Provide a consulting service for a comprehensive update of the Town of Merrimack's Master Plan

Town of Merrimack, NH
Request for Proposals
2026 MASTER PLAN UPDATE

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TOWN
_______________________________________________
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6 Baboosic Lake Road Tel: 603-424-7075
Merrimack, NH 03054
June 2, 2026
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
The Town of Merrimack, New Hampshire is seeking to engage the services of a consulting firm
("CONSULTANT") which is lawfully engaged in the State of New Hampshire with experience
the comprehensive update of the Town of Merrimack's Master Plan.
An overview and detailed specifications are provided later in the Request for Proposal (RFP).
Proposals must be received not later than 2:00PM on Friday, July 24, 2026 from interested forms,
to be eligible for consideration by the Town. Each proposal shall be submitted to the Town of
Merrimack, Finance Department, 6 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054 in a sealed envelope
which is clearly marked "RFP-MASTER PLAN UPDATE".
The contractor will be required to provide an insurance certificate confirming the following
insurance coverage: worker's compensation insurance as required by the State of New Hampshire;
broad-form comprehensive general liability insurance in an amount no less than $1,000,000
combined single limit per occurrence; and motor vehicle insurance to include bodily injury,
property damage, uninsured motorist, and employer's non-ownership coverage in an amount no
less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence. The Town of Merrimack shall be
named as an additional insured on all policies.
The contractor must also agree in writing to indemnify the Town of Merrimack from any and all
liability, loss or damage, including but not limited to bodily injury, illness, death, or property
damage, which the Town becomes legally obligated to pay as a result of claims, demands, costs,
or judgment against the Town arising out of the contractor's actions or omissions relating to this
project.
The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids, re-bid, negotiation any contracts, to waive
irregularities in the proposals, and to accept the bid which, in the Town's sole discretion, best
serves the interest of the Town and waive any formalities in the bid process.
It is the bidder's responsibility to confirm the bid is received by the Finance Department by the
date and time specified.
The Town of Merrimack's Purchasing Policy is available on the Town's website:
https://www.merrimacknh.gov/finance-department/pages/bid-opportunities; a copy may be
obtained by contacting the Purchasing Agent. For additional information, contact Sandra Song,
Purchasing Agent, at ssong@merrimacknh.gov or (603) 424-7075.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TOWN
_______________________________________________
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6 Baboosic Lake Road Tel: 603-424-7075
Merrimack, NH 03054
I. INTRODUCTION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSERS
1. GENERAL:
A. INTRODUCTION: The Town of Merrimack, New Hampshire Planning Board invites written
proposals from qualified planning consultants to assist the Board in the comprehensive update of
the Town of Merrimack's Master Plan. The new Master Plan will guide the Town's land use and
zoning policies and long-range planning, and serve as an important resource in the consideration
of key policy changes in Merrimack.
The planning process should include significant public input and involvement, and represent an
accessible and comprehensive living and working document for continued reference. The
consultant team should have demonstrated experience in crafting all chapters of the Master Plan,
and particular expertise in the areas of public engagement, implementation, and a creative and
innovative professional approach to planning projects, as outlined in this RFP. Lastly, the finalist
will be invited to review their proposal at a meeting with the Planning Board.
B. COMMUNITY PROFILE: The Town of Merrimack is New Hampshire's eighth-largest
municipality, with a 2024 estimated population of 29,291 according to the New Hampshire
Department of Business & Economic Affairs, Office of Planning & Development. However, the
Town's daytime population is far greater because of retail shopping and employment centers. The
Merrimack Premium Outlets is a regional destination that attracts shoppers from a wide area and
large employers such as Fidelity contribute to an influx of people into the community each day.
Situated between New Hampshire's two largest cities, Manchester and Nashua, Merrimack has
experienced periods of explosive growth in the past with its most recent period being in the last
ten years. Merrimack is currently entering the re-use phase of its development as most of its
undeveloped land has become developed.
The Town's last comprehensive Master Plan update was completed in 2013, with the 2020
Bicycle-Pedestrian Corridor Plan added as an appendix in 2020. The latest Master Plan is available
on the Town Website: https://www.merrimacknh.gov/community-development/pages/2013-
master-plan
2. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:
A. Two (2) complete, separate hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (in PDF format on a portable
USB drive) of the proposal must be sealed, marked "RFP-Master Plan Update" and mailed or
delivered to the Town of Merrimack, Finance Department, 6 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack, NH
03054 by the date and time specified above when they will be read aloud at 6 Baboosic Lake Road
East Wing of Town Hall - Lower Level Conference Room at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 24, 2026. It
is bidder's responsibility to confirm the bid is received by the Finance Department by the date and
time specified.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TOWN
_______________________________________________
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6 Baboosic Lake Road Tel: 603-424-7075
Merrimack, NH 03054
B. Proposers are requested to be concise and proposals should include, in order, the following:
1) letter of transmittal;
2) Brief Company Background, including a description of the firm's knowledge and
experience in the industry. Highlight your company's experience to provide the highest
quality and effective product and reliable service and support.
3) Description of Approach: Respondents shall include a detailed proposal describing the
CONSULTANT'S proposed approach to this project per the scope of services contained
herein. The CONSULTANT shall expressly identify any proposed deviations from the
scope of work set forth herein, with explanation of why any such deviations are proposed.
4) Project Team: The Consultant shall provide an organizational profile of the project team,
including the background and experience of all firms represented. Clearly identify the
project manager and team members and staff who would be assigned to each section of the
project. If different consultants are teaming together, identify who would be the lead
consultant.
5) Summary of Options for Public Outreach: Provide a detailed description of how the
proposal will address the need for innovative outreach and engagement. The Town is open
to dynamic and innovative approaches to soliciting citizen participation and include the
type of approach proposed.
6) Project schedule: The CONSULTANT shall submit a schedule detailing how the project
approach would be implemented including estimated dates for project milestones.
7) Comparable Projects: The CONSULANT shall submit at least three projects with a
similar scope described in this RFP. The summaries should reflect a demonstrated record
of completing projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of the communities
involved. The summaries should include public engagement tools utilized, key
recommendations, and illustrations derived directly from the plan. The contact information
for the municipal contacts should be included and the Town reserves the right to contact
any references provided or otherwise obtained.
8) Cost Proposal and Budget: Respondents to this RFP shall submit a cost estimate and
typical billing rates.
If, in the bidder's opinion, any aspect of the below specifications doesn't perform up to industry
standards or best practices, the bidder must submit the proposed question or concern about the
specifications and or scope of work in writing via email, to Sandra Song at
ssong@merrimacknh.gov, no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Request for Proposal
opening date to be considered. Any and all questions and answers will be posted as an addendum
on the Town's Bid Opportunities page https://www.merrimacknh.gov/finance-
department/pages/bid-opportunities.
C. Receipt &Opening of Proposals: Proposals shall be submitted prior to the time fixed in the
Request for Sealed Bids/RFP. Proposals received after the time so indicated shall be returned
unopened.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TOWN
_______________________________________________
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6 Baboosic Lake Road Tel: 603-424-7075
Merrimack, NH 03054
II. SPECIFICATIONS
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES
This project involves a comprehensive update of the Town of Merrimack Master Plan. The
successful consultant team will be expected to work independently with expertise in a broad array
of subject areas. To the greatest extent possible, the Master Plan should be an integrated document,
identifying goals and implementation measures that span subject areas. The Planning Board
welcomes creative and non-traditional proposals that may utilize innovative formats or integrate
topic areas into single sections or chapters of the plan.
The following is an outline of sections to be included in the Master Plan. The consultant is expected
to provide all information required by NH RSA 674:2 and 674:3. The below outline is not all
inclusive, and the Planning Board may revise or add topic areas as appropriate:
* Executive Summary
* Vision
* Land Use
* Transportation
* Community Facilities
* Economic Development
* Natural Resources
* Recreation
* Public Utilities & Energy
* Historic Resources
* Housing
* Implementation
It is not necessary for the document to strictly follow the outline above and topics may be
consolidated, provided all themes are incorporated into the plan.
2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION & OUTREACH
Public involvement and engagement will represent an integral foundation of the Master Plan and
the Plan should incorporate public input from a broad cross-section of the community. Experience
has shown that attendance has been limited at traditional public outreach events. The Planning
Board is interested in reaching out to all members of the community and welcomes non-traditional
public engagement ideas. Consultants are encouraged to include platforms for interactive
participation so that residents can provide their opinions without needing to attend meetings.
Although the Planning Board is seeking innovative public outreach, the Board also expects the
process to include some forms of traditional public participation. The successful consultant will
be expected to attend Planning Board meetings, and present final and draft chapters to the Planning
Board.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TOWN
_______________________________________________
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6 Baboosic Lake Road Tel: 603-424-7075
Merrimack, NH 03054
At the completion of the project, the consultant shall provide the following:
* At least one reproducible hard copy of the final report;
* One electronic copy in both Adobe (.pdf) and Microsoft Word (.docx) format, including
all narratives and graphics;
* Any maps and supporting map data prepared by the consultant for the report, provided in
a format compatible with the latest version of ArcGIS; and
* Spreadsheets and charts in Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) format including supporting data for all
tables and graphs used in the report.
3. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. Preparation of Bids/Proposals: Proposals shall be submitted on the forms provided and must
be signed by the Bidder or his authorized representative. The person signing the proposal shall
initial any corrections to entries made on the attached forms.
Vendors must provide pricing on all items appearing on the bid forms unless there are specific
directions in the advertisement, on the bid form or in the special provisions allowed for partial
bids. Failure to provide pricing on all items may disqualify the bid. Alternative bids will be
considered, unless otherwise stated, only if the alternate is described completely, including, but
not limited to, sample, if requested and specifications sufficient so that a comparison to the request
can be made.
The name of manufacturer, trade name, or catalog number mentioned in this request for bid
description is for the purpose of designating a minimum standard of quality and type. Such
references are not intended to be restrictive, although specified color, type of material and specified
measurements may be mandatory.
Proposals will be considered for any brand that meets or exceeds the quality of the specifications
listed. On all such proposals, the vendors shall specify the product they are proposing and shall
supply sufficient data to enable a comparison to be made with the particular brand or manufacturer
specified. Failure to submit the above may be sufficient grounds for rejection of the proposal.
B. Submitted Bids/Proposals: Proposals must be submitted with all information specified above
and on the provided forms, unless otherwise noted. Proposals must be mailed or delivered in
person. Proposals submitted by fax or email will not be accepted.
C. Proposal Evaluation: The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids, re-bid, negotiation
any contracts, to waive irregularities in the proposals, and to accept the bid which, in the Town's
sole discretion, best serves the interest of the Town and waive any formalities in the bid process.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TOWN
_______________________________________________
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6 Baboosic Lake Road Tel: 603-424-7075
Merrimack, NH 03054
D. Proposal Results: All sealed RFPs will be considered confidential and not available for public
review until after the bid opening is conducted. Bid and RFP openings will be scheduled and
opened accordingly. Results will not be given over the phone. Please send your request in writing
or send an email to ssong@merrimacknh.gov to receive results after the public opening.
E. Evaluation and Selection: It is the policy of the Town of Merrimack that contacts are awarded
only to responsive and responsible Consultant. In order to qualify as responsive and responsible,
a prospective Consultant must meet the following standards as they relate to this request:
* Have adequate financial resources for performance or have the ability to obtain such
resources as required during performance.
* Have the necessary experience, organization, technical and professional qualifications,
skills, and facilities.
* Be able to comply with the proposed or required time of completion or performance
schedule; and
* Have a demonstrated satisfactory record of performance; and
* Adhere to the specifications of this bid and provide all documentation required of this bid.
The contract will be awarded to a responsive & responsible bidder based on best (lowest) cost first
understanding the qualifications and experience of the Consultant, the quality of the
equipment/product/materials/services to be provided and the support that the Consultant offers
during the duration of the contract terms. The board reserves the right to request additional
clarifying information from any consultant, to the extent that it is needed to aid in the final
selection. The Board desires to have the final consultant selection completed by mid-to late-
F. Insurance Certificates: Prior to award of this contract, the contractor will be required to provide
an insurance certificate confirming the following insurance coverage: worker's compensation
insurance as required by the State of New Hampshire; broad-form comprehensive general liability
insurance in an amount no less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence; and motor
vehicle insurance to include bodily injury, property damage, uninsured motorist, and employer's
non-ownership coverage in an amount no less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per
occurrence. The Town of Merrimack shall be named as an additional insured on all policies.
The contractor must also agree in writing to indemnify the Town of Merrimack from any and all
liability, loss or damage, including but not limited to bodily injury, illness, death, or property
damage, which the Town becomes legally obligated to pay as a result of claims, demands, costs,
or judgment against the Town arising out of the contractor's actions or omissions relating to this
project.
G. Pricing: Unless otherwise specified all prices listed are firm for the term of the contract. All
prices should include all labor and material costs, and any discounts offered. All fuel surcharges,

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TOWN
_______________________________________________
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6 Baboosic Lake Road Tel: 603-424-7075
Merrimack, NH 03054
delivery charges and miscellaneous charges that are not part of the terms and conditions of this
contract will only hold up payment if they are added to the submitted invoice.
H. Invoicing: The invoice must include an itemization of all items, supplies, repairs, labor
furnished, including unit list pricing, and net pricing, as identified in the bid award. The total
amount due shall be clear and apparent on the invoice for proper payment. Payment terms are net
thirty (30) days from the date of the invoice. The Town will make payment within (at least two)
weeks after receiving the invoice. A completed W-9 is required for all vendors prior to processing
of payment.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TOWN
_______________________________________________
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6 Baboosic Lake Road Tel: 603-424-7075
Merrimack, NH 03054
TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
SPECIFICATIONS EXCEPTION FORM
In the interest of fairness and sound business practice, it is mandatory that you state any exceptions
taken by you to our specifications.
It should not be the responsibility of the Town of Merrimack to ferret out information concerning
the materials which you intend to furnish.
If your proposal does not meet all of our specifications you must so state in the space provided
below:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Proposals on equipment, vehicles, supplies, service and materials not meeting specifications may
be considered by the Town, however, all deviations must be listed above.
If your proposal does not meet our specifications, and your exceptions are not listed above, the
Town of Merrimack may claim forfeiture on your proposal bond, if submitted.
Signed: _______________________________________________________________________
I DO meet specifications
Signed: _______________________________________________________________________
I DO NOT meet specifications as listed in this proposal; exceptions are in the space provided.
Failure to submit this form with your proposal response may result in your proposal being rejected
as unresponsive.