How to bid on the Sanborn School Playground project for the Town of Andover

What the agency is buying

The Town of Andover is seeking bids for improvements to the Sanborn School Playground. This project includes a base scope and two optional additive alternates.

The base scope involves new site drainage, two poured-in-place rubber playground areas with new play structures and expanded swings, a seeded lawn mound, an outdoor classroom with a paver plaza, shade structure, and site furnishings. It also includes new asphalt paths with play graphics, an asphalt play area with a reinstalled Gaga ball pit, reinstalled benches, site furnishings, informational signage, tree plantings, and boulders for a natural play area. Additive Alternate 1 covers a new irrigation system, a seeded play lawn, and an asphalt loop path with play graphics. Additive Alternate 2 is for a sodded play lawn.

Key dates and deadlines

Bid documents became available on July 22, 2026. The deadline for submitting bids is August 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. All bids must be submitted by this time.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for contractors experienced in playground construction, site work, landscaping, and the installation of recreational equipment and site furnishings. Firms with expertise in drainage systems, asphalt paving, and irrigation would be well-suited for this project. The relevant category for this work is equipment and site improvements.

How to respond

Full bid documents and instructions are available on the Town of Andover website and on COMMBUYS, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts procurement portal. You can view the full bid on COMMBUYS without an account, and documents can be downloaded directly from the bid page.

To submit a quote electronically, you will need to register for a free COMMBUYS vendor account. Alternatively, you can follow the specific submission directions provided within the bid documents.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all sections of the bid documents, paying close attention to the base scope and both additive alternates. Ensure your proposal clearly addresses all requirements for each component.

Provide a detailed breakdown of costs for the base scope and each additive alternate separately. Highlight your experience with similar playground and site improvement projects, including any work with drainage, specialized surfacing, and outdoor classroom installations. Double-check all submission requirements and deadlines to ensure your bid is compliant and submitted on time.