RFP 902749 FINE ART SERVICES

It is the intent of these specifications, terms, and conditions to describe fine art handling, framing and fabrication services being requested by the County. Services are defined as follows:

1. 1. 1. Fine Art Handling Services: Museum-quality fine art handling services to transport and install artwork in the County’s art collection as well as temporary art exhibitions in County buildings, and provide other related fine art fabrication and technical services,
      2. Fine Art Framing Services: Museum-quality fine art archival, custom framing services for the County’s art collection, and
      3. Fine Art Fabrication Services: Museum-quality fine art fabrication in multiple two-dimensional formats for the County’s art collection and provide other related technical services.

The County intends to award a three-year contract (with the option to renew for two years) to a pool of up to four (4) Bidders for Fine Art Handling Services, a pool of up to three (3) Bidders for Fine Art Framing Services, and a pool of up to four (4) Bidders for Fine Art Fabrication Services. Award(s) will be made to the most responsive and responsible Bidder(s) whose response(s) conform to the RFP and meet(s) the County’s requirements. Bidders responding to this RFP may submit a proposal for one or multiple services, but must clearly indicate which service(s) their proposal addresses.

The County will engage the awarded pool of contractors for projects on an as-needed basis. The Contractors will then provide their proposal for each project, including turnaround time and the number of billable hours. Total cost, turnaround time, the specific expertise, and performance of the particular contractor(s) who provide estimates will be the determining factors in which contractor is selected for a particular project. The County has sole discretion regarding which contractor(s) will be utilized for each particular project.

The Alameda County Arts Commission (ACAC) is building a collection of public artwork created by Alameda County and Bay Area artists that will be installed at County buildings for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public. Through this RFP, the County seeks to engage the following museum-quality fine art service professionals to assist ACAC in building and maintaining its public art collection.

Fine Art Handling Services

Fine art handlers with museum-quality fine art handling, transportation, and installation experience who are interested in submitting a response to this solicitation must provide an hourly rate for transportation and installation services and technical consultation services. Fine art handlers will be responsible for the safe handling, transportation, and installation of artwork in the County’s art collection as well as temporary art exhibitions in County buildings, and provide other related fine art fabrication and technical services. The majority of the artwork which will be installed through this contract is framed two-dimensional artwork and will be wall-hung using security hangers, or for temporary exhibitions on a picture railing or other wall surfaces. A limited number of permanent, site-specific artworks may also be installed through this contract and may require additional license(s), fine art fabrication, technical services, supplies, and site-preparation. The fine art handlers must be able to provide expertise regarding appropriate mounting hardware and installation systems for a variety of circumstances. Bidders must demonstrate their specialized capabilities and experience using past projects as examples in the relevant experience section of Exhibit A – Bid Response Packet.

Fine Art Framing Services

Fine art picture framers, with extensive experience with museum-quality picture framing who are interested in submitting a response to this solicitation must provide a price quote for three sample frame styles in specified finished sizes. The specified styles are representative of framing styles and materials for newly acquired artworks. Each framing project will be for a unique artwork, and the Contractor must demonstrate the experience and capability to collaborate with ACAC to address project specific requirements regarding one-of-a-kind artworks. This includes the ability to research and provide technical expertise for different framing materials and methods. Quotes for each frame style must be based on the materials and other specifications included in the Bid Form.

The Contractor will frame approximately 100 artworks over the term of the contract. Artworks will primarily range in size from 11 inches by 11 inches to 60 inches by 60 inches (and up to three [3] inches deep) and will be framed in a variety of styles, as reflected in the Bid Form. Bidders must demonstrate their specialized capabilities and experience using past projects as examples in the relevant experience section of Exhibit A – Bid Response Packet.

Fine Art Fabrication Services

Fine art fabricators with extensive experience with museum-quality fine art fabrication of multiple two-dimensional formats using a variety of materials who are interested in submitting a response to this solicitation must provide a price quote for at least one of the specified fabrication methods and finished sizes. The listed materials and methods are representative of those that may be used for future public art projects. Each fabrication project will be a unique artwork, and the Contractor must demonstrate the experience and capability to collaborate with ACAC staff and artists to address complex, project specific requirements regarding one-of-a-kind artworks. Bidders must demonstrate their specialized capabilities and experience using past projects as examples in the relevant experience section of Exhibit A – Bid Response Packet.

ACAC is a division of the County of Alameda. ACAC is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Alameda County by nurturing a thriving environment for the arts and for cultural activities; promoting economic opportunities for Alameda County’s artists and arts organizations through programs such as arts grants, public art, and art in education programs; encouraging public participation in the arts and actively advocating for the arts.

Established in 1994 by Alameda County’s “2% for Public Art” Ordinance, Alameda County’s Public Art Program provides for public art elements connected to capital improvement projects undertaken by Alameda County. The unique artworks are created by professional artists and are integrated into the design of the structure or landscaping, or are in proximity to the project, in any number of treatments and media. Artwork is purchased or commissioned through an open competitive process.