Conceptual Design and Feasibility Study – 7.2 kV Submarine Cable Interconnection

Town of Wolfeboro
Wolfeboro Municipal Electric Department
133 Middleton Road
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
The Town of Wolfeboro, through the Wolfeboro Municipal Electric Department
(WMED), is soliciting proposals from qualified engineering, electrical design,
environmental permitting, and construction-support consulting firms to prepare a
conceptual design, feasibility analysis, preliminary and final design package, and
permitting strategy for a proposed 7.2 kV submarine electric cable interconnection
serving Barndoor Island and two nearby islands within Lake Winnipesaukee. Power
distribution on the islands is fed via existing overhead that will remain. Conversion of the
overhead distribution system to 7.2 kV is not part of the construction cost estimate.
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to obtain professional services to
evaluate potential routing alternatives, technical feasibility, environmental constraints,
anticipated permitting requirements, and constructability considerations associated with a
future submarine cable replacement project. The requested work includes an on-site
scope and feasibility investigation, evaluation of each proposed take-off and island
connection point, development of a preferred design approach, preparation and
submission of a final design deliverable for WMED review, and identification of
directional boring requirements for each take-off and connection point to each island.
Associated permit acquisition may be included as an optional task if available project
budget allows and if authorized in writing by WMED. Proposers shall clearly identify
permitting assumptions, optional permitting costs, anticipated regulatory agencies, and
any limitations related to permit preparation, submission, or acquisition. Construction
services are not included under this RFP unless separately authorized by WMED through
a written scope amendment.
Interested firms are invited to submit proposals in accordance with the requirements
outlined in the attached RFP document. Proposals should demonstrate a clear
understanding of the required field investigation, feasibility review, final design
expectations, optional permitting tasks, and directional boring considerations necessary to
support the proposed submarine cable interconnection. WMED looks forward to
receiving your proposal.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Mitchell
Deputy Director of Operations
Wolfeboro Municipal Electric Department

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Project Title: Conceptual Design and Feasibility Study - 7.2 kV Submarine Cable
Interconnection
Owner: Town of Wolfeboro - Wolfeboro Municipal Electric Department (WMED)
Location: Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Issue Date:
Proposal Due Date:
1. Purpose of this RFP
Wolfeboro Municipal Electric Department (WMED) is soliciting proposals from
qualified engineering, electrical design, environmental permitting, and construction-
support consulting firms to prepare a robust conceptual design, feasibility analysis,
preliminary and final design package, and permitting strategy for a proposed 7.2 kV
submarine electric cable system serving Barndoor Island and two nearby islands within
Lake Winnipesaukee.
The resulting work product will be used to confirm site feasibility, evaluate routing
constraints and alternatives, develop a preferred design approach, support budgeting and
project authorization, and provide WMED with sufficient documentation to advance the
project to the permitting and construction stage. The selected firm shall prepare and
submit a final design deliverable suitable for WMED review and future procurement use.
Permit acquisition may be included as an optional task if available project budget allows
and if authorized in writing by WMED. Proposers shall clearly identify permitting
assumptions, optional permitting costs, anticipated regulatory agencies, and any
limitations associated with permit preparation or acquisition.
2. Background
The existing 2.4 kV submarine cable system serving Barndoor Island has experienced
failures and is currently operating on a single phase. WMED is evaluating replacement
with a new 7.2 kV single phase submarine cable interconnection, including a separate
spare cable used as a backup source laid in the same pathway.
3. Project Area
The study area generally includes a mainland point of interconnection near town-owned
McKinney Park, submarine cable routes across Lake Winnipesaukee, and landfall
locations on Melody Island and two additional nearby islands.

4. Scope of Services (Conceptual Level)
Services shall include project management, records and data review, on-site scope and
feasibility investigation, field reconnaissance of proposed mainland and island connection
locations, conceptual routing evaluation, conceptual and final electrical design,
environmental constraints review, permitting assessment, optional permit acquisition
support if budget allows, directional boring feasibility review, and order-of-magnitude
cost and schedule estimates.
The selected firm shall evaluate each proposed take-off point and each island connection
point to determine practical access, constructability, easement or property considerations,
existing utility conflicts, shoreline constraints, equipment staging needs, and suitability
for directional boring. Each take-off and connection point to each island shall be assumed
to require directional boring unless the final design and permitting review identifies and
justifies an alternate approach acceptable to WMED.
The scope shall also include identification of anticipated environmental, shoreline,
lakebed, navigational, utility, and construction constraints associated with submarine
cable installation. The consultant shall coordinate findings into a preferred route and
design recommendation that considers constructability, long-term reliability, regulatory
risk, cost, and operational impacts to WMED and affected island customers.
5. Deliverables
Deliverables shall include a Conceptual Design and Feasibility Report, documentation of
on-site scope and feasibility investigation findings, environmental constraints mapping,
preliminary permitting matrix, directional boring assumptions for each take-off and
island connection point, preferred route recommendation, preliminary and final design
drawings or design package, conceptual cost estimates, and an implementation schedule.
If authorized by WMED and supported by available budget, deliverables may also
include preparation, submission, and tracking of associated permit applications.
6. Exclusions
Excluded services include construction services, contractor means and methods,
construction inspection, and contractor support unless specifically authorized by WMED
through a written scope amendment. Permit acquisition shall be treated as an optional
service and may proceed only if project budget allows and WMED provides written
authorization. Construction is not included in this RFP.
7. Proposal Submission Requirements
Proposals shall include a cover letter, project understanding and approach, methodology
and assumptions, team qualifications, personal classifications, relevant experience,
schedule, hourly rates and cost proposal (lump sum), and references.

8. Invoicing Requirements
Invoices shall typically be submitted monthly, shall include a breakdown of tasks, hours
by employee and hourly rate, and other costs, and shall track expenditures versus the
project budget.
9. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on understanding of the project, technical approach,
relevant experience, qualifications, and overall value.
10. Owner Rights
WMED reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, request
clarification, modify the scope, or cancel this RFP.
11. Bid Submission
All sealed bids must be received by September 17, 2026, at 2:00pm and submitted in a
Sealed Envelope or E-Mailed (Preferred) clearly labelled "Conceptual design and
feasibility study."
The sealed envelope shall be addressed as follows:
Deliver to:
Via Mail: Town Of Wolfeboro
Attn: Finance Department
PO Box 629
Wolfeboro, NH 03894-0629
Via E-Mail: bids@wolfeboronh.us
If you have questions, please contact Jeremy Mitchell at 603-569-6975 or via email at
jmitchell@wolfeboronh.us.
Anti-Collusion Clause
The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this bid is in all respects bona
fide, fair, and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this
section the word 'Person' means any natural person, joint venture, partnership,
corporation, or other business or legal entity.
Signature: __________________________________________
Print Name / Title: __________________________________
Company: ___________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________
The Town of Wolfeboro Municipal Electric Department reserves the right to reject any or
all proposals without explanation, to waive technicalities and informalities and to re-
advertise for new proposals for whatever reason deemed to be in the best interest of the
Town of Wolfeboro.