Request for Qualifications: Storm Drain Artwork Project
| Location: | California |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Mar 4, 2026 |
| Due: | Apr 17, 2026 |
| Agency: | City of Mailbu |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
|
| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
| Bid Title: |
Request for Qualifications: Storm Drain Artwork Project
|
| Category: | Professional Consulting |
| Status: | Open |
|
Attachment Preview
Request for Qualifications
Storm Drain Artwork
Date Issued: March 4, 2026
Proposals must be received no later than 12:00 PM PST
Friday, April 17, 2026
City of Malibu
Attn: Kristin Riesgo, Community Services Director
23825 Stuart Ranch Road
Malibu, CA 90265
KRiesgo@Malibucity.org
City of Malibu
Request for Qualifications
Storm Drain Artwork
Release Date: March 4, 2026
Submissions Due: April 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM
Introduction
The City of Malibu is dedicated to preserving coastal water quality and protecting sensitive
marine habitats. Through innovative programming, the City educates residents and
visitors about water quality protection and the connection between everyday activities,
storm drains, and ocean health. City initiatives encourage environmental stewardship to
help prevent polluted runoff from reaching the ocean.
To promote this initiative, the City transformed four storm drain catch basins into public
art installations designed to spark community dialogue and raise awareness about
protecting Malibu’s coastline. Storm drain artwork was completed in 2014 and expanded
in 2018, reinforcing the City’s ongoing commitment to innovative public education and
coastal resource protection.
Background
The City of Malibu is a coastal municipality located in the northwestern portion of Los
Angeles County, California. The population is approximately 10,200 residents. Malibu
also attracts a large number of visitors, with annual visitation estimates reaching
approximately 15 million, due to its beaches, parks, and coastal attractions.
Incorporated as a general law city on March 28, 1991, Malibu operates under a council-
manager form of government. City Council consists of five members elected at large to
staggered four-year terms, with the Mayor selected by the Council from among its
members. The City’s jurisdiction extends along 21 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline and
generally reaches inland less than one mile, widening to slightly more than two miles in
select areas. Malibu provides a full range of municipal services and is considered a
contract city for certain functions, contracting with outside agencies and providers for law
enforcement, fire protection, and other essential services. City departments are organized
to deliver core functions, including management and administrative services, building and
safety, community services, environmental sustainability, planning, public works, and
engineering.
The Fiscal Year 2025-26 adopted operating budget is approximately $110.3 million,
prioritizing wildfire recovery, infrastructure improvements, and ongoing municipal
services. This budget reflects continued financial stability and proactive planning, while
addressing significant community needs, including disaster recovery and capital projects.
The City’s workforce for FY 2025-26 includes approximately 113 full-time employees and
15.58 full-time equivalent part-time positions, totaling about 128.58 full-time equivalents.
City of Malibu
RFQ Storm Drain Artwork
Page 3 of 5
Scope of Work
The City of Malibu invites artists of all backgrounds and disciplines to apply to contribute
to its environmental public art campaign. The selected artist will design and create original
artwork for four storm drain catch basins located in highly visible areas throughout Malibu.
This project provides artists with the opportunity to transform everyday infrastructure into
meaningful public art. By reimagining storm drains as creative canvases, the artwork will
help viewers connect streets, stormwater, and the ocean, while elevating the presence of
local and regional art in public spaces. Successful proposals will reflect Malibu’s deep
connection to the coast, spark curiosity and conversation, and inspire the community to
take an active role in protecting our shared environment.
Budget
The selected artist will receive a total project stipend of $15,000 for designing and
completing original artwork on four storm drain catch basins. This amount is intended to
cover all project-related costs, including but not limited to artist fees, materials and
supplies, travel, and installation.
Eligibility
Artists with demonstrated experience in public art and a strong interest in ocean
conservation are encouraged to apply.
Specifications
1. Artistic Quality and Durability: Artwork will be evaluated based on overall design
quality and must be durable, with a minimum life expectancy of four years.
Proposals should demonstrate a practical and aesthetically pleasing use of color
and form and be appropriate to the surrounding environments where the artwork
will be installed.
2. Scope of Artwork: The selected artist(s) will design and paint original, ocean-
themed artwork on four storm drain inlets. These installations will be used as a
public education campaign.
3. Timeframe: The selected artist(s) will complete the artwork on the four (4) storm
drain inlets (entire project) in one hundred and fifty (150) days or less.
4. Materials and Finish: Because the artwork will be exposed to harsh outdoor
conditions, artists must use high-quality, colorfast paints proven to maintain
appearance for at least four (4) years. Artists may select their preferred paint
products, subject to City approval. Upon completion, City staff will apply a clear,
environmentally sensitive protective sealant. All materials, color selections, and
designs are subject to City review and approval.
5. Painting Areas: Artwork may be applied only to the concrete sidewalk, storm drain
inlet lid, and gutter. Painting on asphalt roadways is not permitted. Red curbs may
be painted over only where they are directly on the storm drain inlet lid; red curb
areas extending beyond the inlet must remain red.
6. Required Text and Signature: City Staff will work with the Artist to determine a
slogan on pollution prevention to incorporate into each mural. Artists may include
a signature, provided it does not exceed the maximum size specified by the City.
City of Malibu
RFQ Storm Drain Artwork
Page 4 of 5
7. Weather Conditions: All artwork installations must be completed during dry
weather conditions.
8. Spill Prevention and Cleanup: Due to the environmentally sensitive locations,
artists must have materials readily available to immediately address any spills,
including absorbent materials and cleaning cloths. A spill response and cleanup
plan must be included with the proposal.
9. Water Disposal: Artists are responsible for the proper disposal of any dirty or
wastewater generated during the project. Wastewater may not be discharged into
gutters or storm drains. Proposals must describe an environmentally responsible
disposal method.
10. Locations: The City has designated the storm drain inlets to be painted. The four
(4) locations are: Cross Creek Road (bus stop); Heathercliff Road (Point Dume
Plaza); the intersection of Morning View Drive and Pacific Coast Highway; and
Trancas Canyon Park (cul-de-sac).
Request for Qualifications Submission Requirements
Proposals should be concise and should not include materials to be returned to the artist.
Each proposal must include the following information:
1. Artist Contact Information: Provide your name, address, email, and phone
number. Optional items include your website and/or social media handles.
2. Project Approach: Describe your design concept, proposed timeline, and choice
of materials. Maximum 800 words.
3. Project Proposal: Include visual representations of your storm drain designs.
These should convey your intended vision for each piece (final designs will be
approved by City staff in collaboration with the selected artist before installation).
4. Spill Response Plan: Explain how you will prevent paint or other materials from
entering the storm drain in the event of a spill and describe your method for
disposing of wastewater in an environmentally responsible manner. Maximum 300
words.
5. Resume and References: Provide a current resume and contact information for
three (3) professional references.
6. Image References: Submit digital images of relevant artwork (minimum of 2,
maximum of 5). Images must be labeled and not exceed 40 MB in total. Include an
image list with the following information for each piece: image number, title, media,
dimensions, date, location (if applicable), description, and any awards received.
7. Artist Agreement: The selected artist must execute and comply with the City’s
standard Artist Agreement, provided as Attachment 1 of this Request for
Qualifications.
Clarifications
The City will respond to requests for clarification of the RFQ in written Addendum(s), as
needed. Inquiries should be directed by email only to KRiesgo@MalibuCity.org, and no
verbal requests will be accepted.
All requests for clarification must be received by 12:00 PM PST on Wednesday, April 1,
2026. All clarifications will be posted on the City of Malibu’s website MalibuCity.org/bids.
City of Malibu
RFQ Storm Drain Artwork
Page 5 of 5
Proposal Deadline
Artist(s) must submit a digital copy of the complete proposal to:
City of Malibu
Kristin Riesgo, Community Services Director
KRiesgo@MalibuCity.org
Digital proposals may be submitted via email or saved on a flash drive and mailed to
(23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA 90265). If submitting via email, please keep the
file size to 40 MB or less.
All proposals are due no later than 12:00 PM PST on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Proposals received after the deadline will be considered non-responsive. No faxed
proposals will be accepted.
The City reserves the right to extend the deadline or accept a late submittal with good
cause shown.
Response Preparations
The City will make no reimbursement for costs incurred in preparing the response to this
RFQ. Submitted materials will not be returned and will become the property of the City.
Right to Reject Proposals
Submission of a proposal indicates acceptance by the Contractor of the conditions
contained in this RFQ unless clearly and specifically noted in the proposal submitted and
confirmed in the Agreement between the City and the selected Contractor. The City
reserves the right, without prejudice, to reject any or all proposals.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Storm Drain Locations
2. Sample Artist Agreement
This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
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