RFQ PERMANENT PUBLIC ART AT RENO-TAHOE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (RNO) LOOP ROAD

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) Arts at the Airport Program seeks to commission a professional visual artist, or artist team, to create site-specific sculptural artwork(s) to be placed along the Loop Road, on Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) property. This artwork will be thematic, public-facing, and part of the permanent collection at the Airport.  

Call Type: RFQ Public Art, Sculptural Artwork

Permanent Public Art at RNO Loop Road RFQ #24/25-10

Location(s): Four (4) elevator tower stairwells OR five (5) exterior canopies, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Reno, Nevada

Note: Applicants must register via Nevada Government eMarketplace (NGEM) website: https://nevada.ionwave.net/ before uploading materials to CallforEntry.

PURPOSE

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has issued this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with the sole purpose and intent of obtaining Submittals from qualified artists or teams (Respondent) to provide permanent artwork for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) Loop Road project. 1% for Art Resolution by way of the RTAA’s Board Resolution No. 552, the Board of Trustees has pledged a minimum of 1% of RTAA-funded design and construction costs for capital improvement projects in public spaces to be allocated for public art. These public art solicitations will be completed in partnership with local and regional art organizations through the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority’s Art Advisory Committee (Committee), utilizing their expertise for recruitment, selection, acquisition, installation, and maintenance of the permanent artwork.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

About Loop Road: In 2024, the RTAA completed major upgrades to the Loop Road at RNO, ensuring a safer, more accessible, and smoother experience for all passengers. The project included significant infrastructure improvements to both the inner and outer travel lanes, adding new safety features, meeting ADA compliance standards, and providing a more comfortable drop-off and pick-up experience. The Loop Road improvements mark the second completed project in the ongoing multi-year MoreRNO Infrastructure Program. For more information about the Loop Road improvements, visit: https://www.renoairport.com/morerno/loop-road/ 

The project site for the Artwork can be viewed in more detail in Attachment C – Maps & Drawings. 

Location(s): Four (4) elevator tower stairwells OR five (5) exterior canopies, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Reno, Nevada. 

See attachment C: Site maps and drawings, and Attachment D: Site photos.

Artwork Goals 

• Enliven the space, which is currently neutral. 

• Create a welcoming moment for travelers and locals. 

• Enhance the traveler experience. 

• Enhance pedestrian areas. 

The Artwork should: 

• Be placed in the most visible location for both pedestrians and drivers.

• Be a series of multi-location installations. 

• Be durable for all weather conditions. 

• Be low maintenance.

• Be appropriate for travelers and locals of all types. 

• Comply with any applicable traffic safety regulations (i.e., not including green lights on a right-of-way) 

• Comply with FAA regulations, as required. 

• Incorporate the RTAA’s Modern Mountain design theme and Exterior Improvements Concepts & Guidelines: https://www.renoairport.com/doing-business/construction-design/. 

The Artwork should NOT:

• Interfere with Airport signage.

• Impact circulation or traveler needs along Loop Road.

• Compete with decision-making moments along Loop Road.

• Compete with or cover existing artwork elements (i.e., towers, sculptures, etc.).

The Artwork could:

• Have lighting or electrical components.

• Utilize existing structures as the base for art installation.

The selected Respondent’s artwork will be subject to the RTAA’s design theme, concepts, and guidelines.

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BUDGET

Loop Road Artwork Location(s): Four (4) Elevator Stairwells OR Five (5) Exterior Canopies

Budget: up to $300,000, all inclusive

Budget includes, but is not limited to, semi-finalists’ stipends, design fees, travel, mileage, per diem, engineering, fabrication, supplies, material costs, meeting and administration hours, labor, artist fees, legal review fees, approval by a Nevada-licensed engineer, permits, licenses, insurance, lighting, equipment rentals, delivery/shipping, storage, documentation, installation, usage, and licensing.

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To view the full RFQ packet materials, timeline, addendum, and upload the required paperwork, you MUST register and login to NGEM https://nevada.ionwave.net/

INSTRUCTIONS

Please follow each step of the process. Incomplete Submittals will be deemed non-responsive and will not receive further consideration. See Section 14, Preparation of the Submittal and Section 15, Submittal Requirements for further details.

Step 1: All applicants MUST register as a Supplier with Nevada Government eMarketplace (NGEM) website: https://nevada.ionwave.net/

Watch the “How to” video or download PDF instructions for step-by-step instructions: https://www.renoairport.com/doing-business/solicitation-opportunities/

Complete each form in Attachment A – Artist Certifications and upload the entire package to NGEM https://nevada.ionwave.net/

1. Artist’s Certification [A]

2. Artist’s Certification [B]

3. Confidentiality & Certification of Indemnification

4. Disclosure of Ownership/Principals

5. Exceptions

6. Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda

7. Artist’s Acknowledgement of Required Items Uploaded to CallforEntry.org

Step 2: Upload application materials to CallforEntry.org

Create a free artist profile at https://www.callforentry.org/ (CaFÉ). For assistance setting up your profile, visit https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/.

APPLICATION MATERIALS required via CallforEntry.org

1.Artist Statement/Team Bio 

Introduce yourself and/or your team.

2. Letter of Interest [Page Limit: 1 page] 

• Clearly describe your interest in the Project and how you/your team will be able to contribute to its success. 

• Explain how your art practice is connected to Reno, Lake Tahoe, Burning Man, or airports. 

• Articulate your interest and/or experience in public art design, fabrication, and/or project collaboration. 

• Summarize your experience in developing and/or executing creative projects of this scope in the public realm at airports, in the Reno-Tahoe area (if applicable), public buildings, and beyond (i.e., site-specific art installations, interactive and participatory artwork, multi-media projects, creative placemaking events, festivals, etc.). 

3. Résumé/CV [Page Limit: 1 page for each team member] 

    • Artist’s Experience: List professional experience, including any commissions, residencies, touring, exhibitions, collaborations, and/or projects involving the community and work in the public sector. • Education: List educational background and training. • Experience working with organizations, institutions, and/or developers, locally and beyond. 

4. Portfolio Images

Video, Audio, or Multi-Media [Limit: 10 artwork examples] • A relevant body of work that demonstrates conceptual, aesthetic, and technical mastery in at least one (1) artistic medium. Attach a total of ten (10) maximum JPG images, or links to a single audio and/or video file. • Include a description of each artwork with each uploaded portfolio image, and/or an image list, to include title, date/year, material(s), size, and budget. 

5. References • Three (3) professional references. 

• Only the references’ contact information is needed at this time; do not include letters of recommendation.

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Schedule

February 25, 2025:  RFQ Release via NGEM Website and CallforEntry.org (refer to Section 2, Instructions) 

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:00 AM–11:30 AM [PDT]: Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting (refer to NGEM full RFQ packet for more information)

Watch on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86858675467?pwd=eP6FarYmJJAx3nWWbMVbckaSlxDdM2.1

Dial in or listen only: +1 (719) 359-4580 or +1 (253) 205-0468

Meeting ID: 868 5867 5467 | Passcode: 423730

WATCH INFO SESSION RECORDING HERE: https://youtu.be/qXUmw2EzjAY

March 14, 2025: Written Questions Due to RTAA

March 21, 2025: RTAA Written Responses to Questions via Addendum Posted to NGEM Website (refer to Section 11, RFQ Communications & Inquiries)

Monday, April 7, 2025, 2:00 PM [PDT]: Submittal DUE Date & Time / RFQ CLOSED

April 2025: Notification to Semi-Finalists

Late April through early June 2025: RFP Phase for Semi-Finalists

Early May 2025: RFP Pre-Proposal Info Session and Q&A for Semi-Finalists

Early June 2025: Proposal Presentations by Semi-Finalists (Virtual)

June 2025: Issue Notice of Intent to Award to Finalist

June 2025 through August 1, 2025: Agreement Negotiation & Legal Review

August 14, 2025: RTAA Board of Trustees Meeting/Award Consideration

August 14, 2025: Notice to Unsuccessful Respondents

Summer/Fall 2025: Finalist’s Artwork Revisions/Approvals

Summer 2025 through Summer 2026: Artwork Fabrication

July 2026: Artwork Installation

All dates  are subject to change. Should dates change, the RTAA will notify Prospective Respondents via written addendum issued via NGEM. The RTAA is not responsible for costs or losses incurred by any Respondent due to date changes.

A Submittal may be withdrawn by written notice, provided such notice is received prior to the due date and time set forth for Submittal opening. The RTAA reserves the right to hold Submittals for 120 calendar days from the date of the opening before awarding or rejecting said Submittals.

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Professional visual artists, or artist teams, at least 18 years of age are eligible. Artists residing in the United States are eligible to submit. Demonstrated experience creating commissioned public art and working with diverse community stakeholders is desired.

Employees of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA), the RTAA Board of Trustees, appointed RTAA Art Advisory Committee members, RTAA tenants or their employees, airline employees, airline affiliate partner employees (including any appointees thereof), and each of their respective consultants, contractors, employees, subcontractors, and immediate family members are ineligible to submit a response to this solicitation.

Minimum Qualifications

The RTAA, in its sole discretion, will determine if a Respondent is qualified and will base its decision on the information included in the Respondent’s Submittal as well as on the RTAA’s own investigations. TheRTAA has established the following minimum qualifications that the Prospective Artist should meet in order to be considered a qualified Respondent. Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Reno-Stead Airport

a. Has a minimum of five (5) years’ experience providing permanent artwork similar in scope and size described for this Project; and

b. Has completed at least one (1) art commission (public or private) within the last five (5) years; and

c. Has demonstrated quality of artistic design in alignment with the Scope of Services; and

d. Has demonstrated experience working with stakeholders, architects, engineers, designers, and/or contractors; and

e. Has demonstrated experience completing art installations within specified deadlines.

Preference will be given to Respondents who, in addition to the above minimum qualifications, have assigned staff with established longevity in providing the services identified in Section 8, Scope of Services as a cohesive, well-functioning team.

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RFQ COMMUNICATIONS & INQUIRIES

Prospective Respondents must direct all communications regarding this RFQ "Permanent Public Art at RNO Loop Road RFQ #24/25-10" to the RTAA’s Contracts & Procurement Department.

Katelyn Malone, Senior Buyer (775) 328-6673 

Email: kmalone@renoairport.com

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Download and review the full RFQ packet materials, timeline, and addendum. In order to upload the required paperwork, you MUST register and login to NGEM https://nevada.ionwave.net/