The LACONIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY seeks to retain a consultant experienced in airport planning and advisory services in the State of New Hampshire as its multi-year Airport Consultant.
The LACONIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY must receive qualification and experience statements no later than 3:00 p.m. local time on November 23rd, 2026, to be eligible for consideration. Four (4) copies of Statements (SOQs) shall be submitted in a single sealed envelope/package marked "Request for Qualifications for Airport Planning Services at the Laconia Municipal Airport." Emailed or faxed submittals will be considered unresponsive. Complete packages must be delivered to:
David Cullinan, Airport Manager
Laconia Airport Authority
65 Aviation Drive
Gilford, NH 03249-6680
Submittals delivered after the deadline will not be considered. All questions must be directed in writing to David Cullinan (email: DCullinan@laconiaairport.com) and received by 3:00 p.m. local time November 6, 2026. All questions will be answered by 3:00 p.m. local time on November 20, 2026.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
The LACONIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY (LAA) is seeking the services of an Airport Planning consultant. Interested firms should respond to this request on or before the submission deadline. Following the receipt of the qualification and experience statement, a review committee shall evaluate the statements and select a firm or, at the discretion of the review committee, select a short list of firms to review. The firm's qualifications and experience in projects similar to those that the LAA anticipates undertaking will be emphasized in selecting a consulting firm. Selection of multiple consulting firms is not expected at this time.
To be considered responsive, four (4) bound paper copies of statements and one (1) PDF on a USB key or electronically through email must be submitted to David Cullinan, Airport Manager, Laconia Airport Authority, 65 Aviation Drive, Gilford, NH 03249-6680 (email: DCullinan@laconiaairport.com) no later than 3:00 p.m. local time on November 23, 2026. Statements must be limited to 12 pages (12 single-sided or 6 double-sided) in size 12-point font, including references and resumes of key personnel. Covers, cover letters, table of contents, and dividers (if used) are not included in the 12 page limit. Statements shall be submitted in a single sealed envelope/package marked "Request for Qualifications for Planning Services at the Laconia Municipal Airport." LAA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Qualification Statements received as a result of this request or to cancel the Request for Qualifications in part or its entirety if it is in the best interest of the LAA to do so.
Selection Schedule:
Post RFQ .................................. November 1, 2026
Questions to RFQ Due ................. November 6, 2026 (3:00 p.m. local time)
Questions Answered .................. November 13, 2026
Proposals Due ........................... November 23, 2026 (3:00 p.m. local time)
Interview Dates (if held) .............. December 1-3, 2026
Laconia Airport Authority Award Contract ... December 4, 2026
II. GUIDELINES FOR PROSPECTIVE CONSULTANTS
Prospective consultants must meet the following standards as they relate to this request:
A. Have adequate financial resources for performance or have the ability to obtain such resources as required during the performance;
B. Have the necessary experience, organization, technical and professional qualification, skills and facilities;
C. Be able to comply with the proposed or required time of completion or performance schedule;
D. Have a demonstrated satisfactory record of performance.
III. STATEMENT PREPARATION
To facilitate the evaluation of the qualifications and experience statement, interested consultants are instructed to follow the outline below. Statements that do not follow the outline or do not contain the required information may be considered unresponsive proposals. The LAA will weigh each section and rate the proposals according to the percentages listed.
A. Company Background Material: Pertinent information concerning the firm's background, experience, and reputation. (5%)
B. Experience: Provide a list of previous and current contracts, if any, awarded by a municipality and/or governmental agency within the past 5 years that are considered similar in scope of services discussed herein; information shall include contract duration with dates, services performed, and contracting agency name, address, and telephone number for verification purposes. (25%)
C. Ability to perform: Demonstrate an understanding and familiarity with projects of the type outlined herein or similar contracts developed by listing all previous Airport Planning of comparable type, which they have prepared or supervised within the last five (5) years. (40%)
D. Key Staff Members : Identify the staff client manager and key project managers that will be assigned to work with the LAA and Airport Manager; one-page resumes shall be included for each of the key individuals. (15%)
E. Local Knowledge : Demonstrate familiarity with the Laconia Municipal Airport and its aviation support systems. (10%)
F. References: Submit three (3) work-related job references along with the above information. (5%)
IV. AIRPORT BACKGROUND
Laconia Municipal Airport is an all-weather aviation facility located in Gilford, Belknap County, New Hampshire. Laconia Municipal Airport, KLCI (Lat/Lon 43-34-22.95N, 071-25-04.23W, elevation 545ft.) is owned by the city of Laconia and is located in Gilford. The airport is situated in the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire and comprises approximately 448 acres of land. The runway is 08-26 and is 5,890 ft. x 100 ft., asphalt-grooved and in fair condition. PAPIs at both ends; Runway 08 served by an ILS with 2,400 ft. of a Medium-intensity Approach Landing System. The terminal area, parking aprons, FBOs, fuel flowage, and based aircraft are described in the full RFP. The most recent Airport Layout Plan was completed in March 2015.
V. GENERAL SCOPE OF SERVICES
The general services sought by the LAA include all necessary professional planning and project management services related to the proposed future projects, including, but not limited to: site analysis services and environmental studies; conceptual project planning and/or budgeting; preparation of funding requests, grant applications, and requests for reimbursement to the NHDOT; evaluations (feasibility studies, equipment calculations, etc.); comprehensive planning (project sequencing, alternative development options); conceptual designs; and other services as needed and authorized directly related to airport operations and management.
VI. GENERAL PROVISION OF SERVICES
Services for the Project will be provided pursuant to task orders issued during the Contract Period. Prior to beginning work on any improvement, the selected consulting firm shall meet with the Airport Manager and/or appropriate LAA member to discuss the proposed scope, schedule, and other parameters for the improvement. The selected consulting firm shall prepare a written scope of services and estimate of fees to perform that work. The Airport Manager, as approved by the LAA, shall issue a task order to begin work on each project. The resultant contract shall not be exclusive to the successful consulting firm; LAA reserves the right to contract with other firms for specific projects.
VII. CONTRACT PERIOD
The initial contract period for project services will be one (1) year from the date of execution of the Contract. At its sole discretion, the LAA may renew the Contract for two (2) additional consecutive one-year periods.
VIII. CONTRACT AWARD
Any contract entered into by the LAA shall be in response to the proposal and subsequent discussions. The award shall be based on the criteria described herein.
IX. INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
The successful Consultant selected shall agree to indemnify and hold the LACONIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY, CITY OF LACONIA, TOWN OF GILFORD, and COUNTY OF BELKNAP harmless from claims, demands, suits, causes of action, and judgments arising from the Consultant's performance, including claims of professional malpractice or negligence. The indemnity complements required contract provisions for federally funded contracts per applicable State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation and FAA standards and advisories.
