Northampton_Nashawannuck_FY24_BidRequest.pdf Bid Request
Rocky Hill Greenway – Nashawannuck Brook Restoration
Engineering Design and Permitting
Northampton, Massachusetts
July 2023
TO: Environmental Engineering Firms
FROM: Sarah LaValley, City of Northampton
RE: Rocky Hill Greenway – Nashawannuck Brook
DATE: July 7, 2023
The City of Northampton anticipates execution of a contract in August 2023 with work taking place
before April 30, 2025. This work will be funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Division of Ecological
Restoration to the City of Northampton.
The City of Northampton reserves the right to reject any and all bids. No preference is provided to firms
who have worked on previous design and restoration elements at the site
I. PROJECT PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The City of Northampton, Office of Planning and Sustainability has prepared this Request for Quotes (Bid
Request), in conjunction with the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, for consultant
services to advance engineering design and permitting in support of the Rocky Hill Greenway –
Nashawannuck Brook Restoration in Northampton, Massachusetts.
The current Project Team comprises the City of Northampton (the City), Massachusetts Audubon Society
(Mass Audubon), and Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (MA DER).
The City purchased the approximately 105-acre former Pine Grove Golf Course with the goals to:
• Preserve open space,
• Improve ecological function and habitat,
• Enhance climate resilience through peak flood flow reduction and carbon capture and
sequestration,
• Provide for passive recreation accessible through an established trail network, and
• Augment the City’s existing Rocky Hill Greenway that abuts the parcel to the east and northeast.
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The intermittent Nashawannuck Brook bisects the site and flows southward, eventually flowing through
Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and into the Manhan River. Nashawannuck Brook drains 0.5
square miles at the point where the Brook exits the golf course. The site was significantly altered by the
development of the golf course and associated support structures, leaving little of the natural landscape
intact. The site is currently dominated by fallow upland fairways, some linear forest features, and
assorted hardened structures, including an earthen dam, weir, and extensive bank armoring.
The restoration of the Nashawannuck Brook system will be guided by process-based restoration
principles, whereby limiting factors (e.g., barriers, hardened infrastructure, wetland fill) are removed or made redundant to jump-start recovery of stream and wetland ecosystem processes. Key ecological
processes to be restored at this site include stream connectivity, floodplain connection, flood storage,
sediment movement, nutrient processing, carbon sequestration, and habitat provisioning for aquatic
and terrestrial biota. Public access and engagement are crucial to success of the project, particularly in
terms of the trail network on site.
Work Completed to Date
All files are available at
http://archive.northamptonma.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=651925&dbid=0&repo=CityOfNorthampton
The City contracted for a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment as a component of the acquisition process
(O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun, December 2019. The recommendation in the final assessment report was that
no further investigation was warranted based on Phase I findings.
Following acquisition of the parcel, the City received a FY20 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
Program Action Grant to complete a Master Plan for the site. The City also undertook initial restoration
activities, including: removal of catch basins and drainage structures built to drain runoff from fairways
and greens; scarification of former turf grass areas; and replanting of two upland fairway areas with
seedlings.
The Nashawannuck Brook Restoration has been designated a DER Priority Project since January 2021.
DER has been collecting surface water and groundwater data on site to assess hydrological conditions
and inform restoration activities. In particular, continuous water level data are collected at stream
gaging stations at the inflow and outflow of the site; within the irrigation impoundment; and across an
array of groundwater monitoring wells. Groundwater wells are paired with soil characterization to
evaluate presence and depth to wetland hydric soil indicators.
During FY22, DER contracted with GZA GeoEnvironmental and their subconsultant, Field Geology
Services, to advance restoration planning and assessment for the site. The following tasks were
undertaken: updated the wetland conditions assessment from the Master Plan; performed a
geomorphic assessment including longitudinal profile and cross-sections; developed a suite of
restoration options/elements for each segment of the project site; performed hydrologic and hydraulic
modeling for existing conditions as well as three restoration scenarios with different combinations of
restoration elements; and created 25% conceptual design plans with basis of design memorandum and
opinion of probable cost.
Tighe & Bond completed an assessment and design of the dam removal component of the project in
June, 2023 for DER. Tasks include topographic survey, wetland delineation, sediment sampling and
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management plan, updated hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and permitting-level design for removal of
the earthen dam that forms the 0.5-acre impoundment near the center of the site.
These previous phases of work set the stage for advancing engineering design and permitting services
across the entire project site. The vendor/vendor team selected for this phase of work will be expected
to use materials and data files developed under previous project phases to the greatest extent possible.
All previous project deliverables, including original data files, will be provided to the selected vendor
upon contract award.
II. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
The City of Northampton requests responses to this bid request include detailed technical and cost
proposals using the provided templates (Attachments 1 and 2). The consultant shall prepare and submit
technical and cost proposals to complete each of the following tasks, or proposed alternative tasks, in a
cost-efficient manner.
The tasks listed below describe the anticipated major tasks that will be included in the contract and
Scope of Work generated from this bid request. Variations to the sequence and tasks presented below
are welcome to the extent the variations are shown to effectively meet the stated goals of this phase of
work.
For deliverables associated with draft and final versions, bidders should assume one round of City and
Project Partner review and feedback with a minimum of 5 business days provided for the review unless
a longer timeframe is noted. Advance notice of at least 5 days should be provided to the City if the
scheduled dissemination date of a deliverable requiring review will be different than listed in the Scope
of Work timeline. This will allow the Project Team to adjust schedules to meet the review and feedback
window.
Bidders should assume all deliverables will be provided in editable and final formats including, but not
limited to: raw data files, models, CAD files, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, etc. The City
requires all raw data files and data to be submitted with the final deliverables.
Task 1: Project Management
The City of Northampton values open communication and collaboration. The vendor/vendor team will
provide periodic updates to the City and Project Partners and prompt notification of unanticipated
challenges encountered in the execution of tasks or meeting the project schedule. A virtual project kick-
off meeting is anticipated before the start of subsequent tasks.
Task 1 Deliverables:
• Project kick-off meeting with agenda and meeting minutes
• Monthly, or more frequent, updates on progress towards project tasks
Task 2: Engineering Design for Golf Course Parcel
The City of Northampton will contract with one or more qualified contractors, vendors, and/or
engineering consultants to advance the conceptual design plans (approx. 25%) to permitting-level design
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plans (approx. 60%). This contract should include all work needed to complete permitting-level design
plans, including any additional data collection.
Subtask 2.1: Design Plans and Basis of Design Memo
Conceptual design plans developed by GZA Geoenvironmental, Inc. will serve as a starting point,
although opportunities exist to modify and hone these conceptual designs to enhance project goals and
provide cost-effective restoration services. Assessment and design plans currently divide the site into
three segments (Reach 1 – 3 from downstream to upstream) based on similar landscape characteristics.
Restoration elements that will be incorporated into the permitting-level design plans include:
• Removal of the earthen dam forming the irrigation impoundment (“lower pond”) in the center
of the site (Reach 2), including next steps identified from the DER FY23 Technical Services
contract with Tighe & Bond.
• Stream channel reconstruction to facilitate floodplain reconnection, including regrading and
riparian planting plans.
• Wetland creation and enhancement areas, including resource delineation, quantification of
resource change, quantification of wetland fill to be removed and from where, and
identification of locations for fill to be reused on site. No material will be exported off-site.
• Removal of the “upper pond” culvert structure in the Reach 3 upstream section of the site. The
structure does not currently impound water; the former impoundment upstream is mapped
marsh wetland type. Since the structure currently forms a key piece of the trail network, it will
likely need to be replaced with an appropriately sized ADA-accessible boardwalk or bridge to
continue to provide pedestrian trail access.
• Removal of other identified structures remaining from when the property was used as a golf
course, including remnant culverts, weirs, and concrete abutments. Structures utilized as part of
the trail network will be redesigned and replaced with appropriately sized boardwalks or trail
crossings.
• Incorporation of the existing and proposed trail network into design plans, as well as
modifications to the trail network routes to more suitable locations where needed, especially to
facilitate creation of an All Persons Trail that meets ADA or US Forest Service requirements for
accessibility. Incorporation of elements that encourage public interaction with the site and its
ecological features are encouraged.
• Integration of assessment and design components for Old Wilson Road culvert replacement or
removal, as determined in Task 3.
• Assessment and design of a parking area(s) along Old Wilson Road, including integration with
the trail system both on site and from adjacent Rocky Hill Greenway parcels. A minimum of one
ADA marked space should be included.
• Other design elements as identified by the Project Team.
Subtask 2.2: Design Renderings
Public outreach and engagement are critical aspects of this project and are necessary to achieve
successful restoration. Renderings should draw on and highlight key elements of the restoration designs.
Renderings will be used for public outreach and engagement efforts, such as public meetings and
forums to explain the project and anticipated outcomes. Renderings should take into consideration the
perspective of recreational trail users as the main user group at the project site.
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Task 2 Deliverables:
• Permitting-level design plans, with draft and final versions, in CAD and PDF formats
• Basis of Design memorandum, with draft and final versions, in Word and PDF formats
• Opinion of Probable Cost, with draft and final versions, in Excel and PDF formats
• Design renderings, with draft and final versions, in PDF format
• Facilitation of one public outreach and input meeting. Option for in-person or online
Task 3: Assessment and Design for Old Wilson Road Culvert
The City of Northampton will contract with one or more qualified contractors, vendors, and/or
engineering consultants to assess and design replacement alternatives for the crossing of
Nashawannuck Brook and Old Wilson Road (42.299418, -72.667250). Direct communication and
consultation with the City of Northampton Department of Public Works will be necessary in advance of
and during culvert assessment and design work.
Subtask 3.1: Site Investigation and Resource Delineation
Field-delineate and document the following:
• Wetland resource areas within vicinity of the culvert.
• Riverbed substrate analysis (i.e., pebble count), to understand the existing riverbed substrate
and provide data to calculate the design stream bed material.
• Type and integrity of upstream and downstream streambed features expected to control the
streambed elevation (i.e., grade controls) through the crossing when the existing structure is
replaced. These should be located on a field sketch for future survey and should generally
extend a minimum distance of 20–30 times the average bankfull width of the stream both
upstream and downstream of the crossing.
• Appropriate reference reaches (1-2) outside of the influence of the culvert hydraulics, with
similar slope to the road-stream crossing location.
• Bankfull width measurement locations (minimum 3) and representative cross-sections
(minimum 3) both upstream and downstream of the structure (6 total) so these locations can be
surveyed during Subtask 3.3. If possible, these cross-section measurements should be located
within the reference reach(es) identified.
• Any additional representative cross-sections (including extending through the floodplain where
applicable) that will be needed for modeling as part of the H&H analysis in Subtask 3.4.
• Key site features and existing infrastructure that may act as a constraint to replacing the
crossing, such as utilities. Describe and photograph significant features.
Subtask 3.2: Geotechnical Evaluation
Perform a subsurface investigation and soils analysis, including at least 2 borings adjacent to the culvert
within the limits of the roadway. Borings should be located in the approximate location of the proposed
replacement road-stream crossing. Provide a geotechnical analysis to illustrate the material gradations
and engineering properties such as bearing capacity.
Subtask 3.3 Topographic and Longitudinal Survey
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Perform a topographic survey of relevant features including, but not limited to: resource areas,
headwall/wingwall locations and elevations, centerline elevation of the road, site topography at least 50
feet from the edge of the road, key site features that may act as constraints to replacing the crossing,
and geotechnical boring locations.
Survey longitudinal profile of the river upstream and downstream of the crossing (a minimum distance
of 20–30 times the average bankfull width of the stream in each direction). This profile should include,
but not be limited to: culvert invert elevations, top of culvert elevation, streambed features, grade
control locations and elevations, locations of bankfull width measurements, representative cross-sections, and other features identified in Subtask 3.1
Prepare an existing conditions topographic plan including reference reach location and plot the
streambed longitudinal profile, cross-sections, and key grade control features for the crossing as well as
approximate property lines and roadway rights of way. The profile plot should include the full reach
(500–2000 feet) and a zoom of the structure (50–200 feet).
Subtask 3.4: Hydrologic and Hydraulic Study
Conduct a hydrologic study of the project site, using methods appropriate for the site and watershed.
Evaluate and select a minimum of two appropriate hydrologic methods or models to develop flow
estimations at the crossing location. Identify typical low flows as well as 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-
year discharges, as well as other flows essential to the engineering and design process. Conduct a
hydraulic analysis to predict water depths, velocities, and water surface profiles for existing and
proposed conditions. Identify any existing scour and erosion concerns adjacent to the existing culvert.
In addition, the crossing will be assessed using the RMAT Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool in
accordance with the MEPA Interim Protocol on Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency. A discussion
of the RMAT output report and how the results were incorporated into the design will be included in the
Basis of Design memorandum.
Subtask 3.5: Alternatives Analysis
Conduct an alternatives analysis to evaluate 2-4 replacement crossing structure types and sizes. One
alternative to be evaluated will be full removal of the culvert and associated dead-ending of Old Wilson
Road. Compare alternative crossings based on the following metrics: site constraints, ease of
construction, structure lifespan, potential for scour, stream stability and risk of stream channel
adjustment, benefits to stream habitat and ability to meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing
Standards, storm flow conveyance, potential to affect adjacent property or infrastructure, and design
and construction costs for replacement. The alternatives analysis should lead to selection of a preferred
alternative to advance to engineering design.
Subtask 3.6: Design Plans and Basis of Design Memo
Prepare preliminary engineering design plans for the recommended crossing structure identified in
Subtask 3.5. Design plans should be suitable for initial regulatory coordination, including review by the
Project Team and City of Northampton Department of Public Works.
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Prepare a Basis of Design technical memorandum for the recommended replacement structure type for
the Nashawannuck Brook – Old Wilson Road crossing site. The technical memorandum will summarize
findings gathered in Subtasks 3.1–3.5. The memo will describe additional engineering studies and phases
needed to complete engineering design, as well as outline the permits and approvals needed to advance
the recommended replacement structure to construction. An Opinion of Probable Cost for the
recommended replacement structure will accompany the Basis of Design memo.
Task 3 Deliverables:
• Wetland delineation (Army Corps/MassDEP) data forms and flagging
• Topographic and longitudinal survey data, in original file formats
• Geotechnical boring logs and notes, in original file formats
• All field notes, photos, and data, in original file formats
• Hydrologic and hydraulic models, in original file format
• Alternatives analysis table, with draft and final versions, in Word or Excel and PDF formats
• Preliminary conceptual design plans, with draft and final versions, in CAD and PDF formats
• Basis of Design memorandum, with draft and final versions, in Word and PDF format
• Opinion of Probable Cost, with draft and final versions, in Excel and PDF formats
Task 4: Permitting
The City of Northampton will contract with one or more qualified contractors, vendors, and/or
consultants to prepare and submit documents for permitting and regulatory review. This task includes
coordination with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies, including Northampton Conservation
Commission, Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office, Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), Massachusetts
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other agencies as applicable.
The documents to be prepared and submitted, as deemed necessary and in coordination with the
applicable regulatory agencies, are detailed in the subtasks below. Any additional permits or regulatory
procedures anticipated as part of this process should be included in the bidder’s response along with
anticipated processes for compliance and submittal. Note that Nashawannuck Brook is mapped as an
intermittent stream, and as such, it is assumed that a Chapter 91 license or permit will not be required.
In addition, there is no Priority or Estimated Habitat currently mapped on the project site.
Subtask 4.1: Project Notification Form
Prepare and submit a Project Notification Form (PNF) to Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC).
The PNF will be informed by the cultural resource survey undertaken by the City of Northampton, as
well as the permitting-level design developed in Task 2.
Subtask 4.2: MEPA Filing
Prepare a draft and final Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF) package for the
Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). This includes production and submission of all required
forms and documentation, production of public notifications, participation in meetings with MEPA staff,
and attendance at public hearings in the City of Northampton. The selected bidder is expected to lead
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this process with input from the City of Northampton and Project Partners. To facilitate internal
coordination regarding content and appendices, a draft table of contents and distribution list should be
submitted for review by the City and Project Partners prior to the draft MEPA package being prepared to
facilitate early coordination. The City and Project Partners will review and provide feedback on the draft
MEPA package prior to its submittal. This task will conclude following the receipt of a Secretary’s
Certificate and Record of Decision from the MEPA Office.
The bidder should be aware of recent changes to MEPA regarding Environmental Justice (EJ)
communities, particularly the amended regulations promulgated on January 6, 20231. There are two EJ communities located within the 1-mile-radius Designated Geographic Area of the project site. This task
includes the analysis, coordination, outreach, and documentation required to satisfy the MEPA EJ
requirements. An initial consultation with the MEPA EJ coordinator will be completed to verify the
project-specific EJ requirements and request the EJ Reference List. Advanced notice in the form of an EJ
Screening form will be submitted to the MEPA EJ office and the EJ Reference List. An existing
environmental burden analysis will be completed using the prescribed methods in the MEPA guidance
document2. A summary of the review will be provided including any mitigation that might be needed. As
English isolation is not identified for the EJ communities in proximity to the project site, it is anticipated
that translation services will not be needed for outreach efforts.
If required by MEPA, a Single Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) will be prepared and submitted. This
requires coordination with MEPA staff, preparation of a draft SEIR for review by the Project Team prior
to submission, preparation of the final SEIR, attendance at public meetings, and responses to MEPA and
public comments.
Subtask 4.3: Section 401 Water Quality Certification
Prepare and submit to MassDEP the correct application form, based on dredge volume and applicable
project characteristics, for a 401 Dredge and/or Fill/Excavation Water Quality Certification (314 CMR
9.00). The selected vendor will include the required documentation and project data assembled under
prior or current project phases. The selected vendor will respond to MassDEP inquiries and prepare and
arrange for the required legal ad and public notices.
Subtask 4.4: Notice of Intent
Prepare and file a project Notice of Intent with MassDEP and the City of Northampton Conservation
Commission. The project will be required to meet the provisions of the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA),
Wetlands Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), and associated performance standards of the local wetland
Ordinance for a Restoration Order of Conditions.
Prepare the Notice of Intent application, identify and quantify potential impacts, indicate where those
potential impacts have been minimized to the extent possible, and describe mitigation measures to
offset unavoidable impacts. The selected vendor will file the necessary copies of the NOI, prepare and
distribute the abutter notifications, and attend the public hearing and make a technical presentation.
1 https://www.mass.gov/doc/mepa-regulations-301-cmr-11-effective-1-6-23/download 2 https://www.mass.gov/doc/final-mepa-interim-protocol-for-analysis-of-project-impacts-on-environmental-justice-populations-effective-date-of-january-1-2022/download
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Subtask 4.5: Section 404 Pre-Construction Notification
Prepare and submit a Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) package for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(ACE) authorization under General Permit (GP) 23. Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and
Establishment Activities. Prepare and submit Section 106 Consultation, including Historic Property
Notification Form to the Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Prepare and submit Section 7 consultation.
Task 4 Deliverables:
• Project Notification Form (PNF) submitted to MHC, with draft and final versions, in Word and PDF formats
• Cover letter for MEPA, with draft and final versions, in Word and PDF formats
• Table of contents and distribution list for MEPA, with draft and final versions, in Word and PDF
formats
• Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF) package submitted to MEPA, with draft and
final versions, in Word and PDF formats
• Environmental burden analysis for MEPA EJ, with draft and final versions, in Word and PDF
formats
• Single Environmental Impact Report (SEIR), if requested, submitted to MEPA, with draft and final
versions, in Word and PDF formats
• Section 401 Water Quality Certification submitted to MassDEP
• Notice of Intent submitted to MassDEP and Conservation Commission, with draft and final
versions, in Word and PDF formats
• Section 404 Pre-Construction Notification submitted to Army Corps of Engineers, with draft and
final versions, in Word and PDF formats
• Public notices for all permit processes, in PDF format
• Attendance at public hearings or meetings for all permit processes
• Coordination with regulatory staff for all permit processes
III. BID
Please provide a bid response using the Bid Response Template provided to meet the project purpose,
description and requirements as outlined above. Submit response via email to Sarah LaValley
(slavalley@northamptonma.gov).
An optional site visit will be held on Friday, July 21 at 10AM. Technical questions related to the bid may
be submitted in writing to Sarah LaValley (slavalley@northamptonma.gov) by Wednesday, July 26, 2023
at 5PM. Written responses will be provided by the City and posted at
https://northamptonma.gov/Bids.aspx by Monday, July 31, 2023 at 5PM. It is the responsibility of
potential bidders to check the site for a list of questions received and responses.
The bid response should be formatted to the accompanying Bid Response Template (Attachment 1)
and the Budget Template (Attachment 2), and must include the following:
• Project scope covering the subsequent details (please use attached Bid Response Template &
Budget Template). Please submit via Word & Excel respectively:
o Deliverables for each task
o Project schedule by task and month
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o List of personnel and their rate category
o Budget with costs broken down by task
Note that the City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and solicit additional proposals from other
vendors to ensure the best value is obtained for the services requested. The decision to request
additional proposals will be made after evaluating the submitted proposals for overall value, including:
• Demonstrated understanding of, and proper approach to, the proposed scope of work
• Demonstrated prior experience with engineering design and permitting on ecological
restoration projects
• Appropriate allocation of qualified staff and level of effort to scope tasks
• Competitive total cost to complete the scope of work
Duration of Contract:
The City anticipates execution of a contract beginning in August 2023. All work and deliverables under
this contract should be completed by April 30, 2025.
The City reserves the right to re-negotiate the Scope of Work related to any tasks under any subsequent
contract.
Procurement Schedule:
Bid posted: Monday, July 10, 2023
Site visit (optional, but encouraged): Friday, July 21, 2023 at 10AM
Deadline for written questions via email: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 5PM
Responses to questions from the City: Monday, July 31, 2023 at 5PM
Deadline for bid submission: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 2PM