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Handyman Services for the North Avenue Coop Water Infrastructure Project
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Request Date: 10/29/2025 9:29:55 AM
Open Date:
Closing Date: 11/14/2025 5:00 PM
Intent To Bid Deadline:
Est. Dollar Value: $0.00
RFQ Number:
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Cooperative Development Institute
16 Morgan Meadows Way
Jeffersonville,
VT
05464
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Bid Type:
Request for Proposal
Locations:
Chittenden
Keywords:
Construction (Building), HVAC, Plumbing and Heating, Custodial/Janitorial Services, Windows and Window Decor, Lawn Maintenance, Electrical Contractor, Construction (Non Building), Appliance Repair and Service, Landscaping, Mechanical Services and Repair, Building Rehabilitation, General Contractor, Heating Installation and Services, Roofing Contractor
Bid Description:
1. Introduction
The North Avenue Coop is undertaking a significant water infrastructure project to upgrade and modernize its water and sewer system. To ensure the project proceeds as efficiently as possible, the Coop is seeking a qualified handyman or general contractor to provide supplementary services. The primary goal is to complete work that falls outside the scope of the water and sewer infrastructure construction team, but may have occurred as a result of construction allowing that construction team to remain focused on the core tasks of excavation, pipe laying, and backfilling.
2. Project Background
The main contractor (Kingsbury Construction) will be responsible for the primary water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure work. This will involve trench digging, installation of new piping, and final backfilling of trenches. The project area spans the entire co-op property, necessitating the temporary removal and/or relocation of various objects and fixtures. Work may also affect other park infrastructure, which creates the need for this RFP.
This project has been split into two stages. Stage 1 entails running water and sewer service lines from homes to the street. Stage 1 has already commenced and is expected to run until August 2026. See here for Stage 1 plans. Stage 2 will entail running water and sewer mains from the street to the municipal connections, and is expected to start sometime during construction season 2026.
The selected vendor for this RFP would be chosen only for the duration of Stage 1, and would need to reapply for Stage 2 should they want to continue providing service to the community and the project.
The North Avenue Coop property is owned by Cooperative Development Institute Development Fund (CDIDF), a subsidiary of Cooperative Development Institute (CDI). Any agreement resulting from this RFP will be between CDIDF and the contractor.
3. Scope of Work
The selected handyman will be responsible for a range of tasks that falls outside the scope of the water and sewer infrastructure construction team, but may have occurred as a result of construction. The specific tasks will be identified and coordinated with the North Avenue Coop Community Liaison. Also listed below is the level of urgency needed to fix the issue.
Post-Construction Work
Fixture and Structural Restoration: Re-installing, re-securing, or rebuilding fixtures that were previously removed, including fencing, skirting, decks, stairways, ramps, and pavers. Non-urgent
Relocation of Yard Items: Returning all large yard items, planters, and other objects to their original or designated locations. Non-urgent
Work Needed as a Result of Construction
Minor, in-unit fixes to plumbing, electrical, HVAC issues or Carpentry issues
Plumbing-Related Scenarios
Low Water Pressure After Water Main Work: After a water shutoff and reconnection, sediment enters a unit’s faucet aerator or showerhead, restricting flow. The handyman needs to purge the line and clean or replace the fixture. Semi-Urgent
Leaking Connection at a Shutoff Valve: When the water is turned back on, pressure changes cause a minor leak at a sink’s shutoff valve or at a washing machine connection that wasn’t previously noticeable. Semi-Urgent
Toilet Not Refilling Properly: Air trapped in the plumbing line or debris in the fill valve prevents the toilet tank from refilling. The handyman would inspect, clear debris, and adjust or replace the fill valve. Semi-Urgent
Hot Water Delay or Temperature Fluctuation: After system flushing, hot water lines develop air pockets or scale buildup, requiring line bleeding or faucet aerator cleaning. Semi-Urgent
Electrical-Related Scenarios
GFCI Outlet Trips During Construction: Temporary power fluctuations or moisture exposure cause GFCI outlets (often near kitchens or bathrooms) to trip. The handyman would reset or replace the outlet if necessary. Semi-Urgent
Outdoor Light Not Functioning: A porch or exterior light loses power due to reconnection work or moisture intrusion; requires checking bulbs, wiring, or switch continuity. Non-Urgent
HVAC-Related Scenarios
Air Conditioner Not Turning On After Power Cycling: Following power shutoffs, the thermostat or condenser needs resetting or a fuse replaced. Semi-Urgent
Furnace Pilot or Igniter Malfunction: If gas or electrical service was temporarily disconnected, the furnace may need a simple restart or igniter inspection. Semi-Urgent
Clogged or Dusty Air Filter: Construction dust enters ducts or filters, causing reduced airflow—requiring filter replacement and minor cleaning. Semi-Urgent
Disconnected Vent or Duct Panel: Heavy vibration from nearby digging knocks a flexible duct loose, resulting in poor heating/cooling distribution that needs reconnection. Semi-Urgent
Carpentry-Related Scenarios
Exterior Facade Damage: Vibrations or nearby excavation affect the home’s exterior siding or skirting, requiring minor carpentry repairs to restore the facade to its original condition.
Window Damage: A window cracks or breaks due to construction-related vibrations or accidental impact, requiring the purchase and installation of a replacement unit.
Structural Shifting or Cracking: Minor settling or shifting of the home during construction results in cracks in trim, framing, or paneling, requiring assessment and repair to ensure stability and appearance.
Note: the above scenarios are intended to give examples of the type of work that may be needed. This should not be considered an exhaustive list.
4. General Conditions
Handyman should expect that work is taking place in a residential mobile home community. Handyman should expect to park with the construction crew at the south end of the community, though can temporarily park outside houses being serviced to transport tools and materials. Handyman is also welcome to ask resident or Community Liaison if it is alright to park in residents driveway while performing work. Handyman should observe the density of the community; homes are close together, sometimes making for difficult working conditions. Should residents approach the handyman, the handyman should feel free to direct residents to speak with the Community Liaison. Handyman should expect work to take place inside and outside homes in the community, year-round.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should be clear, comprehensive, and include the following information:
Company/Individual Information: Full legal name, address, contact person, phone number, and email.
Relevant Experience: A brief description of past handyman or similar project experience.
Pricing: A detailed cost breakdown, including hourly rates, project rates per activity type, a flat fee for the entire scope of work, or a hybrid model. Please also specify if costs for materials (e.g., replacement screws, lumber) are included or separate and if there is a markup.
Timeline and Availability: An estimated start date and confirmation of availability for flexible scheduling to work around the main contractor's schedule.
Expected turnaround time: A commitment to start addressing the issue within a certain time frame should be specified (number of days/hours)
Any other requirements: Examples would include maximum hours available in a week, or other expectations the vendor might have.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Clear and competitive pricing.
Demonstrated experience and ability to perform the specified tasks.
Flexibility and availability to meet project timelines.
Professionalism and quality of the submitted proposal.
Submission Details
Proposals can be submitted electronically to the Cooperative Development Institute at wisp@cdi.coop by Friday, November 14th, 2025 with the subject line “Request for Proposal: Handyman Services for the North Avenue Coop Water Infrastructure Project”. Proposals may also be handed in-person to Jacob Shapiro, the Community Liaison, at the gray office trailer on-site, near the corner of Community Way and Avenue D in Burlington, VT, anytime between 8AM and 4PM Monday through Friday. Nearest actual address is 2 Avenue D, Burlington, VT, 05401. All questions regarding this RFP should be directed to the same email address.
Any interested bidder should feel welcome to contact Jacob Shapiro, Community Liaison for the North Avenue Cooperative Water Infrastructure Project, with any questions. He is also capable of scheduling an on-site meeting so the contractor can assess conditions. His contact information is jshapiro@cdi.coop and 802-316-8735
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