Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP) Long Bag Device Art

Location:	Michigan
Posted:	Nov 5, 2025
Due:	Dec 5, 2025
Agency:	Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	Z - Maintenance, Repair or Alteration of Real Property
Solicitation No:	RFQ 2540
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP)

Request for Qualifications

Long Bag Device RFQ 2540

Window Wall RFQ 2541

Feature Wall RFQ 2542

DUE : December 5, 2025

Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP) – Request for Qualifications

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIAA) is seeking qualifications from artists for

three distinct permanent art opportunities as part of the Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP).

As part of this initiative, GFIAA has released three separate RFQs that are included in this document:

• Long Bag Device RFQ 2540

• Window Wall RFQ 2541

• Feature Wall RFQ 2542

Each RFQ represents a unique opportunity for artists to contribute to this transformative project and

to help define the travel experience at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA). Interested artists

are encouraged to review the details of each RFQ and apply to one or more opportunities that

align with their expertise and artistic vision.

GFIA Art Program

The GFIA Art Program features both permanent and rotating exhibitions that enrich the airport

environment while supporting local artists, art students, and cultural institutions.

The program is a partnership between the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority and the Frey

Foundation, with oversight provided by a committee of four representatives appointed by the Airport

Authority President & CEO and two appointed by the Frey Foundation. Together, the Airport and the

Frey Foundation collaborate with artists throughout the region to offer guests an enriched experience

and a warm welcome that reflects the character of West Michigan.

What is the Terminal Enhancement Project?

Terminal Enhancement Project, or TEP, will expand the west end of the terminal, aiming to increase

capacity and incorporate sustainable elements to further optimize operations, minimize the Airport’s

environmental footprint and enhance the guest experience. The expansion includes:

• A Consolidated Baggage Inspection System, or CBIS, on the lower level of the terminal,

streamlining the checked luggage process from the airline ticketing counter through screening and

onto the aircraft.

• An Individual Carrier System, or ICS, for baggage handling screening. This will make the GFIA the

first small-hub airport in the U.S. to install an ICS.

• New ticket counter spaces and the consolidation of all airline ticketing counters to the west end of

the terminal.

• Expanded baggage claim area with larger carousels to facilitate a more seamless and

modernized baggage claim process for arriving passengers.

TEP Design / Theme

The Temporary Enhancement Project (TEP) will be one of the first experiences guests encounter as

they begin their journey. Travelers are focused on finding their airline, checking their bags, and

ensuring they meet requirements. The artwork should serve as a calm, welcoming presence in this

busy setting, offering beauty, grounding, and a sense of place.

Artists selected from these RFQs will be asked to create site-specific, contemporary artworks that

evoke the textures, colors, and atmosphere of the West Michigan lakeshore. This is not a call for

literal depictions, but for creative interpretations that respond to the region’s natural elements – the

lakeshore’s shimmering waters, sculpted dunes, swaying grasses, vibrant seasonal transitions, and

expansive horizons.

While some visitors may engage with the work while standing in line, others may pass by quickly.

Either way, the artwork should leave an impression. Whether as a moment of quiet reflection or a

subtle visual landmark that aids in orientation and wayfinding. Through abstraction, materiality, light,

or form, the work should both reflect the unique spirit of West Michigan and enhance the traveler’s

experience with a sense of connection and ease.

Locations of Artwork Opportunities

Ticket Hall Floor Plan

A. Window Wall

B. Long Bag Devices

C. Feature Wall

TEP Project Goals

• Reflect the highest level of artistic quality that is original in concept, strong in vision, and showing

clear mastery of craft and technique, while drawing people in and holding their attention.

• Be thoughtful about the work’s relationship to the surrounding architecture and design elements.

• Make a lasting impression, giving travelers something they will remember long after their visit.

• Contribute to the Airport’s mission: to create an exceptional travel experience for our passengers,

and growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan.

• Serve as a natural wayfinding anchor.

• Highlight what makes West Michigan distinct from anywhere else in the world.

• Bring the outside in, whether through literal or abstract references to water, dunes, light, or

landscape, and reinterpret the expansiveness of the natural world for the rhythm and movement of

an airport environment.

Artist Experience

Artists should ideally be mid-career or beyond, with a demonstrated record of successful work and

an established portfolio.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older. Artists must either reside in West Michigan or have a

strong tie to the region. Questions about eligibility may be directed to Art Project Manager,

Katie Moore at katie@mooreartconsulting.com.

Questions

Questions regarding this solicitation are to be submitted in writing to the Art Project Manager,

Katie Moore prior to 5 p.m. on November 21, 2025 at katie@mooreartconsulting.com.

GFIAA reserves the right to publish and respond to an inquiry, respond directly to the inquirer without

publishing or not respond to the inquiry at its sole discretion.

It is the firm’s responsibility to become familiar with and fully informed regarding the terms,

conditions, and specifications of this solicitation. Lack of understanding or misinterpretation of any

portions of this solicitation shall not be cause for withdrawal after opening or for subsequent protest

of award. Addendums will only be published by the GFIAA Purchasing Department and available for

review at www.flyford.org.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

solicitation number	name	due date	documents	submission Link
RFQ 2540	Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP) Long Bag Device Art	December 5, 2025	RFQ Document