Project Information

Bid Title

Provide a consulting service for a comprehensive update of the Town of Merrimack's Master Plan

Issuing Agency

Town of Merrimack

Location

New Hampshire

Published Date

Jul 8, 2026

Closing Date

Jul 24, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Provide a consulting service for a comprehensive update of the Town of Merrimack's Master Plan , due Friday, July 24, 2026 at 2PM.

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Town of Merrimack, NH

Request for Proposals

2026 MASTER PLAN UPDATE

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE

TOWN

_________F_I_N_A_N__C_E_D__E_P_A_R_T_M__E_N__T__________________

6 Baboosic Lake Road

Tel: 603-424-7075

Merrimack, NH 03054

June 2, 2026

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The Town of Merrimack, New Hampshire is seeking to engage the services of a consulting firm

(“CONSULTANT”) which is lawfully engaged in the State of New Hampshire with experience

the comprehensive update of the Town of Merrimack’s Master Plan.

An overview and detailed specifications are provided later in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

Proposals must be received not later than 2:00PM on Friday, July 24, 2026 from interested forms,

to be eligible for consideration by the Town. Each proposal shall be submitted to the Town of

Merrimack, Finance Department, 6 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054 in a sealed envelope

which is clearly marked “RFP-MASTER PLAN UPDATE”.

The contractor will be required to provide an insurance certificate confirming the following

insurance coverage: worker’s compensation insurance as required by the State of New Hampshire;

broad-form comprehensive general liability insurance in an amount no less than $1,000,000

combined single limit per occurrence; and motor vehicle insurance to include bodily injury,

property damage, uninsured motorist, and employer’s non-ownership coverage in an amount no

less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence. The Town of Merrimack shall be

named as an additional insured on all policies.

The contractor must also agree in writing to indemnify the Town of Merrimack from any and all

liability, loss or damage, including but not limited to bodily injury, illness, death, or property

damage, which the Town becomes legally obligated to pay as a result of claims, demands, costs,

or judgment against the Town arising out of the contractor’s actions or omissions relating to this

project.

The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids, re-bid, negotiation any contracts, to waive

irregularities in the proposals, and to accept the bid which, in the Town’s sole discretion, best

serves the interest of the Town and waive any formalities in the bid process.

It is the bidder’s responsibility to confirm the bid is received by the Finance Department by the

date and time specified.

The Town of Merrimack’s Purchasing Policy is available on the Town’s website:

https://www.merrimacknh.gov/finance-department/pages/bid-opportunities; a copy may be

obtained by contacting the Purchasing Agent. For additional information, contact Sandra Song,

Purchasing Agent, at ssong@merrimacknh.gov or (603) 424-7075.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE

TOWN

_________F_I_N_A_N__C_E_D__E_P_A_R_T_M__E_N__T__________________

6 Baboosic Lake Road

Tel: 603-424-7075

Merrimack, NH 03054

I. INTRODUCTION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSERS

1. GENERAL:

A. INTRODUCTION: The Town of Merrimack, New Hampshire Planning Board invites written

proposals from qualified planning consultants to assist the Board in the comprehensive update of

the Town of Merrimack’s Master Plan. The new Master Plan will guide the Town’s land use and

zoning policies and long-range planning, and serve as an important resource in the consideration

of key policy changes in Merrimack.

The planning process should include significant public input and involvement, and represent an

accessible and comprehensive living and working document for continued reference. The

consultant team should have demonstrated experience in crafting all chapters of the Master Plan,

and particular expertise in the areas of public engagement, implementation, and a creative and

innovative professional approach to planning projects, as outlined in this RFP. Lastly, the finalist

will be invited to review their proposal at a meeting with the Planning Board.

B. COMMUNITY PROFILE: The Town of Merrimack is New Hampshire’s eighth-largest

municipality, with a 2024 estimated population of 29,291 according to the New Hampshire

Department of Business & Economic Affairs, Office of Planning & Development. However, the

Town’s daytime population is far greater because of retail shopping and employment centers. The

Merrimack Premium Outlets is a regional destination that attracts shoppers from a wide area and

large employers such as Fidelity contribute to an influx of people into the community each day.

Situated between New Hampshire’s two largest cities, Manchester and Nashua, Merrimack has

experienced periods of explosive growth in the past with its most recent period being in the last

ten years. Merrimack is currently entering the re-use phase of its development as most of its

undeveloped land has become developed.

The Town’s last comprehensive Master Plan update was completed in 2013, with the 2020

Bicycle-Pedestrian Corridor Plan added as an appendix in 2020. The latest Master Plan is available

on the Town Website: https://www.merrimacknh.gov/community-development/pages/2013-

master-plan

2. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:

A. Two (2) complete, separate hard copies and one (1) electronic copy (in PDF format on a portable

USB drive) of the proposal must be sealed, marked “RFP-Master Plan Update” and mailed or

delivered to the Town of Merrimack, Finance Department, 6 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack, NH

03054 by the date and time specified above when they will be read aloud at 6 Baboosic Lake Road

East Wing of Town Hall - Lower Level Conference Room at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 24, 2026. It

is bidder’s responsibility to confirm the bid is received by the Finance Department by the date and

time specified.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE

TOWN

_________F_I_N_A_N__C_E_D__E_P_A_R_T_M__E_N__T__________________

6 Baboosic Lake Road

Tel: 603-424-7075

Merrimack, NH 03054

B. Proposers are requested to be concise and proposals should include, in order, the following:

1) letter of transmittal;

2) Brief Company Background, including a description of the firm’s knowledge and

experience in the industry. Highlight your company’s experience to provide the highest

quality and effective product and reliable service and support.

3) Description of Approach: Respondents shall include a detailed proposal describing the

CONSULTANT’S proposed approach to this project per the scope of services contained

herein. The CONSULTANT shall expressly identify any proposed deviations from the

scope of work set forth herein, with explanation of why any such deviations are proposed.

4) Project Team: The Consultant shall provide an organizational profile of the project team,

including the background and experience of all firms represented. Clearly identify the

project manager and team members and staff who would be assigned to each section of the

project. If different consultants are teaming together, identify who would be the lead

consultant.

5) Summary of Options for Public Outreach: Provide a detailed description of how the

proposal will address the need for innovative outreach and engagement. The Town is open

to dynamic and innovative approaches to soliciting citizen participation and include the

type of approach proposed.

6) Project schedule: The CONSULTANT shall submit a schedule detailing how the project

approach would be implemented including estimated dates for project milestones.

7) Comparable Projects: The CONSULANT shall submit at least three projects with a

similar scope described in this RFP. The summaries should reflect a demonstrated record

of completing projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of the communities

involved. The summaries should include public engagement tools utilized, key

recommendations, and illustrations derived directly from the plan. The contact information

for the municipal contacts should be included and the Town reserves the right to contact

any references provided or otherwise obtained.

8) Cost Proposal and Budget: Respondents to this RFP shall submit a cost estimate and

typical billing rates.

If, in the bidder’s opinion, any aspect of the below specifications doesn’t perform up to industry

standards or best practices, the bidder must submit the proposed question or concern about the

specifications and or scope of work in writing via email, to Sandra Song at

ssong@merrimacknh.gov, no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the Request for Proposal

opening date to be considered. Any and all questions and answers will be posted as an addendum

on the Town’s Bid Opportunities page https://www.merrimacknh.gov/finance-

department/pages/bid-opportunities.

C. Receipt &Opening of Proposals: Proposals shall be submitted prior to the time fixed in the

Request for Sealed Bids/RFP. Proposals received after the time so indicated shall be returned

unopened.

TOWN OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE

TOWN

_________F_I_N_A_N__C_E_D__E_P_A_R_T_M__E_N__T__________________

6 Baboosic Lake Road

Tel: 603-424-7075

Merrimack, NH 03054

II. SPECIFICATIONS

1. SCOPE OF SERVICES

This project involves a comprehensive update of the Town of Merrimack Master Plan. The

successful consultant team will be expected to work independently with expertise in a broad array

of subject areas. To the greatest extent possible, the Master Plan should be an integrated document,

identifying goals and implementation measures that span subject areas. The Planning Board

welcomes creative and non-traditional proposals that may utilize innovative formats or integrate

topic areas into single sections or chapters of the plan.

The following is an outline of sections to be included in the Master Plan. The consultant is expected

to provide all information required by NH RSA 674:2 and 674:3. The below outline is not all

inclusive, and the Planning Board may revise or add topic areas as appropriate:

• Executive Summary

• Vision

• Land Use

• Transportation

• Community Facilities

• Economic Development

• Natural Resources

• Recreation

• Public Utilities & Energy

• Historic Resources

• Housing

• Implementation

It is not necessary for the document to strictly follow the outline above and topics may be

consolidated, provided all themes are incorporated into the plan.

2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION & OUTREACH

Public involvement and engagement will represent an integral foundation of the Master Plan and

the Plan should incorporate public input from a broad cross-section of the community. Experience

has shown that attendance has been limited at traditional public outreach events. The Planning

Board is interested in reaching out to all members of the community and welcomes non-traditional

public engagement ideas. Consultants are encouraged to include platforms for interactive

participation so that residents can provide their opinions without needing to attend meetings.

Although the Planning Board is seeking innovative public outreach, the Board also expects the

process to include some forms of traditional public participation. The successful consultant will

be expected to attend Planning Board meetings, and present final and draft chapters to the Planning

Board.

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 541330Engineering Services
• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
• NAICS 541618Other Management Consulting Services

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