Proposals should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on December 7, 2023 to:
Peggy Lee-Clark, Executive Director
Pottstown Area Economic Development (PAED)
152 East High Street, Suite 200, Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 326-2900 | pleeclark@paedinc.org
Pottstown Area Economic Development (PAED) is seeking a qualified, licensed professional electrician/contractor for installation of commercial-grade hanging lights along 4 blocks of High Street within the Borough of Pottstown.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
PAED is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to developing, coordinating and implementing an overall economic development strategy for the Borough of Pottstown designed to stimulate investment which will maintain and enhance the tax base; retain and create job opportunities; and restore and utilize or remove under-utilized buildings. PAED is developing, coordinating & implementing an economic development strategy that will stimulate investment & sustainable growth. PAED provides services to businesses and organizations seeking to invest, expand or relocate including assistance with site selection, commercial and industrial real estate development, redevelopment, access to resources, and workforce development.
In 2018, commercial-grade hanging “Edison-style” lights were hung amongst the trees and poles within Smith Family Plaza on High Street, located between Borough Hall and 152 E. High Street. This canopy of lights has improved the aesthetic appeal and safety for this area. The ambience created by the canopy of lights has enhanced this public area for local businesses, visitors, and residents. Special events have been able to be scheduled, enjoying evening hours after sundown, due to the installation of this canopy of lights.
PURPOSE AND INTENT
Through this request for Proposal(RFP), PAED seeks to hire an electrician/contractor. This contract will be awarded through a fair and open process.
PAED will extend this appeal and safety, along the north and south sides of High Street, from the 100 to 400 blocks with the project, “Light up High Street: Lighting up the Downtown District of the Borough of Pottstown”. In 2021 and 2022, PAED coordinated fundraising donations from the business and development community in order to purchase the lights. PAED connected with more than 30 individual businesses, and has secured signed hold harmless agreements from a majority of the necessary businesses. PAED completed an initial draft (available upon request) of storefront images, connection points, length of lighting required, etc. for each storefront. This draft can be used as a visual guide for the electrician’s contractor. PAED’s staff will remain involved, as needed, as a liaison with the business owners/tenant in support of the electrician/contractor successfully completing the project.
SCOPE OF WORK
- Electrician/contractor hangs lights to and from pole/building/tree, as available (certain street poles will be excluded), using a diagonal (zig-zag) pattern with consistency to create a cohesive look in the Downtown.
- PAED provides lights in strands of 48 ft. long.
- Business owner/tenant covers cost of install (hooks, electric, timers, replacement bulbs)
- Business owner/tenant covers cost of electric (lights on dawn to dusk on timers)
- Business owner/tenant pays electrician/contractor upon completion of work.
- Business owner/tenant maintains all maintenance including replacement bulbs and repairs.
COSTS
- Each “storefront” has been quoted an estimated/average cost of labor, installation of any electrical connection needed for the lights, and a timer. Estimated at approx. $150 – $750 per building, based upon existing structure & building limitations.
- The lights have been purchased and will be provided by PAED.
- Timers will be purchased for each “storefront” by the electrician/contractor and will be included in the individual invoice for each business.
PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
PAED will hire the electrician/contractor based on capability of completing the work, level of expertise with electrical work, availability to complete the project in a timely manner that coordinates with the businesses’ needs. Electricians/Contractors located within the Borough’s 5.5 sq. miles will be given preference, provide all other qualifications meet or exceed expectations.
PAED may at their sole discretion decline to make an award or award all or a part of the scope of work to one or more electricians/contractors and is in no way bound to award the work to one electrician/contractor or to the lowest priced response.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
All interested electrician/contractors should:
- Contact PAED via phone or email.
- Schedule a brief interview with PAED.
- Submit 2-3 references with name, phone, email, address.
- Submit a written proposal to include project start date and estimated costs.
- All submissions due by 5:00pm on December 7, 2022.