Bladensburg Bus Garage Public Art Project

The WMATA Art in Transit Program is inviting professional Artists/Artist-led Teams to submit their qualifications to create a site-specific artwork as part of the Phase 2 of the Bladensburg Bus Garage Reconstruction Project. The three-dimensional artwork, such as a sculpture or a functional artwork, will be located by the Bus Entrance along Bladensburg Rd NE near 28th Street NE, and will serve as a welcoming landmark. The total public art budget is $330,000. Submissions are due November 15, 2026.

BACKGROUND

A. WMATA Art in Transit Program (AIT)

AIT was created to provide artwork 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 professional Artists/Artist-led Teams who wish to be considered for a procurement that will include a three-dimensional artwork, such as a sculpture or a functional artwork, as part of the Bladensburg Bus Garage Reconstruction project located along Bladensburg Rd NE near 28th Street NE as 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

Professional 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 include a cost estimate not to exceed $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, public talk and a community engagement activity related to the public artwork. 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 — BLADENSBURG BUS GARAGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

A. About the Bladensburg Bus Garage

The Bladensburg Bus Garage sits on 17.59 acres bounded by Bladensburg Road NE, 25th Place NE, Douglas Street NE, and the CSX railroad line.  It directly borders or is adjacent to the neighborhoods of Woodridge (to the east/northeast), Langdon (to the north/northwest), and Gateway (to the south/southwest).

First built in 1962, the current facility is one of Metro's oldest assets and provides much-needed transportation services to Metro customers on routes throughout the entire District of Columbia and parts of Maryland. Additionally, the facility supports approximately 500 operations employees, including our bus operators and administrative staff.

Built to achieve LEED® Platinum status, the new Bladensburg Bus Garage will:

• Open with approximately 150 zero-emission buses (ZEB), accounting for 50% of the fleet at opening and transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet over time as outlined in Metro's Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan.
• Incorporate resource-efficient and emissions-reducing elements, such as solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system for bus washing, and electric vehicle charging stations for employees.
• Include a multi-level parking structure to provide spaces for up to 300 Metro buses and ample employee parking, further limiting impacts on surrounding communities.

Construction on the new facility began in 2021 and will be completed in two phases, with Phase 2 expected to be completed by July of 2027.

*See Site Plan to view the site.

B. Historical Background

Early land use: Mills Foundry and Civil War era

In the early 1850s, sculptor Clark Mills purchased much of the land that would become Langdon and Woodridge to establish his foundry and studio.  This foundry—located where the bus garage now stands—became nationally significant when Mills and his enslaved apprentice Philip Reid (sometimes recorded as Reed) disassembled, transported, and recast the Statue of Freedom for the U.S. Capitol dome in 1863.  Philip Reid is documented as the only enslaved person who worked on the Capitol.

During the Civil War (1861–1865), the area’s periphery became part of Washington’s ring of defensive forts, batteries, and trenches.  These fortifications were still visible in late-19th-century surveys but have since largely disappeared.

Streetcar-era suburbanization and racial segregation

Beginning around 1890, the extension of Rhode Island Avenue NE and the introduction of streetcar service spurred residential development.  In Woodridge, subdivisions were platted in 1914, and racially restrictive covenants were written into deeds to exclude Black residents. 

As a result, Woodridge developed as a white, middle-class enclave—even as Black Washingtonians worked in the neighborhood and rode the streetcars there. Langdon followed a similar pattern: many homes built in this era were subject to covenants barring non-white ownership until the 1948 Supreme Court ruling in Shelley v. Kraemer made such covenants unenforceable.

Industrial development and the bus garage

Before Metro’s presence, the bus garage site hosted a sequence of industries, including the Standard Butterine Company, Corby Baking Company, and Fleishman Company.  In 1962 - nearly a century after Mills developed the property—the Administrative Building of the Bladensburg Bus Division was constructed, making it one of Metro’s oldest facilities.

PART 3 —BLADENSBURG NEIGHBORHOOD OVERVIEW

*See Site Plan to view map of Bladensburg neighborhood.

The area within a one-mile radius of WMATA’s Bladensburg Bus Garage in Northeast Washington, D.C., encompasses parts of the Woodridge, Langdon, and Gateway neighborhoods. Like many Northeast D.C. neighborhoods, the area saw major demographic change during the 1950s–1970s. In Woodridge, Black families began moving in during the 1950s, and after the 1968 uprisings and white flight, the neighborhood became a Black, middle-class enclave.  Langdon also transitioned to a majority-Black neighborhood in the 1960s.This one-mile radius thus encapsulates a layered history: from enslaved labor and wartime defense to streetcar-era segregation, mid-century industrialization, and the emergence of resilient Black middle-class communities in Northeast D.C.

WOODRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD

Woodridge is a quiet, primarily residential neighborhood in Northeast Washington, DC, known for its tree-lined streets, mature oaks, and mix of early 20th-century Craftsman, Colonial, and bungalow-style homes.  Bordered by Eastern Avenue to the east, Michigan Avenue/Taylor Street to the north, South Dakota Avenue to the west, and Bladensburg Road to the south. Its central commercial corridors run along Rhode Island Avenue NE and Bladensburg Road, with the Woodridge Neighborhood Library at 18th and Rhode Island Avenue NE serving as a community anchor. This mix has helped Woodridge maintain socioeconomic diversity, reflected in census-based data showing a racially diverse population and a range of income and education levels. Day-to-day amenities include local coffee shops, restaurants, specialty stores, and services along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor, plus parks and green spaces that reinforce its family-friendly reputation. 

Community life is supported by active civic engagement through the Woodridge Civic Association, which meets regularly at the Woodridge Library and focuses on neighborhood improvement, safety, and quality-of-life issues.  Overall, Woodridge offers a stable, Green-belt-adjacent enclave within DC that balances affordability, accessibility, and a strong sense of place.

GATEWAY NEIGHBORHOOD

Gateway is a small, tightly knit residential neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C., known for its quiet, suburban feel despite its proximity to major thoroughfares and industrial zones. Bounded by New York Avenue NE to the south and southeast, Bladensburg Road to the west, and South Dakota Avenue to the northeast, the neighborhood sits directly across New York Avenue from the U.S. National Arboretum. 

Historically, Gateway takes its name from the era when the Washington Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ran along what is now New York Avenue, making it the first civilian area of the District through which trains passed after leaving the military jurisdiction of Fort Lincoln to the northeast. 

 Local amenities include Dakota Playground—a tree-filled park with playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball and tennis courts—as well as proximity to Fort Lincoln Park and the expansive U.S. National Arboretum. The area also hosts a variety of local businesses, from auto shops and liquor stores to the Capital Eagle Anheuser-Busch distribution center and DC Grocery Cash & Carry, with additional retail and dining options just a short drive away at the Shops at Dakota Crossing.

Gateway is served by District of Columbia Public Schools, including the well-regarded Langdon Elementary, McKinley Middle School, and Dunbar Senior High School. With a median household income significantly above the national average and a high level of educational attainment among residents, the neighborhood combines affordability with a strong sense of place and community. Its quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and easy access to both green space and the city make Gateway a distinctive and appealing enclave within Northeast Washington.

LANGDON NEIGHBORHOOD

Langdon is a quiet, residential neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C., with a distinctly suburban feel inside the city. It is bordered by major roads like Rhode Island Avenue NE, New York Avenue NE, Bladensburg Road NE, and South Dakota Avenue NE, which give it clear edges and relatively easy access to nearby parts of the District. 

The neighborhood’s housing stock is a major part of its identity. Langdon includes a mix of older single-family homes, bungalows, and Cape Cod-style houses, alongside some condos and newer infill development, and many properties have yards and off-street parking. That combination helps explain why residents often describe the area as peaceful and green.

 Langdon also has a strong park-and-recreation presence. Langdon Park sits at the heart of the neighborhood and includes a playground, skate park, amphitheater, pool, dog park, basketball and tennis courts, and a community center, making it an important gathering place for families and neighbors. The neighborhood is also known for its connection to music and local culture, especially through Chuck Brown Memorial Park and the nearby Echostage venue, which brings in major concerts and nightlife activity.

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, such as a sculpture or a functional 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, Bladensburg Bus Garage.

The period of performance shall be 180 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 at the new main entrance on Bladensburg Road NE near 28th Street NE in the area marked by a purple outline (Image #1). The background of the area includes a fence (Image #2) behind which trees will be planted. 

*See Site Plan to view Images #1 and #2.

The artwork must:

●        Be aligned with the scale of the designated site; and

●        Not extend beyond the 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 Bladensburg 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, professional Artists/Artist-led Teams shall submit the following during each phase of the selection process.

Phase 1

A. A Statement of Interest that clearly outlines the Artist/Artist-led Team's interest in the specificities of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and experience with the delivery of similar projects (such as scale of artwork, budget, project management, etc.) (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; résumés exceeding 2 pages will not be considered.

C. Up to 17 images and up to 3 videos of previously completed artworks in the last 10 years, and include a 1-2 page list with the title, material, location, budget, dimensions, 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).

F. Three references related to projects completed in the last 10 years.

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:

●        If 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 10 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 schedule.

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 10 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 - October 14, 2026 
*Vendor Questions Submission Deadline - October 29, 2026 (Vendor Clarification Questions will be posted below this Schedule the following week)
RFQ Closes - November 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Qualifications Evaluation / Selection of Phase 1 finalists - November 16-December 11, 2026
 

Phase 2
Release of additional information to Phase 1 finalists - December 16, 2026
Site-specific design proposal due - January 14, 2027 (5:00 PM EST)
Phase 1 finalist interviews/presentations (in-person or virtual via Teams) - January 19-22, 2027
Anticipated Award Date - January 29, 2027
Anticipated artwork completion/installation date - July 1, 2027

* Questions shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer (Dag Andargatchew at DAndargatchew@wmata.com) by the Request for Information deadline above. Responses will be issued by written addendum below this Schedule; 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 amount 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 and correspondence with one or more respondents to seek an improved understanding of responses to this RFQ.

PART 11 — INSURANCE REQUIREMENTSEXHIBIT A

RE: Bladensburg Bus Garage Public Artwork RFQ

PRN ID: CMCAP27003

Insurance Doc ID: INS0003728

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.

PART 5 — REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTALS

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

Phase 1

A. A Statement of Interest that clearly outlines the Artist/Artist-led Team's interest in the specificities of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and experience with the delivery of similar projects (such as scale of artwork, budget, project management, etc.) (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; résumés exceeding 2 pages will not be considered.

C. Up to 17 images and up to 3 videos of previously completed artworks in the last 10 years, and include a 1-2 page list with the title, material, location, budget, dimensions, 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).

F. Three references related to projects completed in the last 10 years.

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

PART 8 — ELIGIBILITY

This RFQ is open to qualified professional 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.