City of Newton RFS 27-09 Designer Services for Underwood and Ward Elementary School Redevelopment Projects
City of NewtonCity · Newton, MA- Due
- Sep 3, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Aug 20, 2026
- Primary contact
- Karen Munro
- (617) 796-1220
The 30-second brief
The City of Newton Purchasing Department is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified designers for the Underwood School and Ward School Redevelopment Projects (RFS #27-09). The selected firm will initially provide a Feasibility Study, including educational programming and evaluation of design alternatives for additions, renovations, or new construction at 101 Vernon St. and 10 Dolphin Rd. The initial fee for the Feasibility Study is not to exceed $300,000, with potential contract amendments for schematic design through construction administration. Requirements include a 17.9% combined MBE/WBE participation goal and MCPPO certification for the lead architect. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting and facility tours are scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (Underwood) and 11:00 a.m. (Ward). Sealed responses are due by September 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
One original and three hard copies of the SOQ, Two electronic versions in PDF format on USB drives, Cover letter, Required certifications
Prior similar experience, past performance, current workload, consultant qualifications, collaborative team approach, financial stability, personnel qualifications, geographical proximity, BIM experience
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Summary
The City of Newton Purchasing Department is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified designers for the Underwood School and Ward School Redevelopment Projects (RFS #27-09).
The selected firm will initially provide a Feasibility Study, including educational programming and evaluation of design alternatives for additions, renovations, or new construction at 101 Vernon St. and 10 Dolphin Rd. The initial fee for the Feasibility Study is not to exceed $300,000, with potential contract amendments for schematic design through construction administration. Requirements include a 17.9% combined MBE/WBE participation goal and MCPPO certification for the lead architect. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting and facility tours are scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (Underwood) and 11:00 a.m. (Ward). Sealed responses are due by September 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
9- Prior similar experience
- Past performance
- Current workload
- Consultant qualifications
- Collaborative team approach
- Financial stability
- Personnel qualifications
- Geographical proximity
- BIM experience
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
4- One original and three hard copies of the SOQ
- Two electronic versions in PDF format on USB drives
- Cover letter
- Required certifications
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
6- Attachment A: Capital Assessment Studies
- Attachment B: Standard Contract
- Attachment C: Designer Application Form
- Attachment D: Required Certifications
- Attachment E: Selection Procedures
- Attachment G: Sustainability Guidelines
REQUIRED STAFFING
29- Submit to
- Purchasing Department, Room 108, Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02459
- Scope location
- Newton, MA
Questions about this RFQ
How do I respond to this RFQ from City of Newton?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is September 3, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: Purchasing Department, Room 108, Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02459. For questions, contact Karen Munro.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFQ?
Most government agencies, including City of Newton in MA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFQ submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Karen Munro at (617) 796-1220. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What staffing is required for this project?
This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: Architecture, Environmental Permitting, Geotechnical Engineering, Geo-Environmental, Site Survey, Archeological Survey, Hazardous Materials, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Fire Protection Engineering, Plumbing Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Electrical Engineering,. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: One original and three hard copies of the SOQ, Two electronic versions in PDF format on USB drives, Cover letter, Required certifications. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Prior similar experience, past performance, current workload, consultant qualifications, collaborative team approach, financial stability, personnel qualifications, geographical proximity, BIM experie..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of Newton?
All active and historical solicitations from City of Newton are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of Newton regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What documents are required to bid on this RFQ?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Attachment A: Capital Assessment Studies, Attachment B: Standard Contract, Attachment C: Designer Application Form, Attachment D: Required Certifications, Attachment E: Selection Procedures, Attachmen. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from City of Newton for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Newton, MA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.