Big Spring Enhancement Project – Request for Proposals
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Big Spring Enhancement Project – Request for Proposals

Questions submitted and their responses to the Request for Proposals for DESIGN, BIDDING, AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE BIG SPRING ENHANCEMENT PROJECT are as follow:

  • Could you please provide the overall project budget? The current master plan includes an “all-in” budget of $1,889,552
  • What is the amount of the DCED grant award associated with this project? $1.8 million
  • Are there any additional grant programs or funding sources contributing to the project budget? We are pursuing a $50,000 grant from Niagara Bottling, LLC.
  • Will project approvals be required from the Borough in addition to the Authority, or will Authority approval alone be sufficient? Approval will be required from Bellefonte Borough and the Bellefonte Borough Authority.
  • Is a detailed cost estimate available from the DCED-funded master plan or grant application that identifies the proposed improvements and associated costs? Yes, addendum issued.
  • If a detailed cost estimate is not available, could you provide a list of the proposed improvements so we can ensure our proposal accurately reflects the intended scope of work? See addendum.
  • Are there any active or open NPDES permits associated with the site? No. The limit of disturbance is below one acre.
  • Should our scope and fee include public engagement activities, such as public meetings, presentations, or stakeholder coordination? Likely one public meeting in addition to presentations to the Bellefonte Borough Authority. Responses should be typical of other projects with similar scopes relative to public engagement and board presentations.
  • Regarding the historic plaques proposed at the overlook area, will the consultant be responsible for developing the layout and interpretive content, or will the Borough/Authority provide this information? The Authority can provide the content and layout. The contracted firm will be expected to assist with renderings or options.
  • Could you provide additional information regarding the proposed water feature location(s)? We would also appreciate confirmation as to whether only one water feature is anticipated as part of this project. There is only one water feature anticipated as part of the project. Details are limited to what is described in the master plan.
  • Please confirm that the future riverbank improvements shown on the master plan are not included within the current project scope. The master plan should be assumed to guide all improvements that are part of the project. Changes in final design may be made by the Borough Authority prior to bidding the project.
  • Does the Authority have any existing topographic surveys, boundary surveys, or other survey information available for the site? No.
  • The RFP references proposed site lighting; however, lighting improvements do not appear to be shown on the master plan. Could you provide additional information regarding the anticipated lighting scope? There is no further detail available.
  • Does the Borough have a preferred bidding method, such as PennBid electronic bidding or traditional paper bid submissions? Bids will only be accepted as “paper” submittals.
  • Will the Borough be responsible for bid advertisement and related procurement notices, or should these services be included in our scope? Should be included in the scope.
  • Please confirm that a low stone wall is proposed around the planting and water feature areas as illustrated in the master plan. Confirmed.
  • As portions of the project appear to be located within the 100-year floodplain, can you please confirm that the work will occur entirely on Authority-owned property and the Borough will then conduct that review, so a DEP Chapter 106 permit is not required? Correct.
  • Please confirm whether the project is exempt from stormwater management requirements pursuant to Ordinance 490-5, which identifies exemptions for projects located on Borough or Authority-owned property. Confirmed.
    • Please confirm the hardcopy submittals should include the following:
      • Envelope 1 Qualifications Proposal – inclusive of four (4) copies and one (1) PDF/electronic copy.
      • Envelope 2 Fee Proposal – inclusive of four (4) copies and one (1) PDF/electronic copy. See “Format and Delivery of Proposals” in the RFP document.
    • Are the Borough meetings expected to be in-person or is there a virtual option?  If so, how many are anticipated for this project? Likely one public meeting in addition to presentations to the Bellefonte Borough Authority. Responses should be typical of other projects with similar scopes relative to public engagement and board presentations. In-person and virtual attendance options are available.
    • Is attendance for the bid opening in-person or is there a virtual option? Bid opening should be attended in person.
    • Does the Borough have minimum requirements for “final documentation” noted in the Construction Management and Inspection Services item 6? No minimum requirements.
    • Is the consultant who completed the master plan precluded? There are no consultants or firms who have been precluded from responding to this RFP.
    • May you confirm if Construction Notice to Proceed is Spring 2027? Confirmed.

Addenda:

01 Final Talleyrand Big Spring Master Plan Presentation

02 Final Talleyrand Big Spring Master Plan

03 Final Talleyrand Big Spring Master Plan Renderings

04 Final Talleyrand Big Spring Master Plan Estimate