2027-03 Renovation Analysis & Concept Planning for Secondary Schools

PURCHASING
RFP/Q #2027-03
PROVIDE ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR
RENOVATION ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS,
CONCEPT PLANNING AND SUPPORT FOR STRATFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS (SPS)
SEALED submissions are subject to the standard Bidder:
instructions set forth on the attached sheets.
Any modifications must be specifically _________________________________
accepted by the Town of Stratford. Doing Business As (Trade Name)
_________________________________________
Address
: Friday, 17th July, 2026
Released _________________________________________
Town / State / Zip
Phillip Ryan, Purchasing Agent
_________________________________________
Title (Mr /Ms)
_________________________________________
Signature
_________________________________________
Telephone
_________________________________________
E-mail
Sealed bids will be received by the Purchasing Department at the office of the Purchasing Agent,
2725 Main Street, Room 104, Stratford, Connecticut 06615, up to:
10:00AM, Monday, 17th August, 2026
NOTE:
1. Bidders are to complete all requested data in the upper right corner of this page and must return
this page with their bid proposal.
2. No bid shall be accepted from, or contracts awarded to, any person/company who is in arrears
to the Town of Stratford upon debt, or contract or who has been within the prior five (5) years,
a defaulter as surety or otherwise upon obligations to the Town of Stratford.
3. Submissions are to be submitted in a sealed envelope and clearly marked "BID #2027-03" on the
outside of the envelope, including all outer packaging, such as, DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.
offering more from forest to shore

Request for Qualifications and Proposal for Architectural / Engineering Professional Services to
Provide a Renovation Analysis, Ed Spec Development, Concept Planning and Support
The Town of Stratford (Town) is seeking requests for qualifications and proposals (RFQ/RFP) submissions from experienced
firms to evaluate the existing high school and middle school buildings and develop facility information and concept plans
required to explore a consolidation plan. The Consultant will work directly with the Town and its Owner's Representative
and provide support of the proposed project at public meetings.
NON-MANDATORY ON-SITE WALKTHROUGH
10:30am - Wednesday, 29th July, 2026
Stratford High School | 245 King Street, Stratford
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFI) / ADDENDA
Direct all requests in writing to:
Town of Stratford, Purchasing Department
Attention: Phillip Ryan, Purchasing Agent E-mail: PRyan@townofstratford.com
NOTE: Verbal requests for information will NOT be accepted.
All requests must be received in writing prior to 12:00PM on Tuesday, 4th August, 2026
Response will be in the form of an addendum that will be posted approximately Monday, 10th August, 2026 to the Town
of Stratford, Purchasing Department website: https://www.stratfordct.gov/page/purchasing-department
It is the responsibility of each bidder to retrieve addenda from the website. Any contact about this bid between a Bidder
and any other Town official and/or department manager and/or Town of Stratford employee, other than as set forth above,
may be grounds for disqualification of that Bidder. No questions or clarifications shall be answered by phone, in person or
in any other manner than specified above. Addenda will not be mailed, e-mailed or faxed out.
FORMAT OF SUBMISSION
1. Qualifications: Submit one (1) printed "original" and one (1) printed copy, including one (1) USB in pdf 'read
only' format.
2. Fee Proposal: Submit one (1) printed "original" and one (1) printed copy in a sealed envelope, separate from the
qualifications.
3. Provide a general description of the type of organization (corporation, individual, partnership) and number of years
in business, including size of firm, personnel qualifications and experience.
4. Include resumes and relevant experience of all personnel to be assigned to the project, including any subcontractors.
5. Submit details of any additional services on offer and identify estimated timelines and deliverables.
6. Identify any resources and/or assistance you will require from the Town of Stratford.
7. Provide information on the circumstances and status of any disciplinary action taken or pending against the firm
during the past three years with State regulatory bodies or professional organizations.
8. If your firm has engaged in a recent peer review (industry publication or article) please include a copy.
9. In addition to the above requirements, respondents may include additional factors or strengths that would assist in
assessing their ability to meet the Town's needs. This information need only be one page.
10. All submissions shall remain firm for a period not less than (90) days from the proposal due date, unless such
period is extended in writing and agreeable to both parties.
11. Respondents are strongly encouraged to verify the scope of services prior to submitting. The Town reserves the
right at all times to increase or decrease the project scope as deemed in its best interest.
12. Provide full details of any exceptions. The Town retains the right to accept or reject any or all exceptions.
13. Provide references for equal scope projects performed during the past three (3) years.

14. All respondents should provide a letter of interest, detailing overall qualifications and demonstrating a thorough
understanding of the engagement. Include resumes for all personnel who will be directly involved in providing the
requested services, describing their professional qualifications and past experience directly related to the services
as defined in this request for proposal.
15. Provide a description of similar work performed in the past three (3) years and minimum of three (3) most recent
professional references. Respondents may offer a detailed scope of work to be performed for the aforementioned
tasks with a projected timetable and deliverables for each task.
QUALIFICATIONS
The consultant teams submitting for this scope of work shall demonstrate extensive experience with school design and
construction in the State of Connecticut as well as an understanding of the renovation status process and history in developing
educational specifications. Firms shall have prepared a minimum of three renovation status analysis in the state of Connecticut
as well as prepared all required state documents to meet Office of Grants Administration (OGA), or formerly OSCGR,
guidelines. A copy of the analysis may be requested by the district prior to award.
The Consultant team shall demonstrate extensive experience in the development of Educational Specifications for CT school
projects specifically with middle and high school configurations in grades 6 through 12.
The Consultant shall be comprised of licensed architects and engineers in the state of Connecticut.
The firm should provide the following information:
* Company statement and experience.
* Project approach and creativity.
* Statement of familiarity with Federal and State and Municipal regulations.
* References for similar projects completed, including contact name, email and phone number.
* Size of firm, including available technical staff.
* Geographical location from where services will be provided.
* Number of staff to be employed on the project (full-time, part-time).
* Description of all services and estimated deliverables.
* References for contracts performed for other municipalities of similar size.
* Resumes of key staff to be employed on the project.
If the respondent is a joint venture, the qualification of each firm comprising the joint venture should be separately identified
and the firm that is to serve as the principal should be identified. Complete information on qualifications and experience
should be provided for all joint venture partners and/or subcontractors.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
* Lead project manager and project staff.
* Current firm capacity and workload.
* Experience of proposed team in municipal and state multi-funded and multi-phased public projects.
* Experience of proposed team in Connecticut school design and construction, including Office of Grants
Administration (OGA) experience.
* Experience with participating in public meetings and community engagement.
* Innovative approach to the project, including creative design.
* Demonstrated ability to satisfy scope of services.
* Professional qualifications of individuals to be assigned to the project.
* Responsiveness to proposed scope of work.
* Experience with renovation evaluations.
* Experience creating educational specifications.
* References.
* Fees.
* Insight gleaned from interviews and presentations.

SELECTION PROCESS
The Town will review all submissions in response to this solicitation for conformity with the qualifications sought in
connection with this engagement. Submissions will be reviewed per the evaluation criteria stated above. Upon evaluation
of all submissions received, the Town intends to shortlist candidates/firms based on their qualifications. Shortlisted
candidates/firms may be invited to interview and present additional information to the Selection Committee. Interviews
may be requested at the Town's discretion. After firms are shortlisted, the Town will open fee proposals for shortlisted firms
only, and make a final decision based on the combination of the responding firm's qualifications and fee proposal.
The goal of the selection process is to award the project to the firm meeting the Town's needs per the stated mission,
programmatic and technical requirements, including budget, design and projected construction. Upon award selection, the
candidate/firm will be expected to enter into contract with the Town of Stratford. The Town reserves the right to reject any
and all proposals received in response to this solicitation.
OVERVIEW
Stratford Public Schools' (SPS) district population is declining and its school buildings are aging. The Town is seeking
options to reimagine the district's physical footprint in a way that is financially responsible, educationally sound, and deeply
aligned with the academic, social-emotional, and community needs of Stratford's children and families. To facilitate this
purpose, the district wants to reduce or eliminate current financial duplications, underutilized spaces, aging infrastructure,
and limitations on specialized programming, potentially by consolidating current grade configurations.
Colliers Project Leaders has been contracted as the Owner's Representative and is currently providing pre-project assistance
for potential facility modifications and consolidation. The Town is seeking to engage an Architectural Engineering
(Consultant) team to evaluate the existing high schools and middle schools and develop facility information, education
specifications, and concept plans required to explore the proposed consolidation efforts. The selected consultant will work
closely with town officials and representatives, the school district, stakeholders, and the community to ensure a successful
project. The intent is to select a firm that has extensive experience with Connecticut public K-12 school construction and
modernization, with specific expertise in school consolidation evaluating new versus renovation options.
As part of the proposed plan, several high-level scenarios have been developed and are intended to be explored via the
services in this RFP. These Scenarios were constructed by the Town and Colliers Project Leaders with the following
concepts in mind:
* Bunnell HS - multiple current and near-term issues with building envelope leaks, aging mechanical systems, lack
of air conditioning, deteriorated finishes, and misalignment of space with required programming. However, the
school has adjacent town property that may be well suited to a new building addition or similar.
* Stratford HS: recent major renovation, but the site is too small to receive all HS students. However, may be a
potential location to serve as a consolidated MS with enhanced Career Tech and similar programs/pathways.
* Flood MS: existing building with many deficiencies and a challenging layout to update to modern learning
environment. Exploration of Flood MS either as a renovation or a consolidation location is not part of this RFP.
* Wooster MS: Campus with sizable site space primed for flexibility/opportunity. If a consolidated MS is not possible
at Stratford HS, then this campus could be considered for a consolidated MS. If a consolidated MS is possible at
Stratford HS, then Wooster MS campus becomes available for a potential future educational/community
programming as part of a future capital improvement development phase.
Scenarios
* Status Quo - Warm/Safe/Dry Repair in Existing Buildings
Scenario 1 - Current Capital Improvement Plan
o
* Consolidated MS and HS, Flood MS Returned to Town, Wooster MS Reimagination in Future Phase
Scenario 2 - Renovated Bunnell, Renovated Stratford HS for 6th, 7th, 8th grade
o
Scenario 3 - Renovated Bunnell, Renovated Stratford HS for 7th, 8th only
o
Scenario 4 - New Bunnell, Renovated Stratford HS for 6th, 7th, 8th
o
* Consolidated MS, No Consolidated HS, Flood MS Returned to Town, Wooster MS Reimagination in Future Phase
Scenario 5 - Renovated Bunnell, Renovated Wooster for 6th, 7th, 8th
o
Scenario 6 - New Bunnell, Renovated Wooster for 6th, 7th, 8th
o

Additional Information
* The Town of Stratford intends to file a grant application for the first project by June 2027.
* Previous studies and data, including CIP requests, enrollment projections, available floor plans, and facilities
assessment reports can be made available to interested reputable vendors upon request.
Email: Phillip Ryan, Purchasing Agent: pryan@townofstratford.com

PROPOSED SCOPE OF WORK
The project scope consists of scenario refinement and selection via existing facility assessment/renovation analysis/cost
estimating, development of Educational Specifications, concept planning and marketing support and meeting attendance to
promote the project. The Consultant team will attend weekly virtual check-in meetings, typically one half hour, to keep the
Town/District leadership updated on the progress.
To achieve an expeditious narrowing of options for decision making, the proposed scope of work is delineated as follows
* Task A: Scenario Refinement and Renovate as New Assessment
1. Preliminary: determine whether existing buildings are expected to achieve renovate as new status
o
for grant funding. Determine viability and major impacts of the multiple consolidated middle school
options. Determine if there are any other large-scale expected challenges with current scenarios.
Town to eliminate at least two scenarios moving forward.
2. Comprehensive Renovation Assessment
o
Complete Renovation as New assessments based on Town direction.
* Task B: Education Specifications
Develop education specifications for
1. A consolidated high school,
o
2. A consolidated middle school.
o
* Town to select a single preferred option/scenario prior to proceeding to Task C
* Task C: Refine Preferred Option via Concept Planning
Based on a single preferred scenario selected by the Town, develop a conceptual-level scope, plan,
o
and cost for the Town to develop a grant application and formalize project authorization.
* Task D: Project Support
Materials and meetings leading up to the grant application.
o
A. Scenario Refinement and Renovate as New Assessment
The consultant shall prepare renovation status analyses of Bunnell High School and Wooster Middle School as it relates to
a possible renovation of the facilities under a grant application with the State of Connecticut through the Office of Grants
Administration (OGA). Note that an assessment of Stratford High School is also included; however, this building was
recently renovated under the state grant program and Scenarios involving a renovated Stratford HS are not expected to be
eligible for reimbursement. The selected consultant team will prepare the analyses in a two-part process as described
below.
1. Preliminary Assessment
For the existing Bunnell HS, Stratford HS, and Wooster MS, the consultant will perform a preliminary assessment of
the building components. These include, but are not limited to, building envelope, building layout and interiors,
mechanicals and infrastructure, and structural components (that are reasonably viewable from the consultant's site visits
during this preliminary assessment). The consultant shall review available building drawings, enrollment projections,
and other available data from the district pertaining to the anticipated use of the buildings.
The purpose of the preliminary assessment is threefold:
1. To determine if the renovation status certifications required by the SCG-3520 form can likely be provided by the
consultant team. This assessment shall be based on prior experience with performing the renovation status analysis
on schools in Connecticut. Upon completion of the preliminary assessment, the consultant shall provide a statement
of its findings noting whether it believes certifications in the SCG-3520 form (including, but not limited to, items
5 through 9) are achievable.
2. To determine the viability of combining either 7th and 8th grades or 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in the recently-renovated
Stratford High. It is anticipated that some interior buildout of classrooms within the existing building would be
required for a 6/7/8 grade consolidation. The consultant shall provide a high-level, rough order of magnitude cost
estimate for potential middle school renovation work in Stratford HS to assist with initial decision making.
3. To identify any apparent major issues (apparent from at this preliminary level) that would impact reasonable pursuit
of any of the scenarios. These include physical space/site constraints or difficulty in renovating/altering existing
buildings or constructing new building. This preliminary review shall also provide a preliminary comment on the
ability for each facility to accommodate a phased occupied construction approach while right sizing the facility to
the space standard and Educational Specification to be developed by the design team.

Upon completion of the preliminary assessment, the consultant shall provide a statement of its findings. Should the
consultant team determine that the certification for renovation status or other major project components are not
achievable or ideal, the district may not authorize the consultant to proceed with certain additional scope items within
this RFP.
At the completion of the preliminary assessment, it is anticipated that the Town shall provide direction to the consultant
team regarding scenarios which shall be eliminated from further in-depth studies in future tasks. Namely, the following
scenarios shall be contemplated as a base for the Consultant's fee breakdown moving into Task A.2 and B:
* Either scenario 2 or 3
* Either scenario 5 or 6
* Scenario 4, if viable.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
Upon notice to proceed by the Town, the consultant shall complete the comprehensive renovation status analysis of the
Bunnell and Wooster facilities utilizing the current SCG-3520, SCG-3500, and all referenced documents and criteria
therein as the scope of work. The consultant shall prepare all documents listed in SCG-3520 including the written letter
of request for signature by the Superintendent of Schools in item 1. The consultant shall hire an independent professional
cost estimator to prepare the cost analysis listed in item 2 of the SCG-3520.
During this phase, the Consultant and its cost estimator shall also provide similar cost analyses for a new Bunnell HS.
B. Educational Specification Development
The Consultant will work with the Superintendent, Board of Education and school administrators to develop detailed and
comprehensive Educational Specifications that will follow and meet all Office of Grants Administration (OGA) requirements
and is suitable for submission as part of a grant application. Specifically, two education specifications are expected to be
developed:
* A consolidated HS for the entire town.
* A consolidated Middle School, either
Grades 6, 7, and 8 OR Grades 7 and 8 only,
o
The selection of either consolidated MS option will depend on the Consultant input on the viability of a
o
combined 6,7,8 via the Scenario refinement scope above.
* Note: the initial education specifications are intended to be developed independent of the target existing building
for a given consolidation. Close coordination will be required between the Consultant and the District to ensure that
the education specifications strike the appropriate balance of not forcing programming into insufficient spaces while
utilizing the existing buildings appropriately. The Consultant shall hold a kickoff meeting with the District
leadership prior to beginning any Education Specification work - and again partway through the effort - in order to
align expectations.
The Consultant shall include all meetings with the administration, Town, and Boards of Education required to develop the
educational specifications and once the draft is complete two additional Board meetings to complete and obtain final approval
of the educational specifications. The Consultant should also plan on meeting with selected staff and coordinate public input
through visioning and focus group sessions.
C. Concept Planning
The Consultant shall prepare high-level concept building and site plans based on the Town's selection of a preferred
Option/Scenario from the Task A and B efforts. The Consultant's concept planning shall be based on their preliminary
analysis, educational specifications developed under this RFP, and existing available reports and data (attached) addressing
noted deficiencies. The concept plans shall show the proposed building areas to be renovated, demolished or constructed
new including preferred programmatic adjacencies. The consultant shall also prepare conceptual site plans to address parking
requirements and to demonstrate improved circulation patterns and any required changes to athletic fields taking into account
topography challenges and wetlands.

Up to Two preliminary floor plan and site concept options shall be prepared and presented to the Town staff and Board of
Education for review and comment. Based on the feedback from the Town and BOE, the consultant shall finalize a single
concept of the floor plans and site solution. The Consultant will provide a detailed cost estimate based on the selected concept
and comparison to new for the renovation status approval. Concept planning will consist of additional physical review of the
site/buildings/spaces as required, readily available information regarding utilities, wetland and topography utilizing GIS
mapping, and preliminary coordination with Town planning/zoning/engineering staff.
In addition, the consultant will include the preparation of the DAS-053, and all required supporting documents with
engineer's signatures for use in the grant application (With the exception of the Phase 1 ESA to be completed by the Owner)
D. Project Support
The consultant shall produce colored concept plans and marketing materials to support the presentation of the concept
solution to meet the educational specification and noted project deficiencies for the building and site. The Consultant shall
opine on the Status Quo scenario based on their Task A studies and deliverables.
The consultant shall assist the Town in public presentations to communicate the proposed scenario. Include up to four (4)
public meetings up to two hours each (excluding travel time) to assist the Town in presenting the project through the
anticipated grant application in June of 2027.
If additional meetings are required, they will be billed at the hourly rates included in the RFP response.
Additional Information
* It is anticipated that an updated enrollment projection study will be performed by others prior to the submission of
a state grant application. The scope of services and pricing herein shall be based on the existing, attached
enrollment projection data. However, the consultant's scope shall anticipate and include coordination with other
Town consultants regarding revised demographic/enrollment data. Any major changes in enrollment that would
change the scope of the scenarios or planning will be reviewed by the consultant and the Town if they arise.
* A full, updated Facilities Conditions Assessment (FCA) is not included in this RFP scope
* In addition to the required MEP, Structural and Site Civil Consultants to complete the scope of services, the
Consultant shall retain the services of a professional cost estimating firm to create the required project estimates.
* Actual submission of grant application documents is excluded from this RFP. These tasks are anticipated to be
performed by either Town / District staff or with the assistance of a separate Owner's Representative.
* If any tasks are not deemed necessary based on Town decision making, then those fees will not be paid to the
Consultant.
* Each proposer is deemed to be familiar with and is required to comply with all federal, state and local laws,
regulations, ordinances, codes and orders that in any manner relate to this RFP or the performance of the work
described herein.
* By submitting a proposal, each proposer confirms it has reviewed the RFP's scope of work and can deliver the
required services to meet the Town's goals. If necessary, each proposer shall visit the site, examine the areas, and
thoroughly familiarize itself with the existing conditions of the property before preparing its proposal.

PROPOSED TIMELIME
The consultant's scope of work will commence immediately upon contract execution.
The Town anticipates the following dates for this work.
* RFQ/RFP Issuance July 17, 2026
* Non-Mandatory On-Site Walkthrough (To commence at Stratford High) July 29, 2026, 10:30 am
* Requests for Information (RFI) Questions due: August 4, 2026, 12:00 pm
* Final Addenda Issued (approx.) August 10, 2026
* Qualifications and Proposals due August 17, 2026, 10:00 am
* Shortlist (if interviews are conducted) August 21, 2026
* Interviews (if conducted) Week of August 24, 2026
* For Reference - First day of School August 27, 2026
* Selection August 31, 2026
* Start of Consultant walkthroughs of Existing Buildings
and start of Task A1 - Preliminary Assessment September 7, 2026
* Completion of Task A1 - Preliminary Assessment September 21, 2026
* Start of Task B - Ed Spec Development September 25, 2026
* Start of Task A2 - Comprehensive Renovation Assessment September 25, 2026
* Completion of Task A2 - Comprehensive Renovation Assessment November 30, 2026
* Town Selection of Preferred Option/Scenario December 7, 2026
* Completion of Ed Spec (delivered for Final approvals) December 18, 2026
* Start Concept Planning December 21, 2026
* Completion of Task B Ed Spec (including BOE approval) approx. January 8, 2027
* Completion of Concept Planning (including presentations and Town approval) March 19, 2027
* Presentation and Support through March 22 through June 30, 2027
* Town to File for Grant Application (not in this RFP scope) By June 30, 2027
Note: These dates are subject to change.
HISTORIC DATA AND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
* Existing available drawings: Bunnell HS
* Existing available drawings: Stratford HS
* SPS FY 2027-2031 CIP Request
* SPS FY 2027-2031 CIP Request - Bunnell Needs
* 2024 Enrollment Projections Capacity, & Utilization Study
* 2022 School Facility Assessment Report
* 2021 SPS School Enrollment and Demographic Study
Email: Phillip Ryan, Purchasing Agent: pryan@townofstratford.com

PROPOSAL TO: Town of Stratford, 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615
SUBMIT IN A SEPARATE SEALED ENVELOPE
Provide a lump sum fee amount per the following tasks. Provide percentage mark-up for all reimbursable expenses that
may apply and identify any other miscellaneous costs.
Award of project, either partial or in its entirety, is contingent upon available funding and approval by all applicable
boards of the Town of Stratford.
Task A - Scenario Refinement and Renovation Assessment:
1. Preliminary: $_____________________/lump sum
2. Comprehensive:
Bunnell HS renovation as new full analysis: $_____________________/lump sum
Wooster MS renovation as new full analysis: $_____________________/lump sum
Bunnel HS new construction cost estimate: $_____________________/lump sum
Task B - Education Specifications:
1. Ed Spec Fee - Consolidated HS: $_____________________/lump sum
2. Ed Spec Fee - Consolidated MS 6, 7, 8: $_____________________/lump sum
Deduction if only Ed Spec for Consolidated 7, 8 is authorized $_____________________/deduct from B.2 above
Task C - Concept Planning: $ /lump sum
Task D - Project Support: $ /lump sum
Reimbursable: $ /not to exceed
Percentage mark-up for reimbursable expenses shall be %
Identify all anticipated reimbursable expenses, such as, but not limited to, travel, lodging, printing, mailing, meetings, etc.
Rates:
Include all hourly rates per discipline.
The Bidder hereby certifies that any and all defects, errors, inconsistencies or omissions of which he/she is aware, either directly or
by notification from any sub-bidder or material supplier found in the Contract Documents are listed herewith in this Bid Form.
Pursuant to and in full compliance with the RFP, the undersigned proposer, having visited the site or property if applicable, having
thoroughly examined each and every document comprising the RFP, including any addenda, hereby offers and agrees as follows:
In submitting this Proposal Form, the undersigned proposer acknowledges that the price(s) include all labor, materials, transportation,
hauling, overhead, fees and insurances, bonds or letters of credit, profit, security, permits and licenses, and all other costs to cover
the completed work called for in the RFP. Except as otherwise expressly stated in the RFP, no additional payment of any kind will be
made for work accomplished under the price(s) as proposed.
Name of Authorized Representative Signature Date