Request for Proposals (RFP) Engineering Assessment of Wishing Well Bridge
Town of Washington, Vermont Request for Proposals (RFP) Engineering Assessment of Wishing Well Bridge
Date Issued: February 27, 2026 Proposal Due Date: April 1, 2026 Bid Opening: April 6, 2026 Bid Review and contract awarded: no later than April 20, 2026
1. Introduction The Town of Washington, Vermont is soliciting proposals from qualified engineering firms for a comprehensive structural assessment of the modified culvert (72" x 60') running underneath B2 on TH3 (locally referred to as the WISHING WELL BRIDGE: gps 44.049771, -72.479915). The outlet end of that compound culvert experienced damages in the high-volume rain event of July 10th-11th, 2024. In those heavy rains, sub-base road material and riprap was dislodged, causing it to subsequently exert pressure against the culvert at multiple points. The most noticeable damage is in the spalling and displacement of the culvert at the eastern outlet end. Further damages to the interior of the culvert and its joint with the concrete runners beneath it are also evident in the photos attached (see Appendix D). The town seeks professional services to determine the structural stability of the bridge and to provide recommendations for necessary repairs or reconstruction in accordance with current Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) bridge standards.
This project is funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and all work must comply with all applicable federal and state guidelines pertaining to bridge assessments and design.
2. Scope of Work
The selected firm will be expected to provide the following services:
● Site Inspection & Documentation
○ Perform a field assessment of the entire bridge structure.
○ Document existing conditions with photos, notes, and structural observations.
● Structural Assessment
○ Evaluate the structural integrity and stability of the bridge.
○ Assess the extent of erosion and stone displacement.
○ Determine whether the damage poses an immediate safety risk.
● Engineering Recommendations
○ Determine if the current bridge meets VTRANS bridge codes and standards
○ Specifically identify which codes and standards the bridge does not meet
○ Develop recommendations for repairs or replacement structure options that would
bring the bridge up to codes and standards
● Reporting
○ Submit a written engineering report summarizing findings, including diagrams or
sketches.
○ Present findings and recommendations to the Selectboard or designated municipal
staff as requested.
3. Proposal Requirements
Interested firms should submit a proposal that includes:
● Firm background and relevant experience with bridge assessments
● Qualifications of key personnel assigned to this project.
● Description of the approach to the scope of work.
● Timeline for completing the assessment and submitting findings to the Town of
Washington. (Preference will be given to firms that can complete the assessment before
July 15, 2026.)
● A detailed cost estimate of services including potential costs of full engineering
drawings, in the case that recommended repair and/or replacement options would require
such drawings.
● At least two references from similar projects.
4. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:
● Demonstrated experience and qualifications 25%
● Understanding of project scope and proposed approach 20%
● Proposed timeline and availability 20%
● Cost effectiveness and value 20%
● References and past performance 15%
The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to award the contract in the best
interest of the community.
5. Optional Bidder Interview and Evaluation Meeting
Following the submission deadline, the Selectboard reserves the right to schedule an evaluation
meeting and/or to establish a three person committee with representation from the Road
Foreman, Road Supervisor and 1 Selectboard member to evaluate all bids and make a recommendation to the Selectboard within fourteen (14) calendar days.
The evaluation meeting, if held, will serve as an opportunity for the Selectboard to:
● Ask clarifying questions of one or more respondents;
● Evaluate presentations or proposals in greater detail;
● Facilitate open discussion on project approach, timeline, and capacity;
● Score and compare bids in accordance with the evaluation criteria outlined in this RFP.
Participation in this meeting may be requested of any or all respondents at the Selectboard’s discretion. Respondents will be notified in advance if such a meeting is scheduled and are expected to make appropriate representatives available if invited.
6. Submission Instructions
Submit sealed proposals by April 1, 2026 at 3:00 pm to:
Town of Washington Wishing Well Bridge Engineering Study 2895 VT Route 110 Washington, Vermont 05675
Electronic submissions and late proposals will not be accepted.
Qualified small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to submit bids. The Municipality is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
7. Contact Information
Questions regarding this RFP must be directed to:
Stuart Coburn (Road Foreman) Phone: 802-522-0132
8. Additional Information
● All structural assessments should conform to VTrans codes and standards for bridges
● The engineer is responsible for safety at the job site.
● The selected engineer will be required to comply with State contract provisions. ● FEMA Site Inspection Report from 10/23/24 (Appendix A) ● State Bridge Inspection from 7/12/24 (Appendix B) ● VTRANS Hydrology and Hydraulics Study updated as of 12/2/24 (Appendix C) ● Photographs from FEMA Site Inspection on 10/23/24 (Appendix D)
Issued by: Town of Washington, Vermont
https://www.washingtonvt.org/s/Appendix-A-DR-4810-Washington-Town-WO-101280-DI-1402728-SIR.pdf