The Waitsfield Select Board will review ten proposals for preliminary planning work for a new town garage at its October 27 meeting next week. In August, the town issued an RFP seeking engineering help with the early planning stages for a new town garage.
The cost of the ten proposals ranged from $12,000 to $38,810. After its discussion next week, the board will award the contract on October 27 with deliverables from the selected firm due in six to eight weeks.
The town’s existing garage on Tremblay Road is undersized and outdated, likely out of compliance with code and in need of replacement. The town’s RFP sought conceptual design and cost estimating services. The selected consultant will be asked to develop a professional site and building layout and provide a high-level construction cost estimate. Full architectural or engineering services are not part of the current scope.
This work will help develop a conceptual building layout and preliminary construction cost estimate, helping the Town prepare for future design, budgeting, and potential bond vote.
The project calls for constructing a modern, steel-frame building measuring approximately 146 feet by 60 feet at the existing site. The concept includes eight front-facing equipment and truck bays, one side wash bay, and additional interior space for chipper and mower storage. Plans also call for shop, storage, office, and breakroom space, along with a heated slab floor and a new septic system.
Under the scope of services, the chosen firm will be tasked with translating a hand drawn sketch into a scaled, professional site and building layout drawing suitable for public presentations. The consultant will be tasked with recommending potential improvements to the proposed site circulation, layout, or structural components.
In addition, the consultant will develop a preliminary construction cost estimate based on local labor and materials. Optional features to be priced include radiant heated floors, insulation options (foam or alternatives), septic system installation, and the wash bay.
A final summary report will compile the conceptual design, cost estimates—including ranges for the optional features—and outline key design considerations, possible phasing options, and a high-level construction timeline.
Per the RFP, the goal is to provide the town with “reliable cost information to guide next steps,” including budget planning and potential public funding decisions.
The ten firms that applied all read the same RFP, but responded with varying materials along with price proposals. Some focused on their staff and relevant previous jobs. Others provided resumes, corporate philosophy. A couple provided lists of hourly rates for each person who will be involved in the project. Another detailed corporate philosophy. Some detailed community outreach and some mentioned permitting. Some do everything inhouse and some rely on subcontractors and freelancers. Some have fixed rates and some are up-charging for ‘reimbursables. One firm offered required elements as part of its cost breakdown as well as recommended items.
The responses are available on the town website along with the RFP.
Here is who responded and their price.
- SHKS Architects, Burlington, $22,414
- EHDanson Architects, St Johnsbury PLLC, $33,600
- AES Northeast Plattsburgh, $19,600
- Bread Loaf Corporation, Middlebury, $12,000
- Black River Design, Montpelier, $19,300
- MSK Engineers, Bennington, $13,395
- Cross Consulting Engineers, St. Albans, $16,500
- Right-Trak Design, Goffstown NH, $20,550
- Centerline Architects, Burlington, Bennington $38,810
Weimann Lamphere Architects, South Burlington, $29,700
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