IFB - RASPBERRY BROOK SLOPE AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

INVITATION FOR BID
RASPBERRY BROOK SLOPE AND
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
TOWN OF LONGMEADOW
MASSACHUSETTS
June 18, 2026
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LEGAL NOTICE/ ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID:
INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)
RASPBERRY BROOK SLOPE AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
The Town of Longmeadow invites sealed bids for Raspberry Brook slope and drainage improvements project.
Sealed bids should be delivered to the following address: Town of Longmeadow, Purchasing Department, Attn:
Chad Thompson, Director of Procurement, 231 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Sealed bids will be
accepted until the bid deadline of 11:00am, on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Late bids will be rejected. Bids
received will be publicly opened and read aloud after the bid deadline, Sealed bids should have outer envelope
marked: 'IFB: Raspberry Brook Slope and Drainage Improvements.', followed with contact information of the
bidder.
Bid documents may be examined and/or obtained at the Longmeadow Purchasing Department, contact
information: Phone: 413-565-4185, cthompson@longmeadowma.gov. Bid documents may also be accessed
online through the Purchasing Department page of the Town website www.longmeadowma.gov . Bidders are
encouraged to register with the Purchasing Department, those that do not register with the Purchasing
Department will be responsible for monitoring the website for updates and addenda. Failure to acknowledge the
receipt of addenda may result in a bid rejection.
There will be an Optional Site Conference on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 beginning at 10:00am. Gather near
the project site near address: 1498 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA (GPS coordinates 42,0303, -
72.5816).
All bidders shall furnish with their bid a bid guaranty in the form of a bid bond, certified check, treasurer's
check, or cashier's check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, in the amount of 5% of the total amount
of the bid made payable to the Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
A one hundred percent (100%) Payment and Performance Bond will be required of the successful bidder. No bid
may be withdrawn within sixty (60) business days after the date of the opening of bids. Minimum wage rates as
determined by the Commissioner of Department of Workforce Development under the provision of the
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Sections 26 to 27H, as amended, apply to this project.
The Town of Longmeadow acting through the Town Manager, the Awarding Authority reserves the right to
reject any or all bids, waive minor informalities, and to award the contract in the best interest of the Town.
END OF SECTION
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SECTION A
GENERAL CONDITIONS
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SECTION A
GENERAL CONDITIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article
1. Definition of Terms
2. Contents of Proposal Forms
3. Interpretation of Basic Estimate of
Quantities for Unit Price Contracts
4. Examination of the Location
5. Preparation of Proposals
6. Delivery of Proposals
7. Proposal Guaranty Required
8. Public Opening of Proposals
9. Rejection of Proposals
10. Withdrawal of Proposals
11. Competency of Bidders
12. Material Guaranty
13. Addenda and Interpretations
14. Consideration of Bids
15. Award of Contract
16. Return of Proposal Guaranty
17. Contract Bond Required
18. Execution of Contract
19. Failure to Execute Contract
20. Intent of Specifications
21. Special Conditions
22. Alteration of Work
23. Extra Work
24. Maintenance of Detours
25. Removal and Disposal of Structures and Obstructions
26. Rights in the Use of Materials Found on the Work
27. Final Cleaning Up
28. Authority of the Engineer
29. Specifications
30. Conformity with Specifications and Allowable Deviations
31. Coordination of Specifications and Plans
32. Cooperation by Contractor
33. Adjacent Contracts and Operations
34. Construction Surveys
35. Authority and Duties of Engineer's Assistants
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Article
36. Inspection of Work and Materials
37. Removal of Defective or Unauthorized Work
38. Final Inspection Report
39. Source of Supply and Quality
40. Samples and Tests
41. Delivery and Storage of Materials
42. Defective Materials
43. Laws to be Observed
44. Insurance Requirements
45. Massachusetts Department of Labor and
Industries Minimum Wage Rates
46. Permits, Licenses and Approvals
47. Patented Devices, Materials and Processes
48. Sanitary Facilities, Weather Protection and Heat
49. Public Safety and Convenience
50. Barricades, Warning Signs and Lights
51. Protection and Restoration of Property
52. Responsibility for Claims
53. Contractor's Responsibility for the Work
54. No Waiver of Legal Rights
55. Use of Explosives
56. Traffic Officers and Flagmen
57. Temporary Use of Work
58. Subletting or Assignment of Contract
59. Schedule of Operations
60 Prosecution of Work
61. Delay in Commencing Work
62. Limitations of Operations
63. Character of Workers
64. Temporary Suspension of Work
65. Failure to Complete Work on Time
66. Annulment of Contract
67. Measurement of Quantities
68. Scope of Payments
69. Claims Against Contractors
70. Payment for Increased or Decreased Quantities
71. Omitted Items
72. Payment for Extra Work
73. Partial Payments
74. Acceptance and Final Payment
75. Guarantee Period
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SECTION A
GENERAL CONDITIONS
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Article 1. Definition of Terms
Wherever in these Specifications or other Contractual Documents the following terms, or pronouns in place of
them, are used, the intent and meaning shall be interpreted as follows:
Addendum An addition to or alteration of the Plans and/or Specifications generally issued for
clarification purposes prior to the opening of Proposals.
Advertisement The notice published in newspapers and trade bulletins announcing the time and
place for the opening of bids for work to be done.
A.A.S.H.T.O. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Alteration Change in the form or character of any of the work done or to be done.
A.S.T.M. The American Society for Testing and Materials.
Bidder Any individual, firm or corporation submitting a Proposal for the work
contemplated, acting directly or through a duly authorized representative.
Contract A written agreement executed by the parties thereto for the construction,
reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, repair, demolition, improvement or
development of any building, structure, addition, facility, system, or pipeline.
Contractor A party to the Contract, acting directly or through an authorized lawful agent or
employee.
Engineer The Town of Longmeadow or his/her designee acting as an authorized
representative, such representative acting within the scope of the particular duties
entrusted to him/her.
Extra Work Work or materials not called for in the Plans and Specifications and which is
deemed necessary and authorized by the Engineer.
Layout See Right of Way.
Location See Right of Way.
Lump Sum Contract One in which the Proposal is a fixed price; inclusion of alternates requested by the
Owner for variations in the scope of the work does not modify or rescind this
definition.
Material Any article, assembly, system, or any component part thereof.
Owner The Contracting or the Awarding Authority.
Plans The Contract Drawings, detail sheets, or exact reproductions thereof, which show
the location, character, dimension. And details of the work including any
alterations thereof permissible under the Contract and authorized by duly
approved written orders.
Proposal The written offer of the Bidder submitted in approved form to perform the work
contemplated under the Contract.
Project The purpose for which bids have been called and work contracted for.
Right of Way That area which has been laid out or acquired for the purpose of this project.
Special Provisions The special directions, provisions and requirements prepared to cover Contract
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requirements or work not satisfactorily provided for by these General Conditions.
These Special Provisions shall be included within the general term
"Specifications" and shall be made a part of the Contract with the express
purpose that they shall prevail over all other Specifications.
Specifications The directions, provisions and requirements, designated as Specifications,
together with all written agreements made or to be made pertaining to the method
and manner of performing the work, or the quantities and qualities of materials to
be furnished under the Contract. The Specifications shall include the
Instructions/Advertisement for Bidders, General Conditions, Special Provisions,
State Mandatory Forms, Bond Descriptions, Bid and Contract Forms, Maps and
Details, and Addenda.
Subcontractor (a) For contracts awarded pursuant to sections 44A to 44L of Chapter 149, a
person who files a sub-bid and receives a contract as a result of filing sub-bid or
who is approved by the Owner in writing as a person performing labor or both
performing labor and furnishing labor pursuant to a Contract with the General
Contractor.
(b) A person approved by the Awarding Authority in writing as a person
performing labor or both performing labor and furnishing labor pursuant to a
Contract with the General Contractor.
(c) For contracts with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts not awarded as
provided in rules 44A to 44L, inclusive, of Chapter 149, a person contracting with
the General Contractor to supply materials used or employed in a public works
project for a price in excess of five thousand dollars.
Unit Price Contract One in which the Proposal is based on unit bid prices and estimated quantities;
payment is based on field measurement of actual quantities completed or
constructed.
The Words "As directed", "as permitted", "as required", or words of like effect shall mean that
the direction, permission or requirement of the Engineer is intended; and similarly
the words "approved", "acceptable", "satisfactory", or words of like import shall
mean approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to the Engineer, unless otherwise
provided herein. The words "necessary", "suitable", "equal", or words of like
import shall mean necessary, suitable or equal in the opinion of the Engineer.
The words "approval of the Owner" or "approval by the Owner" shall mean
approval either by vote of or in writing by the duly authorized officials.
Written Notice Shall be deemed to have been duly served if delivered in person to the individual,
or to a member of the firm or to an officer of the Corporation for whom it is
intended, or if delivered at or sent by certified mail - return receipt requested - to
the last business address known to whomever who gives the notice.
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PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS
Article 2. Contents of Proposal Forms
Bid documents may be examined and/or obtained at the Longmeadow Purchasing Department. Bid documents
may also be accessed online through the Purchasing Department page of the Town website
www.longmeadowma.gov . Bidders are encouraged to register with the Purchasing Department, those that do
not register will be responsible for monitoring the website for updates and addenda. Failure to acknowledge the
receipt of addenda may result in a bid rejection.
The Specifications; including the Instructions/Advertisement for Bidders, General Conditions, Special Provisions,
State Mandatory Forms, Bond Descriptions, Bid and Contract Forms, Maps and Details, and Addenda.
Article 3. Interpretation of Basic Estimates of Quantities for Unit Price Contracts
A. All bids will be compared on the basis of the Engineer's estimate of quantities of work to be done, as shown
in the Proposal. These quantities are approximate only, being given as a basis for the comparison of bids.
The Owner does not expressly or by implication agree that the actual amount of work will correspond
therewith, but reserves the right to increase or decrease the amount of any class, item, or portion of the work
as may be deemed necessary or expedient by the Owner.
Bidders are required to submit their estimate upon the following express conditions, which shall apply to and
become part of every bid received. An increase or decrease in the quantity for any item or group of items
shall not be regarded as cause for an increase or decrease in the prices, nor in the time allowed for the
completion of the work, except as provided in the Contract. An increase or decrease in the quantity of work
to be done shall not warrant any claim for loss, damage, or anticipated profit.
B. The work has been divided into classes and items in order to enable the bidder to bid on the different
portions of the work in accordance with his/her estimate of their cost, so that in the event of an increase or
decrease in the quantities of any particular class of work the actual quantities of any particular class of work
the actual quantities executed may be paid for at the price bid for that particular class of work.
Article 4. Examination of the Location
Statements as to the condition under which the work is to be performed, including plans, surveys,
measurements, dimensions, calculations, estimates, borings, etc., are made solely to furnish a basis for
comparison of bids, and the Owner does not guarantee that they are even approximately correct. This material
represents the best factual information available to the Owner and is made available without the assumption of
responsibility for its accuracy. The Contractor must satisfy him/herself by his/her own investigation and research
regarding all conditions affecting the work to be done and labor and material needed, and make his/her bid in
sole reliance thereon. The Contractor should carefully examine any materials furnished by the Owner, the
location of the work, the difficulties to be encountered in doing the work, and all other factors relating to the
project.
No allowance will be made, and no responsibility will be assumed, by the Owner for any failure of the Contractor
to estimate correctly any difficulty attending the execution of the work.
In regard to subsurface soil conditions, the provisions of Chapter 30, Section 39M of the Mass. General Laws
(recited hereinafter) will prevail in every Contract subject to Section 39M of Chapter 30 or Section 44A of
Chapter 149.
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"If, during the progress of the work, the Contractor or the awarding authority discovers that the actual subsurface
or latent physical conditions encountered at the site differ substantially or materially from those shown on the
plans or indicated in the contract documents, either the Contractor or the contracting authority may request an
equitable adjustment in the contract price of the contract applying to work affected by the differing site conditions.
A request for such adjustment shall be in writing and shall be delivered by the party making such claim to the
other party as soon as possible after such conditions are discovered. Upon receipt of such a claim from a
Contractor, or upon its own initiative, the contracting authority shall make an investigation of such physical
conditions, and, if they differ substantially or materially from those shown on the plans or indicated in the contract
documents or from those ordinarily encountered and generally recognized as inherent in work of the character
provided for in the plans and contract documents and are of such a nature as to cause an increase or decrease
in the cost of performance of the work or a change in the construction methods required for the performance of
the work which results in an increase or decrease in the cost of the work, the contracting authority shall make an
equitable adjustment in the contract price and the contract shall be modified in writing accordingly."
Article 5. Preparation of Proposals
A. Proposal Prices for Unit Price Contract
Each general bid shall be submitted upon a form furnished by the Owner. All words and figures shall be in
ink. In case of discrepancy between the unit prices and the extended totals, the unit prices shall govern.
The bidder shall specify a unit price; in both words and figures, for each and every item for which a quantity
is given, and shall also show the products of the respective unit prices and quantities, written in figures in the
column provided for that purpose, and the total amount of the Proposal obtained by adding the amounts of
the several items. In case of discrepancy between the unit prices and the extended totals, the unit prices
shall govern. No bid will be accepted which does not contain a unit price for every item shown on the
Proposal Form. No conditional bids will be accepted.
B. General
When an item in the Proposal contains a choice to be made by the bidder, the bidder shall indicate his/her
choice in accordance with the Specifications for that particular item. Thereafter no further choice will be
permitted without permission from the Owner.
The price for any item, bid and/or contracted for, unless otherwise noted or specified shall include full
compensation for all materials, equipment, tools, labor and incidental work, necessary to complete the item
to the satisfaction of the Engineer. The prices shall, without exception, include all royalties and costs arising
from patents, trademarks, and copyrights in any way involved in the work.
C. Signatures
All Proposals shall be signed correctly with ink in the proper places provided, as follows: If the Proposal is
made by an individual, his/her name and post office address shall be given. If the Proposal is made by a
firm, partnership or corporation, it shall be signed by a person having such legal authority from the said firm,
partnership or corporation and the person so signing the Proposal shall give his/her own name and title (if
any) in addition to the name and address of the firm, partnership or corporation. If the Proposal is made by a
firm or partnership, the names and addresses of the individual members shall be given. If the Proposal is
made by a corporation, the name of the State under the laws of which the corporation was chartered and the
names, titles and business addresses of the President, Treasurer and Manager and a certificate of vote
granting authority to make such Proposal shall be given. If the Proposal is made by a foreign corporation, it
must comply with the provisions of Chapter 181 of the Massachusetts General Laws and any amendments
thereto. The Non-Collusion bid form must be completed and signed with the bid submission. Failure to
supply a complete Non-Collusion form with the bid submission will result in a bid rejection.
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