Town of Ware Brownfield Cleanup Project - Qualified Environmental Professional 1 document

Town of Ware Brownfields Cleanup Project
July 2026
Request for Proposals
Qualified Environmental Professionals
Introduction
The Town of Ware is seeking proposals from qualified environmental professionals (QEPs)
for services toward implementing the Town of Ware Brownfields Cleanup Project
(BF00A01119) at the American Gas Site on Monroe Street (RTN-1-0017892) funded by the
U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Proposals are sought only from firms
prequalified under the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM)
contract for Environmental Engineering, Diagnostics and Testing (PRF77 designated
DCAMM).
The Town of Ware was awarded a cleanup grant by the EPA in 2023, a copy of the original
grant proposal is included in Attachment A. Following the grant award the Town entered
into a cooperative agreement with EPA (Attachment B).
The Town of Ware and any QEP agree to adhere to all requirements of the federal Uniform
Grant Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), the Full and Open Competitive Requirements (2 CFR Part
1500), the EPA DBE requirement (40 CFR Part 33), and applicable requirements of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Note that the deadline for completing the cleanup work under the EPA grant is
September 30, 2027. Prospective QEPs submitting proposals for this project must
commit to completing all work within this timeframe and provide a realistic project
schedule to complete this work within this timeframe.
Services Required
The Town requires the services of a qualified environmental professional (QEP) to develop a
cleanup plan and oversee the cleanup at the America Gas Site on Monroe Street in Ware to
achieve the objectives of the Town's Brownfields Cleanup project. This cleanup must be
designed and conducted with the objective of achieving compliance with the applicable
requirements of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). Therefore, the QEP must have
at least one staff member who is a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP).

Services shall include the preparation of a cleanup plan, preparation of a Community
Relations Plan (CRP), and Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA),
preparation of bid specifications, review of bids received, preparation of a Quality
Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), and oversight of cleanup. The QEP will ensure that work to
be conducted with cooperative agreement funds complies with the requirements of
CERCLA 104(k) and with all the applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including
the Massachusetts Contingency Plan. The cleanup plan and activities conducted under the
QEP's oversight must be protective of human health and the environment and consistent
with the Town of Ware's goals for the site.
The Town requires work to begin immediately upon signing a contract with the awardee and
all contracted work to be completed by July 31, 2027.
Within the Terms and Conditions of its Cooperative Agreement with EPA, the Town of Ware
may amend or extend this contract beyond the initial Grant Period to accommodate the
terms and conditions of the Brownfields Cleanup Grant or future EPA grants awarded to the
Town of Ware, provided a market survey conducted by the Town of Ware indicates that the
prices the contractor proposes are reasonable.
Instructions
A. Submittal Contents - The following must be included in all submittals:
1. Cover Letter that clearly states the proposer's willingness and ability to
undertake the project according to the Scope and Timeline set forth in this
Request, and the firm's ability and willingness to execute a contract with the
Town per the general provisions provided in this Request.
2. Proposed Scope of Work, divided into the following categories of services to
be performed by the QEP:
a. Programmatic Task Assistance: supporting the Town of Ware in
completing required quarterly reports to EPA, ACRES reporting, and other
programmatic assistance.
b. Pre-remediation Planning and Documentation: preparation of a revised
Assessment of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA), Quality
Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), Release Abatement Measure (RAM) Plan
in accordance with MCP, and Engineering Plans and Specifications.
c. Community Outreach and Engagement: preparation of a Community
Relations Plan (CRP); organization and participation in public meetings;
response to public comments received on CRP and revised ABCA;
participation in Brownfields Advisory Committee meetings, as requested
by the town.

d. Remediation Contractor Procurement: preparation of cleanup plans and
specifications, and complete bid documents; oversee bidding including
bid advertising, pre-bid meeting, review and evaluation of bids, and
providing recommendations to the town.
e. Remediation Services Oversight and Documentation: LSP oversight of
cleanup activities; confirmation that cleanup contractor achieves project
objectives and complies with contract terms and conditions; post-
remediation sampling and analysis; data analysis, risk characterization
and determination that cleanup has achieved remedial objectives
f. Post-Remediation Tasks: MCP reporting, documentation of cleanup,
preparation of Activity and Use Limitation (AUL) and Permanent Solution
with Conditions (PSC).
3. Preliminary Cleanup Plan and Project Schedule that is consistent with the
intent of the original grant proposal and the town's Cooperative Agreement,
and which demonstrates all tasks will be completed in accordance with the
MCP and other applicable standards, rules and regulations. The Scope of
Work should include a project schedule that indicates all tasks will be
completed within the grant contract period (August 31, 2026 - July 31,
2027); (note that additional funds for Post-Remediation Tasks may be
acquired from a different source, and therefore, Post-Remediation Tasks may
be conducted after the end of the EPA grant period).
4. Fee schedule in accordance with DCAMM Contract PRF77 designated
DCAMM.
5. Statement of Qualifications that includes the following:
a. Relevant experience of the staff members most likely to undertake
this work (i.e., resumes or qualifications);
b. Relevant experience working for municipalities and/or regional
planning agencies or other commissions;
c. Relevant experience and compliance with MA Department of
Environmental Protection environmental regulations and most
current ASTM Standards for environmental investigation;
d. Relevant experience preparing and amending Quality Assurance
Project Plans (QAPPs); and
e. Relevant experience preparing technical reports, including
Community Relations Plans, ACBAs, report on Green & Sustainable
Remediation, site profile updates to ACRES, quarterly progress
reports and project completion reports, consistent with EPA
reporting requirements and the requirements of MADEP.

f. Relevant experience in the design and successful implementation of
environmental remediation plans under the MCP
g. Relevant experience preparing bid documents for procurement of
remediation contractors, conducting contractor bidding, and
assisting clients with contractor selection and contract execution.
h. Relevant experience managing remediation construction project
budgets and successful cost control procedures.
6. DCAMM requirements - The following must be submitted alongside the
sealed bid:
a. DCAMM Certificate of Eligibility
b. DCAMM Update Statement
7. Proposing firms must complete and submit the five certificates/affidavits
included in the Appendices with their response. The Town may reject any
response from which completed forms have omitted.
8. Submittal Deadline - the Proposed Scope of Work, Fee Schedule, a written
Statement of Qualifications, and mandatory affidavits must be received by
email to Paralee Smith, psmith@townofware.com no later than 2:00 pm
August 14, 2026.
Evaluation Criteria and Award:
The Town will evaluate all submittals based upon the criteria set forth in this section. The
Town will offer the contract according to the criteria stated above, to the firm that is
deemed the most advantageous to the Town.
A. Minimum Criteria: Each submittal must include all Submittal Contents listed
above and meet all the following criteria to be considered for further evaluation.
Those that do not include the required materials or submit information requested
below will be judged unacceptable and will not be considered further.
1. A cover letter that clearly states the proposer's willingness and ability to
undertake the project according to the Scope and Timeline set forth in this
Request, and the firm's ability and willingness to execute a contract with the
Town per the general provisions provided in this Request.
2. Demonstrate that the lead firm and any subconsultants on the team have at
least five (5) years' relevant experience with related work as described above,
and including the development and cleanup plans and oversight of cleanup
action projects conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency
Plan.

3. Completion of the Unit Cost Form and Team Experience Table form, included in
this application.
4. Demonstrated capacity to manage, undertake, and complete the project,
including relevant expertise on staff, and the capacity and ability to participate in
public/community meetings in Town. Portions of this project are being funded by
a U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant. The Owner will more favorably evaluate
contractors who hire staff that have gone through a local/state/federal workforce
development program that teaches green remediation techniques/skills.
5. Letters of recommendation from at least three (3) references able to speak to
the proposers' similar project experience. Each reference letter should provide a
brief project description, project cost, and a brief statement of the proposer's
performance on the project.
6. If applicable, proof as minority- or women-owned business.
7. Signed forms/certificates: Certificate of Tax Compliance; Non-Collusion; and
Certificate of Vote.
B. Comparative Criteria: Each submittal that meets the minimum criteria listed above
will be scored and rated. Items 1 through 4 above will be scored to the following:
Highly Advantageous (5): a proposal that clearly exceeds the minimum
criteria above
Advantageous (3): a proposal that meets the minimum criteria above
Not Advantageous (1): a proposal that leaves significant questions or issues
not fully addressed
Not Acceptable (0): a proposal missing required information
The maximum score possible would be 20 (if items 1.-4. each achieved a score of 5).
Consideration of the cost of the project will be 25% of the criteria for the selection process.
C. Reference Checks and Interviews: Following review and scoring of all proposals
considered, the Town may choose to interview the two top-rated firms/teams.
Interview scoring will be based on the proposers' responses to questions posed
during the interview, which may include, for example: the firm's communication
skills; its demonstrated ability to adapt to changing project conditions and
unexpected issues that arose during a previous project; and its demonstrated
success in cost control and schedule management during previous projects.

Scoring of interview responses by the Town of Ware selection team will follow the
same comparative criteria listed above.. After interviews, if any, the Town will
contact references to discuss the firm's experience with similar projects.
D. Contract Award: After review of the submittals, interviews, if any, and reference
checks are completed, the Town will offer the project to the firm that is deemed the
most advantageous to the Town.
Contract Period
The selected qualified environmental professional will be required to enter into a
professional services contract with the Town of Ware, the term of which shall be consistent
with the Town's cooperative agreement with the U.S EPA. Activities shall conclude no later
than July 31, 2027.
Contract Funds
The total U.S EPA grant funds available for QEP services and cleanup is $482,400.
Insurance
The selected QEP (Contractor) shall be responsible to the Town or any third party for any
property damage or bodily injury caused by it, any of its subcontractors, employees or
agents in the performance of, or because of, the work under this Agreement. The
Contractor and any subcontractors used hereby certify that they are insured for workers
compensation, property damage, personal and product liability. The Contractor and any
subcontractor uses shall purchase, furnish copies of, and maintain in full force and effect
insurance policies in the amounts here indicated.
General liability
Bodily Injury Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence
Property Damage Liability $500,000 per occurrence
(or combined single limit) $1,000,000 per occurrence
Automobile Liability
Bodily Injury Liability $500,000 per occurrence
Property Damage Liability $50,000 per occurrence
(or combined single limit) $500,000 per occurrence

Workers Compensation Insurance - Coverage for all employees in accordance with
Massachusetts General Laws.
Professional Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence
Prior to the commencement of any work under this contract, the Contractor shall
provide the Town with Certificates of Insurance, which include the Town of Ware as
an additional named insured, and which include a thirty-day notice of cancellation
to the Town.
Further Information
Inquiries regarding this request should be directed to Paralee Smith, Director of Planning &
Community Development via email at psmith@townofware.com no later than 12pm on
Friday, July 31, 2026th. Answers to inquiries and extensions to the deadlines in this RFP (if
any) will be posted in the form of Addenda to this RFP. All proposers are responsible for
reviewing all information posted to this website. Proposals received that do are consistent
with information provided in addenda will not be considered.
See following attachments:
Attachment A - Updated Brownfield Cleanup Grant Application
Attachment B - Cooperative Agreement Award
Attachment C - Team Experience Table
Attachment D - Unit Cost Form
Attachment E - Certificate of Non-Collusion
Attachment F - Certificate of Bote
Attachment G - State Taxes
Attachment H - Tax Affidavit
Attachment I - Ware Budget Detail
Attachment J - Contract User Guide DCAMM PRF77
Attachment K - Nondiscrimination Affidavit

Attachment A
TOWN OF WARE
Town Manager
126 Main Street
Ware, MA 01082
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
BROWNFIELD CLEANUP GRANT
RFA NO.: EPA-I-OLEM-OBLR-22-09 ASSISTANCE LISTING NO.: 66.818
Narrative Information Sheet
1.Applicant Identification
Town of Ware
126 Main Street
Ware, MA 01082
2.Funding Requested
a.Grant Type: Single Site Cleanup
b.Federal Funds Requested: $500,000
3.Location
a)Town: Ware
b)County: Hampshire County
c)State: MA
4.Property Information
Site: Former Ware Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP)
Address: 0 Monroe Street Ware, MA 01082
5.Contacts
a.Project Director
Para Smith, Director of Planning & Community Development
413-967-9648 Ext. 120
psmith@townofware.com
126 Main Street
Ware, MA 01082
b.Chief Executive/Highest Ranking Elected Official
Stuart Beckley, Town Manager
413-967-9648 Ext 100
sbeckley@townofware.com
126 Main Street
Ware, MA 01082
6.Population
10,066

7.Other Factors The Town of Ware has identified one or more of the other factors below to apply to
the community/proposed project by noting the corresponding Narrative page number.
Other Factors Page #
Community population is 10,000 or less
The applicant is, or will assist, a federally recognized Indian tribe or United States
territory.
The proposed brownfield site(s) is impacted by mine-scarred land.
Secured firm leveraging commitment ties directly to the project and will facilitate 3, 4
completion of the remediation/reuse; secured resource is identified in the Narrative and
substantiated in the attached documentation.
The proposed site(s) is adjacent to a body of water (i.e., the border of the proposed site(s) 1
is contiguous or partially contiguous to the body of water, or would be contiguous or
partially contiguous with a body of water but for a street, road, or other public
thoroughfare separating them).
The proposed site(s) is in a federally designated flood plain. 1
The reuse of the proposed cleanup site(s) will facilitate renewable energy from wind, 2
solar, or geothermal energy.
The reuse strategy or project reuse of the proposed site(s) considers climate adaptation 2
and/or mitigation measures.
The target area(s) is located within a community in which a coal-fired power
plant has recently closed (2012 or later) or is closing.
8.Releasing Copies of Applications
The Town kindly requests that you keep individual's personal information private (e.g., an individual's
salary, personal email addresses, etc.) in Section 2b and 3c as the Town claims this as sensitive and
confidential information.

Charles D. Baker Attachment B Beth A. Card
Governor Secretary
Karyn E. Polito Martin Suuberg
Lieutenant Governor Commissioner
November 1, 2022 Via Email
Attn: Stuart Beckley, Town Manager
Town of Ware
126 Main Street
Ware, MA 01082
RE: STATE LETTER OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Town of Ware - Brownfields Cleanup Grant
Ware Manufactured Gas Plant (WMGP), 31 Monroe Street, Ware [RTN 1-17892]
Dear Mr. Beckley:
I am writing to support the application submitted by the Town of Ware under the Fiscal Year 2023 U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield Cleanup Grant Program. We understand that the Town of
Ware is proposing to undertake cleanup activities at the subject property at which historic manufactured gas
plant activities were conducted from at least 1871 to the early 1930s, with natural gas distribution continuing
until at least 1959. Historic operations at the site resulted in releases of contaminants to the environment on
the property.
Based on information provided by the Town, the Town took ownership of the property through tax taking in
2014, the property is enrolled in the Massachusetts voluntary cleanup program, and the level of assessment
conducted to date is sufficient to design and initiate the proposed cleanup activities.
In Massachusetts, state and federal agencies have developed strong partnerships and work together to ensure
that parties undertaking Brownfield projects have access to available resources and incentives. The
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), through our regional offices, provides
technical support to Brownfield project proponents when regulatory issues arise. If this proposal is selected,
MassDEP will work with our state and federal partners to support the Town of Ware to help make this project
a success.
We greatly appreciate EPA's continued support of Brownfield efforts in Massachusetts.
Sincerely,
David Foss, CPG, LSP
Statewide Brownfields Coordinator, Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup
cc: Dorrie Paar, US EPA
Saadi Motamedi, MassDEP Western Regional Office
Caprice Shaw, MassDEP Western Regional Office
Jay Mooney, Town of Ware
This information is available in alternate format. Call the MassDEP Diversity Office at 617-556-1139. TTY# MassRelay Service 1-800-439-2370
MassDEP Website: www.mass.gov/dep
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