RFP for 8 Chestnut Structural Engineer Peer Review Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Structural Engineering Peer Review Services

Leroy Downs at 8 Chestnut Street, Norwalk, Connecticut
Sound Communities Inc., An Affiliate of the Norwalk Housing Authority

Sound Communities Inc. is seeking proposals from independent structural engineering firms to perform a code-mandated structural peer review of a new seven-story, 68-unit affordable housing development at 8 Chestnut Street in Norwalk.

KEY INFORMATION

RFP RELEASE DATE: 7/10/2026

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: On or before 7/31/2026 at 5:00 PM EST. Late submissions will not be considered.

SUBMISSION PROCESS: Email to sstewart@soundcommunitiesct.org. No hard copies.

STAFF CONTACT: Sophie Stewart, Project Coordinator - sstewart@soundcommunitiesct.org. Written questions due by 7/24/2026.

I. INVITATION & PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Sound Communities Inc. (Sound), an affiliate of the Norwalk Housing Authority (NHA), is undertaking new construction of a seven-story, 68-unit affordable housing development on a 0.56-acre parcel at 8 Chestnut Street, bordered by Chestnut Street to the west and South Main Street to the east. The project is designed by Amenta Emma Architects, P.C., with Michael Horton & Associates, Inc. (MHAI) as Structural Engineer of Record. Construction documents are currently at 90% completion.

The structural design is a hybrid system: a Type IA cast-in-place concrete podium at Level 1 and Type IVC Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) framing for Levels 2-7. Given the building's height and hybrid structural system, an independent structural peer review is required under Connecticut General Statutes § 29-276b and Building Code Section 107.7.1 (as amended).

A qualified firm must be independent of MHAI and Amenta Emma Architects, hold an active Connecticut PE license, and have demonstrated experience reviewing hybrid concrete/CLT structural systems of comparable height and complexity.

After review of qualifications, experience, references, and fees, Sound reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, waive defects or technicalities, and award to the respondent determined to be most responsible and qualified - not necessarily the lowest fee.

NOTE: Any contact with Sound or NHA staff or board members other than the contact listed above may result in disqualification.

II. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected firm will:

1. Review the 90% Construction Documents - structural drawings, specifications, and calculations - for code compliance, focusing on the stability and integrity of the primary structural support systems.

2. Assess the Type IA concrete podium (Level 1) and Type IVC CLT superstructure (Levels 2-7), including the podium-to-CLT interface and load transfer, lateral system, diaphragms, and connections.

3. Issue written review comments to MHAI, Amenta Emma Architects, and Sound within 21 calendar days of document receipt; review MHAI's responses and confirm resolution; confirm incorporation of changes into 100% CDs.

4. Review structural deferred submittals, shop drawings, and RFIs as required during construction.

Review Timeline: The review period for each submission shall not exceed 21 calendar days. The selected firm must be prepared to mobilize immediately upon contract award.

III. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

One complete proposal must be emailed to sstewart@soundcommunitiesct.org no later than 5:00 PM EST on July 31st. No hard copies. Sound will not compensate respondents for proposal preparation, interviews, or travel costs. Written questions are the only avenue for inquiries and must be received by July 24th.

Each submission must include:
1. Signed Cover Letter on Company Letterhead

2. Firm Overview - history, size, offices, services, DEI commitment

3. Relevant Project Experience - comparable peer reviews, hybrid concrete/CLT experience, CGS § 29-276b reviews (past 5 years)

4. Three (3) Client References (name, title, phone, email)

5. Qualifications/Resumes of Key Staff Assigned to this Engagement

6. Proposed Schedule identifying the key personnel (s) assigned to this engagement, their current availability; and a milestone timeline demonstrating ability to deliver written peer review comments within 21 calendar days of document receipt

7. Proposed Fee (Exhibit D)

Attachments: Signed RFP Certification (Exhibit B); Signed Debarment Certification (Exhibit C); Proposed Fee (Exhibit D); business license & CT registration; CT PE license for the assigned engineer of record; any MBE/WBE certifications, if applicable.

IV. SELECTION PROCESS
Proposals submitted by the deadline will be scored by a Sound Communities selection committee; interviews may be held with top-scoring firms. Final award requires approval by the NHA Board of Commissioners.

Scoring Criteria:
Criteria Max Points
Company Overview / History 10
Relevant Project Experience & Team Qualifications 15
Proposed Schedule & Approach 10
Fee Proposal 10
References 5
TOTAL 50

V. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Respondents may change or withdraw a proposal in writing prior to the deadline; oral changes will not be recognized, and no modifications are accepted after the deadline. Sound may request clarifications or additional documentation after submission. Proposals remain firm for the duration of the project.

Submissions are considered public information unless the respondent identifies confidential/proprietary portions in a separate letter. By submitting, the respondent represents the proposal is bona fide and free of collusion or fraud, and certifies it is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible under federal or state law.

Termination for Cause and for Convenience

Sound may terminate this contract in whole or in part for convenience or for the Contractor's failure to perform, by written notice specifying the nature, extent, and effective date. Upon receipt, the Contractor shall immediately discontinue affected services and deliver all related materials to Sound. If terminated for convenience, Sound is liable only for services rendered to date; if terminated for default, Sound may complete the work itself or through others, with the Contractor liable for additional costs and subject to withholding for set-off.

Sound retains exclusive ownership of all materials and documents produced under this contract. If funding becomes unavailable, Sound may terminate without penalty upon written notice.

VI. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall maintain the following coverage, from a carrier rated A or better in Best's Rating Guide, through completion of the scope of work:

All policies must name the following as additional insured:

Sound Communities, Inc.
24 1/2 Monroe Street
Norwalk, CT 06854

Housing Authority of the City of Norwalk
24 1/2 Monroe Street
Norwalk, CT 06854

Exhibit A- 8 Chestnut Structural Engineering Peer Review Services

Exhibit B- 8 Chestnut Structural Engineering Peer Review Services

Exhibit C- 8 Chestnut Structural Engineering Peer Review Services