JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD AND NEWINGTON, CT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR
JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY
TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD
AND NEWINGTON, CT
Release Date: June 15, 2026
RFI Deadline: June 29, 2026
RFP Due Date: July 14, 2026
BID # 260047

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY
TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD and
NEWINGTON, CT
ALL QUESTIONS TO
RICK HYMAN
BUYER
All questions must be emailed to procurement@westhartfordct.gov prior to the
established timeline for questions per these bidding documents.
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP):
JOINT TRAIL PLANNING STUDY
TOWNS OF WEST HARTFORD AND
NEWINGTON, CT
1. Purpose
The Towns of Newington and West Hartford are soliciting proposals from qualified firms to
provide Professional Engineering and Design Services for a Joint Pedestrian and Walking Trail
Feasibility Study. Both towns were awarded Connecticut DEEP Recreational Trails planning
grants and intend to coordinate their efforts, as the proposed trail connections meet at the
municipal border.
Given the shared goals and overlapping project areas, the towns intend to collaborate,
combine resources, and engage a single trail-planning consultant to ensure efficiency,
consistency, and a comprehensive evaluation of the full connection. Together, they are
seeking a unified feasibility study that identifies the most practical, accessible, and connected
routes for a regional trail alignment.
Project Budget:
In 2023, Newington was awarded a Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant to study and plan a
multi-use trail connecting Newington to West Hartford. West Hartford was awarded a
Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant in 2024 to assess additional trail connections within
West Hartford and linkages to Newington.
The total funding allotted for the services outlined in this RFP is $218,750
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Towns of West Hartford and Newington are seeking proposals from qualified consultants
to conduct a comprehensive joint feasibility study for a pedestrian and multi-use trails
connecting the two towns and providing enhanced trail access.' The study will assess existing
and potential trail corridors, connectivity, accessibility, and integration with community and
recreational goals.
The selected consultant will be tasked with conducting a thorough analysis and planning for
this trail connection to provide the Towns with proper routing, design requirements, and an
accurate construction budget to secure funding for potential multi-use trails.
Objectives:
Evaluate potential trail alignments, trailheads, and connectivity
Ensure ADA compliance
Provide a detailed feasibility report with cost estimates, mapping, and phasing
recommendations
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Include a community engagement plan to engage and measure residents' and current
and future trails users' participation in West Hartford, Newington, and New Britain.
Newington Project Description: The Town of Newington seeks a feasibility study and a
macro-level plan for an approximately 2-mile-long multi-use trail (Attachment A, Location Map
X) connecting to West Hartford. This trail will provide an essential connection between existing
Connecticut trails and bisect the Newington Junction Historic Neighborhood.
The feasibility study will guide the future development of a continuous multi-use trail from New
Britain through Newington, connecting to trails in West Hartford in the most practical way
possible and best serving future trail users. The study will evaluate trail alignment, trailheads,
connectivity, site conditions, and potential phasing.
The route should be designed as a universal, accessible trail that ensures maximum
compatibility with accessible trails and parking for persons with disabilities. In addition, the plan
should include an integrated trailhead for access and engagement with existing historic assets.
The Town of Newington emphasizes a careful, thoughtful process to ensure the build's efficacy
and longevity. When realized, the initiative will expand opportunities for physical, educational,
and historical recreation and amplify existing recreational and cultural opportunities for
residents.
West Hartford Project Description:
The Town of West Hartford seeks to develop a comprehensive planning study for its Tri-Point
Greenway concept to connect existing multi-use trails in the three communities of Hartford
[Hartford South Branch Trail], West Hartford [Trout Brook Trail], and Newington [CTFastrak
Multi-Use Trail], (hereinafter the "Trail"). This study will assess the feasibility of closing two
multi-use trail gaps totaling just over three miles. (See Attachment A, Location Map)
The report will provide recommendations for planning, design, implementation, and potential
funding opportunities for a connected trail network between the towns.
Budget:
West Hartford: $100,000 DEEP grant + $25,000 match = $125,000
Newington: $75,000 DEEP grant + $18,750 match = $93,750
SUBMISSION
Electronic submission via West Hartford Vendor Portal. Questions:
procurement@westhartfordct.gov
Note: Submissions must comply with both towns' legal standards.
An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Women's Business Enterprises are
encouraged to apply."
2. Scope of Services
The consultant shall provide:
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1. Assessment of existing trails, sidewalks, and greenway corridors.
2. A thorough analysis and proper routing of potential trail connections within and between
West Hartford and Newington.
3. Evaluation of accessibility, safety, environmental, and cultural/historical considerations.
4. Public engagement, including stakeholder meetings and community input.
5. Development of mapping, conceptual designs, and planning documents.
6. Accurate construction estimates for proposed trails
7. Deliverables including a written report, supporting materials, and digital files suitable for
municipal planning purposes.
3. Minimum Qualifications of Proposers
Demonstrated experience in trail planning, greenway design, and multi-municipal
coordination.
Knowledge of municipal planning, parks and recreation, and environmental regulations.
Experience with public engagement and community-based planning processes.
4. Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
The technical competence of the consultant/firm;
The consultant's/firm's experience on similar projects with towns comparable to
Newington and West Hartford;
The consultant's/firm's qualifications and the experience of key personnel;
The consultant's/firm's proposal to work with and engage the public in a creative and
interactive manner;
Reputation of the consultant/firm based on references;
The expected quality and description of the deliverables that the consultant can provide
for the established budget;
The consultant's/firm's ability to schedule the project;
* An evaluation of the fee proposal.
5. Proposal Requirements
5.1 Cover Sheet
RFP Name or Number
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Legal Name of Organization
Street Address, Town/City, State, Zip
Contact Person, Title, Phone, Email
Authorized Official, Title, Signature
5.2 Contents of Proposal
Executive Summary: High-level overview of proposal, cost proposal, eligibility, and
qualifications.
Main Proposal:
o Firm and team qualifications
o Resumes of assigned personnel
o Relevant project experience
o Project Approach: Project understanding, methodology, scope, timetable, tasks,
deliverables, measurable objectives. Include a description of what work, if any,
the Towns will be expected to perform.
o Project Deliverables: Mapping/Designs/Surveys to X% completion, based on
materials supplied in the addenda, including digital files accessible to by Town's
mapping software;
o Fee proposal: Provide an all-inclusive "lump sum" detailed project budget.
Include any incidental expenses, such as copying, mailing, and travel-type
charges, which could be incurred by the Town separately or in addition to the
project budget.
o References
o Certificate of Insurance
Staffing: The consultant must certify that the listed personnel will be assigned to the project.
Any changes require prior approval from the respective town(s).
6. Inquiry Procedures
All questions must be submitted in writing:
procurement@westhartfordct.gov,
Questions will not be accepted verbally. Responses will be provided in an addendum
and posted on the Town of West Hartford's website.
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7. Procurement Schedule
Event Date
RFP Released June 15, 2026
Deadline for Questions June 29, 2026
Answers Released TBD
Proposals Due July 14, 2026
(*) Proposer Selection TBD
(*) Start of Contract TBD
(*) Dates after the proposal due date are target dates only and may be amended.
The project shall be completed within 9 months of contract execution unless otherwise
approved.
8. Submission Instructions
Electronic submissions via Town of West Hartford Vendor Self Service (VSS) portal:
https://selfservice.westhartfordct.gov/vss/
Deadline: 2:00 PM, July 14, 2026.
9. Terms and Conditions
By submitting a proposal, the consultant agrees to:
1. Equal Opportunity - Comply with ADA and not discriminate in hiring, employment, or
business practices.
2. Preparation Expenses - Towns will not reimburse proposal preparation costs.
3. Proposed Costs - Costs must remain fixed for the contract term.
4. Changes to Proposal - No changes allowed after submission.
5. Supplemental Information - May be requested by the towns to clarify proposals.
6. RFP is Not an Offer - No commitment until a contract is executed.
7. Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall be valid for a period of at least 120
days from the submission date.
Rights Reserved to the Towns
Amend or cancel the RFP.
Reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part.
Award contracts in part or to multiple consultants.
Correct clerical errors in awards.
Retain ownership of all submitted materials.
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The Town is requiring Electronic Submission on the Town's bidding portal.
Electronic submissions are required by 2:00 pm on July 14, 2026. In order to
provide an electronic submission, you must be registered in our vendor database.
Please see the vendor registration instructions. Once registered, you will gain access
to the bid and the bid documents. Please follow the prompts when submitting your
price structures. If you have questions regarding electronic submission, please do not
hesitate to contact Rick Hyman via email at rick.hyman@westhartfordct.gov.
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BIDDER RESPONSE FORM
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION.
FAILURE TO RESPOND TO ALL ITEMS MAY RESULT IN THE REJECTION OF YOUR RESPONSE.
Vendor Name Trade Name if applicable
Address
Phone # Email Address
Contact Person Tax ID#
Number of years in business: Bid# P roject Name:
BOND INFORMATION if applicable
Bid Surety - 10% Bond Attached (yes/no) Cashier Check Attached (yes/no)
Cost of Performance Bond included in base bid (if applicable) $ Per thousand
STATUS OF THE BUSINESS AND ITS CURRENT STANDING WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE
Connecticut Businesses Yes No
Are all required filings current with the Secretary of State and will the Secretary of State be able
to issue a Certificate of Legal Existence?
Out of State (foreign) Businesses Yes No
Have you filed a Certificate of Authority / Application of Registration with the Connecticut
Secretary of State? If so, submit a copy of your filing with your response. If not, submit a copy of
your Certificate of Good Standing from your state of incorporation.
DAS CONTRACTOR PREQUALIFICATION if applicable
(required for construction / infrastructure projects only) (non-highway construction projects >$1,000,000)
Circle one
DAS prequalified? (yes/ no) Certificate attached (yes/no) Update Statement attached (yes/no)
You certify that there has been no substantial change in your financial position or corporate structure Yes No
since your most recent prequalification certificate was issued or renewed, other than those changes noted
in the update statement (attached).
List up to six past contracts of this type/size your firm has completed within the last three (3) years
Project Date Contact Person Phone No.
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF BUSINESS ENTITY (select one)
Limited partnership (LP) General partnership (GP)
Limited liability corporation (LLC) Limited liability partnership (LLP)
Corporation Individual doing business under a trade name (sole proprietor)
BUSINESS AFFILIATIONS if applicable
Indicate the principal place of business of the parent company and the name of agent for service.
Is your local organization an affiliate of a Parent company? Yes No
Parent Company Business Name
Address
City State Zip
Name of Agent
List all Affiliated Businesses if applicable (attach additional sheets as necessary):
Business Name Address Ownership Interest %
SCHEDULE OF BIDS
BASE BID NO. 1 For furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and all else whatsoever necessary to perform all work described
in the Contract Bidding Documents for ___________________________________ BID #_____________________
(project name)
FOR THE LUMP SUM OF
(written)
DOLLARS ($________________)
ALTERNATE BID (if applicable)
FOR THE LUMP SUM OF
(written)
DOLLARS ($________________)
UNIT PRICING
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