The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island (TNC-RI) is seeking proposals for the planning and design of a long-lasting, evenly surfaced trail at its Moshassuck River Preserve in Lincoln, RI. The trail will be designed to allow persons with limited mobility, who might otherwise be precluded from hiking trails due to uneven surfaces and dramatic slopes, easier access to the preserve so they may participate in an immersive experience to enjoy the preserve’s natural features. The proposed trail will incorporate new pathways with portions of existing trail.
Scope of Project
• Site assessment, surveys & data gathering
• Conceptual design of accessible trail, bridge & amenities to meet FTAG/ABA guidelines
• Parking area plan to meet ADA requirements
• Refined concept of accessible trail, bridge & amenities after consultation with TNC-RI
• All permits necessary to construct project
• Final construction documents
• Assume five (5) project meetings (in-person and/or virtual)
Important Dates
• Scheduled onsite pre-bid meeting: Monday, March 20 at 10:00am (Site Location is the Moshassuck River Preserve, 3 Sherman Ave, Lincoln, RI 02865)
• Deadline for post-meeting inquiries by vendors: Thursday, March 23
• All inquiries answered by TNC-RI: Monday, March 27
• Deadline for proposals: Monday, April 10
Point of Contact
Jeanne Cooper | jeanne.cooper@tnc.org | 401-214-4516 - office | 401-654-1850 - cell
The Nature Conservancy | 159 Waterman St., Providence RI 02906 | 401-331-7110
Design Objectives
Objective 1: Accessible Trail & Bridge Design
The design product will be used to guide construction of a quality trail with a smooth durable surface that can be easily and safely maneuvered by persons with limited mobility and users with wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and low speed devices. The accessible trail will, ideally, incorporate a variety of natural surroundings along its course to create an interesting and enjoyable experience for the user. The design will optimize trail surface stability and reduce erosion. It will include areas for wheelchair turnaround and passing zones at strategic locations. It will include amenities such as resting areas with benches, a wheelchair accessible observation platform near a waterway, and siting of a Clivus Multrum composting toilet at the trailhead parking area. Design plans will include a bridge spanning the Moshassuck River that crosses over culverts just downstream of an old stone dam. This section of trail periodically floods and will require a design that withstands, at minimum, a 10-year storm event. Please refer to Exhibit D. The trail may also include smaller stream crossings depending on the decided path chosen. The length of the trail will be determined by the final design but is anticipated to be approximately 0.5 miles. Refer to Exhibit C for a map showing two potential routes to be considered. The final design will meet or exceed guidelines for accessible trails and outdoor viewing areas consistent with the Federal Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FTAG) under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
Objective 2: Parking Area Improvement for Adherence to ADA Requirements
The design plan will optimize the existing parking area to accommodate a wheelchair van drop-off zone and other designated spaces near the trailhead and will meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The parking area currently has an unpaved dirt surface and is approximately 6,000 square feet. The drop off zone will ensure that the trailhead is readily accessible and approachable by individuals with limited mobility and those using mobility devices. Refer to Exhibit C parking area map for scale
Project Location
The Moshassuck River Preserve is a 210-acre nature preserve in Lincoln, RI owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. It shares a boundary with the Fairlawn Golf Course and the MacColl YMCA property and is a relatively short drive from the City of Providence and other urban centers. It currently has 3 miles of hiking trails that meander through New England oak and hickory forest scattered with large glacial boulders. Refer to Exhibit A for trail map. Near the trailhead is an old stone dam and a small mill ruin where the trail crosses the Moshassuck River, which meanders through portions of the Preserve. Refer to Exhibit B.
Visit Moshassuck River Preserve: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/rhode-island-moshassuck-river-preserve/
Background
The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit with a mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.
The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island values dignity and respect for all and we challenge ourselves to be a more thoughtful, equitable and inclusive organization. One of the ways we can do this is to develop easier means of access to our preserves so that more people can enjoy the beautiful and protected landscapes of Rhode Island.
Visit The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island: https://www.nature.org/rhodeisland
Deliverables of Project
• Conceptual map/plan set of accessible trail, bridge & amenities layout & design
• Final map/plan set of accessible trail, bridge & amenities layout & design (sub-metered GPS and GIS)
• Summary reports for modeling and analysis
• Documented results of surveys
• Notes from project meetings distributed to team
• All required permitting
• Construction documents
• Opinion of cost estimate for construction of trail and structures
• Presentations for and participation in stakeholder engagement events; assume 3
Deliverables of Project will be provided in electronic form via email to jeanne.cooper@tnc.org. Provide PDF versions and CAD files upon request.
Proposals
Proposal should include:
• Design project cost estimate
• Names of proposal lead, staff, and sub-contractors
• A schedule for ‘Deliverables of Project’
• Two references and three (3) descriptions along with reviews (provide contact information) of prior comparable work
• Scope of proposed work for stakeholder engagement and public outreach
• Certificate of Liability Insurance (based on contract & between 1M and 5M)
• Completed Conflict Inquiry Form (Exhibit E)
Design project cost estimate should include line-item quotes for the following:
• Parking area ADA design
• Accessible trail & bridge design
• Observation platform design
• Siting for Clivus Multrum
• Permitting
• Meetings & Events
Communications
Proposal should be submitted electronically via email to jeanne.cooper@tnc.org. Subject line heading should include ‘Moshassuck Accessible Trail Proposal’.
Evaluation
Evaluation of written proposals will be performed by a small team of dedicated staff from The Nature Conservancy and will be based on the qualifications and experience of the bidding company or individual in design of prior projects that include accessible trail layout, styling and quality of amenities, incorporation of user input from the disability community, and the overall success of trail surface longevity and erosion control features. The decision will also be based on the bid estimate and its reasonable approximation of costs for professional survey and design.
Company/Organization/Agency Submitting Contract: The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island
Primary Contact for Contract Information: Jeanne Cooper
Email Address: jeanne.cooper@tnc.org
Closest City to Project: Providence
State/Province/Region: RI
Country: USA
Pre-Bid Meeting Date: 3/20/2023
Pre-Bid Meeting Time: 10:0:0 AM
Anticipated Project Start Date: 5/1/2023
Application Deadline: 4/10/2023
Additional Project Bid Information: Contact Jeanne Cooper at jeanne.cooper@tnc.org to request the following Supporting Documentation:
• Exhibit A: Current Trail Map of Preserve
• Exhibit B: Map of Potential Accessible Trail Routes
• Exhibit C: Map of Parking Area
• Exhibit D: Photos of Dam/Culvert Area
Attached Form
• Exhibit E: Conflict Inquiry Form
• Exhibit F: Contract for Services – Sample Form
Date Submitted to PTBA: 3/13/2023