Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

Request for Proposals (RFP) For

The Mark Twain House Exterior Restoration

Issued By:

The Mark Twain House & Museum

The Request For Proposal is available in electronic format from The Mark Twain House & Museum Official Contact:

Daryn Reyman-Lock, Ph.D.

Beatrice Fox Auerbach Chief Curator

351 Farmington Avenue

Hartford, CT 06105

860-280-3122

daryn.reymanlock@marktwainhouse.org

RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN

January 30, 2026 at 3:00pm

The Mark Twain House & Museum is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

The Mark Twain House & Museum reserves the right to reject any and all submissions or cancel this procurement at any time if deemed in the best interest of The Mark Twain House & Museum.

The project is funded by grant funds from the Community Investment Account of the State of Connecticut, as administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Official Contact.

The Mark Twain House & Museum has designated the individual below as the Official Contact for purposes of this RFP. The Official Contact is the only authorized contact for this procurement and, as such, handles all related communications on behalf of The Mark Twain House & Museum.

Daryn Reyman-Lock, Ph.D.

Beatrice Fox Auerbach Chief Curator

351 Farmington Avenue

Hartford, CT 06105

860-280-3122

daryn.reymanlock@marktwainhouse.org

Please ensure that e-mail screening software (if used) recognizes and accepts e-mails from the Official Contact.

The RFP, amendments to the RFP, and other information associated with this procurement are available in electronic format from the Official Contact.

INTRODUCTION

The Mark Twain House & Museum is seeking proposals for the exterior restoration of the Mark Twain House including all porches, decks, balconies, railings, and masonry repairs. The project is funded by grant funds from the Community Investment Account of the State of Connecticut, as administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Work must be done in accordance with SHPO standards and meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and be prepared by a consultant team that meets the federal qualifications standards under 36 CFR Part 61 for Historical Architect.

RFP Conference.

A mandatory RFP conference will be held on January 15, 2026 at 10:00am at The Mark Twain House & Museum for bidders to review current conditions of the structure identified in the project. Any questions resulting from the RFP Conference can be submitted to the Official Contact in accordance with the Inquiry Procedures described below.

Inquiry Procedures

All questions regarding this RFP or The Mark Twain House & Museum procurement process must be directed, in writing, electronically, (e-mail) to the Official Contact before the deadline specified in the Procurement Schedule. The early submission of questions is encouraged. Questions will not be accepted or answered verbally – neither in person nor over the telephone. All questions received before the deadline(s) will be answered. Questions deemed unrelated to the RFP or the procurement process will not be answered. At its discretion, The Mark Twain House & Museum may or may not respond to questions received after the deadline. The Mark Twain House & Museum reserves the right to answer questions only from those who have attended the RFP Conference. The Mark Twain House & Museum may combine similar questions and give only one answer. All questions and answers will be compiled into a written amendment to this RFP. If any answer to any question constitutes a material change to the RFP, the question and answer will be placed at the beginning of the amendment and duly noted as such.

The Mark Twain House & Museum will release the answers to questions on the date(s) established in the Procurement Schedule to those who attended the RFP conference.

SERVICE OVERVIEW

The Mark Twain House and Carriage Barn was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963. It was the subject of a HABS project in 1995, the measured drawings of which are in MTHM’s archives and on the Library of Congress website.

Designed by notable New York-based architect Edward Tuckerman Potter in 1873, the Clemens family moved into the home in 1874, before the interior of the home was fully finished. Over the course of the next few years, Louis Comfort Tiffany and his Associated Artists (including Lockwood Deforest and Candace Wheeler), decorated the interior of the home with intricately carved woodwork, hand-painted stenciling, and elaborate wallpaper. Each room on the first floor was meant to invoke a different area of the globe: the foyer North African/Middle Eastern, the drawing room India, the library Turkish, and the dining room Japanese. The Clemens family even imported decorative items from across Europe including Scotland, namely the large fireplace and mantlepiece from Ayton Castle in Eyemouth, Scotland. For the next 17 years, the family would inhabit the home, which Samuel (aka Mark Twain) would refer to as the “loveliest home there ever was” and where he would spend the happiest years of his life.

When Sam Clemens’ bad financial investments resulted in bankruptcy in 1891, he moved his family to Europe where they could live more cheaply. Their home in Hartford was rented to family friends, but the Clemens’ oldest daughter, Susy, returned to the house in 1896 after falling ill from spinal meningitis, to which she succumbed on August 18, 1896. The Clemens family could not face returning to the house in which their daughter passed and ultimately sold the house to Richard Bissell, the president of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company, in 1903. The Bissells lived in the house until 1917, after which they rented the property to Kingswood School for Boys. Sold to a developer in 1922, the house was turned into an apartment building.

The Friends of Hartford, led by neighbor and Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece Katharine Seymour Day, purchased the house in 1929. From 1930 until 1956, The Mark Twain Memorial and Library Commission – an organization specifically chartered to save and restore The Mark Twain House – rented the first floor to the Hartford Public Library while the upper floors remained privately rented apartments until the 1960s. In 1963, the house was designated a National Historical Landmark and the formal restoration of the house begun.

The Mark Twain House and the associated Carriage House & Barn are in constant use by the museum staff, administrators, and visitors, and fall directly under the purview of the Chief Curator who oversees preservation of the building and any alterations of the surrounding landscape.

The Mark Twain House has not been the subject of large-scale restoration since 1998-1999. Consequently, the exterior of the home needs repair with specific emphasis on porches, Ombra, decks, balconies, Porte Cochere and brick repair, repointing and repainting. The proposer is expected to coordinate efforts with the project coordinator, Daryn Reyman-Lock, Ph.D.

Scope of Work

The Consultant will:

Consult with The Mark Twain House & Museum representatives regarding the needs and goals of the project.
Undertake the following:
Spot repair, consolidate, sand and paint exterior skirting, rails, underdeck or balcony structure of all decks and balconies on the 2^ndand 3^rd floors;
Spot repair, consolidate, sand and paint exterior skirting, rails, underdeck or balcony structure of the Ombra, Porch and Porte Cochere on the ground floor;
Repair or replace animal barrier materials on skirting of the Obra, Porch, and Porte Cochere as necessary;
Selective repair and cleaning of brickwork on exterior of house (excluding chimneys);
Restoration of brickwork on exterior of the house and repointing as necessary with a historically appropriate mortar;
Prep and re-paint vermillion and black decorative bricks on all walls. Bids must specify type of paint to be used on bricks.
Record of any previous existing conditions recordation including site plans, “as built” floor plans and elevations, detail photographs or drawings of significant features, context photo-documentation, and existing conditions detail photo-documentation. The Mark Twain House & Museum will provide access to other requested records, upon availability including existing drawings and previous inspections, including:
- Historic Architectural Building Record (HABS) drawings;
- Cambridge Seven’s architectural report;
- Architectural plans from previous restorations
Recommended treatments must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the treatment of historic properties and the procedures of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Methodology will follow guidelines of the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office.

Budget Expectations

The budget for this project is partially funded by the Connecticut Community Investment Account, as administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Procurement Schedule

See below. Dates after the due date for proposals (“Proposals Due”) are non-binding target dates only (*). The Mark Twain House & Museum may amend the schedule as needed

RFP Released: December 30, 2025
RFP Conference: January 15, 2026 at 10:00am
Deadline for Questions: January 19, 2026
Answers Released: January 23, 2026
Proposals Due: January 30, 2026 at 3:00pm
(*) Proposer Selection: February 13, 2026
(*) Start of Contract Negotiations: February 20, 2026
(*) Start of Contract: February 27, 2026

The consultant must be ready to commence project work within thirty (30) calendar days of the contract award. While it is the expectation to begin project work as soon as possible within the thirty (30) days, The Mark Twain House & Museum reserves the right to extend the project start date within reason due to unforeseen circumstances.

The project shall be successfully completed within four-six (4-6) months from the date of the execution of the contract between The Mark Twain House & Museum and consultant, unless The Mark Twain House & Museum should request an extension of time.

During the period from your organization’s receipt of this Request for Proposals, and until a contract is awarded, your organization shall not contact any member of The Mark Twain House & Museum or the State of Connecticut for additional information, except during the inquiry period and according to the manner described above.

Minimum Qualifications of Proposers.

To qualify for a contract award, a proposer must have the following minimum qualifications:

Qualifying bidders must meet minimum professional qualifications under the Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards as expanded and revised in 1997 (62 FR 33708, June 20) for the fields of Engineering and/or Historic Architecture.
Qualifying bidders must have the appropriate background and experience with Edward Tuckerman Potter-designed structures.
Qualifying bidders must demonstrate specific work experience in completing similar projects

Selection Criteria

The selection for award will be based on lowest responsible and qualified bidder. Responsibility will be evaluated based on the candidate’s previous experience, qualifications of the bidder including quality of the proposal, references, quality of samples (previous work products), previous experience, and the ability to competently complete the work within the allotted budget and period of time. The proposer must be approved by the SHPO prior to award. The SHPO and The Mark Twain House & Museum expect to select an architect and award a contract on or about October 27, 2025.
Bidders are required to produce examples of similar work experience.
Preference will be given to bidders who have extensive experience utilizing the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties

Proposal Requirements

Proposal must contain the following items:

1. Cover Sheet.

The Cover Sheet is Page 1 of the proposal.

The proposer must develop a Cover Sheet that includes the information below. Legal Name is defined as the name of the provider or vendor submitting the proposal. Contact Person is defined as the individual who can provide additional information about the proposal or who has immediate responsibility for the proposal. Authorized Official is defined as the individual empowered to submit a binding offer on behalf of the proposer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFP and any amendments or attachments hereto.

RFP Name or Number:
Legal Name:
Street Address:
Town/City/State/Zip:
Contact Person:
Title:
Phone Number:
E-Mail Address:
Authorized Official:
Title:
Signature:

CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL

a. Executive Summary.

Proposals must include a high-level summary of the main proposal and cost proposal. The summary must also include the organization’s eligibility and qualifications to respond to this RFP and a brief overview of why the Respondent should be selected for the activities highlighted in the scope of services.

Main Proposal

To Submit a Responsive Proposal:

The proposal must include but is not limited to:

Firm Qualifications
Team Member Credentials, including resumes

Staffing Expectations

Qualifying bidders must meet minimum professional qualifications under the Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards as expanded and revised in 1997 (62 FR 33708, June 20) for the fields of Engineering and/or Historic Architecture.

Qualifying Architect must be licensed and registered in the State of Connecticut

The Proposer must certify that the personnel identified in its response to the RFP will be the persons actually assigned to the project. Any additions, deletions, or changes in personnel assigned to the project must be approved by The Mark Twain House & Museum. in advance of their exclusion or inclusion, with the exception of personnel who have terminated employment. Replacements for personnel who have terminated employment are subject to approval by The Mark Twain House & Museum and the SHPO. At its discretion, The Mark Twain House & Museum may require removal and replacement of any of the Proposer’s personnel who do not perform adequately on the project in the sole opinion of The Mark Twain House & Museum, regardless of whether they were previously approved by The Mark Twain House & Museum.

Project Understanding/Methodology/Scope. Should include:

Start Date
Timetable / Schedule
Tasks, Deliverables
Methodologies
Measurable Objectives

Relevant Project Experience. A copy of a similar product successfully completed by firm is preferred and can be sent separately by email to Official Contact
References
Fee Proposal
Certificate of Insurance

All responses to the RFP must conform to the instructions. Proposals must emailed with the subject “The Mark Twain House Exterior Restoration” and must be received by January 30, 2026 by 3:00pm.

Address Proposals To:

Daryn Reyman-Lock, Ph.D.

Beatrice Fox Auerbach Chief Curator

daryn.reymanlock@marktwainhouse.org

Insurance Requirements

Proposer shall maintain all required insurance in amounts, form, substance and quality acceptable to the State, as described more fully in Appendix, attached hereto and made a part hereof. A certificate evidencing such insurance shall be delivered to the Official Contact

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, a proposer implicitly agrees to comply with the following terms and conditions:

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. The Mark Twain House & Museum is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its hiring, employment, or business practices. The State is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, or activities.
Preparation Expenses. The Mark Twain House & Museum shall not assume any liability for expenses incurred by a proposer in preparing, submitting, or clarifying any proposal submitted in response to this RFP.
Proposed Costs. All proposed costs must be fixed through the entire term of the contract.
Changes to Proposal. No additions or changes to the original proposal will be allowed after submission.
Supplemental Information. Supplemental information will not be considered after the deadline submission of proposals, unless specifically requested by The Mark Twain House & Museum. The Mark Twain House & Museum may ask a proposer to give demonstrations, interviews, oral presentations or further explanations to clarify information contained in a proposal. Any such demonstration, interview, or oral presentation will be at a time selected and in a place provided by The Mark Twain House & Museum. At its sole discretion, The Mark Twain House & Museum may limit the number of proposers invited to make such a demonstration, interview, or oral presentation and may limit the number of attendees per proposer.

RFP Is Not An Offer. Neither this RFP nor any subsequent discussions shall give rise to any commitment on the part of The Mark Twain House & Museum or confer any rights on any proposer unless and until a contract is fully executed by the necessary parties. The contract document will represent the entire agreement between the proposer and The Mark Twain House & Museum and will supersede all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, alleged or made, between the parties. The Mark Twain House & Museum shall assume no liability for costs incurred by the proposer or for payment of services under the terms of the contract until the successful proposer is notified that the contract has been accepted and approved by The Mark Twain House & Museum.

I. RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, a proposer implicitly accepts that the following rights are reserved to The Mark Twain House & Museum:

Timing Sequence. The timing and sequence of events associated with this RFP shall ultimately be determined by The Mark Twain House & Museum.
Amending or Canceling RFP. The Mark Twain House & Museum reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFP on any date and at any time, if The Mark Twain House & Museum deems it to be necessary, appropriate, or otherwise in the best interests of the State.
No Acceptable Proposals. In the event that no acceptable proposals are submitted in response to this RFP, The Mark Twain House & Museum may reopen the procurement process, if it is determined to be in the best interests of The Mark Twain House & Museum.
Award and Rejection of Proposals. The Mark Twain House & Museum reserves the right to award in part, to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part, for misrepresentation or if the proposal limits or modifies any of the terms, conditions, or specifications of this RFP. The Mark Twain House & Museum may waive minor technical defects, irregularities, or omissions, if in its judgment the best interests of The Mark Twain House & Museum will be served. The Mark Twain House & Museum reserves the right to reject the proposal of any proposer who submits a proposal after the submission date and time.
Sole Property of the Mark Twain House & Museum All proposals submitted in response to this RFP are to be the sole property of The Mark Twain House & Museum. Any product, whether acceptable or unacceptable, developed under a contract awarded as a result of this RFP shall be the sole property of The Mark Twain House & Museum unless stated otherwise in this RFP or subsequent contract. The right to publish, distribute, or disseminate any and all information or reports, or part thereof, shall accrue to The Mark Twain House & Museum and the SHPO without recourse.
Contract Negotiation. The Mark Twain House & Museum reserves the right to negotiate or contract for all or any portion of the services contained in this RFP. The Mark Twain House & Museum further reserves the right to contract with one or more proposer for such services.
Clerical Errors in Award. The Mark Twain House & Museum reserves the right to correct inaccurate awards resulting from its clerical errors. This may include, in extreme circumstances, revoking the awarding of a contract already made to a proposer and subsequently awarding the contract to another proposer. Such action on the part of The Mark Twain House & Museum shall not constitute a breach of contract on the part of the State since the contract with the initial proposer is deemed to be void ab initio and of no effect as if no contract ever existed between The Mark Twain House & Museum and the proposer.

APPENDIX

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Bidders shall procure and maintain for the duration of the approved Project the following types of insurance, in amounts no less than the stated limits, against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder;

Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. Coverage shall include Premises and Operation, Independent Contractors, Product and Completed Operations and Contractual Liability. If a general aggregate is used, the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to the Agreement or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the occurrence limit.
Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Statutory coverage in compliance with compensation laws of the State of Connecticut. Coverage shall include Employer’s Liability with a minimum limit of $100,000 each accident, and $500,000 Disease – Policy limit, $100,000 each employee.
Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury. Coverage extends to owned, hired and non-owned automobiles. If the vendor/contractor does not own an automobile, but one is used in the execution of the contract, then only hired and non-owned coverage is required. If a vehicle is not used in the execution of the contract then automobile coverage is not required.

(B) Additional Insurance Provisions
The Mark Twain House & Museum and State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, its officials and employees shall be named as an Additional Insured on the Commercial General Liability policy. Additional Insured status is not required for items 2 through 3 above.
Described insurance shall be primary coverage and the Bidder and Bidder’s insurer shall have no right of subrogation recovery or subrogation against The Mark Twain House & Museum OR State of Connecticut.
Bidder shall assume any and all deductibles in the described insurance policies.
Without limiting the Bidder’s obligation to procure and maintain insurance for the duration identified in (A) above, each insurance policy shall not be suspended, voided, cancelled or reduced except after thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail has been given to The Mark Twain House & Museum, with the exception that a ten (10) day prior written notice by certified mail for non-payment of premium is acceptable.
Each policy shall be issued by an Insurance Company licensed to do business by Connecticut Department of Insurance and having a Best Rating of A-, VII, or equivalent or as otherwise approved by DECD.