Cossitt Library RFP: Phase 1- Part 3 Exterior Restoration

THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
Legal Notice & Request for Proposals
F. H. Cossitt Library, North Granby, CT
Phase 1- Part 3 Exterior Restoration
Town of Granby
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
INTRODUCTION
The Town of Granby, Connecticut, in collaboration with The Granby Public Library is seeking
proposals from experienced contractors specializing in historic building preservation and
rehabilitation. This RFP covers Phase 1 - Part 3: Exterior Repairs of the F.H. Cossitt Library,
specifically addressing work on the building's exterior below the clerestory. The project will be
overseen by the Director of Library Services and the Director of Public Works, who will act on
behalf of the Town to ensure the restoration is completed in accordance with historic
preservation standards, maintaining the Library's architectural integrity and long-term durability.
Historic Significance
The F.H. Cossitt Library was built in 1890 and began operation in 1891 as the first public library
in Granby. Cossitt Library now serves as a branch in the Granby library system. The Town owns
the Library building and the land on which the building is located. Cossitt Library was added to
the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
"The library was built in 1890 to a design by Jasper Daniel Sibley. It is one of the Town's finest
examples of Queen Anne architecture. It is a two-story wood frame structure, roughly square in
plan, with a brick-faced first floor and a clapboarded second level. It is topped by a hip roof with
a tall clerestory window band (the "lantern"). The main entrance is on the second level, sheltered
by a gabled porch supported by square columns. The brickwork and trim are detailed in the
Queen Anne Victorian style... The interior is 17 12 feet high and is lighted from the sides by a
dwarf roof. Two Rochester lamps ... furnish light for evening purposes. The lantern is supported
by ten columns and contains twenty-six windows of ground plain and stained glass, producing a
very pleasing effect. The whole work of the interior is of light and dark colored cypress, finished
in the natural wood... There is a neat vestibule. A card catalogue and clock were designed to
match the interior wood." 1
In the early 1960s, a major renovation added an inside stairway and bathroom to the rear of the
building and new steps to the front of the building. In 1984-85, working with historic
preservationist and architect, Richard Shope - a small two-story addition was added to
complement the original building. The addition housed an updated lavatory, storage space and
staff work area. The renovation improved the Library's heating/cooling system and installed a
new roof. In subsequent years, interior painting, plaster repairs and interior lighting changes were
performed. Drainage issues have been addressed, "I" beams were installed to support the first
floor, some windows were replaced, and a new roof was installed.
1 Laun, C. and Godard, G., Centennial Frederick H. Cossitt Library 1891-1991; 1991
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
PROJECT BACKGROUND
A 2020 Conditions Assessment Report was completed by Architectural Preservation Studio,
DPC. The Report documents the building's condition prior to the phased renovation process that
is currently taking place. This report identifies needed repairs and prioritizes them by order of
importance. The following items have been completed through previous phases.
Phase 1- Part 1: Localized to the clerestory windows area on the North Side, this project included
the following work:
Removed all loose and flaking paint and sealant from wood siding (clapboard and
shingles) and trim without damaging historic material.
Applied sealant to all joints and gaps, including wood-to-wood, wood-to-metal, wood-to-
masonry, and wood-to-window connections.
Replaced damaged, deteriorated, or missing wood elements with matching wood in
appearance and, where possible, species.
Prepared surfaces, applied primer, and finished with two coats of paint in the color
determined by the finish analysis.
On the East Addition:
Installed gutter on north portion of East Elevation
Phase 1- Part 2: Localized to the clerestory window areas on the South and West Sides of the
building, this project included the following work:
Completed the careful removal of all loose and flaking paint and all sealant from wood
siding (clapboard and shingles) and trim so as not to damage historic material.
Completed the replacement of all damaged, deteriorated, and missing wood elements
with wood that matched the original in appearance and, if possible, the same species of
wood.
Completed the preparation of wood to receive the appropriate primer, primed, and
applied two coats of paint in the color determined by the finish analysis.
Completed the installation of sealant at all joints and gaps, whether wood-to-wood,
wood-to-metal, wood-to-masonry, or wood-to-windows.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this RFP is to engage a qualified contractor to complete Phase 1 - Part 3 of the
Cossitt Restoration Project, focusing on the careful restoration of the Library's exterior wood
siding, trim, and architectural elements. The selected contractor will be responsible for the
removal of deteriorated paint and sealants, the replacement of damaged or missing wood with
materials matching the original in appearance and species, and the preparation and application of
primer and paint in accordance with historic preservation standards.
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
The goal of this project is to preserve the Library's historic character, ensure the long-term
durability of its materials, and maintain the building's aesthetic and structural integrity, while
adhering to professional restoration and safety standards.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Localized to the exterior building below the clerestory level-
Carefully remove all loose and flaking paint and all sealant from wood siding (clapboard
and shingles) and trim so as not to damage historic materials.
Replace all damaged, deteriorated and missing wood elements with wood to match
original in appearance and with same species of wood, if possible.
Prepare wood to receive appropriate primer, prime and apply two coats of appropriate
paint in color determined by finish analysis. Paint any unpainted elements of the Lower-
Level Entrance enclosure to math selected paint on wood on original portions of building.
Install sealant at all joints and gaps, whether wood to wood, wood to metal, wood to
masonry, or wood to windows.
Repair or replace all displaced, damaged, or missing bricks, specifically at base of wall.
Repair or replace to match original and properly secure all damaged decorative cast iron
grills on the vent openings at the base of the brick wall.
Please see Appendices A & B - Drawings and Restoration Study.
SITE TOUR
As part of the preparation of the Request for Proposals, contractors are invited to contact the
Director of Library Services, Amber Wyzik by email (awyzik@granby-ct.gov) to schedule an
appointment for a site visit.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the Proposer Requirements noted on the Drawings prepared by Architectural
Preservation Studio (Appendix A), please see these additional requirements:
The Statement of Qualifications should also demonstrate the following capabilities:
The ability to provide a minimum of 3 client references for whom the contractor has
provided similar services
The ability to show cost effectiveness and clarity of the financial proposal
Adherence to submission requirements and regulatory compliance requirements
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
Qualifications of the project team
A description of any claims, litigation, and findings of any court, Arbitrator, Mediator or
jury, and total settlement payments by all parties made during the past 5 years
The ability to meet insurance requirements as listed in the State of Connecticut's
Insurance Requirements for Non-Profit and For-Profit Entities and possession of an
insurance certificate for error and omission insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below. The Town of Granby reserves the
right to accept or reject any proposal, to waive minor informalities, and to award the contract
deemed to be in the best interest of the project and the community.
1. Relevant Experience and Qualifications
o Demonstrated experience in historic preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation
of similar structures.
o Qualifications and certifications of key personnel assigned to the project.
o Familiarity with historic building materials, methods, and applicable preservation
standards (e.g., Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties).
2. Project Approach and Understanding
o Clarity and completeness of the proposed approach to completing Phase 1 - Part
3.
o Understanding of the project's objectives, site conditions, and preservation
requirements.
o Proposed methodology for protecting historic materials and minimizing impact to
the building.
3. Schedule and Capacity
o Ability to complete the work within the established project timeframe.
o Availability of staff, equipment, and resources to meet project deadlines.
4. Cost Proposal
o Competitiveness and reasonableness of proposed costs in relation to the scope of
work.
o Transparency and completeness of cost breakdowns and allowances.
5. References and Past Performance
o Quality and relevance of references from similar projects.
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
o Record of past performance, including adherence to schedule, quality of
workmanship, and communication with clients.
6. Compliance and Responsiveness
o Adherence to all RFP requirements and submission instructions.
o Completeness and clarity of the proposal.
CONTACT INFORMATION & QUESTIONS
All questions about this RFP should be directed to Director of Library Services Amber Wyzik by
e-mail at awyzik@granby-ct.gov, no later than 12:00 PM on May 8, 2026. Answers will be
posted under "RFPs" on the Town of Granby website without stating the source of the inquiry by
4:00 PM on May 15.
Any addenda will be posted on the Town's website by May 22, 2026. All respondents are
responsible for checking the Town's website for the presence and content of all addenda.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
All vendors wishing to be considered shall submit three (3) copies, one (1) original, two (2)
copies, and one (1) electronic copy on a flash drive of Project Proposal, clearly identified as
Response to Request for Proposal for FH Cossitt Library Phase 1- Part 3 based on the
requirements set forth in this RFP document. The RFP document is available on the Town's
website at www.granby-ct.gov under Public Documents/RFQ and RFP's (hereafter referred to as
the Town's website).
Responses are limited to 30 pages excluding resumes. Resumes are limited to two pages each.
Proposals shall be submitted to:
Mike Walsh
Town Manager
Granby Town Hall
15 North Granby Road
Granby, CT 06035
Submissions must be received at this location no later than 12:00 P.M. local time, on May 28,
2026, at which time bids will be opened and reviewed. Email, faxed, or late bids will not be
accepted.
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
The selected firm must meet all municipal, state and federal AA and EEO practices and
requirements. MBEs/WBEs/SBEs are encouraged to apply.
Proposals received by the Town will be reviewed for completeness and clarity. They will be
evaluated in accordance with the Proposal Evaluation Criteria above and the manufacturers/sale
representatives to be interviewed, if any, will be determined. A decision on an award is
anticipated within four weeks of receipt of the proposals.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Reservation of Rights
The Town reserves the right to waive informalities or to reject any or all proposals when such
action is deemed to be in the best interests of the Town. The Town reserves the right to delete
such items as it deems necessary from these proposals. Respondents are directed to be certain
that they understand the terms and conditions as specified in this RFP. All exceptions of the
respondent to the terms and specifications of this RFP shall be made in writing and submitted in
full with the proposal. For all other terms and specifications, submission of a proposal
constitutes acceptance by the respondent. It will be expected that all remaining terms and
conditions expressed herein are acceptable and shall govern any resulting contract.
The Town reserves the sole right to reject proposals that contain exceptions which are
unacceptable. In order to provide the requested services to the Town, the respondent must be
able to demonstrate the expertise and flexibility necessary to successfully complete this project.
All items related to the selection of the contractor for this award shall be completed to the
satisfaction of the Town Manager. The Town shall not be responsible for any expenses incurred
in preparing and submitting a response to this Request for Proposals. The Town further reserves
the right to request information from individual respondents and to negotiate fees and/or other
terms and conditions.
Nondiscrimination
The firm shall agree and warrant that it will not discriminate of permit discrimination against any
person or group of persons on the grounds of sex, race, color, religion, age, marital status,
ancestry, national origin, past history of mental health disorder, mental disability, physical
disability, or other basis in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States, the State of
Connecticut, or the Town of Granby.
Insurance Requirements
The awarded Respondent shall be responsible for maintaining insurance coverage in force for the
duration of the contract of the kinds and amounts listed below, with an insurance company with
an AM Best Rating of A-VIII or better, licensed to write such insurance in the State of
Connecticut and acceptable to the Town of Granby.
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
The insurer shall provide the Town of Granby with Certificates of Insurance, on a form
acceptable to the Town, signed by an authorized representative of the insurance company prior to
the commencement of performance of this award describing the coverage and providing that the
insurer shall give the Town of Granby written notice of at least thirty (30) days in advance of any
termination, expiration, or any and all changes in coverage.
Such insurance or renewals or replacements thereof shall remain in force during the
Respondent's responsibility under this award.
The Respondent, at the Respondent's own cost and expense, shall procure and maintain all
insurances required and shall include the Town of Granby as an Additional Insured on all such
insurance, except Workers' Compensation coverage. The Certificate of Insurance shall provide
evidence of all required insurances, including Additional Insured and Waivers of
Subrogation. The Respondent shall also provide its policy endorsement indicating the Town of
Granby as an additional insured.
1. Workers' Compensation Insurance. The awarded Respondent shall carry workers'
c o m p e n s a t i o n i n s u r a n c e i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s o f the laws of the State of
Connecticut, and employer's liability l i m i t s o f F i v e H u n d r e d T h o u s a n d D o l l a r s ( $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 )
c o v e r a g e for each accident, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) coverage for each
employee by disease, Five Hundred Thousand ($500,000.00) policy limit coverage for disease.
2 . C o m m e r c i a l G e n e r a l L i a b i l i t y . W i t h r e s p e c t t o a l l o p e r a t i o n s w h i c h a w a r d e d r e s p o n d e n t
p e r f o r m s , i t s h a l l c a r r y C o m m e r c i a l General Liability insurance providing for a total limit of
One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) coverage per occurrence for each site or project for all
damages arising out of bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, products/completed
operations, and contractual liability coverage for the indemnification obligations arising under
this Agreement. Each annual aggregate limit shall not be less than Three Million Dollars
($3,000,000.00). The limit may be provided through a combination of primary and
umbrella/excess liability policies a c c e p t a b l e t o T h e T o w n o f G r a n b y . Blanket Contractual Liability
for liability assumed under this Agreement.
3. Automobile Liability. With respect to each owned, non-owned, or hired vehicles, the awarded
Respondent shall carry Automobile Liability insurance providing One Million Dollars
($1,000,000.00).
4. E x c e s s L i a b i l i t y C o v e r a g e . W i t h r e s p e c t t o t h e c o v e r a g e provided by the awarded
Respondent for this Project, excess liability insurance will be provided in an amount not less than
One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence and annual aggregate basis.
5. Professional Liability. One Million Dollars ($ 1,000,000.00) coverage per occurrence for each
site or project for all damages arising out of bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage.
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
6. D e d u c t i b l e s a n d S e l f - I n s u r e d R e t e n t i o n s : A n y d e d u c t i b l e o r self-insured retention must be
declared to and approved by the Town of Granby. All deductibles or self-insured retentions are
the sole responsibility of the awarded Respondent to pay and/or to indemnify.
7. Errors and Omissions Insurance. The awarded Respondent shall provide and maintain
Errors and Omissions Insurance with minimum limits of $2,000,000 per occurrence/annual
aggregate. The policy shall not have a deductible greater than $50,000.00.
The Town of Granby shall be named as "Additional Insured." Coverage is to be provided on a
primary, noncontributory basis. Waiver of subrogation in favor of the Town of Granby is
required on all applicable policies, including workers' compensation. If any policy is written on a
"Claims Made" basis, the policy must be continually renewed for a minimum of two (2) years
from the completion date of the Contract. If the policy is replaced and/or the retroactive date is
changed, then the expiring policy must be endorsed to extend the reporting period for claims for
the policy in effect during the Contract for two (2) years from the completion date.
Defense, Hold Harmless and Indemnification
The successful proposer agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to defend, indemnify, and
hold harmless the Town, its employees, officers, officials, agents, volunteers and independent
contractors, including any of the foregoing sued as individuals (collectively, the "Town
Indemnified Parties"), from and against all proceedings, suits, actions, claims, damages, injuries,
awards, judgments, losses and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising out of or relating,
directly or indirectly, to the successful proposer's malfeasance, misconduct, negligence or failure
to meet its obligations under the RFP or the Contract. The successful proposer's obligations
under this section shall not be limited in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of the
successful proposer's insurance. Nothing in this section shall obligate the successful proposer to
indemnify the Town Indemnified Parties against liability for damage arising out of bodily injury
to persons or damage to property caused by or resulting from the sole negligence of the Town
Indemnified Parties. In any and all claims against the Town Indemnified Parties made or brought
by any employee of the successful proposer, or anyone directly or indirectly employed or
contracted with by the successful proposer, or anyone for whose acts or omissions the successful
proposer is or may be liable, the successful proposer's obligations under this section shall not be
limited by any limitation on the amount and type of damages, compensation or benefits payable
by the successful proposer under workers' compensation acts, disability benefit acts, or other
employee benefits acts. The successful proposer shall also be required to pay any and all
attorney's fees incurred by the Town Indemnified Parties in enforcing any of the successful
proposer's obligations under this section, which obligations shall survive the termination or
expiration of this RFP and the Contract. As a municipal agency of the State of Connecticut, the
Town will NOT defend, indemnify, or hold harmless the successful proposer.
These insurance requirements are not meant to be construed as a limitation of liability. The parties
agree that the amounts of insurance under this Agreement do not, in any way, limit the
Respondent's liability to the Town of Granby by virtue of this promise to indemnify and hold the
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THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
For the Granby Public Library - FH Cossitt Library Branch Restoration
RFP Issued April 17, 2026
Town of Granby harmless so that in the event of any settlement of a claim or a judgment in an
amount in excess of the amount of insurance coverage carried by the awarded Respondent, the
Respondent shall be liable to the Town of Granby for the d i f f e r e n c e , p l u s a l l f e e s a n d e x p e n s e s
i n c u r r e d i n c o l l e c t i n g same, all at the Respondent's sole cost.
Freedom of Information
All proposals and any related submittals to the Town are subject to the requirements of the State
of Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, regardless of whether they are marked as
confidential, proprietary, or in any other manner. By the act of submitting a bid, bidders agree
that they will be subject to Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-200 et seq.
Award
The Town intends, but is not required, to make an award as a result of this RFP. The award will
be made to one vendor who is capable of completing the project or may subcontract the project.
In all cases, the awarded vendor will be responsible for the completion of all the work no matter
how the project was contracted.
The selected firm must meet all municipal, state and federal AA and EEO practices and
requirements including CHRO. MBEs/WBEs/SBEs are encouraged to apply.
Work Product Ownership
All responses and submittals received as a result of this Request for Proposals shall become the
property of the Town upon receipt. All work products provided to the Town following award
shall also be the sole property of the Town upon receipt.
Questions
All questions regarding this Request for Proposals shall be submitted via email only to Amber
Wyzik, awyzik@granby-ct.gov. All questions shall be presented by November 25, 2024 to allow
for the preparation and distribution of addenda. Responses will be posted on the Town's website.
THE TOWN OF GRANBY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
EMPLOYER.
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