Ayotte Stairs Design Project

CITY OF LOWELL – PARKING DEPARTMENT

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Rehabilitation, Repair, or Replacement of Concrete Stair Systems – Ayotte Garage

1. Purpose

The City of Lowell is seeking information from qualified firms regarding options to rehabilitate or replace deteriorated reinforced concrete stair systems at the Ayotte Parking Garage. This RFI is for information only and will inform future design and procurement.

2. Background

The stair towers exhibit deterioration including cracking, spalling, delamination, corrosion, freeze–thaw damage, chloride intrusion, and worn nosings. The City seeks durable, low-maintenance solutions that minimize operational disruption.

3. Objectives

• Restore structural integrity and public safety

• Extend service life

• Reduce maintenance

• Improve slip resistance and aesthetics

• Minimize disruption through phased construction

4. Existing Conditions

Stairs are reinforced concrete exposed to freeze–thaw cycles, chlorides, and heavy foot traffic. The garage will remain operational during construction.

5. Requested Repair Approaches

Respondents may propose conventional concrete repair, polymer-modified systems, protective surfacing, full stair replacement, or innovative/replacement technologies.

6. Performance Requirements

• Minimum preferred 20-year service life (30+ preferred)

• Environmental resistance (freeze–thaw, chlorides, moisture, UV)

• Slip-resistant finishes

• Corrosion mitigation and waterproofing

• Low maintenance requirements

7. Information Requested

• Company and contact information.

• Technical data and installation requirements

• Proposed system description, advantages, limitations, and service life

• Comparable project experience (minimum five)

• Budgetary pricing and life-cycle cost

• Warranty terms

8. Professional Services

Identify available engineering, construction administration, stamped drawings, inspections, and related services.

9. Construction Phasing

Provide a conceptual phasing plan addressing temporary egress, pedestrian safety, sequencing, and maintaining operational stairs whenever possible.

10. System Standardization

Indicate whether the proposed system can be applied to other City-owned garages and opportunities for standardization.

11. Recommended Solutions

• Best overall solution

• Best value solution (life-cycle cost)

• Premium long-life solution

• Any innovative alternative

12. Capital Planning Input (Optional)

Respondents may provide optional guidance on long-term inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation intervals, testing, and asset planning.

13. Evaluation Criteria

Responses will be evaluated on durability, technical merit, life-cycle cost, experience, recommended solutions, warranty, and maintainability.