Bedford’s upcoming $32 million fire station project is generating considerable attention from general contractors, setting the stage for competitive bidding and a well-executed construction process.

At the Fire Station Building Committee’s monthly meeting on Monday, Project Manager Brian DeFilippis reported that nine general contractors and 105 subcontractors have already inquired about the project, underscoring strong industry interest.

"People are still reaching out," DeFilippis noted. "We’re pleased there is so much interest. We feel it will bring good competition."

Unprecedented Response from the Construction Industry

Facilities Director Ron Scaltreto described the level of contractor engagement as unprecedented in recent Bedford history.

"We haven’t seen a response like this in 20 years in Bedford on building projects. I was shocked," he said. "We’re seeing work slowing down, so I can imagine it is going to affect everybody."

The slowdown in construction activity due to economic shifts and reduced project availability may be driving the heightened interest, making this project particularly attractive to firms looking to secure work in the region.

Project Timeline & Key Bidding Milestones

The new fire station, to be constructed at 139 The Great Road, is projected to begin in mid-April, slightly later than initial forecasts. Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.

DeFilippis outlined the upcoming schedule:

• Feb. 6 – The project will be formally announced in the Central Register, Massachusetts’ state publication for contracting opportunities.
• Feb. 12 – Bidding documents will become available for review.
• March 5 – Deadline for subcontractor bids.
• March 19 – General contractor bids will be opened, followed by negotiations with the “lowest responsible bidder.”
• Mid-April – The "notice to proceed" will be issued, officially authorizing construction to begin.

Committee member Suzanne Koller inquired about how many of the nine general contractors expressing interest might ultimately submit bids.

"It’s all a timing issue," DeFilippis responded, estimating that five contractors would likely move forward with formal proposals.

Early Construction Focus: Demolition & Site Preparation

One of the first steps will be the demolition of the existing building at 139 The Great Road.

Project architect Sean Schmigle assured the committee that a hygienist will be present on-site to oversee the removal of “minimal contaminated materials”, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

Scaltreto added that there is little of value to salvage from the current structure, meaning the focus will be on clearing the site efficiently.

Addressing Permitting, Logistics, and Safety Considerations

Committee Chair Jeff Cohen raised concerns about the permitting process, particularly regarding demolition and site safety.

Scaltreto confirmed that Code Enforcement Director Chris Laskey is preparing a comprehensive building permit that will include demolition approvals, as well as safety guidelines.

Schmigle also noted that staging logistics for construction materials, trailers, and worker parking will need to be carefully planned. Nighttime safety lighting will be required throughout the site for security and visibility.

Additional soil borings will soon be conducted to assess any potential contamination, as large amounts of soil will need to be removed and transported off-site.

Collaboration with Utility Providers & Neighboring Properties

The project team has been actively coordinating with utility providers and municipal agencies to ensure a smooth development process:

• DeFilippis has been working with Eversource on electrical connections.
• Coordination with the Department of Public Works and Green International engineers is ongoing, with Green focusing on designing low-voltage conduits and intersection signaling for the area.

Meanwhile, Town Manager Matt Hanson has been in discussions with the owner of a neighboring property to review the latest project plans and address any potential concerns.

"He has been very easy to talk to so far," Hanson reported, indicating positive communication between the town and adjacent landowners.

The Road Ahead: Preparing for a Major Municipal Investment

With substantial industry interest, proactive planning, and strong municipal oversight, the Bedford Fire Station project is poised to move forward as a well-structured, competitive development.

As the bidding process unfolds and final contractor selections are made, the town remains focused on ensuring the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets the community's long-term emergency response needs.

If all goes as planned, Bedford’s new state-of-the-art fire station will be operational in late 2026, marking a major milestone in the town’s infrastructure investments.