28) THE CITY OF NASHUA “the Cate Cty
Economic Development
To: James Donchess, Mayor
From: T. Cummings, Economic Development Director
Ce: S. Marchant, Community Development Director
Date: November 22, 2019
Re: Contract for Design Services & Project Management for the Downtown Riverfront
The Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Community Development Division solicited
proposals for Design services and Project Management for the implementation of the Nashua Downtown
Riverfront Plan in an RFQ0265-061219 released this past summer. Specifically, the services sought are to
design and development of construction documents for the Riverfront in the Tax Increment Financing
(“TIF”) District.
I along with TIF Committee solicited proposals from firms who have past experience designing,
engineering and management projects of similar scope and size. Five firms responded and we interviewed
collectively every team that submitted a proposal. The proposals were evaluated on the following criteria:
qualifications/experience, past performance and service on similar projects, proposed approach to scope of
work, responses in interviews and cost.
VHB was chosen unanimously due to their comprehensive knowledge and the strong team of sub-
consultants that would be working with them on this project. Additionally, VHB is a well-established firm
with experience working with municipalities, which helped position them to be the committee’s top
choice.
lam recommending awarding a contract for design services and project management for the amount not to
$437,653.00 along with various minor miscellaneous expenses to VHB. It should be noted, that this is a 1
phase of a design process and there will be a need for additional design prior going to construction. This
phased approach is being undertaken to ensure we have funds available to pay for the work. Total design
related services will be approximately $700,000 - $800,000. Currently we have approximately $750,000
available in the TIF account and with other miscellaneous expenses it made the most sense to spread the
design phases out over a two year period.
As a reminder this effort is in anticipation of a bond issuance of approximately $12M - $15M to carry out
the construction of the project (TIF funds would be used to pay for the debt service).
Thank you.
