City director outlines Keating Building RFP process, says procurement followed rules

Christine Marks, the city's Director of Economic and Community Development, presented an overview of the procurement process for the Keating Building and related properties. She said the Keating complex spans about 190,000 square feet across structures built between 1897 and 1934, has environmental contamination managed by caps and a responsible party, and requires careful oversight of interior work and the fire suppression system. “The RFP was designed to address the sensitivity of the building and to minimize the risk exposure,” she said.

Marks said the RFP was advertised in the Hartford Courant on 09/19/2024 and posted on the City's purchasing website; a mandatory site visit took place on 10/01/2024 and proposals were due by Oct. 30. She said Purchasing and Legal were involved throughout, the director reviewed proposals, and a memo summarizing proposals, cost comparisons, and a recommendation was sent to the mayor and legal on 12/16/2024. Two proposals were received—one about $142,000 for one year of service and the other about $72,000—and selection criteria included completeness, qualifications and cost. Marks asked that the city maintain oversight at the property given fire and contamination risks.