Northern Bus Garage Art Project

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s Art in Transit Program is interested in commissioning an Artist/Artist-led Team to create a site-specific artwork as part of the Northern Bus Garage Reconstruction Project, located on 14th Street NW between Decatur and Buchanan Streets NW, to serve as a welcoming landmark. 

BACKGROUND

A. WMATA Art in Transit Program (AIT)

AIT was created to provide artworks and performances at the Authority's transit facilities to enhance public spaces and provide high-quality arts experiences for transit customers and the public. AIT is committed to working with artists, other arts professionals, architects, engineers, community representatives, and jurisdictional arts councils to develop projects that reflect the spirit and vitality of the arts and communities in the Metro service area. As part of its mission, AIT:

●        Utilizes the Authority's transit environment as a place where customers and the public can enjoy the arts as a regular part of their daily lives;

●        Contributes to the region's reputation as a place where art is recognized, valued, and celebrated;

●        Encourages public-private partnerships to support art projects that may not be achieved independently;

●        Mitigates the impact of construction on surrounding communities by incorporating visual artwork into new transit projects;

●        Increases enthusiasm for, and support of, the Authority; and

●        Encourages ridership by deterring vandalism and increasing safety and security.

For information about WMATA's Art in Transit Program, visit https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/art-in-transit/.

PART 1 — REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) AND TWO-PHASE SELECTION PROCESS

The following is an RFQ for interested Artists/Artist-led Teams who wish to be considered for a procurement that will include a three-dimensional artwork at the location identified in this RFQ. Part 4 of this RFQ sets forth the Scope of Work governing the resulting contract.

A. Two-Phase Selection Process

The selection and creation of the site-specific artwork will be procured using a Two-Phase Selection Process under a single solicitation covering both phases, referred to as Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Phase 1 — Qualifications

Artists/Artist-led Teams shall prepare and submit Qualifications in accordance with Part 5 of this RFQ. Submissions will be reviewed by an Art Selection Panel comprising art and design professionals and community representatives. The Art Selection Panel will select a maximum of five (5) Phase 1 finalists based on the evaluation criteria in Part 6.

Phase 2 — Design Proposals

Phase 1 finalists will be invited to submit Phase 2 site-specific design proposals through CaFÉ, in accordance with the Scope of Work at Part 4 and the submittal requirements at Part 5. The Authority expects proposals to include all costs required to complete the project on or ahead of the schedule set forth in Part 7.

Each Phase 1 finalist will receive a $3,500 stipend to prepare and submit a Phase 2 design proposal consistent with the design principles and Scope of Work in Part 4. Phase 2 proposals shall be submitted on the pricing schedule and include a cost estimate breakdown of the $330,000 for the entire project — including artist fee, design (up to two design revisions), engineering and architectural services, permits, fabrication, concrete base, lighting, shipping, travel, insurance, overhead, installation, and community engagement costs — subject to the availability of funds. Phase 1 finalists shall also submit a project schedule for fabrication and installation, and evidence of experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the project as proposed.

The Art Selection Panel will rank each Phase 2 design proposal based on the evaluation criteria in Part 6.

B. Contract Award

The resulting contract will be a firm-fixed-price contract for the amount set forth in Part 9.

All applicable WMATA General Provisions and Standard Terms and Conditions apply to the resulting contract, as set forth in standard-terms-and-conditions_ver_012026.pdf.

The Authority's Office of Procurement and Materials (PRMT) will enter into negotiations with the top-ranked Artist/Artist-led Team to finalize the contract award. If PRMT is unable to reach agreement with the top-ranked team, negotiations will end and PRMT will begin negotiations with the next-ranked team.

Each offeror shall disclose, as part of its Phase 1 Qualifications, any actual or potential organizational conflict of interest arising from its participation in this procurement, together with a proposed mitigation plan, if applicable, for the Contracting Officer's review.

PART 2 — NORTHERN BUS GARAGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

A. About the Northern Bus Garage

The Northern Bus Garage Reconstruction Project began demolition in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2027. The new garage will house Metro's first all zero-emission bus fleet, providing cleaner, more sustainable operations and services for customers and the community.

Built in 1906 as a streetcar storage facility, the garage was closed in 2019 and is being reconstructed into a modern bus maintenance and operations facility. Located on 14th Street NW between Decatur and Buchanan Streets, the reconstructed garage will house up to 150 buses and include infrastructure to support an all-electric bus fleet as part of Metro's transition to zero-emission buses.

The new garage (see rendering in attached document) will:

●        Invigorate the community with new retail opportunities and improved streetscapes;

●        Accommodate bus infrastructure, including support for battery-electric buses;

●        Include eco-friendly features, including solar panels and a stormwater collection system; and

●        Provide expanded space for maintenance activities, bus storage, and other operational needs serving Northwest D.C.

B. Historical Background

This area was historically home to the Nacotchtank (Anacostan) people before 17th-century European colonization displaced these communities. The area remained rural through the late 1800s, until the extension of the 14th Street streetcar line spurred development. In 1906, the Capital Traction Company built the Decatur Street Trolley Barn — designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style — on this site, and the surrounding streetcar suburb rapidly developed.

A bus addition was constructed in 1926 as buses began replacing streetcars; streetcar service ended by 1962, and the building became a bus-only facility, later renamed the Northern Bus Garage, serving as an operations center after Metrobus was established in 1973. A 1987–1992 renovation added a rooftop parking deck and updated bus entries while restoring historic details. In 2019, after more than a century in service, WMATA began reconstructing the facility, preserving its historic Italian Renaissance Revival façade within a state-of-the-art zero-emission operations and maintenance facility.

PART 3 — CENTRAL 14TH STREET NEIGHBORHOOD OVERVIEW

Central 14th Street has long been shaped by the people who call it home (see map of neighborhood in attached document). What began as a rural landscape of farms and small landholdings gradually developed into a residential neighborhood in the early 20th century, supported by the extension of the 14th Street streetcar line. As families moved into the area, a strong community emerged, creating demand for local businesses and services — grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, barbershops, laundries, and other neighborhood-serving establishments — that made the corridor a vibrant gathering place.

While the corridor experienced population decline and economic challenges after the 1960s, it is experiencing a resurgence today. New and longtime residents, including many families, are helping revitalize the corridor and strengthen its diverse character. Community-led efforts, including the 14th Street Corridor Vision and Revitalization Plan, have focused on strengthening the area through investments in safety, public spaces, local businesses, and programs supporting youth and families. Central 14th Street continues to evolve as a welcoming and connected neighborhood.

PART 4 — SCOPE OF WORK

This Part 4 governs the work to be performed under the resulting contract. Solicitation, proposal-submission, and evaluation procedures are set forth separately at Parts 1, 5, and 6, and do not form part of the Contractor's post-award obligations.

A. Objectives

The objectives of this contract are to:

●        Deliver a permanent, site-specific artwork consistent with the design principles and site parameters set forth in this Part 4;

●        Ensure the artwork is designed, fabricated, and installed in compliance with applicable building, safety, and accessibility codes;

●        Ensure the completed artwork is durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for a high-traffic transit environment; and

●        Complete the project within the Authority's approved budget and project schedule.

B. Scope

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, engineering, and supervision necessary to design, fabricate, and install the artwork, including:

●        Design development, including refinement of the concept approved at award through up to two (2) design revisions;

●        Structural and engineering analysis and preparation of construction/fabrication drawings, stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in the District of Columbia where applicable;

●        Acquisition of all permits required for fabrication and installation;

●        Fabrication of the artwork and all associated components (e.g., base, footing, lighting, if applicable);

●        Coordination with WMATA and its contractors for site access, utility connections, and installation logistics;

●        Installation of the artwork at the project site (installation may be performed by the Contractor or by a separate contractor, as determined during the design phase); and

●        Delivery of the deliverables, warranty, and closeout documentation described in Sections F–H below.

Work shall be performed at the Contractor's facility, except that installation shall be performed at the project site, Northern Bus Garage.

The period of performance shall be 120 days from the date of contract award, unless otherwise extended by the Contracting Officer.

C. Design Principles and Artwork Parameters

The Authority is seeking a unique, memorable, and engaging site-specific artwork that captures the Authority's mission and reflects the artistic, cultural, and/or historical interests of the surrounding community. Consideration shall be given to creative uses of materials, massing, scale, form, texture, and detailing. The artwork shall be visually attractive, innovative, and durable, and should impart a sense of pride within the local community.

Design principles to be considered include:

●        Enduring aesthetics;

●        Site-specificity and relationship to existing architectural, landscape, natural, historic, and social features, including the site's geography and history, the Authority's role and presence on site, and relationship to other artworks in the vicinity;

●        Compatibility with, and non-conflict with, the existing building architecture; and

●        Suitability for a diverse public.

All artwork proposals must meet applicable International Building Code (IBC) standards for fire retardation, safety, lifecycle requirements, materials, and structural adequacy, as well as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

D. Site Considerations and Constraints

The artwork will be located on the grassy area in front of the storefront windows façade of the new building along 14th Street NW near Buchanan Street NW, within the area marked by an orange outline on the partial elevation in the attached document.

The artwork must:

●        Not extend vertically above the top of the storefront windows, or horizontally beyond the two columns framing the area; and

●        Not extend beyond the grassy area into the public sidewalk.

Final dimensions, structural loading limits (including wind load), available utilities, and foundation constraints will be provided to Phase 1 finalists selected to submit a Phase 2 design proposal, and shall govern the final design.

E. Design, Fabrication, and Installation Requirements

The artwork shall be fabricated of exterior-grade, highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for a high-traffic transit environment, with resistance to weather and ultraviolet exposure, corrosion, and vandalism (e.g., graffiti-resistant coatings). The Contractor is encouraged to consult a professional conservator prior to finalizing the design. The Authority and the Art Selection Panel, including subject matter experts in construction and engineering, will review the awarded proposal to confirm conformity with the Authority's maintenance, durability, and ADA standards.

The design shall avoid sharp edges, climbing hazards, entrapment points, and other conditions that could pose a safety risk to the public, and shall preserve emergency and maintenance access to the facility.

The Contractor shall obtain and pay for all permits required for fabrication and installation, unless otherwise stated in the resulting contract, and shall provide evidence of approvals to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) prior to proceeding. Installation shall be coordinated with WMATA and any other contractors active at the Northern Bus Garage site, and the Contractor shall comply with WMATA site-access, safety, and security procedures applicable to an active transit facility.

F. Deliverables

In addition to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 submittals required under Part 5, the Contractor shall submit the following post-award deliverables, in formats and quantities specified in the resulting contract or as directed by the COR:

●        Design Development Documents, including drawings/renderings illustrating the artwork and its site integration;

●        Structural and engineering calculations and stamped drawings, where applicable;

●        An itemized cost breakdown (labor, materials, fabrication, installation, permits, insurance, escalation, and contingency);

●        A milestone-level project schedule (critical path method schedule required if the Contractor performs installation);

●        Shop and fabrication drawings for WMATA review prior to fabrication;

●        An installation plan, including site safety and traffic/pedestrian control measures;

●        As-built documentation reflecting the artwork as installed;

●        A maintenance manual using the Art in Transit Maintenance and Conservation Plan, including cleaning procedures, a recommended maintenance schedule, and replacement-parts information; and

●        A final report documenting project completion, including photographs of the completed, installed artwork.

G. Warranty

The Contractor warrants that the artwork, as fabricated and installed, shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 2 years from the date of final acceptance (the "Warranty Period").

During the Warranty Period, the Contractor shall correct, at its own expense, any defect in materials or workmanship identified by WMATA within 60 days of written notice, excluding damage caused by vandalism, acts of God, or ordinary wear consistent with the maintenance schedule provided under Section F. The Contractor is responsible for loss of or damage to the artwork until final acceptance by WMATA.

H. Closeout

Final acceptance of the artwork shall be made by the Contracting Officer upon recommendation of the AIT Program, following: (a) WMATA's inspection confirming conformance with the approved design documents and this Scope of Work; (b) completion of any final punch-list items; and (c) receipt of all deliverables required under Section F.

Physical completion, for purposes of contract closeout, is established upon final acceptance under this Section. Contract files shall be closed out in accordance with the Authority's standard closeout procedures following the Contracting Officer's receipt of evidence of physical completion. In the event of a conflict among this RFQ, the resulting contract, drawings, or amendments, the order of precedence stated in the resulting contract's General Provisions shall govern.

Ownership, licensing, and reproduction rights in the completed artwork, and any required copyright/patent indemnification, shall be addressed in the resulting contract.

PART 5 — REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTALS

Using CaFÉ, Artists/Artist-led Teams shall submit the following during each phase of the selection process.

Phase 1

A. A Statement of Interest outlining the Artist/Artist-led Team's interest in this RFQ and experience with similar projects (2,000 characters maximum).

B. A 1–2 page current résumé highlighting professional accomplishments relevant to the project. If applying as a team, submit one résumé per team member; résumés exceeding 2 pages will not be considered.

C. Up to 17 images and up to 3 videos of previously completed artworks, in an acceptable upload-ready file format, together with a one-page list specifying the title, media, location, budget, and year created for each work.

All Phase 1 documents must be submitted through CaFÉ.

Phase 2

Phase 1 finalists shall prepare and submit a site-specific design proposal (the "Proposal"), sufficiently clear and detailed to enable the Authority and the Art Selection Panel to understand and evaluate it without further assistance from the offeror. The Proposal shall include:

A. Drawings/renderings illustrating the proposed artwork and its site integration, including location, size, materials, colors, finishes, and installation considerations. (Installation may be performed by the Artist/Artist-led Team and/or a contractor, as determined during the design phase.)

B. A written explanation of the proposed artwork and design approach, including a general description of architectural, engineering, and other professional work needed to implement the Proposal.

C. A detailed preliminary cost estimate for the artwork, which shall not exceed $330,000, including the Artist's fee. The Artist's fee shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the offeror's total proposed project cost, which shall not exceed $330,000.

D. A description of the offeror's experience, and that of any proposed subcontractor(s), on projects of similar size, complexity, and constraints completed within the last 5 years or currently in progress, including for each: project name and location, owner name, contact name and phone number, contract value, percentage self-performed, and a general project description. The Authority reserves the right to contact any client or agency listed.

E. A cost estimate itemizing, as applicable, the Artist's fee and engineering, permits, concrete base, lighting, materials, fabrication, crating, storage, shipping, insurance, installation, installation supervision, and documentation costs, supported by written vendor estimates for all cost-significant products/services (in WMATA's judgment).

Failure to submit any or all requested information may result in rejection of the submission.

PART 6 — EVALUATION PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA

Responsiveness of Qualifications

Prior to evaluation, the Contracting Officer will determine whether each Qualification is responsive to the requirements of this RFQ. A responsive Qualification is one that complies in all material respects with the solicitation instructions, submission requirements, and applicable amendments.

A Qualification may be determined non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration if it:

●        Is received after the submission deadline;

●        Fails to include one or more required submission documents;

●        Exceeds stated page, image, video, or character limitations where compliance is required;

●        Contains material exceptions to or conditions on the requirements of this RFQ;

●        Fails to acknowledge all solicitation amendments, if applicable; or

●        Otherwise fails to comply with a material requirement of this RFQ.

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to waive minor informalities or irregularities that do not materially affect the evaluation, prejudice of other offerors, or compromise the integrity of the procurement process.

Each qualifying submission will be reviewed and evaluated individually by the Art Selection Panel and the Authority in accordance with procurement policy and the procedures in this RFQ. Qualifications and proposals will be evaluated by their strengths, weaknesses, and deficiencies against the evaluation factors below.

All evaluation factors are of equal importance. Each evaluation factor will be individually scored on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), and an offeror's overall score is the average of its individual factor scores. Qualifying Artists/Artist-led Teams residing in the DMV area will receive an additional point, consistent with Part 8. Of the Phase 1 offerors evaluated, a maximum of five (5) Phase 1 finalists with the highest overall scores will be selected to advance to Phase 2.

Score 1 - Unacceptable: Fails to meet the requirement; significant deficiencies.

Score 2 - Poor: Marginally addresses the requirement; major weaknesses.

Score 3 - Below Average: Partially meets the requirement; notable weaknesses.

Score 4 - Acceptable: Meets the minimum requirement; no significant weaknesses.

Score 5 - Good: Meets the requirement and demonstrates clear strengths.

Score 6 - Very Good: Exceeds the requirement; strong proposal, minimal weaknesses.

Score 7 - Outstanding: Exceptional response; significant strengths, no weaknesses.

Phase 1 Evaluation Criteria

A. Completeness of the application.

B. Artistic merit of body of work (e.g., national recognitions, awards).

C. Appropriateness of qualifications for the project.

D. Strong conceptual skills with innovative and effective approaches demonstrated in other creative projects.

E. Originality of approaches and methodologies used to convey meaning through art.

F. Ability to design artwork sensitive to social, environmental, historical, and/or other relevant contexts.

G. Ability to translate artistic concepts into materials appropriate for public spaces, considering maintenance, safety, and longevity.

H. Demonstration of successful execution of similar projects within the last 5 years.

I. Experience collaborating with public agencies and/or design-build projects.

J. Quality of the work, as determined by recognized arts professionals qualified to evaluate contemporary artist portfolios, credentials, and/or proposals.

K. Site-specificity — the degree to which the artist's concept relates to the project site, its history, immediate landscape, urban fabric, and/or surrounding communities.

L. Durability of materials, given the range of conditions in a transit environment (pedestrian traffic, soot and grime, climate, and potential vandalism), and the goal of minimizing required maintenance.

Phase 2 Evaluation Criteria

The Art Selection Panel will review each design concept for feasibility and evidence of the offeror's ability to successfully complete the work as proposed. As in Phase 1, each factor below will be individually scored from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), and an offeror's overall score is the average of its individual factor scores, with the DMV-residency point applied consistent with Part 8. All evaluation factors below are of equal importance. The Art Selection Panel will rank Phase 2 finalists by overall score for purposes of the contract award process described in Part 1(B).

A. Artistic excellence, originality, and creativity of the proposal.

B. Relevance of the proposed design to the values, culture, and people of WMATA, the District of Columbia, and the Central 14th Street neighborhood.

C. Proposed design's ability to activate or enhance public space.

D. Soundness of materials.

E. Suitability of the work for outdoor display, including maintenance and conservation requirements.

F. Potential for the work to enrich and diversify WMATA and the District of Columbia's public art collections.

G. Ability and willingness to collaborate with WMATA staff, design and engineering professionals, stakeholders, and contractors.

H. Proposed cost.

I. Proposed timeline.

J. Knowledge of applicable zoning, permitting, construction, and design guidelines.

K. Appropriateness of the scale of the artwork.

L. How the proposed design meets the site-specific artwork parameters and goals in Part 4.

M. Provide three references related (including name of reference, description and date of related project, email/phone number) to projects completed in the last 8 years.

Interviews

Phase 1 finalists will be invited to interview with the Art Selection Panel, either in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams, in accordance with the schedule in Part 7. Each finalist's interview will consist of a presentation of the proposal of no more than 40 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer period of no more than 15 minutes.

PART 7 — PROJECT SOLICITATION SCHEDULE

WMATA reserves the right to adjust this schedule as necessary during the RFQ process.

Phase 1 
RFQ Posted - September 1, 2026 
Vendor Questions Submission Deadline - September 14, 2026
RFQ Closes - September 24, 2026 (7:00 PM EST)
Qualifications Evaluation / Selection of Phase 1 finalists - September 25 – October 9, 2026
 

Phase 2
Release of additional information to Phase 1 finalists - October 13, 2026
Site-specific design proposal due - November 6, 2026 (12:00 PM EST)
Phase 1 finalist interviews/presentations (in-person or virtual via Teams) - November 9 - 13, 2026
Anticipated Award Date November 20, 2026
Anticipated artwork completion/installation date - March 2027

Questions shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer by the Request for Information deadline above. Responses will be issued by written addendum; oral explanations shall not modify this solicitation.

PART 8 — ELIGIBILITY

This RFQ is open to qualified Artists/Artist-led Teams. Qualified Artists/Artist-led Teams residing in DC, Maryland, or Virginia will receive an additional evaluation point, as described in Part 6. Qualified Artists/Artist-led Teams will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or age.

Small Business Participation Goal

This procurement is subject to WMATA's Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program under BPM §7-2-3. Consistent with the Authority's small business participation strategies for contracts valued at less than $1,000,000, a Small Business Enterprise participation goal has been established for this procurement. Offerors are encouraged to identify subcontracting opportunities, where applicable, of a size that small businesses, including DBEs, can reasonably perform. The applicable SBE goal and related solicitation requirements will be identified in the Phase 2 documents provided to Phase 1 finalists.

PART 9 — BUDGET

The Artist/Artist-led Team awarded the contract for this project shall perform and complete the entire project for a firm-fixed price of $330,000.

PART 10 — RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF WMATA

WMATA reserves to itself all rights available under applicable law (exercisable in its sole discretion), with or without cause and with or without notice, including without limitation the right to:

1. Revise, amend, cancel, withdraw, postpone, or extend this RFQ in whole or in part at any time, without incurring any obligation or liability;

2. Issue a new RFQ;

3. Reject any submittals or responses received at any time;

4. Modify any date set or projected in this RFQ;

5. Terminate evaluation of responses received at any time;

6. Suspend or terminate this RFQ at any time;

7. Issue addenda, supplements, or modifications to this RFQ;

8. Permit submittal of addenda or supplements to data previously provided; and

9. Request clarifications and conduct discussions with one or more respondents to seek an improved understanding of responses to this RFQ.

PART 11 - INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

EXHIBIT A

RE: Northern Bus Garage Public Artwork

PRN ID: CARCH27001

Insurance Doc ID: INS0003695

Coverages with an “X” are required:

[X] Workers’ Compensation – Statutory Limits; Employer’s Liability, $500,000 per accident/disease 

[X] Commercial General Liability insurance (CGL) - $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate

[X] Automobile Liability insurance - $1,000,000 per occurrence

 Insurance Provisions:

·        Insurance carriers shall have an A.M. Best rating of at least A-/VII.

·         WMATA shall be named as an additional insured on the Commercial General Liability and the Auto Liability insurance policies.

·         All insurance shall be primary and non-contributory to any insurance WMATA may have.

·         WMATA shall be provided at least 30 days written notice of cancellation, nonrenewal or material change in coverage.

·         Contractor/Vendor shall provide evidence of insurance coverage to WMATA in the form of a certificate(s) of insurance dated within 30 days of contract review, including the copies of Additional Insured and primary and non-contributory endorsements on the Auto, CGL and Umbrella/Excess policies, if applicable, and waivers of subrogation for Auto, CGL, Umbrella/Excess, if applicable, and workers’ compensation, at least ten (10) days prior to performance of work and/or services. The coverage provided by the additional insured endorsement shall be at least as broad as the Insurance Service Office, Inc.’s Additional Insured Form CG 20 10 11 85 or CG 20 26 11 85 as determined by WMATA.

·         Upon expiration of the policies, Contractor shall provide renewal COIs and all applicable endorsements to the Authority, with terms and limits no less favorable than the expiring insurance policies. 

Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Contractor shall provide WMATA an ACORD Certificate of Insurance (COI) and copies of all required endorsements as evidence that the insurance requirements of this Section have been satisfied.  Certificates of Insurance shall be sent to WMATA.

The Certificate Holder box should read:

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

P.O. Box 23298

Washington, DC 20026-3298

Additionally:

1)      Proposed material modifications to required insurance, including notice of cancellation, must be received by WMATA in writing at least 30 days prior to the effective date of such change or cancellation.

2)      WMATA’s receipt of copies of any COI, policy endorsements or policies does not relieve Contractor of the obligation to remain in compliance with the requirements of this Section at all times.  Contractor’s failure to comply with these insurance requirements shall constitute a material breach of this Contract.  

3)      Receipt of the COI does not constitute acceptance of the insurance outlined above.

Phase 1

A. A Statement of Interest outlining the Artist/Artist-led Team's interest in this RFQ and experience with similar projects (2,000 characters maximum).

B. A 1–2 page current résumé highlighting professional accomplishments relevant to the project. If applying as a team, submit one résumé per team member; résumés exceeding 2 pages will not be considered.

C. Up to 17 images and up to 3 videos of previously completed artworks, in an acceptable upload-ready file format, together with a one-page list specifying the title, media, location, budget, and year created for each work.

All Phase 1 documents must be submitted through CaFÉ.

Phase 2

Phase 1 finalists shall prepare and submit a site-specific design proposal (the "Proposal"), sufficiently clear and detailed to enable the Authority and the Art Selection Panel to understand and evaluate it without further assistance from the offeror. The Proposal shall include:

A. Drawings/renderings illustrating the proposed artwork and its site integration, including location, size, materials, colors, finishes, and installation considerations. (Installation may be performed by the Artist/Artist-led Team and/or a contractor, as determined during the design phase.)

B. A written explanation of the proposed artwork and design approach, including a general description of architectural, engineering, and other professional work needed to implement the Proposal.

C. A detailed preliminary cost estimate for the artwork, which shall not exceed $330,000, including the Artist's fee. The Artist's fee shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the offeror's total proposed project cost, which shall not exceed $330,000.

D. A description of the offeror's experience, and that of any proposed subcontractor(s), on projects of similar size, complexity, and constraints completed within the last 5 years or currently in progress, including for each: project name and location, owner name, contact name and phone number, contract value, percentage self-performed, and a general project description. The Authority reserves the right to contact any client or agency listed.

E. A cost estimate itemizing, as applicable, the Artist's fee and engineering, permits, concrete base, lighting, materials, fabrication, crating, storage, shipping, insurance, installation, installation supervision, and documentation costs, supported by written vendor estimates for all cost-significant products/services (in WMATA's judgment).

Failure to submit any or all requested information may result in rejection of the submission.

This RFQ is open to qualified Artists/Artist-led Teams. Qualified Artists/Artist-led Teams residing in DC, Maryland, or Virginia will receive an additional evaluation point, as described in Part 6. Qualified Artists/Artist-led Teams will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or age.