Law Tech Ed Commissioning Agent RFP-RFQ

City of Milford
Request For Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/RFP)
for a
Commissioning Authority for the
Technical Education Classrooms and Childcare Learning
Center at Jonathan Law High School
RFQ/RFP #1856
All submittals must be made in accordance with the specifications supplied by:
The City of Milford
Permanent School Building Committee
Parsons Government Center
70 West River Street
Milford, Connecticut 06460
Submittals will be received in the Purchasing Office until October 13, 2026, 3:00 PM
Eastern Time
Fred Bialka
Purchasing Agent
City of Milford
Parsons Government Center
70 West River Street
Milford, CT 06460

RFQ/RFP # 1856
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Project Specifications 3
1. Introduction 3
2. Commissioning Authority Scope of Work 6
3. Proposals 10
4. Basis of Award 11
5. Acknowledgement Form 12
6. Site Considerations 12
7. Bid Price 12
8. Project Schedule 12
II. Submission Requirements 12
1. Submission Due Date 12
2. Pre-Bid Meeting - None Require 12
3. Vendor Information 13
4. Addenda to this RFP information 13
5. Qualification Criteria 13
III. Contract Considerations 14
1. General Considerations 14
2. Equal Opportunity - Affirmative Action 14
3. Indemnification 14
4. Insurance 14
5. Termination 15
6. Non-Appropriation of Funds 15
7. Contract Governed By Connecticut Law; Etc. 15
IV. Conditions of Bid and Selection 15
V. Award Considerations 16
Forms and Attachments:
1. Submission Form (Form 1) 17
2. Acknowledgment Form (Form 2) 19
3. Proposal Check List (Form 3) 20
4. Construction Drawing dated 10/31/2025 from Silver Petrucelli
https://www.milfordct.us/610/Purchasing-Department under "Current Bids"
5. Sample Consulting Agreement between the City and Appendix A
Commissiong Authority
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
CITY OF MILFORD, CONNECTICUT
RFQ/RFP #1856
Commissioning Authority for the
Technical Education Classrooms and
Childcare Learning Center at
Jonathan Law High School
I. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
1. Introduction
The City of Milford is seeking qualifications and cost proposals for Commissioning Authority
construction management services during the construction consisting of Alterations,
Renovations, Security Upgrades and Code Compliance Project at Jonathan Law High School.
Jonathan Law High School was built in 1962 and has served the community for 63 years as one
of the City's 9-12 high school facilities. In its current state, the technical education classrooms
are undersized and located adjacent to traditional education classrooms, which poses sound
control and ventilation issues. These classrooms have had very little work done to them over
the course of their lifespan. In order to meet the growing needs of the student population, and
the renewed importance of hands-on, technical education, it is imperative that Milford Public
Schools update their facilities to offer comparable learning environments to that of other magnet
and technology high schools.
Currently, the program of studies includes courses in the areas of engineering design (3-D
Modeling & Animation, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Introduction to Engineering Design),
automotive (Home & Auto, Power Technology), and Wood Technology (Introduction to Wood
Technology/Manufacturing). Expansion of these programming spaces would enable the
creation of additional courses in the areas of manufacturing and design processes that would
support additional career pathways in the career and technical education fields in the future.
Jonathan Law does not have the ability to centralize or expand the program offering within their
existing footprint. This will be an alteration and expansion project to revitalize existing program
spaces, introduce new program spaces, as well as bring the existing mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing systems up to code to support new equipment and provide proper heating, cooling
and ventilation. The scope of work includes the expansion includes a new 2-bay transportation
studio, wood studio, maintenance garage, and Child Learning Center with separate secure
entrance and covered canopy. Alterations include a new manufacturing studio, communications
studio, STEM & IT studio, and Design Studio. It also includes the relocation of two special
education classrooms, which will include finish replacement, new casework and modifications to
the existing toilet room. There will be new interior finishes, technology equipment, security /
access control, and new furniture. In addition to the new building materials for the expansion,
modifications will be made to the existing roof and roof structure to accommodate new rooftop
equipment. Access to the underground tunnel system will be relocated outside the addition.
Sitework includes new and reconstruction of bituminous paving and curbing, concrete walkways
and aprons to the garage bays, concrete pad for exterior dust collection system, exterior
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accessible ramps, handrails, retaining walls, chain link and aluminum fencing, drainage and
utility connections and landscaping for the children's outdoor play area and playscape.
The wood shop's dust control system cannot service multiple machines at a time, does not have
required sprinkler protection and is undersized, which limits how many machines can be used
simultaneously, resulting in poor air quality and a slippery, fine layer of dust on the floors and
surfaces of the classroom and adjacent spaces. Much of the equipment is outdated or non-
functioning. The HVAC system is unable to address humidity, which results in loss of stored
wood materials.
The current STEM & IT Studio is housed in a traditional classroom, which is under-sized and not
outfitted for its intended use. It does not provide adequate separation for computer work,
building and testing. The floor material is too slippery for testing equipment and often results in
false data and malfunctioning robotics. The room also lacks proper storage for materials and
fully built robots.
The transportation studio is a very dark space and is undersized. It does not have a dedicated
instruction area or area for small engine work. There are no emergency showers and existing
plumbing fixtures are not ADA compliant. Proper ventilation of the space is also a concern.
The existing communications studio is serviced out of a typical classroom and does not provide
a proper sound-controlled room for recording or light production. As one large classroom space
it does not provide the ability to separate the computer instruction from the video recording and
production areas. The room is undersized for the required function.
The current design studio is functioning in a small classroom that was not intended for computer
aided drafting. It lacks proper power connections and does not have a layout that supports
proper instruction for the educator.
The school currently does not offer a manufacturing program. As such the space will need to be
constructed as part of this project.
The Child Learning Center program currently operates from an internally located existing
classroom. There is an adjacent classroom for high school students taking the child
development course, but it does not have an observation window between the two spaces.
While it does have an exterior door, the door is located at the back of the school adjacent to the
ball field. It does not have the ability for parent drop-off or provide a secure entry point. At this
time, parents are dropping off the preschool aged children at the main entrance, and those
children must traverse the hallways with the high school students. It also does not have an
outdoor, secure play area.
Included in this project is the right-sizing of an existing special education classroom that
currently operates in a space that is larger than it needs to be and the relocation of the life skills
classroom. The new life skills classroom, which will be the former Child Learning Center
classroom, will provide more space for life skills set up, and an adjoining toilet room, which it
currently does not have.
The total construction estimate, excluding all soft costs, contingencies, furniture fixtures and
equipment and bonding fees is approximately $10,220,000.
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The City of Milford requests proposals for Commissioning Authority Services for the above
project located at 20 Lansdale Avenue in Milford, CT. Only proposals from experienced and
reputable firms will be considered. Request for Proposal documents are available at the office of
the Purchasing Agent, Parsons Government Center, 70 West River Street, Milford, CT 06460,
Telephone (203) 783-3225, Monday through Friday or by accessing the City's website at
www.milfordct.us/863/Current-Bids . Sealed proposals must be submitted to the Purchasing
Agent no later than 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The City of
Milford reserves the right to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part, or to waive technical
defects, irregularities and omissions, if it's in the best interests of the City.
Fred Bialka
Purchasing Agent
City of Milford
Parsons Government Center
70 West River Street
Milford, CT 06460
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2. Commissioning Authority Scope of Work
The City is interested in securing the services of a Commissioning Authority for this project to
work directly for the Owner.
The Commissioning Authority's scope of services shall generally follow the items outlined here
in this RFQ/RFP, and the City will utilize the attached two page consulting agreement, subject to
Corporation Counsel review and approval for this contract.
To allow a base line comparison, the respondent shall provide (but not limited to) the following
services, as a minimum:
Develop and utilize a commissioning plan
Verify installation, functional performance, training and documentation
Complete a commissioning report.
Include the printing costs for all interim reports, final reports, travel, lodging, meals,
telecommunication, CAD drafting, testing equipment and other customary costs in the
fixed fees. 12 copies of all interim and final reports will be required as part of the fixed
fees. Please identify any fee exclusions on a separate page with Form 1.
Understanding the Commissioning Process
Fundamental Commissioning requires the designer to incorporate standards and strategies into
the design process at a very early stage because there are so many important stages from site
selection, conceptual planning, permitting and construction documents that are Commissioning
dependent.
Verify that the building's energy-related systems are installed, calibrated and perform according
to the Owner's Project Requirements, Basis of Design and Construction Documents.
Benefits of Commissioning
Benefits of commissioning include reduced energy use, lower operating costs, reduced
contractor callbacks, better building documentation, improved occupant productivity and
verification that the systems perform in accordance with the owner's project requirements.
Requirements
The following commissioning process activities shall be completed by the commissioning team:
1) Designate an individual as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review and oversee
the completion of the commissioning process activities.
a) The Commissioning Authority shall have documented commissioning authority
experience in at least two building projects.
b) The individual serving as the Commissioning Authority shall be independent of the
project's design and construction management and may not be employees of the
firms providing those services. The Commissioning Authority may be a qualified
employee or consultant of the Owner.
c) The Commissioning Authority shall report results, findings and recommendations
directly to the Owner.
2) Develop and implement a commissioning plan.
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3) Verify the installation and performance of the systems to be commissioned. Re-verify
systems that are identified during the process to be recalibrated or reconfigured by the
Commissioning firm.
4) Complete a thorough and final commissioning report with an executive summary.
Commissioned Systems
Commissioning process activities shall be completed for the following energy-related systems,
at a minimum:
2.1 Heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (mechanical
and passive) and associated controls and power systems
2.2 Lighting and day lighting controls
2.3 Plumbing systems (water heating and fixture).
2.4 Saw Dust Collection System
Potential Technologies & Strategies
The process of commissioning a school involves a detailed review of building systems during
construction to confirm that they are functioning properly. This ensures that benefits of energy
savings and high indoor environmental quality are actually realized during building operations as
intended. Commissioning provides a level of quality control that has been shown to reduce the
need for contractor callbacks. In order to meet this prerequisite, owners are required to use
qualified individuals to lead the commissioning process. Qualified individuals are identified as
those who possess a high level of experience in the following areas:
2.5 Energy systems design, installation and operation
2.6 Commissioning planning and process management
2.7 Hands-on field experience with energy systems performance, interaction, start-up,
balancing, testing, troubleshooting, operation and maintenance procedures
2.8 Energy systems automation control knowledge: Owners are encouraged to consider
including water-using systems, building envelope systems and other systems in the
scope of the commissioning plan, as appropriate. The building envelope is an important
component of a school facility which impacts energy consumption, occupant comfort and
indoor air quality. Building envelope commissioning, while not required by LEED(R) and
State of Connecticut High Performance Building Standards can result in significant
financial savings and reduced risk of poor indoor air quality.
2.9 Owner's Project Requirements
2.10 Basis of Design
2.11 Commissioning Plan
2.12 Commissioning Specification
2.13 Performance Verification Documentation
2.14 Commissioning Report
2.14.1 Ensure accurate as-built drawings and contract document revisions are
maintained and distributed to all members of the Commissioning Team.
2.14.2 Redevelop documentation and training programs for all building and
operators and occupants.
2.14.3 Retain Commissioning Documents as part of the permanent building
records.
Commissioning is the process of ensuring that all building systems are installed and
perform interactively according to the design intent. The installation is adequately
documented and that the Operators are adequately trained. It serves as a tool to
minimize post occupancy operational problems. It establishes testing and
communication protocols in an effort to advance to the building systems from installation
to full dynamic operation and optimization. Building system problems can often be
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identified, documented and corrected through this process which can have a positive
affect on energy bills and occupant comfort (Manke, Hittle et al. 1996) Fundamental
Commissioning Tasks will include:
2.14.4 Act as the Owner's Commissioning Authority for Systems Commissioning
during all phases of Construction.
2.14.5 Develop a Commissioning Plan; The Commissioning Plan outlines the
Commissioning Process. It is part of the Contract Documents and stipulates Contractor
responsibilities that are part of this project. It also indicates the details of the functional
and pre-functional performance testing that is required which the contractor shall
participate.
2.14.6 Meet with the Milford Public Schools Facilities Manager and staff (also hereinafter
referred to as 'Owner'), the Contractors, General Contractor and appropriate Sub-
contractors to verify individual roles and responsibilities for completing the
commissioning process as specified in the Commissioning plan(s)/specifications.
2.14.7 Participate with the Owner to integrate the Commissioning process into the
contractor's schedule.
2.14.8 Verify all specified contractor start-up and testing procedures have been
completed and documented. Secure all specified start-up and testing documentation
for inclusion in the final Commissioning Report.
2.14.9 Develop physical inspection checklists and inspect all related construction for
completeness, workmanship and compliance to the design specifications. Document all
issues and note the party responsible for resolution.
2.14.10 Develop, coordinate, witness, perform and document functional performance
testing procedures. Verify functional performance of specified systems in all operational
modes and through every potential sequence of operation. Document all issues and
note the party responsible for resolution.
2.14.11 Identify, document and track the status of all commissioning related issues
through final resolution. Attend job site meetings to communicate the status of issues.
Verify the appropriate resolution of outstanding issues.
2.14.12 Verify specified training has been provided to designated City of Milford
personnel.
2.14.13 Verify specified operations and maintenance materials are complete and
delivered to the City of Milford and school facility.
2.14.14 Document that all Commissioning procedures and submit a final comprehensive
report to the owner upon completion.
2.14.15 Commissioning Preparation and Organization:
2.13.17.1 Commissioning Meetings including Kick off Meeting
2.13.17.2 Develop Database for Tracking Issues / Concerns
2.13.17.3 Develop Commissioning Plan
2.14.16 Installation Inspection:
2.13.18.1 System Installation Inspection
2.13.18.2 Summary of High Priority Installation Concerns and Documentation
2.13.18.3 Re-inspect Systems after Correction
2.14.17 Performance Verification:
2.13.19.1 Review Major System Tests/Start-ups Documentation
2.13.19.2 Pre-Functional Testing
2.13.19.3 Develop Performance Testing Procedures
2.13.19.4 Performance Verification of Systems (includes One (1) Re-test)
2.13.19.5 Summary of High Priority Operational Concerns and Documentation
2.13.19.6 Review Testing and Balancing Procedures and Reports
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2.14.18 Corrective Action Support:
2.13.20.1 Develop Corrective Action Plan
2.13.20.2 Technical Support In Resolution of Operating Concerns
2.13.20.3 Corrective Action Validation
2.14.19 Maintenance Planning and Operations Training
2.13.21.1 Coordinate and Support Training
2.13.21.2 Review Operations and Maintenance Manuals
2.13.21.3 Track and Overview Contractor Training
2.14.20 HVAC Systems:
2.13.22.1 Packaged Rooftop HVAC Units
2.13.22.2 Fan Coil Units
2.13.22.3 Exhaust Fans & Blowers
2.13.22.4 Sawdust Collection System
2.13.22.5 Duct Furnace
2.13.22.6 Tailpipe Exhaust System
2.13.22.7 Variable Air Volume Terminals
2.13.22.8 Range Hoods
2.13.22.9 Cabinet Unit Heaters
2.13.22.10 Humidifiers
2.13.22.11 Ductless Split Systems
2.14.21 Electrical Systems:
2.13.23.1 Transformer
2.13.23.2 Power Quality
2.13.23.3 Lighting and Lighting Controls
2.14.22 Energy Management Control System:
2.13.24.1 EMS Workstation and Network
2.13.24.2 EMS Communication
2.13.24.3 EMS Sequence of Operation
2.13.24.4 Field Devices
2.14.23 Plumbing Systems
2.13.25.1 Water Heater and Systems
2.13.25.2 Plumbing Fixtures
2.14.24 Preventative Maintenance System Development:
2.13.26.1 Development of PM Tasks and Detailed Descriptions of Work
2.15 Other Scope of Work Requirements
* A minimum of bi-weekly meetings with the Owner, Architect and others, as
appropriate, as well as night meetings as needed (typically once a month with the
Permanent School Building Committee (PSBC)).
* Assistance in the review of Bids received for Commissioning components.
* Assistance in preparation of recommendations concerning bids.
* Provide input to the General Contractor in developing a detailed project schedule
including Commissioning components.
* Provides services, attend meetings and complete all Commissioning requirements
through both heating and cooling seasons.
* Provide services until all punchlist items related to any component outlined in the
commissioning process are complete and accepted by owner.
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2.16 Post-Construction Phase
As necessary to comply with the requirements outlined below and complete
commissioning process in accordance with USGBC(R) Standards and State of
Connecticut High Performance Building Standards and as further required in this
RFQ/RFP.
3. Proposals
This Request for proposals includes: Each section must be addressed, and the City reserves
the right to reject responses that do not follow the format given.
Executive Summary
History
Firm Organization:
Approach to Project:
Fee Proposal - Lump Sums broken into phases (based on Form 1) with hourly rates and
for additional work beyond construction schedule shown.
Staffing Plan and Fee for Services. Provide a staffing plan for completion of the work.
Indicate hourly rates of the staff, the estimated hours required completing the various
phase tasks, and a total cost to the City. Include all meetings, staff time, coordination,
and all required project expenses in your total cost to the City.
Briefly describe the respondent, the approach to the project, the staffing available and
envisioned for use on the project, and the capability of the respondent to operate to the
given schedule while providing the services required. Give an overview of the history of
the respondent with emphasis, upon recent public school projects of a similar nature but
within the past 5 years. Include name of owner, architect, cost and completion date.
Submission of these names shall constitute your permission for the PSBC or other City
representatives to contact those individuals. Highlight significant projects,
accomplishments, and awards, as well as alliances or partnerships with other
contractors, professionals, and owner's particular discussion should be given on HVAC
M/E/P and indoor air quality type projects completed by the firm within the last 5 years.
Describe methods of cost control; show examples of conceptual estimates to actual bid
results and final costs of projects completed within the last five years.
Describe the Respondent's organization. Specify the personnel and equipment available
for assignment to the projects. Specify the bonding capability and rating of the
Respondent. Supply resumes of principal personnel as an appendix. Indicate contact
person for the proposal phase, telephone and fax numbers. Describe, in whatever
manner the Respondent deems appropriate, the Respondent's approach to the Project
commencing with date of hire and ending with completion of punch list items and close
out of paperwork. List software utilized for estimates and project management.
Provide a list of contacts complete with phone and fax numbers for all projects listed (as
required). State whether any projects of any kind resulted in a legal dispute and, if so,
describe the dispute and the outcome of same. Submission of these names shall
constitute your permission for the PSBC or other City representatives to contact those
individuals.
Provide claims loss letter from insurance company covering the past five years and
provide a summary of claims and lawsuits in the last five years, detailing the claimant,
project, date of the claim and narrate the current disposition of the claim or lawsuit.
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