Town of Hardwick, Vermont

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering Services:

Replacement of Fisher Folly Bridge
Issue Date: April 3, 2025
Proposal Due Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction:
The Town of Hardwick is soliciting proposals from qualified engineering firms for the
design and engineering services required to replace the Fisher Folly Bridge. Fisher Folly
Bridge was a town-owned single-lane structure located off VT Route 15E and was
destroyed during the substantial rain event on July 11, 2023, which caused widespread
damage throughout the Lamoille River watershed.
The current, state-owned, temporary bridge spans the Haynesville Brook just upstream
of its confluence with the Lamoille River and provides access to a private residence.
Project Background:
The Fisher Folly Bridge was critically damaged during the July 2023 floods, rendering it
impassable. A temporary bridge has since been installed to restore access; however, a
permanent replacement is necessary to ensure long-term reliability and safety.
Scope of Work:
The engineering firm selected will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Preliminary Engineering and Design:
   o Conduct a comprehensive site assessment, including hydrological and
   geotechnical investigations.
   o Develop design alternatives for bridge replacement, considering factors
   such as load capacity, durability, environmental impact, and compliance
   with local, state, and federal regulations.
   o Prepare preliminary design plans and cost estimates for each alternative.
2. Final Design and Permitting:
   o Based on feedback from the Town and stakeholders, finalize the bridge
   design.
   o Prepare detailed construction plans, specifications, and engineer’s
   estimates.

o Obtain all necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities.

3. Bidding Assistance:
   o Assist the Town in preparing bid documents and evaluating contractor
   bids.
4. Construction Administration:
   o Provide oversight during construction to ensure compliance with design
   specifications and address any issues that arise.

Proposal Requirements:
Interested firms should submit proposals that include the following:

1. Firm Profile:
   o Overview of the firm, including size, location, and areas of expertise.
2. Experience and Qualifications:
   o Descriptions of similar bridge design projects completed in the past five
   years, particularly those involving flood-damaged structures in rural
   settings.
   o Resumes of key personnel proposed for this project.
3. Project Approach:
   o Detailed description of the proposed approach to the scope of work,
   including methodologies and any innovative solutions.
4. Schedule:
   o Proposed timeline for completing each phase of the project.
5. Cost Proposal:
   o Detailed fee structure, including hourly rates and estimated hours for each
   task.
   References:

o Contact information for at least three clients for whom the firm has
performed similar services.

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
 Relevant experience and qualifications of the firm and assigned personnel.
 Understanding of the project scope and proposed approach.
 Demonstrated ability to meet schedules and operate within budget.
 Quality and completeness of the proposal.
 Cost-effectiveness of the proposal.

Submission Instructions:
Please submit three copies of the proposal, along with an electronic version in PDF
format, by 12:00 pm on April 30, 2025 to:
Town Manager Office
Town of Hardwick
20 Church Street
PO Box 523
Hardwick, VT 05843

Questions:
Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to David Upson at
david.upson@hardwickvt.gov or (802) 472-6120 by April 21, 2025 COB. Responses to
all questions will be shared with all known prospective proposers.

Additional Information:
 The Town of Hardwick reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive
any informality, and to accept the proposal deemed in the best interest of the
Town.
 All costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal responding to this RFP will be
the responsibility of the proposer and will not be reimbursed by the Town.
We look forward to reviewing your proposal and working with a qualified engineering
firm to successfully complete the Fisher Folly Bridge replacement project.