Norwood awards CPA contract for Saint Gabriel’s Chapel National Register nomination; staff flags possible duplicate research
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Summary
The commission noted the town awarded a $24,000 CPA contract to complete National Register nominations for Saint Gabriel’s Chapel and Highland Cemetery and staff is reviewing whether the contractor relied on prior research that may entitle the original researcher to compensation.
The Norwood Historical Commission reviewed work underway to place Saint Gabriel’s Chapel and Highland Cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places and discussed a related CPA contract award.
Chair Judith Howard said the town awarded a CPA‑funded contract to Wendy Frontiero of Gloucester, noting she was the sole bidder at $24,000 to complete National Register nominations for Saint Gabriel’s Chapel and Highland Cemetery. Howard said the National Register process typically takes about two years.
Assistant Town Manager Michael Rosen told the commission he had asked staff to check whether Frontiero’s application relied on research produced previously by another researcher. Rosen said he is looking into a possible “duplication of the same effort” and whether fair compensation to the original researcher is needed. The commission agreed staff should sort out that concern before finalizing payments.
Commissioners stressed the importance of handling contracts respectfully and ensuring that earlier professional research is properly acknowledged and compensated where appropriate. No formal action was taken at the meeting to reverse the contract; staff said they would investigate the duplication concern with procurement.
Next steps: staff will follow up with procurement to determine whether the contract relies on prior research and, if necessary, adjust compensation or attribution.