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Subcommittee narrows design‑services candidates for 705 redevelopment; next step is price negotiation
Summary
A selection subcommittee narrowed five proposals to two finalists for design services on the 705 redevelopment and is preparing to request a price proposal and begin contract negotiations with the preferred firm.
Members of the Sudbury Housing Authority’s subcommittee reported progress selecting design services for the 705 redevelopment feasibility study and said they expect to request a price proposal and begin negotiations with a preferred firm.
The authority received five proposals and shortlisted three. The subcommittee interviewed two finalists and checked references. Members reported difficulty contacting all references supplied by one finalist and said the reference checks and consultant lists made ZED (referred to in packet and discussion as a smaller, boutique firm) more attractive: references characterized ZED as responsive, with staff who communicate well and do not let items fall through the cracks. Several board members said they believed either finalist would be capable, but that ZED’s consultant mix appeared “right‑sized” for this project.
The subcommittee — which includes two authority members, a planning‑board representative and a community member from the housing trust — agreed to hold a telephone meeting this week to confirm the preferred firm. Staff said the next step is to request a cost proposal from the top firm and then negotiate scope and fees; if the subcommittee and staff can confirm a price, the authority will call a short special meeting of the board to approve the negotiation and award so the consultant can begin work and produce drawings for neighborhood outreach and town‑meeting presentations.
Staff emphasized that the consultant will need the program (bedroom counts, basic configuration) to provide the most accurate price; the authority said it has waiting‑list and population data to provide that program information. Members discussed negotiation timing and noted that if the firm provides a fixed‑price contract it could be higher; staff said many firms submitted hourly rates and that the contract will include iterations, in‑person meetings and hourly rates for additional work.
Ending: The subcommittee will schedule a brief phone call to formalize its recommendation and request a price proposal; staff expects to have a recommendation for the board ahead of the scheduled joint meeting with the housing trust.
