Public Art Projects

Artist-designed bicycle racks

Regional call to artists
Request for Proposals—RFP #09-100

September 30, 2009

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§1 Introduction and Overview

A. Project Summary

The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (hereinafter Metro), through the Metro Nashville Arts Commission (MNAC) Public Art Committee, in partnership with Metro Public Works and the Mayor’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, is soliciting proposals (submissions) from interested and qualified respondents (artists) to design bicycle racks scheduled for fabrication and installation in downtown Nashville and adjacent neighborhoods in Spring 2010.

B. Budget

$2,500 per design

The project budget allocates $2,500 for the artist design fee, project-related travel, consultation throughout project fabrication and installation, plus other artist-related costs. Fabrication, installation and site preparation costs will be paid by Metro, and Artist will work with fabricator and be onsite at time of installation to ensure project is completed as designed.

C. Scope of Work

Approximately five artist design proposals for bike racks will be selected and multiples of some designs may be fabricated. Artists may submit up to three design proposals for the locations specified, which Metro Public Works or a Metro contractor will install in downtown Nashville and adjacent neighborhoods. Proposals may be site-specific or for multiple locations. Once designs are selected, a fabricator will be commissioned to build selected designs in consultation with selected artists and project partners. Artists may submit and be selected for both the design and fabrication stages.

Rack designs may be inspired by Nashville’s history, culture or natural features and assets. Designs should carefully balance form with function and must comply with national bicycle parking standards. For those standards, artists should access the Bicycle Parking Guidelines, produced by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, on APBP’s website: www.apbp.org/?page=Publications.

Submission deadline: Materials must arrive at one of the addresses listed in Section 2.E.5 not later than 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2009, Central Daylight Time.

D. Eligibility

The artist-designed bike rack project is open to professional artists working in all mediums, who reside within approximately 200 miles of Nashville, including Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Bowling Green, Paducah, Louisville, Huntsville and Birmingham. Artists with conflicts of interest as outlined in the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County’s Public Art Guidelines are ineligible for public art commissions or projects. Artists may reference section VII. Conflict of Interest of the Public Art Guidelines online at www.artsnashville.org/pubartprogram/pubartguide.php.

E. Project Goals

The bicycle rack design project should have:

• high aesthetic merit
• functionality as a bike rack, able to support and secure at least two bikes (See Section 2B for specific criteria.)
• overall safety (See Section 2B for specific criteria)
• low maintenance and high durability

In a broader sense, the project should:

• encourage bicycle transportation
• give meaning to place by reflecting Nashville’s history, culture, or natural features and assets
• further the community’s sense of spirit and pride.

F. Locations

Five locations have been selected for artist-designed bike racks. Within each location, a specific site or sites have been identified that will accommodate a bike rack and allow adequate space for pedestrian traffic. Based on each site, rack capacity may vary from a minimum of two to a maximum of six bicycles. Specific sites at each location are noted by a diagram on a photograph along with descriptive notes, including the size rack each site could accommodate. A location map and other related images are available on the Map and Images page.

1. One or two artist-designed bike racks will be located on Church Street between 6th Avenue North and Capital Boulevard, across from Nashville Public Library and adjacent to Church Street Park. These racks would likely be used by library visitors and diners at nearby restaurants. Noteworthy is the way Capitol Boulevard visually connects the library and the State Capitol.

   Church Street across from Nashville Public Library

   

   View of Church Street Park from the Main Library entrance.

   • Available space 12' x 6'
   • One rack will be installed here with the potential for an additional rack nearby
   • Minimum capacity: 4 bikes
   • A pair of racks with a 2-bike capacity is another option
   • Bike rack/s and entire bicycles must fit within the available space

2. Two sites for bike racks on Commerce Street between 4th and 5th Avenues would likely be used by visitors to a café and neighboring businesses. Both sites are on the south side of Commerce; one is adjacent to the café’s entrance and the other adjacent to a patio beside a bank office tower. Buildings in the immediate area house the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Nashville Music City Convention & Visitors Bureau and various financial businesses.

   Commerce Street between 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue

   

   View of Commerce Street Site 1 in front of Panera Bread.

   • Available space 10' x 5' at each of two sites
   • Minimum capacity: 2 bikes at each site
   • Maximum capacity: 4 bikes at each site
   • Bike rack and entire bicycles must fit within the available space

   

   Site 2, near the corner of Commerce and 4th Avenue North, facing south.

3. On Demonbreun Street west of Interstate I-40/65 on the northeast corner of the 16th Avenue intersection, bordering Buddy Killen Circle (the Roundabout), two potential bike rack locations are sited near a row of restaurants, shops and live music venues. This area serves as a gateway to Music Row and reflects the personality of the music business.

   Demonbreun St at the Roundabout

   

   Primary site facing north toward Off Broadway Shoes.

   • Available space 12' x 6' at each of two sites
   • One rack will be installed with the potential for an additional rack
   • Benches will be relocated
   • Minimum capacity: 4 bikes at each site
   • Maximum capacity: 6 bikes at each site
   • A pair or three racks with a 2-bike capacity is an alternative
   • Bike rack/s and entire bicycles must fit within the available space

   

   Potential site, further east near First Citizens Bank.

4. Nashville Farmers’ Market is adjacent to the Bicentennial Mall State Park, on Rosa L. Parks Boulevard (Eighth Avenue North) between Jefferson Street and Harrison Street. This location has four sites for art bike racks, which are near the east and west entrances to the central Market House building. Teaming with ethnic restaurants, groceries and specialty food shops, the building is flanked by sheds with vendors selling local produce, flowers and artisan food products plus new and used items at a weekend flea market.

   East & West Entrances to Farmers’ Market

   

   View of Market House east entrance from Bicentennial Mall State Park.

   • Available space 10' x 6' at each site
   • Four racks will be installed at this location
   • Benches will be relocated
   • Minimum capacity: 4 bikes at each site
   • Maximum capacity: 6 bikes at each site
   • A pair or three racks with a 2-bike capacity is an alternative
   • Bike rack/s and entire bicycles must fit within the available space

   

   View of Market House west entrance on Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, facing south.

5. The Fulton Complex at 800 Second Avenue South has one current and multiple future locations for artist-designed bike racks. The campus has three historic buildings, the Metro Office Building, Lindsley Hall, and the Howard Office Building, which serve visitors to numerous local government public offices, including the Arts Commission, Codes and Zoning, County Clerk, Election Commission, Planning, Property Assessor, Trustee (tax collection), and Water Services.

   Fulton Complex

   

   Site facing Metro Office Building.

   • Available space 12' x 6'
   • A pair of racks, each with a 2-bike capacity, will be installed here
   • More racks to be added as campus grows
   • Minimum capacity: 4 bikes
   • Bike rack/s and entire bicycles must fit within the available space

Bike rack sites may be adjusted to accommodate artists designs.

G. Metro Nashville Arts Commission and Public Art Program

The Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission (MNAC) is a department of the Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County created in 1978 for the purpose of promoting, preserving and expanding the cultural and artistic interests of the general public. The MNAC public art program was established in June 2000, with the passage of a public art ordinance. The ordinance dedicates one percent (1%) of the net proceeds of general obligation bonds issued for construction projects to fund public art. The MNAC established guidelines, and named a Public Art Committee (PAC) as a standing committee to oversee the public art program.

§2 Submission Instructions

A. Project Timetable

The following projected timetable should be used as a working guide for planning purposes. Metro reserves the right to adjust this timetable as required during the course of this Request for Proposals process.

Event	Date	Day of week
Issue RFP	September 30, 2009	Wednesday
Request for Proposals Due	November 18, 2009	Wednesday
Selection Panel	December 1, 2009	Tuesday
Fabrication	Winter/Spring 2010
Installation Completed	Spring 2010
Dedication	Summer 2010

B. Artist Proposal Selection Criteria

Proposals will be selected based upon these considerations:

Design

• Artistic merit is the first and most important criteria.
• Design is context-sensitive, either to the city, neighborhood, street or immediate environment.
• Design takes into account making cost-effective original and multiples.

Function

• Designs must comply with national bicycle parking standards. For detailed information on national bicycle parking standards see Bicycle Parking Guidelines, produced by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, on APBP’s website at www.apbp.org/?page=Publications.
• Design should enable the bicycle frame and one wheel to be secure using a U-lock or cable lock. Both locking points should be between 1 and 3 feet off the ground and located at points on the rack where the thickness is between 1 inch and 4 inches. These locking points should also provide the bicycle with stability.
• To allow for handlebars, pedals, and maneuvering, supports should be a minimum of 30 inches apart.
• The racks must be constructed of durable materials to withstand permanent exposure to the elements, such as powder-coated metal, stainless-steel, polished concrete, composite acrylics or appropriate recycled materials. Racks must be designed only with smooth materials that will not easily scratch or damage bicycle finish.
• Rack should be as vandal resistant as possible.

Safety

• The design must not have sharp edges.
• Bicycle rack designs must adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
  • To be detected by a white cane, the protruding or leading edge of the rack shall be 27" or less above the sidewalk surface.
  • Between 27" and 80" above the sidewalk surface, protruding or leading edges may overhang a maximum of 12".
  • The top of the bike rack design must be a minimum of 36" tall.
  • Except for the bike rack supporting brackets, the shortest section of the bike rack must be a minimum of 27" tall—enough to be perceived by pedestrians and avoid tripping hazards.
  • The space between rack features must be larger than 9" and smaller than 3.5" to avoid the potential for children trapping their heads.

Experience

• Artists should have ability to work collaboratively with other design professionals, stakeholders and staff.

Selected designs may need to be adapted during fabrication process to meet design, functional, safety and ADA standards.

C. Inquiries

Direct all questions related to this Call to Artists to the MNAC staff via e-mail only: arts@nashville.gov with Bike Rack in subject line.

D. Compliance with the RFP

Submissions must be in strict compliance with this Request for Proposals. Failure to comply with all provisions of the RFP may result in disqualification.

E. Response Format and Sending Submittals

Please submit the following materials to the address below (all text must be printed on single-sided pages):

1. Sketch, line drawing, or computer-generated image on 8½ x 11 sheet of paper with dimensions and any other specifications noted; color or black and white images are acceptable. If the design is for a specific location, please note on the design proposal. Artists may submit up to three drawings for each design, if needed. Artists may include a disk of image/s along with the printed image. Submit only high-quality JPEGs on a CD-R disk (not CD-RW or any other media).

2. A brief one-page printed letter describing design proposal.

3. Current résumé, not to exceed four printed single-sided pages, including name, address, phone number, e-mail address and website.

4. Self-addressed and stamped envelope for return of materials if you want them returned.

5. Mail submissions to:

   Metro Arts Commission
   P.O. Box 196300
   Nashville, TN 37219-6300
   

   Alternate address (to be used for UPS, FEDEX, etc.):

   Metro Arts Commission
   800 2nd Ave. South, 4th Floor
   Nashville, TN 37210-2008

6. Submission deadline:

   All submittals must be received no later than 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2009, Central Daylight Time

   The Contract Specialist at the Metro Division of Purchasing & Contract Management will ensure that only submissions received by the deadline will be accepted.

Incomplete or ineligible submissions will not be reviewed. Every effort will be made to insure the safe handling of submitted materials; however, the Metro Nashville Arts Commission will not be responsible for any loss or damage.

§3 Selection Process

A. Method Of Source Selection

The Department is using the Competitive Sealed Proposals method of source selection, as authorized by Section 4.12.040 of the Metropolitan Procurement Code, for this procurement.

B. Selection / Evaluation Committee

The Metro Purchasing Agent will appoint an evaluation committee (hereinafter referred to as selection panel) to evaluate the submissions. That selection panel will be proposed by MNAC staff for each project and recommended to the Purchasing Agent by the Public Art Committee (PAC).

The selection panel for this project will have seven members including at least one visual artist, a design professional, a representative from the downtown community and a cyclist to represent the biking community. The chairperson of the selection panel will be the public art committee chair or designee, serving as an ex-officio, non-voting panel member. Metro Public Works Department and someone to address fabrication issues will advise on technical issues. The Contract Specialist assigned to each project will serve as a non-voting advisory member of the selection panel and be charged with the responsibility of monitoring the process.

C. Selection Process

Responses to this Request for Proposals will be evaluated by the selection panel according to the project selection criteria. The panel will recommend artists for this project to the PAC for action and referral to the MNAC, for final approval and issuance of an Intent to Award letter based on successful contract negotiation.

§4 Rules and Guidelines

A. Requests for Clarification of Submission

MNAC may check references to assist in the evaluation of any submission.

B. Submissions, RFPs, and Presentation Costs

The Metropolitan Government will not be liable in any way for any costs incurred by any artist in the preparation of its proposal in response to this RFP, nor for the presentation of its submission and/or participation in any discussions.

C. Validity of Submissions

All proposals shall be valid for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days from the due date of the Request for Proposals.

D. Rejection of Submissions

The Purchasing Agent or designee reserves the right to accept or reject in whole or in part any or all proposals submitted.

E. Americans With Disabilities Act

The successful contractor (artist or team) shall assure to Metro that all services (including but not limited to the design services, as well as any construction, repair, or other infrastructure improvements) made through this contract, if an award is made, shall be completed in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, Federal Register 36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191, Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines; proposed rule published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2004, as has been adopted by Metro.

Questions, concerns, complaints, requests for accommodation, or requests for additional information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act may be forwarded MNAC’s ADA Compliance Coordinator: Teri Alea, 800 2nd Ave. South, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 196300, Nashville, TN 37219-6300, Phone: (615) 862-6720.

Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in the programs, services or activities of the Metro Nashville Arts Commission are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA Compliance Coordinator. This notice can be made available in alternative formats through the office of the ADA Compliance Coordinator, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

F. Non-Discrimination

It is the policy of the Metropolitan Government not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. With regard to all aspects of this Contract, the artist or artist team certifies and warrants it will comply with this policy.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, be discriminated against in the admission or access to, or be discriminated against in treatment or employment in Metro’s contracted programs or activities, on the grounds of handicap and/or disability, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other classification protected by federal or Tennessee State Constitutional or statutory law; nor shall they be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the performance of contracts with Metro or in the employment practices of Metro’s Artists/Contractors.

Accordingly, all artists/contractors entering into contracts with Metro shall, upon request, be required to show proof of such nondiscrimination and to post in conspicuous places that are available to all employees and applicants, notices of nondiscrimination.

Further the Metro Nashville Arts Commission does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, or disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. The Metro Nashville Arts Commission does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

Inquiries concerning non-discrimination policies other than ADA compliance should be forwarded to: Delaine Linville, Department of Human Resources, 222 Third Avenue, Suite 200, Nashville TN 37201, (615) 862-6640.

G. Call to Artists & Presentation Costs

Metro will not be liable in any way for any costs incurred by the artist in the initial response to the Request for Proposals.

H. Public Disclosure

All submissions are considered public and subject to review upon request after an intent to award has been made.

END OF RFP #09-100

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© 2009 Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission 800 2nd Avenue South, 4th Floor P.O. Box 196300 Nashville TN 37219-6300	arts@nashville.gov (615) 862-6720 fax (615) 862-6731
Americans with Disabilities Act