Bridge Rehabilitation Project Designer

CITY OF LOWELL

PERMITTING, ENGINEERING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES (RAISE GRANT FUNDING)

QUALIFICATIONS-BASED SOLICITATION

Release Date: April 1, 2026

Pre-Proposal Briefing: Thursday April 9, 2026 at 10 AM in

Lowell City Hall Purchasing Office

Deadline for RFI: Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 4 PM

Written Responses Due: Thursday, April 30, 2026 by 11 AM

Interviews Conducted: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Notice of Selection: Thursday, May 7, 2026 by 4 PM

Designer Submission: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 by 4 PM

City Council Vote: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Cost and Scope Negotiation: May 20-29, 2026

Contact Person:

P. Michael Vaughn

Chief Procurement Officer

375 Merrimack Street, Room 60

Lowell, MA 01852

P: (978) 674-4110 E-mail: pmvaughn@lowellma.gov

City of Lowell Purchasing Department City Hall

375 Merrimack Street, Room 60

Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

Project Name: RAISE Grant Designer Services

RFP No.: 26-59

Date: April 1, 2026

Buyer: P. Michael Vaughn

Tel. No.: 978-970-4110 Fax No.: 978-970-4114

Email: pmvaughn@lowellma.gov

The City of Lowell hereby invites sealed proposals from qualified bidders to provide Engineering and Design services for the FHWA-administered Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant (RAISE Grant) for four bridge repairs and replacements in Lowell. Major tasks shall include, but not be limited to, field investigations, survey, concrete testing, sub-surface geotechnical and soils testing; preliminary structures evaluations, alternatives analysis, bridge type selection; MEPA and NEPA permitting (including right-of-way process); design - preliminary, 25%, 75/100%, and PS&E; typical review, over the shoulder reviews, and coordination meetings; public outreach; construction-phase engineering and grant administration during construction.

A Selection Committee will be appointed who will recommend a consulting firm based upon its Plan of Services; General Qualifications of the Firm; Personnel and Resources to be Utilized; Experience with Similar Projects; Approach to Project Timeline; Financial Stability; and References.

CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN EQUALLY TO ALL TYPES OF FIRMS THAT MAY BE QUALIFIED TO PERFORM ALL PHASES OF THE WORK.

DUE DATE

Sealed proposals are due and will not be publicly opened on: April 30, 2026 at City Hall in the Purchasing Department, Room 60, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, at 11 AM, EST/EDST, for the work described herein. BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A COMPLETE BID INCLUDING ALL BID FORMS CONTAINED IN THIS PACKAGE. DO NOT REMOVE PAGES.

PREBID

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held: April 9, 2026 at City Hall in the Purchasing Department, Room 60, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, at 10 AM, EST/EDST.

CLARIFICATIONS OF SPECIFICATIONS (RFI)

Any request for clarification to, or relief from, the specifications, must be submitted in writing to the attention of the assigned Buyer at the Purchasing Department’s office no later than April 16, 2026 at 4 PM EST/EDST.

Should the City make changes to any specification, stipulation, requirement, or procedure, notification will be made to all Bidders in the form of written Addenda. No officer, agent, or employee of the City is authorized to amend any provision contained in this RFP, including the specifications, unless such amendment is issued as an Addendum and sent to all Bidders in accordance with this Section (Clarification of Specifications). Bidder is required to acknowledge all addenda. (Exhibit D – form B).

APPROPRIATION CONTINGENCY

If the City fails to appropriate operating funds, or if funds are not otherwise made available for the continued performance for any fiscal period of this Contract succeeding the first fiscal period, this Contract shall be cancelled automatically as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which funds were not appropriated. The City’s fiscal year begins July 1st.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (ABBREVIATED SOLICITATION)

1.0 GENERAL

This Abbreviated Solicitation invites MassDOT pre-qualified Prospective Consultants (hereinafter "Prospective Consultants") to submit Written Responses, of which a short list will be invited to present to a Selection Committee as appointed by the City Manager. A representative from MassDOT and/or FHWA may be present at the presentation as a non-voting participant.

The presentation will demonstrate the Prospective Consultants’ qualifications and understanding of the Scope of Work for the FHWA-administered Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant (RAISE Grant) for canal bridge repairs and replacements in Lowell. The RAISE Grant project scope and timeline is described in Exhibit A, a brief project narrative is provided in Exhibit B, the full RAISE Grant Project Narrative is provided in Exhibit C, and the City’s required contract provisions are included in Exhibit D.

THE FOLLOWING IS A MINIMUM CRITERION: Prospective Consultants must be prequalified (as of the release date of this Abbreviated Solicitation) by MassDOT’s Architects and Engineers Review Board in all the following categories:

-INTERMEDIATE ROADWAY DESIGN

-INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE DESIGN/RATING

These instructions prescribe the general format and contents of the written and presentation materials so Prospective Consultants’ qualifications can be evaluated on a comparative basis.

The initial length of this contract will be SIX (6) years. Design work will commence immediately and end prior to August 31, 2027. Construction will begin immediately thereafter and will end by August 31, 2032.

This is a single procurement for the City of Lowell only.

2.0 PREPARATION OF ABBREVIATED SOLICITATION RESPONSE

The Abbreviated Solicitation Response with attachments and completed forms, if any, shall be in the format as specified in these Instructions. Each Written Response shall show the full legal name and business address of the Prospective Consultant, including street address if different from mailing address, and shall be signed and dated by the person or persons authorized to bind the Prospective Consultant. The State of Incorporation shall be stated for each corporation that is a Prospective Consultant.

The name of each signatory shall be typed below each signature. If requested, satisfactory evidence of the authority of a signatory on behalf of the Prospective Consultant shall be furnished. (See Exhibit D)

The preparation of an Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response shall be at the expense of the Prospective Consultant. Prospective Consultants are responsible to fully examine this Abbreviated Solicitation, addenda (if any), and referenced documents.

Bound and electronic proposals submitted in accordance with details herein shall become the property of the Selection Committee and will be subject to applicable Public Record Laws.

The City of Lowell contact for issuance of this Abbreviated Solicitation until contract award shall be:

P. Michael Vaughn

Chief Procurement Officer 375 Merrimack Street

Lowell, MA 01852

P: (978) 674-4110 E-mail: pmvaughn@lowellma.gov

Prospective Consultants are not to address questions to anyone other than the Lowell contact, nor shall they attempt to obtain clarifications by telephone or personal visit. Disqualification may result if these procedures are not strictly adhered to.

The Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response materials must be received no later than

11:00 AM EST on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

3.0 ABBREVIATED SOLICITATION WRITTEN RESPONSE

3.1 Letter of Transmittal

The Prospective Consultant's Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response (Written Response) shall include a letter of transmittal not to exceed three (3) pages, signed by an individual(s), authorized to bind the Prospective Consultant contractually. The letter must state that the Written Response will remain valid for a period of three (3) calendar months from its submission date and thereafter until the Prospective Consultant withdraws it, a contract is executed, or the procurement is terminated by City of Lowell or its duly authorized representative, whichever occurs first. The letter shall also commit the Prospective Consultant to an oral presentation/interview as detailed hereafter.

The transmittal letter shall include the name, title, address, and telephone number of one or more individuals who can respond to requests for additional information, and also, of one or more individuals who are authorized to negotiate and execute a contract on the Prospective Consultant's behalf.

3.2 Proposal Format

All information pertaining to the Prospective Consultant's qualifications and approach to meeting the requirements of the Abbreviated Solicitation shall be organized and presented in the Prospective Consultant's Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response.

The instructions contained in these requirements must be strictly followed.

The Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Prospective Consultant's commitment to satisfy the requirements of this Abbreviated Solicitation.

Accuracy and completeness are essential. Omissions and ambiguous or equivocal statements will be viewed unfavorably and will be considered in the evaluation. Since all or a portion of the successful Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response may be incorporated into any ensuing contract, all Prospective Consultants are further cautioned not to make claims or statements that cannot be subsequently included in a legally binding contract.

The City of Lowell wishes to select the most qualified consultant in the preparation of Abbreviated Solicitation Written Responses. Thus, the City of Lowell requires the Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response be limited in length to ten (10)- 8 1/2"x11" sheets printed both sides (exclusive of the Transmittal Letter). The font shall not be less than a size of 12 point. All Response requirements must be submitted for each party comprising the Prospective Consultant's organization, which includes all named sub- consultants and sub-contractors. Such information will be considered as part of the above page limit. The City of Lowell may reject any Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response that does not meet these specific requirements.

3.3 Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response Contents

The Prospective Consultant's Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response shall contain the following information in the sequence presented and under the headings given.

Prospective Consultants who do not comply with this restriction may be considered non-conforming and summarily eliminated from consideration at the discretion of the Selection Committee that will be responsible for the evaluation of all Abbreviated Solicitation Written Responses.

A. Project Staffing, Schedule and Organizational Chart

Describe the Prospective Consultant's design team composition by indicating how it intends to perform the work. The Prospective Consultant shall detail office locations and technical staff from each location available to work on the scope of services.

The Prospective Consultant shall detail specifically the work that it proposes to do with its own forces and the work to be performed by others. A reasonable approximate percentage of job hour effort shall be indicated for each such participating entity.

THE FOLLOWING IS A MINIMUM CRITERION: The Prospective Consultant design team members shall demonstrate Architects and Engineers Board pre-qualification status in the following disciplines:

Intermediate Roadway Design

Intermediate Bridge Design/Rating

Identify the key personnel to be assigned to this project and the specific role each person will have. Include summary resumes of key personnel and descriptions of relevant work experience for each. Full resumes may be included as an appendix to the Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response and will not be counted as part of the above page limit.

For each key employee, indicate whether such employee is to be assigned on a full-time or a part-time basis. If the employee is to be assigned part-time, indicate what percentage of his or her time is currently assigned to key roles in other projects, and a minimum percentage of time that person will be made available for assignments under this contract, based on current workload.

Due to the tight timeline for this permitting and design process, and a Design-Bid-Build Advertising Date of December 1, 2027, the Written Responses shall also include the backlog of work for each company involved in the Written Response and each key employee. The Written Response shall directly address how the RAISE Grant work shall be prioritized for all key employees.

The Prospective Consultant design team shall prepare a MassDOT-compliant Preliminary Project Design Schedule in MS Project clearly demonstrating their ability to meet the December 1, 2027 advertising date and reflective of Pre-25%, 25%, 75/100%, key deliverables, and PS&E design submissions with 30 day review periods.

B. Experience on Similar Projects

List up to three projects that demonstrate the Prospective Consultant’s competence to perform work in a similar timeframe and similar to that likely to be required as outlined in Exhibit A “SCOPE OF SERVICES”. Provide summary descriptions of each project to demonstrate the complexity and type of services rendered. Identify projects that the Prospective Consultant has permitted through a state and federal MEPA/NEPA process and bridge designs in urban environments. Particular focus should be given to bridges around canals (or similarly urban minor waterways) with existing utilities. Describe experience designing/managing construction of historic stone arch bridges. Describe experience in designing/managing Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) Projects, including experience with precast sections and geotechnical solutions. Also describe in detail previous use of these techniques to minimize Onsite Construction and Mobility Impact Times.

C. Understanding the Scope of Services

Describe the Prospective Consultant's general understanding of the scope of services and the key issues associated with permitting, engineering design, design exceptions, healthy transportation, and review (construction-phase) services. Statements shall describe the Prospective Consultant's familiarity with Federal and State advertising and procurement regulations as depicted in Title 23 CFR, and MGL C.30 and C.149 respective, relevant Federal and State environmental regulatory permitting requirements (MEPA/NEPA, ACOE Section 401 & 404, MHC, USCG, Chapter 91, etc.) and design-bid-build bridge construction and repair work. Describe the Prospective Consultant’s previous experience in evaluating and overcoming conditions, challenges and other problems associated with designing and constructing bridges under accelerated conditions, including specific statements about how the RAISE Grant deliverables timeline will be met.

Prospective Consultants should demonstrate their team’s ability to deliver a MassDOT- conforming PS&E package based on a streamlined submittal process as follows:

1. Preliminary Structures Report and Type Study Alternatives Analysis and associated Over-The-Shoulder pre-25% scoping.

2. 25% Submittal

3. 75%/100% submittal

4. Final PS&E submittal

Specifically, Prospective Consultants should outline how the firm intends to meet the environmental permitting requirements and what the assumptions are, advancing additional survey and in-situ testing that will be required and completing and preparing the necessary right-of-way, temporary and permanent acquisitions, plan and instrument documents necessary to certify and advertise the project.

D. References

Provide the names and contact information (telephone number and e-mail address) of at least three clients for whom the Prospective Consultant has performed work similar to that proposed, and who may be contacted as references. Preferably, these references should include governmental agencies similar to the City of Lowell, and should include the recent projects cited above. The Project Manager for this Abbreviated Solicitation cannot be listed as a reference.

The Selection Committee has the right to verify any references included in a Prospective Consultant’s Written Response and to conduct any other reference or credit checks as the Selection Committee deems appropriate. The Selection Committee also reserves the right to use historical information, whether gleaned from references provided, previous contract performance or outside sources in the evaluation of a Prospective Consultant’s

Written Response. Poor references or past history may result in a Prospective Consultant not being selected.

E. Conflict of Interest

Each Prospective Consultant is advised that its performance of work for the City of Lowell may, at any time, raise questions about real or perceived conflicts of interest because of Prospective Consultant's relationship to other entities or individuals, including without limitation: (1) private and public owners of properties that abut or may be affected by the Project, and/or (2) other city- or state-created entities with potentially conflicting interests and/or concerns.

Accordingly, City of Lowell reserves the right to:

(1) Disqualify any Prospective Consultant or reject any proposal at any time solely on the grounds that a real or perceived legal or policy conflict of interest is presented;

(2) Require any Prospective Consultant to take any action or supply any information necessary to remove the conflict, including without limitation, obtaining an opinion from the State Ethics Commission; or

(3) Terminate any contract arising out of this solicitation if, in the opinion of City of Lowell, any such relationship would constitute or have the potential to create a real or perceived conflict of interest that cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the City of Lowell.

In addition, representatives and/or employees of the successful Prospective Consultant may be required to agree to certify from time to time, in a form approved by the City of Lowell, that in connection with work under this Contract, they are in full compliance with the provisions of Chapter 268A of the General Laws and any other applicable conflict of interest laws. The Prospective Consultant agrees to disclose in writing any facts the City of Lowell may seek in order to resolve questions about potential conflicts of interest occurring during the period of solicitation or performance hereunder and, upon request of the City of Lowell, supply a full and complete list of its relationships to other entities and individuals. In any such event, the Prospective Consultant shall consult with the City of Lowell’s authorized representatives to learn what action must be taken to resolve such conflicts and comply with all applicable laws and policies.

Each of the Prospective Consultants shall submit to the City of Lowell as part of its Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response a list of all such potential conflicts or a written certification that it has none.

F. Affirmative Market Program (AMP)

As part of a Written Response, the Prospective Consultant is required to supply a copy of an approved Affirmative Action Certificate or copy of the letter transmitting their plan to the Office of Civil Rights. This document may be included as an attachment to the Written Response. A statement noting the inclusion as an attachment must be included in the 10 page portion of the Written Response.

The following language describes the Affirmative Market Program requirements for this Proposal.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) (Revised 1/25/2011)

The following language describes the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) formerly known as the Affirmative Market Program (AMP) requirements for this Abbreviated Solicitation and replaces any and all other (SDP) requirements.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO)

1) Selected consultants with 50 or more employees and an estimated contract value of $50,000 or more are required to have an Affirmative Action Plan for the current year on file with Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The plan must comply with the provisions of 41 C.F.R. Part 60-2.

2) Affirmative Action Plans can be submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights for review before submission of the Written Response. As part of the proposal, the consultant is required to supply a copy of an approved Affirmative Action Certificate.

3) Selected consultants with less than 50 employees and an estimated contract value of $50,000 or more may obtain an approved Affirmative Action Certificate by submitting an Affirmative Action Policy signed by the consultant’s CEO to the Office of Civil Rights. Firms with 10 or more employees must submit the following in addition to the policy: a workforce analysis that delineates the consultant’s workforce by race, gender and EEO4 category; the consultant’s information dissemination policy: a description of how the consultant organization informs employees its AA policy; and a copy of the consultant’s complaint process that articulates how the consultant handles employee allegations of civil rights violations.

Address questions regarding AA/EEO requirements to:

MassDOT Office of Diversity and Civil Rights

10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3973

Telephone: 857-368-8580

Massdot.civilrights@dot.state.ma.us

G. Audit Data

As part of the Response, the consultant is required to obtain and include a letter from the Audit Operations Unit stating that the consultant has submitted the required documentation and that they are in compliance with the current version of the MassDOT Architectural and Engineering Consulting Firms Prequalification Indirect Cost Rate Guidelines.

If the consultant has already submitted current audit data information to MassDOT through MassDOT’s normal A&E prequalification procedures, the consultant may already have the letter required for this portion of the Response.  As part of MassDOT’s normal A&E prequalification procedures, consultants are required to submit an audited overhead rate to MassDOT within 150 days after the close of the firm’s latest fiscal year.  The consultant is responsible for ensuring that these audit requirements are met.  MassDOT will disqualify any consultant that fails to submit acceptable audit data in a timely manner.

In addition to the requirements stated above, any additional members of the prospective consultant team expected to perform work on this contract are required to obtain and provide the aforementioned audit compliance letter.  Prospective team members that are expected to perform non-A&E work on this contract are not required to obtain and provide the aforementioned audit compliance letter.  For the purpose of this requirement, non-A&E work involves services not generally provided by engineers or architects.  These types of services do not fall under any of the standard work categories defined and used by the Architects and Engineers Review Board for prequalification.  These types of services would normally support and be performed in conjunction with A&E work and include but are not limited to public participation, document production, drilling and boring, data collection, computer programming and software development, and website development and management, as determined by MassDOT.

Any documents submitted to satisfy the requirements of this section may be included as an attachment to the Response and will not be counted toward the page limit of the Response.

Detailed information regarding MassDOT’s audit requirements for consultants is available at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/submit-an-annual-prequalification-audit-requirement .  Questions

regarding the audit data requirements may be directed to Audit Operations at

dot.audit@dot.state.ma.us .

H. Insurance and Risk Management

Indicate methods of complying with the liability and insurance requirements of the Exhibit D. Also, provide a brief statement as to Prospective Consultant’s present standard insurance coverage or self-insurance program. Prospective Consultant Team may need to provide additional liability and indemnity insurance requirements compliant with Enel Green Power North America for certain project phases.

I. Cost Proposal

Upon notification by the Selection Committee, the most qualified-based selected Prospective Consultant will be asked to prepare a detailed scope and workhour estimate consistent with the MassDOT Standardized Scope and Workhour Estimate format (the “Designer Submission”). Pursuant to the City of Lowell’s agreement with the Federal Highway Administration, the fee proposal shall include separate scope and fee for the Swamp Locks Pedestrian Bridge over the Lower Pawtucket Canal.

4.0 CLARIFICATION OF ABBREVIATED SOLICITATION WRITTEN RESPONSE

If clarification of the contents of any Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response is required by the Selection Committee shall be addressed during the oral presentation/interview.

5.0 SUBMISSION OF ABBREVIATED SOLICITATION WRITTEN RESPONSE

One original document and one (1) electronic copy of the Prospective Consultant's Abbreviated Solicitation Written Response shall be submitted not later than the date and time indicated on page 2 of this solicitation and shall addressed to City of Lowell, Project Manager, at the above address. City of Lowell may reject responses received later than the specified time and date.

6.0 ABBREVIATED SOLICITATION AMENDMENT

City of Lowell reserves the right to amend this Abbreviated Solicitation at its sole discretion at any time.

7.0 NON-COMMITMENT

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Abbreviated Solicitation, this Abbreviated Solicitation does not commit City of Lowell to award a contract. City of Lowell reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any and all Proposals, or any portions thereof, at any time; to cancel the Abbreviated Solicitation; and to solicit new Proposals under a new acquisition process.

8.0 PROPOSAL PREPARATION COSTS

By submitting a Proposal, the Prospective Consultant agrees that in no event shall City of Lowell be either responsible for or held liable for any costs incurred by the Prospective Consultant in the preparation of or in connection with a Written Response, or for work performed prior to the effective date of a resulting contract.

9.0 ORAL PRESENTATIONS / INTERVIEW

The Selection Committee shall evaluate the Abbreviated Solicitation Written Responses and the City reserves the right to short-list Prospective Consultant teams. Shortlisted firms shall attend, either in-person or virtually, an oral presentation / interview of their Written Response to the Selection Committee on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. All members of the Prospective Consultant’s project staff team will be required to attend. Such oral presentations shall, as a general rule, be limited to approximately forty (40) minutes. After oral presentations, the Selection Committee will conduct an interview comprised of questions solely related to the Prospective Consultant’s MEPA/NEPA permitting experience, experience with similar projects in urban environments, experience with short timelines, and approach to the Scope of Services. The interview, as a general rule, will be limited to approximately one (1) hour. All Prospective Consultants will be asked the same questions. The Selection Committee Members will record the Prospective Consultant’s responses. Each Selection Committee Member shall evaluate the completeness of the Prospective Consultant’s responses and assign a grade with the intent of ranking the Prospective Consultants to support the Selection Committee’s recommendation. A representative from MassDOT and/or FHWA may be present at the presentation as a non-voting participant.

10.0 END RESULT OF PROCESS

After the evaluations, rankings and recommended qualifications-based selections of the qualified Prospective Consultant firms, the top-ranked Prospective Consultant will be submitted to the Lowell City Engineer for approval and to MassDOT and FHWA for concurrence. The top-ranked firm will be notified of their selection on May 7, 2026. The firm must provide the Designer Submission—consisting of a detailed scope and workhour estimate consistent with the MassDOT Standardized Scope and Workhour Estimate format – and pursuant to the City of Lowell’s agreement with FHWA, the fee proposal shall include a separate scope and fee for the Swamp Locks Pedestrian Bridge over the Upper Pawtucket Canal to the City of Lowell Project Manager by Wednesday, May 13, 2026 by 4 PM. Between May 20 and May 29, 2026 the City and top-ranked Prospective Consultant will attempt to reach agreement on scope of work and cost to finalize a contract. If a firm does not reach an agreement with the City of Lowell, a negotiation will begin with the next ranked firm.

Exhibit A

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The services to be provided by the Consultant in connection with assisting the City of Lowell will fall within the following general work categories:

1. Field Investigations, including but not limited to, survey, concrete testing, sub- surface geotechnical and soils testing.

2. Preliminary structures evaluations, alternatives analysis, bridge type selection.

3. Permitting (including right-of-way process).

4. Design, Preliminary, 25%, 75/100%, and PS&E.

5. Typical Review, Over the Shoulder Reviews, and Coordination Meetings.

6. Public Outreach.

7. Construction Phase Engineering support.

The work will be completed to fulfill the pre-construction activities of the RAISE Grant as described in brief in Exhibit B and provided in full in Exhibit C.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK CATEGORIES

1. Permitting

Specific assignments will be designated whereby the Consultant will be directed to complete all necessary permitting, including, but not limited to, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. NEPA compliance activities will include, but shall not be limited to, the following: thorough public process/outreach/involvement required to demonstrate “no significant public controversy” and effect a determination that an Environmental Assessment is NOT necessary, right-of-way survey and land acquisitions, temporary and/or permanent acceptable to MassDOT and coordinating historic approvals under Sections 106 and 4(f) with MassDOT Cultural Resources Unit. Other permits that may be required include Massachusetts Chapter 85 approval, Massachusetts Chapter 91 approval, confirmation of project status under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, and local Conservation Commission approval. MassDOT will be responsible for determining the applicability of the Bridge Exemption.

MassDOT’s Cultural Resources Unit (CRU) staff will take the lead in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Lowell Historic Board, and the National Park Service; preparation of Section 106 documentation, including a Memorandum of Agreement if required; and preparation of any Section 4(f) documentation that may be required for the use of historic properties.

2. Design

Design assignments shall include all work necessary to furnish preliminary designs as required for permitting work and final designs (plans, specifications, and estimates) in accordance with the MassDOT Standardized Task Descriptions and Scope of Work

contained herein. A full alternatives analysis will be required as part of the NEPA review process. This analysis must examine and quantify all impacts of a build and no-build scenario, as well as a design that meets MassDOT’s Healthy Transportation Policy.

Concrete sampling for structural components intended for reuse in the rehabilitation or replacement of the structures. Concrete testing shall identify strength, chloride content, percent air entrainment, as well as petrographic analysis to determine the presence of Alkali Silica Reaction and or other deleterious by-products, to assure competence and durability of retained concrete.

Steel evaluation through testing of coupon samples shall determine strength and weldability for the evaluation of reuse of retained structural steel as well as to document materials for City and State records for use in potential future repairs.

Design assignments may also include construction phase support services, such as review of shop drawings, furnishing advice during construction, and supplemented with MassDOT’s Scope of Work and Standardized Task Descriptions.

The consultant shall be responsible for providing clear guidance to the Selection Committee members by means of a MassDOT compliant MS Project Design Schedule documenting key project deliverables to ensure the ability to advertise on or before July 1, 2027.

3. Review

Review assignments shall include all work necessary for the complete review of plans and specifications and confirmation that the plans and specifications meet all MassDOT, FHWA, and AASHTO standards and criteria, including the best engineering policies and practices, as currently accepted, specifically:

• Latest Edition of Massachusetts Highway Department Project Development and Design Guide (PDDG)

• MassDOT LRFD Bridge Manual, latest edition

• MassDOT Right of Way Manual

• (MassDOT) Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges, latest Edition

• 1996 MassHighway Survey Manual

• All current MassDOT Engineering Directives

Items to be reviewed may consist of any or all of the following: specifications and estimates; right-of-way and layout plans; bridge calculations, plans, specifications and estimates; landscaping plans; traffic management plans; drainage and grading plans; hydraulic plans; utility plans; roll base plans; cross sections; profiles; traffic control devices plans; detail plans; and any other materials related to the RAISE Grant project. Traffic management plans/detours shall be fully developed with a complete bridge construction phasing and sequencing plan.

4. Construction-Phase Engineering

Assignments under construction-phase services may include pre-bid services; participation in a pre-construction conference; review and approval of shop drawings; preparation of signal permits; review, approve or take appropriate action regarding conformance to bridge construction procedures; furnish advice during construction including review and response to RFIs, active coordination with the City’s Owner Project Manager to confirm contractor invoices and prepare grant reimbursable submissions, and complete a bridge rating including photographs.

5. Special Studies, Reports and Document Preparation

Assignments under this work category will involve the preparation of studies, reports, specifications, guides, and other documents required by the City of Lowell. Tasks may involve research, site visits, meetings and coordination with City of Lowell staff and others, writing, editing, and printing of documents. The Consultant may also be required to train City of Lowell staff and others regarding materials prepared by them under these assignments.

The Consultant design team shall initiate early coordination with MassDOT District Utility and Constructability Engineer. Right of Way plan and instrument, licensing, establishment of permanent rights of Timely access /entrance to the canals to allow both inspection and repair of all structures. Discussion of new ornamental rails vs. proposed refurbishment both as potentially more cost effective, durable, and allowing for a more coherent presentation throughout the bridges.

6. Emergency Assignments

The City Engineer may request that emergency assignments and/or those which may only require a field visit and/or submission of a brief report be performed by the Consultant on a costs plus a net fee basis, without the necessity of an agreed-upon cost prior to the performance of the work. All such assignments shall require written approval of the City Engineer, certifying that the work was performed at City of Lowell’s request and that the cost was reasonable.

Exhibit B

RAISE Grant Project Description

Description of the project:

1. Project Narrative

The RAISE Grant bridge repair and replacement project is described in the full grant narrative included as Exhibit C. Briefly, the proposed bridge improvements are as follows:

i. Broadway Street over the Western Canal (L-15-033) – The proposed work includes preservation of a 92’ historic stone arch bridge. The stone substructure will be repaired, chinked or replaced. The sidewalks, bridge rail and pedestrian railings will be reconstructed. All work will be completed within the existing right-of-way.

ii. Market Street Bridge over the Merrimack Canal (L-15-044) – The proposed work includes rehabilitation of the exiting 40’ bridge. The substructure beams that control the weight restrictions will be addressed. The bridge deck will be reconstructed, including new full depth pavement, sidewalk bridge rail and pedestrian railings. Existing utility crossings will be maintained. All work will be completed within the existing right-of-way.

iii. Lawrence Street Bridge over the River Meadow Brook (L-15-042) – The proposed work includes rehabilitation of the existing 121’ concrete slab bridge. The concrete substructure will be repaired. The bridge deck will be reconstructed, including mill and overlay, sidewalks, bridge rail and pedestrian railings. All work will be completed within the existing right-of-way.

iv. Swamp Locks Bridge over the Lower Pawtucket Canal – The proposed work includes removal of the existing 125’ bridge and preplacement with a pedestrian-only bridge. The existing structure will be replaced with a single span prefabricated slab-girder bridge. All work will be completed within the existing right-of-way. Coordination with the National Park System will be required.

2. Project Timeline and Responsibilities

Task	Timeframe	Lead Entity	Comments
Design engineer procurement	April – May 2026	City	City will use an abbreviated solicitation for engineering firms pre-qualified by MassDOT. The abbreviated format and content shall be reviewed and approved by USDOT and FHWA.
Preliminary design	July 2026 – December 2026	City in cooperation and conjunction with MassDOT; MassDOT will oversee design/permitting/ROW process and jointly supervise the engineering design firm.	Initial design as necessary for permitting and required geotechnical investigations (anticipated 25% design)
Permitting. Most important: NEPA, including all historic elements (Section 106 and 4f) as applicable and Determination of Chapter 91 applicability	June 2026 - September 2026	MassDOT leads NEPA review process.	City – Lowell Historic Board in conjunction with MassDOT will lead the process to develop an MOA with SHPO. MassDOT CRU staff will need bridge sketch plans and 25% highway plans before submittal of Section 106 documentation to FHWA for transmittal to SHPO.

Permitting – additional as necessary based on design. Additional permits include: - Chapter 85 - 401 Water Quality Certification - Army Corps 404 Permit - Chapter 91 – possible if substantial canal wall work - Bridge Exempt from MEPA, - Chapter 91 - Wetlands Protection Act, and Chapter 91 (for bridges) - MESA “No take” letter	September 2026 -August 2027	Design firm	Permitting will run concurrently as appropriate during the design development process.
Design	August 2026-July 2027	City/Design Firm	Advance a preliminary structures assessment and type study through 25% designs to 100% (PS&E). Advertising by December 1, 2027
Procurement	Advertising Date December 1, 2027	MassDOT	Process dictated by MassDOT rules and regulations.
Construction	March 1, 2028	MassDOT	MassDOT will oversee all construction-phase contract administration, inspections and project management. Procurement construction contract will provide inspectional services, contract administration, general project management and oversight. City of Lowell through its Engineering Design Services Contract will be assigning the CPS to its consultant design team. Owner Project Manager procured and reimbursed through the FHWA RAISE Grant.

Community outreach and communication

Design and Construction-phase

City and selected designer lead abutter outreach and notification

City-MassDOT communication will be critical to ensure timely dissemination of appropriate information.

Full RAISE Grant Narrative as Submitted to USDOT

Exhibit D

City of Lowell Contractual Requirements

CONDITIONS, REQUIREMENTS AND COVENANTS

Article 1. Acceptance or Rejection of Bids

The Purchasing Agent reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to accept any bid, in whole or in part which it considers to serve the best interest of the City of Lowell.

Any bid which is not according to prescribed form, not properly signed, or otherwise contrary to instructions may be rejected by the Purchasing Department.

All bids received by the Purchasing Department will be stamped in when received and said stamp shall indicate the time and date of receipt. All bids received will not be publicly opened and read in the Purchasing Department at date and time shown above.

NO BID WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER TIME AND DATE SPECIFIED.

Article 2. Identification of Sealed Envelopes

Bids shall be placed in sealed envelopes that are marked on the outside with the name and address of the bidder, the title of the project and the scheduled date for the opening of bids. No responsibility will be attached to the City of Lowell or the Purchasing Department for the premature opening of any bid that is not properly identified.

Article 3. Certified Check and/or Performance/Payment Bond

A certified check made payable to the “City of Lowell” in the amount of 0% must accompany this bid. Bid bonds are acceptable.

A performance bond in the amount of 0% of the total dollar award is required prior to contract execution.

A payment bond in the amount of 0% of the total dollar award is required prior to contract execution.

Article 4. Mailing of Bids

Bids which are mailed should be addressed to the Purchasing Department at 375 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA. 01852.

Article 5. Bid Forms

It is advisable that bids be submitted on appropriate Bid Forms prepared by the Purchasing Department in order to avoid errors, misconception or ambiguities in reference to the Project Documents.

Article 6. Possible Discrepancies in Specifications

Any inadvertent errors, omissions or discrepancies in the applicable specifications should be brought to the attention of the Purchasing Agent who shall then send written instructions to all bidders in order to effect the correction and clarification of the Project Documents. Failure of any bidder to receive any such addendum shall NOT relieve the bidder from any obligation under his bid as submitted.

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