RFP Town Garage Design & Engineering
Classified Details
- Classified ID
- 1453
- Description
Request for Proposal:
New Town Garage Design and Engineering Services
The Town of Berlin is accepting written proposals from qualified firms to provide design, architectural and engineering services for a new Town Highway /Public Works Garage located 108 Shed Road, Berlin, VT.
- A site visit will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 1 pm.
- Questions may be submitted to Ture Nelson, Town Administrator, no later than April 18, 2025.
- Written responses will be provided by the Town no later than a week prior to the proposal submission date.
Proposals shall be submitted no later than 4:00 PM on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Evaluation metrics and Criteria:
- Presentation
- Quality of written proposal and estimate documents
- Work Experience
- Cost
- References
Objectives and Timeline:
Goal1: Interview department heads & town staff to determine space requirements (vehicles/equipment; materials; personnel) and environmental limitations (wetlands) for a new garage.
Goal 2: Design and price a new Town Garage Facility and demolition of old Garage site
Goal 3: Present the proposed new building and costs at a special public meeting in early January 2026 and, if necessary, revisions due by January 26, 2026, for a bond vote on Town Meeting Day 2026 to secure funding for immediate construction. This presentation must include: conceptual design documents and preliminary estimates.
Project Narrative:
The Town of Berlin is looking to build a new Town Garage to house its highway and public works departments. The town has outgrown its current garage, and the current garage is not energy-efficient. In addition, advances in solar energy generation present an opportunity to incorporate solar into the garage facility.
We are considering a building with the ability to accommodate the necessities of our town’s highway and public works department vehicles as well as offices and break room. We would also like options for a possible second story to house offices.
Our primary design considerations are as follows.
- Sustainable Design and Construction practices
- A simple, utilitarian design and economical construction.
- A highly efficient building enclosure and mechanical systems.
Robust ventilation and building enclosure design to handle very high moisture loads when cold, wet trucks are brought into the building in winter.
Location and structure of roof-mounted solar electric system.
Meet C.B.E.S. code requirements
Site Improvements include:
- Orient building to capture solar from South
- Electrical Needs> welding, plasma cutting> high draw
- Generator to fill power needs: powerwall option?
- Concrete apron around the town garage to avoid mud
Project Scope
Conceptual Design. The selected A/E firm will refine the space design and project scope to meet the needs of the Town. This phase will include meetings with Town personnel to obtain feedback on building details.
- Final Design and Permitting. The A/E firm will hire all required subcontractors/consultants (civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, etc.) and coordinate with VTrans to complete the project design. Once the design is completed, all Federal, State, and local permit applications will be submitted (Town to pay all applicable permitting fees). A/E firm shall prepare all contract documents, which, at a minimum, shall include: advertisement for bids, instructions to bidders, bid forms, bid bonds, construction contracts, payment/performance bonds, and project specifications.
- Project Cost Estimate. Based on the final design, the A/E firm will complete a project cost estimate, which will include all anticipated A/E fees, permitting fees, and construction costs.
- Bond Vote. A/E firm to provide sufficient detail and information to the Town to properly warn a bond vote (anticipated for March 2026). Two public informational meetings, attended by the A/E firm, are anticipated.
- Public Meeting. Prepare materials for public discussion and make a presentation about the project as part of the decision-making process. To be held in Early January.
- Bidding. A/E firm shall assist the Town in the bidding process for prospective prime contractors (anticipated spring 2026). Services include distribution of plans and contract documents, conducting pre-bid meetings, providing written addendums, attending the bid opening, reviewing submitted bids, providing a letter of recommendation to the Town for award, assisting with completion of the Owner/Contractor construction agreement.
- Construction. A/E firm shall provide construction administration services as well as construction inspection/testing services throughout the construction phase proposed for Spring 2026. Clear coordination and communication with the prime contractor and town is a strict requirement.
Proposal Format :
- A/E firms shall submit the following minimum information with their proposals.
- General qualifications and description of the firm
- Project understanding and approach
- Staff qualifications/resumes
- Previous experience on similar projects & References
- A/E costs, with breakdown by Scope phases and fee structure(s)
The Town reserves the right to reject any/all proposals submitted, and/or, negotiate as they deem in the best interests of the project.
The Town may conduct interviews, at their discretion, with one or more A/E firms to obtain better clarity on the proposals submitted.
Proposal Submission Instructions All proposals must be received by Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 4:00 pm. The Town of Berlin will accept proposals submitted by mail or digitally via email.
Send mailed proposals to: Town of Berlin, ATTN RFP Town Garage 108 Shed Road Berlin, VT 05602
Send digital proposals via email to: townadministrator@berlinvt.gov with the subject: Garage RFP
Regardless of submission, please verify receipt of proposals before the deadline.
Disclaimers: The Town of Berlin reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and is under no obligation to award a contract based on this RFP. The final consultant selection will be based on the best fit for the project’s needs and budget.
- Title
- RFP Town Garage Design & Engineering
- Application Deadline
- 04/09/2025
- Location
- Berlin, VT
- Application URL
- berlinvt.gov
Contact Information
- Name
- Nelson, Ture
- Phone Number
- (802) 552-8801
- townadministrator@berlinvt.gov
- Best Method of Contact