with Connecticut CDBG and applicable Federal procurement requirements.

Proposals are evaluated on four criteria worth up to 25 points each: content and quality of response, ability and capacity to provide services, character and experience of principals and references, and financial plan and resources. Bonus points of up to approximately 25 points are available for enhanced affordability commitments (such as 25% of households at 50% AMI or below), energy efficiency features, water efficiency, ADU septic capacity, and sustainability certifications.

Respondents must submit five hard copies and one digital copy on a flash drive in sealed envelopes to the Office of the First Selectman, 31 Park Street, Guilford, Connecticut 06437. Proposals must remain valid for 90 business days from opening. Respondents are encouraged to visit the site. Evaluation occurs in January 2027, with Board of Selectmen award and contract negotiation anticipated for late winter 2027. Award is contingent on executing Purchase and Sales Agreement and Development Agreement documents acceptable to the Town. Questions go to Darlene Minore at 203-453-8027 or minored@guilfordct.gov.