Bid Detail

17-043 - IFB: Cultural District Public Art Program

I. THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Springfield is requesting bids for public art installations in the Springfield Cultural District. The project is being funded through the City’s annual allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and as such all projects and recipients will be required to be compliant with all Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) regulations as it relates to the CDBG Program.

The City will award up to two bids in this process, an award of up to $5,000 each project.

Details of the opportunity:

Objective:
The City of Springfield is calling for Springfield-themed proposals by an artist or artist-led team for a commissioned, site-specific, permanent art installation. The theme should be inspirational and positive in nature and reflect a Springfield inspired theme. The goal of your proposal should be public art that becomes a “placemaker”, pieces that are easily identifiable as linked with Springfield.

The work will be installed on any element(s) of the streetscape within the Springfield Central Cultural District (map attached), or viewable from the Springfield Central Cultural District. The successful proposal must include details of the design, fabrication, and installation of artwork at the site.

Springfield is currently in the midst of an unprecedented amount of investment including the development of a $950 million MGM Springfield mixed use entertainment complex, the nearing completion of the restoration of Union Station which will include future commuter rail to Hartford, New Haven, and beyond, and the development of the Dr. Seuss Museum on the grounds of the Springfield Museums. The City is also planning a significant redevelopment of the Worthington Street area downtown that would include a redeveloped Stearns Square Park, and the attraction of new restaurants as a “Dining District” and new destinations in the district.

Bidders should consider creating works that will maximize viewing and positive impact considering these new developments.

Background
The City has committed this funding via its annual allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

The City is a core partner of the Springfield Central Cultural District. The mission of the Springfield Cultural District is to bring more vitality to the city by highlighting its outstanding cultural offerings and adding new creative opportunities for artists and the greater community. The district aims to make arts and culture in Springfield not only more accessible, but to create connections between artists, cultural landmarks, and visitors.

Site Details
The City will accept bids for publicly viewable art installations within the Springfield Central Cultural District boundaries, provided in the appendix.

The goal of the project is to make a memorable positive statement about Springfield. Bids should consider maximum visibility, beautification of its immediate surroundings, excite public interest in Springfield, and to inspire City pride.

Bids are required to include a letter of support/approval from the subject property land owner if proposal impacts private property. Bids on public property will be reviewed as submitted by appropriate City personnel.

Budget
A budget of $5,000 is provided to the artist for this project, and up to two (2) projects will be awarded. This budget encompasses all project costs including, but not limited to, artist fee, installation costs, materials, engineering and design expenses (if needed), shipping, and travel and accommodation expenses. Artists are required to include a proposed, detailed project budget that outlines how the project funds will be spent, total project costs, and any additional project sources. Projects that leverage additional funding sources to contribute to the project budget will be considered favorably. Projects that include on-site construction activity may be subject to HUD Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements.

Materials
The City will consider bids of all mediums – paint, structure, visual, projection, electronic, sound, etc. Proposers should confirm project will not violate any existing city, state, or federal law or regulation prior to submitting.
Project Schedule

Proposer is required to submit a project schedule, which graphically depicts the estimated timeframe required to complete the anticipated work tasks. The schedule shall identify any events, which may increase or decrease the estimated timeframe and their potential impact on the proposed project schedule.

Proposer should also highlight any permits and approvals needed to complete the project, and identify those in the project schedule. The City is looking for dates for starting/award by November 1, 2016 with completion on or before June 30, 2017.
Bids should include the following:

• Location of Project (Street Address and existing condition photos)
• Qualifications & resume of the Proposer/team;
• Project schedule
• Artist statement and detailed description of proposed installation (2-page max; 8.5”x11”)
• Visual mock-up of proposal, such as illustrations, video, digital models, sketches, or images
• Up to 5 additional images that represent previous public art project experience
• Proposed budget (including any other additional sources)
• Three references who can describe your experience with public art projects, art in public spaces, or experience with contractors, construction, and fabrication
• Required procurement forms

Submitting questions to the Procurement Office

In order to provide prompt answers to questions, the IFB Committee requests that all proposers submit written questions to the Office of Procurement, not later than September 21, 2016 at 4:00 PM. Questions may be faxed or e mailed. The Office of Procurement fax number is (413) 787-6295 and email lstabilo@springfieldcityhall.com .

The IFB the Procurement Office will compile written answers which will be mailed or emailed back to all Proposers who requested a copy of the IFB by September 22, 2016.

The City of Springfield supports the goal of twenty percent minority and women participation in all contracts. No questions will be answered unless received by the Chief Procurement Officer at least 7 days prior to the expiration of the time set for submitting bids or proposals. The Chief Procurement Officer reserves the right to waive any informality in and to reject any or all bids if it is in the public interest to do so.

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