Downtown Albany Streetscape Redesign Engineering Services

CITY OF ALBANY
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR THE PROVISION OF
S R
TREETSCAPE EDESIGN
E S
NGINEERING ERVICES IN
D A
OWNTOWN LBANY
STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATION DUE: AUGUST 18, 2026
AT 2:00 PM
RFQ 2026-01
JULY 16, 2026

Table of Contents
SECTION 1: PURPOSE ....................................................................................... 1
SECTION 2: RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS ........................................................... 2
SECTION 3: STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS........................................ 3
SECTION 4: SCOPE OF SERVICES .................................................................... 5
SECTION 5: TERM OF ENGAGEMENT ........................................................... 8
SECTION 6: COST PROPOSAL ......................................................................... 8
SECTION 7: STATEMENT EVALUATION ....................................................... 9
SECTION 8: ALTERNATIVES ..........................................................................10
SECTION 9: INDEMNIFICATION ....................................................................10
SECTION 10: SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION ..........................................10
SECTION 11: MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL OF STATEMENTS ...11
SECTION 12: INSURANCE AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:..................11
SECTION 13: NON-COLLUSIVE PROPOSAL CERTIFICATE AND
ACKNOWLEDGMENT .......................................................................................13
SECTION 14: PROCUREMENT FORMS AND REQUIREMENTS ..................13
SECTION 15: SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ...............................................14
NON-COLLUSIVE PROPOSAL CERTIFICATE ................................................16
Living Wage Compliance .....................................................................................17

City of Albany, New York
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR THE PROVISION OF
STREETSCAPE REDESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES IN
DOWNTOWN ALBANY
RFQ Number RFQ 2026-01
July 16, 2026
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
A restricted period is currently in effect for this Procurement and it will remain in effect until
approval of the Contract or until such time as the Request for Qualifications is withdrawn.
Respondents are prohibited from contact related to this procurement with any City of Albany
employee or official other than the designated contacts listed below:
Designated Contacts for this Procurement:
For Project Specific Clarifications: William Trudeau, Director of Traffic Engineering
wtrudeau@albanyny.gov
For Public Procurement Process Clarifications: Robert Magee, Corporation Counsel
rmagee@albanyny.gov
SECTION 1: PURPOSE
1.1 The City of Albany ("City") seeks Statements of Qualifications from qualified
engineering, landscape architecture, urban design, and planning firms interested in
providing professional consulting services related to the planning, design, and
implementation of transformative streetscape improvements within Downtown
Albany.
1.2 The City seeks to implement a transformative streetscape redesign of the City's
downtown core that will enhance its role as the governmental, economic,
educational, cultural, and civic center of New York's Capital Region.
1.3 The City seeks to retain a consultant team with demonstrated experience in
downtown revitalization, pedestrian-focused complete streets design, multimodal
transportation planning, urban design, public engagement, utility coordination, and
construction administration services. The selected consultant will assist the City, in
partnership with other local stakeholders, in developing a comprehensive vision
and implementation strategy for improving the functionality, safety, accessibility,
aesthetics, and economic vitality of the downtown area.
1
Posting Date: July 16, 2026 RFQ 2026-01
Statements Due Date: August 18, 2026 Downtown Streetscape Redesign

1.4 This RFQ is intended to identify the most qualified consultant team. The City
reserves the right to negotiate the scope of services and compensation with the
highest-ranked respondent.
1.5 MWBE-Certified vendors are encouraged to submit Statements in response to this
RFQ.
SECTION 2: RECEIPT OF STATEMENTS
2.1 Respondents may submit Statements of Qualifications by mail, hand delivery, or
electronically via BidNetDirect.com or www.albanyny.gov/Bids.aspx no later than
August 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm. If a Respondent chooses to submit a Statement by
mail or hand delivery, then four (4) copies of the Statement must be received in a
sealed envelope marked "Statement of Qualifications Enclosed - RFQ 2026-01 -
Downtown Streetscape Redesign Engineering Services" at the address below. If a
Statement is more than 20 pages in length, please include an electronic version of
the Statement, for example, on a flash drive or compact disc (CD).
Robert Magee
City Hall - Room 106
24 Eagle St
Albany, NY 12207
2.2 Each Statement submitted will be the document upon which the City will make its
initial judgment regarding each Respondent's qualifications, methodology, and
ability to provide the requested products and services.
2.3 Those submitting Statements do so entirely at their own expense. There is no
express or implied obligation by the City to reimburse any entity, firm or individual
for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting Statements, preparing or
submitting additional information requested by the City, or participating in any
selection interviews.
2.4 Submission of any Statement indicates an acceptance and understanding of the
conditions contained in this Request for Qualifications unless the submitted
statement clearly and specifically states otherwise.
2.5 The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements in whole or in
part, to waive any and all informalities, require supplemental statements or
information from any responsible party, negotiate potential contract terms with any
respondent to this RFQ, have discussions with any respondent to this RFQ to
correct, and/or clarify responses which do not conform to the instructions contained
herein and to disregard all non-conforming, non-responsive or conditional
Statements.
2
Posting Date: July 16, 2026 RFQ 2026-01
Statements Due Date: August 18, 2026 Downtown Streetscape Redesign

2.6 The City reserves the right to award the services, in whole or in part, to one or more
entities, firms, and/or individuals.
2.7 Any award for the services contemplated hereunder shall be conditioned on the later
execution of a formal written contract. The City reserves the right to revoke or
rescind any award at any time prior to the full execution of a formal written contract.
2.8 Respondents shall avoid submission of marketing materials.
2.9 All information submitted in response to this RFQ is subject to the Freedom of
Information Law (FOIL), which generally mandates the disclosure of documents in
the possession of the City upon the request of any person unless the content of the
document falls under a specific exemption to disclosure.
SECTION 3: STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS:
3.1 The City seeks to partner with qualified and dynamic firms with a demonstrated
commitment to people-focused urban design and that are familiar with the modern
streetscape design practices to implement transformative streetscape redesign and
modernization in downtown Albany.
3.2 The selected Consultant shall be familiar with the study area. As part of the
procurement process, the selected Consultant may be asked to meet with City
officials and local stakeholders to establish, review and refine the study area and
the final project scope along with other project tasks. The meeting will address key
issues regarding the study area and establish the project scope parameters. Once the
final study area and project scope are established a study cost proposal will be
negotiated between the City and the selected Consultant. Those submitting
Statements understand that as part of this procurement process, they agree to
participate in the coordination of such scoping meeting and determination of the
final project scope and cost and do so entirely at their own expense. There is no
expressed or implied obligation by the City to reimburse any firm or individual for
any costs incurred in participating in that first step of the project
3.3 Each Respondent shall provide a Statement of Qualifications. The Statement of
Qualifications shall include the following:
A. A brief history and description of the entity/firm/individual submitting the
Statement.
B. Identification of the Respondent's staff members who will be assigned to
this engagement if the entity/firm's Statement is selected. Include
summarized information regarding the professional staff members detailing
qualifications for performance of the subject services, years and types of
experience, education, licensure, certifications, accomplishments, etc.,
3
Posting Date: July 16, 2026 RFQ 2026-01
Statements Due Date: August 18, 2026 Downtown Streetscape Redesign

specify the extent of the availability and commitment of each such
professional staff member who will be assigned to this engagement if the
Respondent is selected and specify a project manager and contact person to
coordinate the services for the City.
C. Evidence that Respondent at all times obtains and maintains all licenses, if
any, required by Federal, State, and Local Laws to perform the services
contemplated by this Agreement and all licenses, certifications, and
qualifications to perform the subject services.
D. At least three (3) references with dates of service, client name, and contact
information, including mailing and email addresses as well as telephone
numbers. References with operations similar to the City are preferred.
E. A signed cover letter from a person within the Respondent who is
authorized to make representations on behalf of the Respondent.
F. Evidence that the Respondent has experience performing the subject
services and documentation to substantiate such work experience. The City,
will evaluate evidence of Respondent's general experience in service to
municipalities of the same or similar size as the City as a "preferential
factor" in consideration of the selection of a prospective vendor(s).
G. Evidence that the entity/firm has properly-trained crewmembers who are
experienced and, if necessary, certified for each aspect of the ensuing
contract.
H. The selected Respondents shall furnish, and shall have on the job site(s) at
all times, ample equipment to properly carry out the work contemplated
herein, including such tools or equipment as may be necessary to meet
requirements. Equipment shall be in good working order at all times.
I. Identification of any services that the Respondents intends to subcontract to
other entities/firms/individuals, and identify the proposed subcontractors
with their qualifications and contact information, including names,
telephone numbers, and mailing and email addresses.
J. Describe any proposed participation by certified MWBE firms or entities.
K. Any additional information which would serve to distinguish the
Respondent from other Respondents.
3.4 The City may make such inquiries it deems necessary to determine the ability of
each Respondent to provide the products and perform the services contemplated by
4
Posting Date: July 16, 2026 RFQ 2026-01
Statements Due Date: August 18, 2026 Downtown Streetscape Redesign

this RFQ. Respondents shall promptly furnish all information and data for this
purpose as may be subsequently requested by the City.
SECTION 4: SCOPE OF SERVICES:
4.1 The selected Respondents may be required to perform the following scope of
services on an as-needed and non-exclusive basis, and in the manner(s) herein
described:
A. Downtown Albany has a mix of residential, governmental, cultural, and
commercial properties. This historic area of the City of Albany is a vibrant
and well-established mix of government buildings, owner occupied and
rental residential properties along with corporate and small businesses.
B. Downtown Albany is the Capital Region's civic, cultural, entertainment,
and business center. It is home to the MVP Arena, Capital Convention
Center, the Egg, Palace Theatre, Empire State Plaza, the Albany Hilton and
Renaissance Hotels, the Albany Skyway and Riverfront, and dozens of
businesses, offices, restaurants, entertainment venues, and residences. It
also hosts prominent public events such as the Alive at Five Concert series,
PearlPalooza, and numerous public street festivals, markets, political
gatherings, and other public events. Downtown Albany serves as a
destination for residents and visitors alike and tens of thousands of people
travel to, from, and throughout downtown each day by foot, bicycle, public
transit, and automobile to work, conduct business, attend events, access
government services, and enjoy downtown Albany's many amenities.
C. Respondents must be aware that the study area includes Washington
Avenue starting at S. Swan Street east to Eagle Street; Eagle Street between
Elk Street and Howard Street; State Street between Eagle Street and
Broadway; Pearl Street between Pine Street and Market Street; Broadway
between Pine Street and Division Street; as well as roadways within the box
of these roadways. Refinement of that actual full study area will be
finalized during the initial scoping meeting. Albany's roadways are within
the limits of the original historic Fort Frederick footprint. Consultant should
be prepared to consult with SHPO for all work within a resulting contract's
limits.
D. Downtown Albany's roadways are part of the Route 5 corridor and have a
classification of Major Arterial roadways. Roadway widths and rights of
way vary by street within the project area
E. A concept of the project has been developed by The Albany Convention
Center Authority and their planning firm Capital Streets. The concepts
detailed in the Albany Convention Center Authority's Activate State Street
5
Posting Date: July 16, 2026 RFQ 2026-01
Statements Due Date: August 18, 2026 Downtown Streetscape Redesign

document [Exhibit A] will be used as an example of the outcome desired in
the detailed plans for the project should the traffic modeling verify that there
are no detrimental failures to any portion of the transportation network.
Modifications to the document's concepts may be presented by the selected
consultant based upon modeling and sound engineering judgment to deliver
the desired results. The consultant will develop project plans, specifications
that will be incorporated into a submission that will be delivered to the
Empire State Development Agency as part of the CAP initiative program.
F. Multiple City departments and staff as well as local stakeholders will be
engaged as the project study team. It is envisioned that the project will be
led by a combination of members from City staff, with the City's
Engineering Department becoming the leading agency once a solid design
is agreed to.
G. The consultant shall as a task of the project provide recommendations for
traffic flow on each of the study area roadways. Existing roadways shall be
reviewed and may be modified to meet the study goals, overall traffic flow,
and safety. Traffic modeling will be developed by the selected consultant
and presented to the project study team as a measurement of the impacts of
the changes suggested in Albany Convention Center Authority Activate
State Street concept document [Exhibit A]. Level of Service analysis
impacts of potential changes and impacts to adjacent roadways will be
analyzed.
H. The consultant shall consider operational impacts to transit services that
utilize the corridor. Consultation with the Capital District Transportation
Authority will be required to identify any impact. Bus stop locations and
necessary transit facilities and equipment shall be reviewed and included in
the design documents. Corridor impacts to transit will be analyzed as part
of the model.
I. Once the final study area and project scope have been established, the
selected Consultant shall:
i. Establish and maintain a project website and project email address.
All public project documents along with correspondence will be
handled through these areas
ii. Attend initial/internal kickoff meeting with City staff and officials
and local stakeholders held in person or via a virtual platform
iii. Facilitate a meeting with technical committee and/or select
stakeholders held in person or via a virtual platform
6
Posting Date: July 16, 2026 RFQ 2026-01
Statements Due Date: August 18, 2026 Downtown Streetscape Redesign

iv. Facilitate quarterly meetings with technical committee held in
person or via a virtual platform
v. Facilitate quarterly stakeholder meetings held in person or via a
virtual platform
vi. Collect and review existing roadway conditions and designations
within the study area (including but not limited to traffic volumes
for various modes, roadway width, travel lanes, parking areas,
transit operation, and traffic flow, etc.);
vii. Coordinate and facilitate a minimum of four interactive public
meetings (kickoff, two milestone concept review meetings and a
final presentation meeting). The public meetings will be held in
person or via a virtual platform. Public meetings will include a brief
introduction of the project and then public workshop to gather input
from those in attendance. The workshop(s) shall gather likes,
dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for the study area.
This information will be used in the development of
alternative/concepts detailing next steps and communicating
potential construction impacts (lane closures, sidewalk closures, and
detours and transit stop interruptions) for the study area and in the
final report
viii. Coordinate and facilitate a final Public Meeting outlining the
conclusions and alternative/concepts developed for the study area
held in person or via a virtual platform.
ix. Perform a project area survey which will be used to develop the
project plans
x. Conduct Traffic Counts (tube and turning movements);
xi. Traffic Modeling and Traffic Forecasting.
xii. Identify and assess issues raised from the residents, businesses,
property owners and traveling public;
xiii. Traffic Modeling of traffic impacts as a result of various special
events held within this study area
xiv. Identify the issues from the residents and traveling public;
xv. Refine concepts and potential alternative/concepts to address
resident, motorist, pedestrian, bicyclist and public safety concerns
with traffic flow and quality of life;
7
Posting Date: July 16, 2026 RFQ 2026-01
Statements Due Date: August 18, 2026 Downtown Streetscape Redesign

xvi. Assist the City in consultation with NYS Historic Preservation
office if required. Meet with project study team on a bi-weekly basis
during the study period;
xvii. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed at no additional
cost to the City (virtual or in person to be determined)
xviii. Coordinate and attend meetings with NYSDOT, Capital Region
Transportation Council, and the City regarding the I-787
Reimagination project. The study areas overlap and will have direct
impacts on each. The team will determine what those impacts might
be and recommend alternatives that allow each project to move
forward
xix. Develop cost estimates for all alternative/concepts developed as part
of this study;
xx. Develop project plans and specifications along with assisting the
City with the application to the Empire State Development Agency
xxi. Recommend any other potential funding sources for this project and
any future related construction project as a result of the
alternative/concepts developed;
xxii. Issue a final report, develop project plans and specifications for the
study which will be used to submit an application to Empire State
Development Agency
J. SEQR documents, if required, will need to be completed and submitted on
the City's behalf.
SECTION 5: TERM OF ENGAGEMENT:
5.1 The period for the service contemplated by this RFQ will commence in or about
September 2026, and will terminate on December 31, 2027, with two one-year
extension periods to be exercised at the City's discretion.
5.2 Selected Respondents may be required to execute a contract with the City.
5.3 The City shall have the right to terminate the contract at any time, with or without
cause, upon thirty (30) days written notice.
SECTION 6: COST PROPOSAL:
6.1 Cost proposal shall not be submitted in response to this RFQ.
8
Posting Date: July 16, 2026 RFQ 2026-01
Statements Due Date: August 18, 2026 Downtown Streetscape Redesign