RFP 02-2026 Viewing Platform Design & Construction

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Viewing Platform Design and Construction
Issued by: Town of Bedford, Planning Department, 24 North Amherst Road, Bedford 03110
Issue Date: April 3, 2026
Proposal Due Date: May 18, 2026 by 4:30 PM
Bidder Questions Due: April 27, 2026 by 4:30 PM
Contact Person: Kathleen Ports, Conservation Planner
Email: kports@bedfordnh.org
Phone: 603-792-1320 (desk) or 603-289-4414 (cell)
1. INTRODUCTION
The Town of Bedford, acting through its Conservation Commission (Commission), is soliciting
bids from qualified and insured contractors to construct a viewing platform at the base of Pulpit
Rock within the Pulpit Rock Conservation Area (PRCA). This project is funded in part by a
Recreational Trails Program grant, and all work must be completed prior to December 18, 2026.
Contractors must demonstrate sufficient prior experience completing similar design and
construction projects. The work will be awarded based on qualifications, value, aesthetic design,
and the ability to meet the project schedule and collaborate with volunteers.
All proposals must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 18, 2026. Please submit your proposal to
Kathleen Ports, Bedford Planning Department, kports@bedfordnh.org.
For questions, contact Kathleen Ports (kports@bedfordnh.org). All questions received by 4:30
p.m. on April 27, 2026, will be answered on May 4, 2026. Answers will be provided to all
contractors that have emailed Kathleen prior to that time and date and expressed their interest in
bidding on the project. Questions submitted after 4:30 p.m. on April 27, 2026, may not be
answered.
2. PREPROPOSAL MEETING/SITE VISIT
Bidders are strongly encouraged to schedule a site visit with Town Staff prior to bid submission.
Contact Kathleen Ports, kports@bedfordnh.org or 603.792-1320, to schedule a site visit with the
Town. Alternatively, Contractors may visit the site on their own schedule.
3. PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Location
The Project is in the Pulpit Rock Conservation Area (PRCA) at 596 New Boston Road, Bedford,
NH. (Map 1. Location and Trails). The main attraction is "the Pulpit," a unique geologic
formation with a small waterfall (Photo 1). The best way to view the Pulpit is from the base
(Photo 2). The Pulpit is a bedrock formation with shallow soils that are highly susceptible to
vegetation loss and erosion. The pool at the base of the Pulpit is seasonally ponded. Currently,
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visitors access the base from a spur trail leading to a large rock above the pool (Photo 3).
Visitors need to climb down an embankment of rock and roots to access an old walkway that
crosses the pool for a different view of the rock formation when conditions allow (Photo 3). The
existing configuration is not ideal because the trail to the base is confusing, access is challenging,
and the walkway in the wetland is obstructing flow (Photo 2). The viewing platform is proposed
to provide an unobstructed view of the Pulpit while limiting visitor access to the fragile
ecosystem in this area (Photos 4 and 5).
Existing Conditions
The 338-acre Pulpit Rock Conservation Area includes 4 miles of trails for passive recreation
(Map 1. Location and Trails). The land is owned by the Town of Bedford, managed by the
Commission, and protected by a conservation easement held by Piscataquog Land Conservancy
(Attachment A. Conservation Easement). The proposed work has been approved by Piscataquog
Land Conservancy (PLC); however, the selected Contractor should be cognizant of the purpose
of the easement to forever preserve the habitats and wildlife habitat of the property; to prevent
any use that will significantly alter the existing terrain or impair the use of the Property for its
conservation values; and to permit educational and passive recreational use of the Property.
Access
The work site is accessed via the Kennard Trail from the New Boston Road parking area (Map
2). There is no motorized access to the work site. The Kennard Trail ends at the top of the Pulpit
at a kiosk (Photo 6; Map 2. Access Details). The Kennard Trail is a mostly level, woodland trail
with uneven surfaces and wooden walkways.
At the top of the Pulpit, the Kennard Trail becomes the Tufts Trail and within approximately 200
feet of the kiosk intersects with the Ravine Trail, which turns south to follow Pulpit Brook (Map
2). The descent from the top to the base of the Pulpit is approximately 70 feet. The approximate
distances from the New Boston Road Parking Area to the work site are provided below.
* New Boston Parking Area to Kiosk - 3,030 feet (0.57 mile)
* Kiosk to Spur Trail - 380 feet
* Spur trail to proposed Platform - 100 feet
Staging areas include the New Boston Road parking area and the area around the kiosk.
Volunteer labor is available to haul materials and equipment to the jobsite.
4. SCHEDULE
All work must be completed by December 18, 2026. The Notice to Proceed is grant-dependent
and anticipated by July 2, 2026, though not guaranteed. Do not bid on this project if you
cannot complete the work before December 18, 2026. The grant will not reimburse expenses
incurred outside the authorized timeframe.
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Schedule for Contractor Selection
The schedule for Contractor Selection is outlined below.
Contractor Selection Process Due Date
RFP Released April 6, 2026
RFP Open Period (site walks) April 6 - May 18, 2026
Bidder Questions Due April 27, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.
Responses Posted May 4, 2026
Proposals Due May 18, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.
Verbal Notice of Selected June 15, 2026
Contractor
Project Schedule
The anticipated schedule is outlined below. Ideally, the Town will receive a signed notice of award
and notice to proceed from the Grant Administrator by June 1, 2026. However, the date the
Town will receive the signed notices is not known. The Town will issue a verbal notice of
award to the winning bid by June 15, 2026. Bidders must honor their bids for 90 days
while the Town awaits the signed Notice to Proceed from the Grant Administrator. Work
may not proceed until the Bidder receives the signed notice to proceed.
Project Schedule Due Date
Verbal Notice of Award: June 15, 2026
Town Receives Signed Contract/Notice
Anticipated June 30, 2026
to Proceed from State
Signed Notice of Award/Notice to
Anticipated July 2, 2026
Proceed to Contractor:
Work Starts: Can begin immediately upon signed NTP
Completion Deadline: December 18, 2026
Notice of Award and Timing of Notice to Proceed
As stated, the timing for the Notice to Proceed is grant-dependent. The timeline for the Notice to
Proceed for the Town's previous RTP grant (2023) is shared below:
Grant Agreement Grant Agreement Notice to
Notice of Grant Award
transmitted to Town signed by Town Proceed
September 11, 2023 May 24, 2024 May 28, 2024 August 7, 2024
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5. SCOPE OF WORK
The intended outcome is a platform that provides optimum viewing opportunities of the Pulpit
while limiting visitor access to the fragile ecosystem in this area.
The Contractor is expected to use their design aesthetic and understanding of alternative
materials to design the "best fit" for the platform and their construction experience to complete
the project within the specified timeframe. The design should provide safe access to view the
Pulpit from the platform while limiting access to the surrounding sensitive habitats and highly
erosive soils.
Design and construction should also make use of techniques and materials that will help reduce
maintenance, improve safety, and enhance durability and lifespan of the structure. The
Commission is receptive to use of treated lumber, composite, metal, and other materials that
complement the natural setting. The platform may be anchored to the rock below.
The scope of work includes:
* Obtain approval of the final design
* Final design will require a professional engineer's stamp and shall be consistent with the
2021 International Building Code.
* Secure Town Building Permit and associated inspection approvals. All permit fees will
be waived.
* Furnish all equipment and materials required for the construction of the platform.
* Implementation and adherence to NHDES permit conditions and NHFG best
management practices for protection of surrounding natural resources (see Attachments B
and C).
* Site cleanup at the end of each workday and upon completion of the Project.
* Incorporation of volunteer labor.
* Safety plans for workers, volunteers, and the public.
* Constructed viewing platform consistent with final design and approved building permit.
The project budget is approximately $30,000 but the Commission may allocate additional funds
by majority vote.
6. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Proposers must demonstrate:
1. Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in trail building, construction, or similar
work,
2. Aesthetic design in an outdoor setting,
3. Ability to complete the project within the desired schedule,
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4. Experience working on public properties and ability to work with volunteers is desirable
but not required.
7. PROJECT CONSTRAINTS
The worksite and project are constrained by the following:
Limited Access: The Contractor should expect to transport work equipment, tools, and materials
on foot or using volunteer labor. Motorized wheelbarrows or similar devices may be appropriate
for use. There is no truck or ATV access to the work site.
Staging Areas: Two staging areas are available at the New Boston Road parking area and at the
kiosk near the Top of the Pulpit (see Map 2). Any staging area other than those identified on
Map 2 must receive prior approval through the Planning Department. The staging areas must be
restored after project completion.
Primitive Conditions: No amenities are available at the work site. At their own expense, the
Contractor may temporarily place portable amenities at the New Boston Road parking area.
Power and Water: No power or potable water is available at the project site.
Camping: A dispersed campsite is available near the New Boston Road parking area.
Trail Closures: The Commission will notify the public of the proposed work starting 6 weeks
prior to the anticipated start of construction. The spur trail to the base of the Pulpit and the base
of the Pulpit may be closed for the duration of the project; all other trails will remain open. The
Commission will entertain requests by the Contractor for limited closures for completion of
work.
Tree Removal: No tree removal is allowed between April 15 and November 1 other than those
trees identified for removal in the attached photos. The Contractor must notify the Commission
during the bid process if additional tree removal is recommended for project completion.
Building Permit: The platform will require a Town building permit for commercial
construction. The final platform design must be stamped by a professional engineer.
Wetland Permit: The Town secured a Trails Statutory Wetland Permit by Notification from NH
Department of Environmental Services for the Project (Attachment B). No other permits are
anticipated.
Best Management Practices: The project is subject to the conditions of the Wetland permit
approval and recommendations from NH Fish and Game (Attachment C).
8. GENERAL CONDITIONS
General conditions are included in Attachment D.
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9. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for this work, your proposal must include the following information:
1. Cover Letter - Brief company profile and response to qualifications 1 through 4 outlined
in section "6" above.
2. Draft Design and List of Materials - Draft design for an approximately 12- x 12-foot
platform with railings and an optional 3' x 10' entry with railings and list of materials for
the viewing platform.
3. Work Plan - Brief explanation of how you will approach the work and incorporate
volunteer labor, the proposed equipment to be used, a safety plan for workers, volunteers,
and the public, and a list of measures to be implemented to avoid damage to adjacent
natural resources.
4. Proposal Forms - Sign and return the proposal forms included in Attachment E.
5. Project Schedule - Please indicate availability to complete the work within the
timeframe outlined in section "4" above.
6. Cost Proposal - Itemized pricing to cover all items identified in the scope of work.
7. References - At least three (3) professional references for similar work.
Proposals will be reviewed by the Bedford Planning Department and Conservation Commission,
who may request additional information and/or a phone interview from certain bidders.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the submission requirements outlined above.
10. LIST OF ATTACHED INFORMATION
Site Photos
Map 1. Location and Trail Map
Map 2. Site Details Map
Attachment A. Conservation Easement
Attachment B. NHDES Wetland Permit
Attachment C. Wetland and Wildlife Best Management Practices
Attachment D. General Contract Conditions
Attachment E. Proposal Forms
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Photo 1. The Pulpit.
Photo 2. View of the Pulpit from the proposed viewing platform. April 2025.
Photolog for Viewing Platform RFP 1

Photo 3. View of proposed location for platform. Photo taken from the walkway in the pool below the
Pulpit facing southwest. May 2025.
Tree to be kept.
X
Tree to be removed.
Spur Trail to base of Pulpit
Proposed location of viewing platform
Current access to base of Pulpit
Photolog for Viewing Platform RFP 2

Photo 4. Example of desired viewing platform. Proposed platform should have railings on all sides,
benches on at least one side, and may include an entrance walkway (approximately 3-4' x 10').
Photo 5. Example of desired viewing platform.
Photolog for Viewing Platform RFP 3

Photo 6. Kiosk just east of the top
of the Pulpit. Wide opening with
lots of room for staging materials.
Photo 7. Green arrows showing location of existing
spur trail to base of Pulpit. Trail to be improved as a
component of this project and leads to viewing
platform.
Photolog for Viewing Platform RFP 4