Introduction and Project Description:

In 2000 the renowned American artist and architect, Maya Lin, completed a large scale, interactive, site-specific artwork in the heart of the City of Grand Rapids called Ecliptic. The site of this work is at Rosa Parks Circle at 135 Monroe Center Street NW. Commissioned by the Frey Foundation, Ecliptic imagines an experiential park on the theme of water in its solid, liquid, and vapor forms. The work creates a visual connection between the ground and the sky by reiterating the night sky constellations through lights below the surface of a field of ice. Through and within its poetic expression, the site-specific work creates a truly civic space for public gathering and expression that reaches beyond the spatial boundaries of the park.

In 2019, approaching the 20th anniversary of the completion of Ecliptic, the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy was formed to support the continued conservation of the artwork and its function as a central gathering place for summer concerts, winter ice skating, and every day, informal meetings of diverse user groups who find the spaces and ideas expressed by the work of art conducive to public assembly.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is part of a larger construction project of the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle including rehabilitation and general aesthetic improvements focused on conservation of the existing park features. Final design is complete for the park improvements and bidding will take place in the fall of 2020 with construction commence in 2021. The focus of this portion of the project (and RFP) is to design wayshowing and interpretation for the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle that will educate and inspire the public visitors to explore and learn more about the park and Maya Lin’s artwork.

Scope of Work:

Phase I: Concept Development/Research

The consultant will work with stakeholders (the City of Grand Rapids; the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy; the Grand Rapids Art Museum; the artist, Maya Lin; Disability Advocates of Kent County; and the renovation project consultants, Progressive AE) to develop a concept and recommended plan for interpretive signage and wayshowing for the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle. Phase 1 of this project is to develop the concept for creative and appealing interpretive signs that provide visitors and user groups with wayshowing and information on the meaning and significance of the park and the artwork by Maya Lin. The solution must have a coherent visual and conceptual relationship to the major work of environmental art; facilitate orientation and navigability through the park and its surroundings; and provide information and interpretation regarding the work of art that informs the public. Design solutions should incorporate elements of sustainability i.e. sustainable materials and sustainable design; If electronics are part of the concepts, LED, low voltage, etc. The conceptual designs should use Universal design principles for accessibility to all user groups.

Deliverable:

1. Based on the research conducted the consultant will create a proposed plan outline (Phase I Outline) that will inform the Phase II: Design.
2. Positional map + schedule of sign locations as per Phase I Outline.
3. Concept renderings that are representative of all items in Phase I Outline. Rendering set will reflect signage types, rather than all types as applied to all locations. Renderings may be combinations of digital + hand renderings as overlays. No more than two options per signage type will be rendered. Additional design solutions will be developed in Phase II: Design deliverables.
4. Cost estimate/range for each sign type and overall cost for entire wayshowing system.

Phase II: Design

The consultant will be guided by the result of the concept development process and the plan outline created in Phase I to complete the physical design and experience design of the interpretive signage and wayshowing for Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle. This phase includes the production of fabrication specifications and plans.

Deliverable:

1. Based on the Phase I Outline the consultant will develop environmental graphic design solutions for wayshowing and interpretation for the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle.
2. Fully articulated renderings, including elevation plans and positional renderings for all sign types for specific locations as specified. This drawing set will include callouts and specifications of all materials, color, graphics and type elements as necessary for the generation of bid documents and pre-fabrication review. A narrative should be provided addressing fabrication choices based on cost, code requirements, longevity, accessibility concerns and durability. These signs must withstand a great deal of wear and tear including potential vandalism and extreme weather. Advice/estimates of preliminary costs should be provided to show order of magnitude.
3. One set of revisions as necessary after review by fabricators and other specified reviewers. If additional revisions are necessary, fee structure will reflect additional work as agreed on by both parties.

General Requirements:

• Facilitate meetings with all stakeholders
  • Submit meeting minutes within 48 hours for each meeting
• Data gathering included:
  • Perform site inspection as required to complete scope of work
  • Review as-built drawings and final bid documents by Progressive AE
  • Review City of Grand Rapids FY2020-FY2023 Strategic Plan and align project outcome with facility-specific strategies.
  • Review and identify City of Grand Rapids zoning requirements
• Design Requirements
  • Conceptual
  • Final
• Develop preliminary project schedule
• Develop a project budget
• Conduct review meetings with stakeholders as required to develop concept, design, and implementation plans

Proposal Submission:

All proposals must include the following information:

• • Title Page
  • Table of Contents
  • References for similar projects: include full names, companies, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the business office and building maintenance personnel.
  • Organizational chart with all project team members identified.
    • Identify sub-consultants used on projects team
    • Identify MLBE consultants and/or sub-consultants
  • Resumes for all proposed project team members.
  • Outline of methods and techniques that will be used to maintain the overall project budget.
• • Additional information – Present any data or information with the firm considers pertinent to the selection process. Information should be kept relevant to the project
  • Fee summary for Phase I and Phase II of the the project
  • Reimbursable allowance
  • Proposals are not to exceed 15 pages.

Timeframe:

Pre-proposal Virtual Meeting: May 15, 2020, 2:00 pm EDT.

Potential consultants may attend to ask questions. Contact Leslie Bellavance, Conservancy Board Member, LBellavance101@gmail.com by May 13, 2020, 5:00 p.m. EDT to register to attend.

Proposals Due: May 29, 2020, 4:00 p.m. EDT

Consultant Selection: June 15, 2020

Kick-off Meeting: June 26, 2020

Phase I Deliverables Due: August 10, 2020

Phase I Deliverables review period: August 10 – August 24, 2020

Phase II Deliverables Due: September 30, 2020

Phase II Deliverables review period: September 30- October 14, 2020

Phase II Design Finalized: October 14, 2020

Project Costs:

Consultant fee is to include the following:

• Labor to achieve project objectives scope of work, and design requirements
• Stakeholder meetings and meeting minutes
• Site investigations as needed
• Code / Zoning Ordinances Review
• Provide separate cost for reimbursable expenses as listed
  • Printings
  • Postage
  • Electronic storage devices
  • Items purchases on the Conservancy’s behalf
  • Photography
  • Transportation

Selection Criteria:

• Completeness of Proposal 15%
• Understanding of Project 15%
• Record of Performance 15%
• Similar Experience 20%
• Qualification of Team 15%
• Cost 20%

E-Mail your PDF response to Leslie Bellavance, Conservancy Board Member, LBellavance101@gmail.com by 4:00 p.m. EDT, Friday, May 29, 2020.

The Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy is committed to modeling diversity, equity and inclusion for the entire community, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. The Ecliptic Conservancy actively seeks proposals from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. More information on the Conservancy’s Statement on Non-Discrimination is available upon request.