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Project Overview
The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) and the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) are pleased to announce a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from artists, or teams of artists (hereafter, “artists'' shall mean individuals and/or teams of artists) with personal experience living in Deaf culture and DeafSpace principles to create public art for the MSD campus in Frederick, MD.
There are two opportunities to commission new works for the MSD campus. The process of selecting artists for both opportunities will happen in two phases. In the first phase, all interested artists will respond to this Request for Qualifications, indicating if they would like to be considered for one or both of the commission opportunities. In the second phase, a group of semi-finalists will be identified for each commission. Semi-finalists will then be invited to interview for their respective project.
NOTE: While this Request for Qualifications is soliciting applications for both artwork commission opportunities, the two capital projects are not occurring simultaneously. The selection and award of each commission, and project implementation will be conducted on distinct timelines.
Commission A:
Project/Facility: Veditz Building Renovation
Project Budget: Not to exceed $65,000
Interview Stipend: $2,500 travel and interview stipend provided to each of the three semi-finalists
Commission B:
Project/Facility: New Student Residences
Project Budget: Not to exceed $180,000
Interview Stipend: $2,500 travel and interview stipend provided to each of the three to four semi-finalists
Commission A & B:
Client/User Agency: Maryland School for the Deaf, Frederick, MD 21701
Issue Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024 How to Apply Webinar: Monday, October 7, 2024, from 1 - 2 p.m. To register, click here. ASL Interpreters will be provided
Maryland School for the Deaf
The MSD - a diverse and bilingual community, in partnership with families - provides an equitable and exemplary education in a nurturing, engaging, and challenging environment to ensure our students achieve personal excellence and become responsible lifelong learners.
Design Considerations*
*Please note that only semi-finalist artists will be expected to submit proposals:
The final artwork must:
- Be safe, made with permanent-durable materials, and theft-resistant
- The artist must take precautions to ensure the artwork is safe for young children and young adults to touch, in so much as to consider making the artwork intentionally touchable
- Artwork should be durable and built with the understanding that it may be touched and climbed on frequently
- Consider the design principles of DeafSpace: sensory reach, space and proximity, mobility and proximity, light and color, and acoustics
- Low maintenance
Artwork Budget & Contracting
Up to four semi-finalist artists will be selected for each project. Each semi-finalist will receive a $2,500 stipend that covers travel to the MSD campus for a site tour and interview with the Artist Selection Committee.
Individual applicants may be selected to be semi-finalists for both projects. While it is unlikely one artist will receive both commissions, MSAC reserves the right to select a single artist for both opportunities, if that is what the artist selection committee and MSD recommend.
Commission Budget:
The State intends to develop Commission A: Veditz Building Renovation for a maximum budget not to exceed $65,000 and Commission B: New Student Residencies for a maximum budget not to exceed $180,000.
The all-inclusive budget includes
- Artist fee and project management
- Minimum of one Two community engagement sessions (time and method to be determined by the selected artist with the assistance of the project team)
- Overhead expenses (sub-consultants, travel/lodging, etc.)
- Concept and design development drawings, including budget and schedule
- Artwork fabrication shop drawings and specifications stamped by an MD-licensed engineer
- Artwork materials (including base(s), concrete footing if applicable) and
- Fabrication;
- Artwork transportation to site and installation;
- And any additional licenses, insurance, and any other costs as required to furnish and install the artwork resulting in a complete and fully functional installation.
The contracted artist is expected to visit the MSD a minimum of four times:
- Concept design development kick-off and community engagement
- Pre-construction site visit
- Artwork installation
- Artwork dedication at a date to be determined
The artist will be expected to conduct at least onetwo community engagement presentationpresentations during the design phase in collaboration with the Artist Selection Committee. Additional visits may be necessary depending on the specific needs of the project as required to ensure the successful installation of the artwork. The cost for all anticipated visits shall be included in the artist’s proposal budget. Any expenses that exceed the contracted amount will be the artist’s responsibility. The artist will be responsible for submitting an artwork maintenance manual upon completion.
The MSD will work with the artist to develop a plaque or signage for the artwork and be funded by the DGS outside of the artist’s budget.
Contract
The selected artist will contract directly with the Department of General Services (DGS). Prior to being awarded the commission, or receiving any payment, the selected artist must become a registered vendor with the State of Maryland and pass the state’s tax clearance. The artist must adhere to all applicable licensing and tax requirements for the duration of the contract. The artist will work with the DGS Project Manager and MSAC Public Art project team to oversee all aspects of the artwork from design development through project implementation and installation.
Artist Selection Process
Eligibility
All artists or artist teams with personal experience living in Deaf culture, living in the United States may apply. If artists apply as a team, the team should be listed within the application, specifying a “Lead Artist” to serve as the point of contact.
Artists currently enrolled in a university or college degree-granting program are not eligible to apply. Employees or appointees of MSD, DGS, and MSAC are not eligible to apply.
Application Requirements
All applicants must submit the information listed below. Artists may apply as teams who submit a joint application in the Submittable.com application portal.
- Contact Information
If applying as a team please apply for the name/account of the “lead artist”.
- Artist Resume/CV: Five pages max. (If applying as an artist team, please combine all team members’ CVs into one PDF to be uploaded)
- Ten (10) Artwork Samples:
Artwork samples may be submitted as a JPEG or video file, but the majority of samples should be still images. Video files should not be longer than 3 minutes each. Samples may include multiple images of the same artwork from different angles or highlighting specific details, but it is recommended applicants avoid submitting collaged or composite slides of multiple images. Proposal renderings for projects that have been designed but not fabricated/installed may be included, but labeled ‘not built’ under metadata.
Artwork Samples must include metadata to communicate the artwork and lead artist who designed the work. Please add metadata in the “Artwork Description” area and include all relevant information: scale/dimensions, materials, year completed, artwork budget, location, commissioning organization, etc… Additionally, include any collaborators and specify their role in the project (i.e. Artist, Assistant, Fabricator…).
- Statement of Interest: This is an opportunity for the artist or artist team to address their personal connection to this particular commission opportunity and why their experience and background align with the proposed themes and goals (listed above). Include how you will engage the MSD community in your public art design process.
Artwork proposals are NOT accepted at this time. Applications including visual or written proposal ideas for the artwork commission will be removed from the review. Incomplete applications may be returned or rejected.
Selection Process
RFQ Eligibility Review
All applications will be reviewed by staff for completeness and eligibility based on the submission requirements and the unique contexts of this project as described above. Applicants must be residents of the United States or a U.S. Territory. Students in high school, undergraduate, or graduate degree programs at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
RFQ Selection Criteria:
Applicant includes contact information, lead artist, resume/CV, Ten (10) artwork samples, and statement of interest. Please refer to the Application Requirements section for complete details.
Round 1
All applications deemed eligible by staff will be advanced to the Artist Selection Committees for review and scoring based on the Selection Criteria below. The Artist Selection Committees will advance the top-scoring applicants to Round 2.
Round 2
The artist selection committees will review and rescore top-scoring applicants from Round 1. Ultimately the committee will advance up to four top-scoring applicants to the Semi-finalist round.
Round 1 and 2 Selection Criteria:
- Experience: Demonstrated experience through past works reflects originality, technical skill, sensitivity to site, and knowledge/experience of materials and fabrication methods suitable for a permanent installation in a public environment.
- Statement of Interest demonstrates a personal connection to creating an artwork that demonstrates personal experience living in Deaf culture.
Semi-Finalists
Up to four semi-finalists per commission will meet in person to tour the site with Project Managers. Following the tour, each semi-finalist will individually present and be interviewed by the Artist Selection Committee. Presentations should cover the following:
- Examples of past work: Share artwork that is relevant to the site context and goals outlined in this project charter, artwork should demonstrate the artist's depth of experience and quality of past work. Include the presenter’s specific role in each project and identify collaborators and partners relevant to each project.
- Experience: Illustrate and tell the story of your/your team’s experience, qualifications, practice, and approach to developing site-specific public art projects
- Interview with the Artist Selection Committee.
The presentation format must be digital slides and a PDF of the presentation should be provided to the Project Manager following the interview. Artists will have the opportunity to ask specific questions related to the project.
Semi-Finalists Selection Criteria:
- Examples of past work are relevant to the site context and goals outlined in this project charter, artwork should demonstrate the artist's depth of experience and quality of part work. Include the presenter’s specific role in each project and identify collaborators and partners relevant to each project.
- Experience: Illustrate and tell the story of your/your team’s experience, qualifications, practice, and approach to developing site-specific public art projects
- Statement of interest. The artist demonstrates a personal connection to artwork themes and goals and demonstrates a commitment and passion for developing this artwork commission.
- Site Specificity: The artists demonstrate a site-specific design approach to the location's opportunities and challenges.
- Engagement: The artist presents a well-defined plan for engaging building users and stakeholders, providing thoughtful opportunities for interaction and exchange between the artist and stakeholders.
- Project Management. Artist demonstrates a specific and detailed strategy for managing and maintaining relationships with project partners including but not limited to building leadership, project managers, and facilities personnel.
- Feasibility: The artist can meet the project design expectations within the provided timeline and budget. The artist provides clear and specific examples of working within past project budgets and timelines.
- Durability, Permanence, and Safety: The artist clearly and specifically describes how their design approach ensures the artwork is structurally sound, resistant to theft, and vandalism, and is low maintenance. Additionally, the artist demonstrates how their design process will ensure the artwork will be safe and able to adhere or adapt to ADA guidelines and applicable building code requirements.
- Questions. Artists ask insightful questions that demonstrate background knowledge of the specific project and an understanding of the public art process.
Following the interview, each semi-finalist artist or team will submit an invoice for the $2,500 stipend.
*Semi-finalist artists must be available to visit and tour the campus, and then interview in person with the Artist Selection Committee. Applicants, please mark your calendar.
Artist Selection Committee Representation
The committee established to review applications and recommend an artist to the school’s leadership for the artwork commission includes representatives from the following:
- Maryland School for the Deaf
- Building Architecture Firm
- Maryland Public Art Commission
Project Management
The selected artist will work with the MSD Project Manager to finalize the siting of the artwork within the proposed site to ensure a cohesive project.
Staff of MSD and MSAC Public Art Across Maryland Program, are responsible for project administration and management and will administer the work of the Artist Selection Committee. The artwork will be incorporated into a building renovation or construction project, as detailed in the Commissions below.
The MSAC Artwork Commissions Program
MSAC’s Artwork Commissions program is the state’s Percent-for-Art program and allows independent artists and artist-led teams to apply to be included on a Public Artist Roster for a two-year cycle or to apply directly to an open Call to Artists when one is issued. Artists are selected for projects by an Artist Selection Committee specific to the project. MSAC manages the process from artist selection, through design, fabrication, and installation. Finished work becomes part of the state’s public art collection. MSAC issues RFQs for works with particular specifications that cannot be accommodated by the Maryland Public Art roster selection process.
Questions and Inquiries
Nora Howell
Public Art Project Manager
401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1400
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-938-1695
The Maryland State Arts Council is committed to making sure all Marylanders can access its programs and services. Guests with further accessibility questions or who require accommodations may fill out the Accommodations Request Form or contact the MSAC Office Secretary at msac.commerce@maryland.gov.
Commission A: Veditz Building Renovation
The Veditz Vocational School offers academic, career, and life-based learning leading to a Maryland high school diploma. Originally constructed in 1974, the building required modernization and space reconfigurations to accommodate contemporary vocational education curricula and meet current building codes and accessibility standards. The school building spans 46,515 square feet on two levels, which features classrooms, Career Technology Education areas for culinary arts, a wood shop, and an automotive shop, as well as office areas, meeting rooms, and support spaces. The updated building will be equipped with modern technology to support a variety of classes including American Sign Language, culinary arts, computer technology, graphic design, introduction to engineering, robotics, art, woodworking, and drama/video production. Additionally, the building will house a job training center to help students gain skills in resume writing, interview etiquette, and completing applications.
George Veditz is among the most well-known MSD alumni for his numerous endeavors, including the 1913 “Preservation of Sign Language” project and the National Association of the Deaf presidency. In 1892, Mr. Veditz also founded the MSD Alumni Association.
Existing Conditions
Concrete walks are to remain. All existing trees will remain in place, their root structure is not to be disturbed. Accessible walkways are to be unencumbered. Sightlines between the street and the building entrance are to be unencumbered. The side entrance near the gymnasium will be redesigned to accommodate ADA requirements, including a ramp and a redesigned stairway entrance.
Artwork Location
Artwork Location #1 (required): Exterior Entrance of the Veditz Building
The front entrance of the building will be a storefront-enclosed porch entrance. There are large existing trees and a planter adjacent to this entrance and walkways. Any location adjacent to these walkways shall be considered in a manner that does not inhibit accessible routes and sightlines from the building to the street. Large mature trees shall not be removed. See site drawings in the addendum.
Artwork Location #2 (optional): Outdoor teaching courtyard
A new outdoor learning courtyard will replace the service courtyard on the east side of the building. A greenhouse and fence will enclose the courtyard and complete a secure perimeter.
The surface of the courtyard will be painted asphalt, crushed stone, and grass areas and was organized around the concept of “conversation circles” that define the outdoor classroom environments. See the site drawings in the addendum.
Themes and Goals
The Veditz artwork commission should embody the pride of the Deaf community and embrace DeafSpace principles. The artwork commissioned should reflect the programs housed in the Veditz’s building that emphasize innovation, technical, and hands-on learning and focus on students choosing their path. The artwork could explore the significance of our hands and eyes, as they serve as the foundation of American Sign Language and the means through which we create things.
The redesign of the building's architecture allows students to learn about its construction, reinforcing the vocational and technical training taught within. The artist should consider this aspect when creating the artwork. The artwork should inspire our students to pursue their creativity and achieve their desired post-secondary goals at the Veditz building and evoke feelings of joy, pride, hope, and fun.
Project Schedule
- Applications Due: Friday, October 25, 2024
- Applicants Notified of Selection Status: Early January 2025
- Semi-finalist Site Visit and Interview: Thursday, February 13, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Finalist Artist Contract & Procurement Approvals: March - June, 2025
- Design Development - Shop Drawings: May - October, 2025
- Fabrication - Installation: November 2025 - August 2026
- Dedication: Fall 2026
Commission B: New Student Residences
High School and Middle School Residences on the Frederick Campus Project consists of the construction of three new dormitory buildings on MSD’s Frederick campus that include space for a health center, student center, and administrative offices. The project also includes the demolition of three obsolete dormitory buildings. The new dormitories will increase the school’s capacity to accommodate students and provide adequate supervision of residential students while providing a home-like environment. An estimated 18% of students enrolled in the Frederick campus are residential students. Improved dormitory spaces are anticipated to result in a high share of residential students.
The project will be completed in three phases to accommodate residents throughout the project. The state is investing $55.5 million into this capital project. The project will encompass 66,800 square feet and incorporate the guidelines of DeafSpace in the design.
Existing Conditions
Concrete walks are to remain. All existing trees will remain in place, their root structure is not to be disturbed. Accessible walkways are to be unencumbered. Sightlines between the street and the building entrance are to be unencumbered. This artwork will be placed in a historic district of the town and it must be in alignment with the Maryland Historic Trust review to ensure that it preserves the historical integrity of the area.
Artwork Location
The artwork may be an exterior artwork sited in the green space of the historic entrance of the Maryland School for the Deaf or an interior space of one of the new residence halls. The New Student Residences are entering the design phase, and the additional specifics of the artwork location will be shared with the semi-finalists.
Project Schedule
- Applications Due: Friday, October 25, 2024
- Applicants Notified of Selection Status: estimated Summer 2025
- Semi-finalist Site Visit and Interview: estimated Fall 2025
- Finalist Artist Contract & Procurement Approvals: Estimated 2025
- Design Development - Shop Drawings: estimated Fall 2025 - January 2026
- Fabrication - Installation: estimated January 2028 - January 2029
- Dedication: estimated Spring 2029
*Note that MSAC is advertising this solution on behalf of MDOT/MTA. MSAC will not handle the contract or be responsible for the selected bidder's project management. Any questions should be directed to the contact listed at the bottom of this document.
Maryland Department of Transportation / Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)/ Project No.: 1560-0520
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
MTA Metro – ROGERS AVENUE ARTWORK -DOCUMENTATION, REMOVAL & TRANSPORTATION TO STORAGE
1.0 Background
When the Metro opened in 1983 and again when the system was extended in 1987 and 1995, MTA commissioned artists to design and install artwork for each Metro Station. One of the installations, Weathering Steel, at the Rogers Avenue station, is in deteriorating condition. Therefore, the MTA has determined that this artwork shall be documented, removed and placed in storage. The intent is to dismantle the artwork with the least possible impact on its integrity as currently constructed and installed and to transport it to MTA’s storage facility at 241 North Franklintown Road, Baltimore, MD 21223.
2.0 Scope of Work
The scope of this RFP pertains to the artwork “Weathering Steel” at the Rogers Avenue Metro station.
A Lump Sum Price Proposal shall be submitted in response to this RFP; however, if subcontractors are utilized, Proposal shall include a breakdown of each subcontractor’s price.
2.1 Overview
The intent is to dismantle the artwork with the least possible impact to its integrity as currently constructed and installed, and to transport it to MTA’s storage facility at 241 North Franklintown Road, Baltimore MD 21223.
2.2. The Proposer shall:
A. Provide a 3-D electronic scan of the artwork, providing sufficient detail such that the artwork could be reproduced entirely if lost or damaged. If possible, include 3-D scan or intentional support components during the dismantaling of the artwork.
B. Secure an area around the artwork to assure adequate protection to the public and vehicles as required during the preparation for and removal of the artwork.
C. Dismantle the artwork with the fewest possible incursions to maintain the integrity of the artwork to the greatest extent possible. Where necessary, disassemble the artwork along existing seams or connections while preserving individual components of the artwork. Provide all necessary rigging and staging.
D. Crate or otherwise contain all dissembled components and provide appropriate vehicles and other means required for safe transportation to the storage facility in an undamaged condition.
E. It is anticipated that the concrete base/foundation for the artwork shall remain in place following the removal of the artwork. Contractor shall remove or otherwise address any anchors, protruding components or other elements from the base that would present an unsafe condition to the public, maintenance crews, etc. who could come into contact with the base.
a. Remove the identification plaque in front of the artwork and package it and secure it with the artwork for future reinstallation and leave the base in a safe condition.
F. MTA shall arrange for a Pre-Proposal site visit to the storage facility to allow Proposers to become familiar with the designated area of the facility where the artwork is to be stored. Proposer shall provide all necessary means, such as pallets, lifts, forklifts, etc. as may be required to place all transported components into the facility. Note: Proposer is encouraged to include in their proposal any assumptions the Proposer has made to meet these requirements based on conditions and constraints observed during the Pre-Proposal facility site visit.
G. Liability- Proposer agrees to indemnify and save the MTA harmless from any claims or demands (including the costs, expenses, and reasonable attorney's fees on account thereof) that may be made: (1) by anyone for injuries to persons or damage to property resulting from Proposer's acts or omissions or those of persons furnished by Proposer or (2) by persons furnished by Proposer or Proposer's subcontractors under Workmen's Compensation or similar acts. Proposer also agrees to defend the MTA at its request, against any such claim or demand.
Proposer shall maintain, during the term thereof, Workmen's Compensation Insurance (to the extent the Proposer employs any employees), Public Liability Insurance, and if the use of vehicles is required, Vehicle Public Liability Insurance. Proposer shall also require its subcontractors, if any, who may enter upon MTA premises to maintain such insurance. Proposer and its subcontractors shall furnish the MTA, when requested, with copies of policies or other satisfactory proof of insurance.
The Proposer shall assume all risk of loss or damage to the Artwork during its removal, transportation to and placement in the MTA’s storage facility.
2.3. “Weathering Steel”
Artist: Gregory Moring
Location: Rogers Avenue Station, installed outdoors, near the entrance to the Passerelle (bridge). It is on a grassy area north of the parking area.
Date: 1983
Dimensions: 3’-4” D x 13’-6” L x 17’ H
Medium: Corten steel
Brief Description: Weathering Steel is a tall abstract sculpture that employs machine imagery in the form of geometric shapes that include both straight and rounded edges. It sits on top of a concrete base. The plaque at the bottom of the sculpture has the artist’s name and date of installation.
*Images of artwork in its current condition are available upon request*
3.0 Pre-Proposal Phase and Procurement
3.1 Pre-Proposal:
- A virtual Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 18 at 4pm. Interested parties shall notify the Contact listed below and provide their contact information in order to receive a Teams invitation for this meeting.
- An in-person on-site tour will be held on Thursday, September 19 at 9 am at the Rogers Avenue Metro Station, 4300 Hayward Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
3.2. Procurement Vehicle
The project will be awarded using a Purchase Order.
CONTACT
For any questions or inquiries about this RFP please contact:
George Steinrock, AIA
Project Manager JMT
Maryland Transit Administration
Facilities Engineering
6 St. Paul Street, Suite 602
Baltimore, MD 21202
Cell: 410-371-0142