REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR THE
BEAUTIFICATION OF BNSF/UPRR BRIDGES
CITY OF COMMERCE
May 27, 2026
The City of Commerce is soliciting Proposals from qualified artists, painters, and/or design firms for the Beautification of BNSF/UPRR Bridges in the City of Commerce. The project is structured as three (3) separate phases, as described herein. Proposers may submit a proposal for one, two, or all three phases. The City reserves the right to award each phase to the same or different proposers, to award phases independently for each bridge, or not award any phase for any bridge.
This Request for Proposal (RFP) is published on PlanetBids. Interested artists and/or design firms shall register as RFP holders on PlanetBids, City of Commerce Vendor Portal, which can be accessed by the following link:
https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=32906.
All inquiries regarding this request must be submitted to PlanetBids.
Proposals shall be submitted by Thursday, June 25, 2026, 4:00 PM on PlanetBids.
Please address the Proposals to:
City of Commerce
ATTN: Shahid Abbas, Director of Public Works
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on Monday, June 9, 2026, at 1:00PM via Microsoft Teams. Attendance is highly encouraged.
Microsoft Teams Meeting Link: [INSERT TEAMS LINK]
Attachment:
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR THE
BEAUTIFICATION OF BNSF/UPRR BRIDGES
CITY OF COMMERCE
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to select qualified artists, painters, and/or design firms to provide professional services for the Beautification of three BNSF/UPRR Bridges in the City of Commerce. The project is structured as three (3) independent phases:
Phase 1 – Bridge Painting: Application of a paint coat covering the entirety of each bridge structure, including columns, underside, and all surfaces.
Phase 2 – Artwork Concept Development: Preparation of artwork concepts for the beautification of the bridge structures, incorporating color elements and the City’s logo/seal, subject to approval by the City and the respective railroad agencies (UPRR and BNSF). Artwork is limited to the façade of each bridge only.
Phase 3 – Artwork Installation: Following approval of Phase 2 install approved artwork on the façade of the bridge structures.
Below is a list of the three (3) bridge locations (see also attached Location Map):
BNSF Bridge on Atlantic Blvd north of Bandini Blvd (“Bridge to the Future”) – DOT No. 027635G.
UPRR Bridge at Atlantic Blvd south of Ferguson Dr (“Mixmaster”) – DOT No. 811027Y.
UPRR Bridge on Garfield Ave south of Ferguson Dr – DOT No. 811078J.
Award Structure: The City reserves significant flexibility in how it awards and proceeds with this project:
Proposers may submit a proposal for any one, two, or all three phases.
The City may award each phase to a single proposer or to different proposers for each phase.
The City may award phases independently for each bridge — for example, awarding Phase 1 for one bridge without awarding it for another.
The City reserves the right not to award any phase for any individual bridge.
Selection for one phase does not guarantee award of any other phase.
Design Guidance: Based on initial coordination with the railroad agencies, the following design constraints have been established:
Orange and red colors are not permitted.
Use of painted color schemes is acceptable.
Inclusion of the City seal/logo is acceptable.
Simple, clean design is preferred – highly elaborate designs are discouraged.
The City’s preference is to maintain a consistent design approach across all three bridge locations. Additional requirements may be provided as coordination continues with the railroad agencies and will be shared with the selected proposer as they become available.
RAILROAD COORDINATION
Proposers shall coordinate the review and approval process with the City and the City will coordinate with the railroad agencies. The following summarizes some of the key requirements related to the railroad agencies requirements.
Railroad agencies review of any artwork concepts is limited exclusively to potential impacts to their facilities and operations.
The selected proposer must respond promptly to any City and railroad comments or requests for information.
The selected proposer shall assist the City in providing any information required to facilitate the execution of the Railroad Agreements with UPRR and BNSF.
Submittal of four (4) sets of project plans (reduced size 11” x 17”), along with two (2) copies of specifications, for each respective railroad agencies approval prior to commencement of any work. The proposers will submit the documents to the City and the City will coordinate the review process with railroad agencies.
Railroad agencies require at least 30 advance notice prior to commencing the work. Contractor(s) performing installation work will notify the City and the City will notify both BNSF and UPRR at least thirty (30) days’ in advance prior to commencing any work on the bridges.
All activities on the bridge are prohibited during the fourth quarter of each calendar year (October through December). The proposer shall factor this restriction into the project schedule.
Proposer shall comply with any other requirements at deemed necessary by the City and the railroad agencies.
2.3 Insurance Requirements
All contractors and subcontractors performing installation work on or near UPRR or BNSF right-of-way must carry insurance as required by the respective railroad agency, including but not limited to Railroad Protective Liability insurance. The selected proposer and its contractor(s) shall be solely responsible for procuring all required railroad insurance prior to commencing any work. Proposers shall describe their experience with railroad insurance requirements in their proposal.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The project is divided into three (3) independent phases. Proposers may submit a proposal for any one, two, or all three phases. Fee proposals shall be submitted separately for each phase and for each bridge.
Phase 1 – Bridge Painting
Phase 1 involves the painting of the entirety of each bridge structure, providing a clean, uniform surface. This phase is independent and may be awarded separately for each bridge. Services shall include, but are not limited to:
Conduct a pre-painting field assessment of each bridge structure to confirm existing surface conditions, identify any hazardous materials (e.g., lead-based paint), accessibility constraints, and safety requirements.
Prepare and implement a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) in accordance with the CA MUTCD for all work within or adjacent to public roadways. Obtain all required traffic control permits from the City prior to commencing work. Submit Temporary Traffic Control plans for the City’s review and approval.
Prepare an installation work plan accounting for the operational constraints of active railroad corridors, including coordination with railroad flagging and inspection requirements, work windows, and all UPRR and BNSF safety protocols.
Perform all surface preparation work required prior to applying any paint. If hazardous materials are identified, advise the City and coordinate any required abatement procedures.
Recommend paint and coating systems with appropriate durability and service life for outdoor bridge applications, and graffiti-resistant properties, consistent with railroad agency requirements.
Apply paint to the entirety of each bridge structure, including columns, underside, all structural faces, and any other painted surfaces. The color shall be approved by the City and the respective railroad agency prior to application.
All paint and coating materials shall be approved by the City and the respective railroad agency prior to procurement and application.
Comply with all City and railroad safety requirements and clearance requirements.
Procure all required Railroad Protective Liability insurance as required by UPRR and BNSF prior to commencement of any work on railroad property.
Provide documentation of completed work, including photographs for City records.
Participate in a final walk-through with City staff and address any punch list items.
Note: Phase 1 may be awarded independently for each bridge. The City may proceed with Phase 1 on one bridge without awarding Phase 1 on another. The City will front the cost of railroad flagging; all other costs, including traffic control, are the responsibility of the proposer.
Phase 2 – Artwork Concept Development
Phase 2 involves the development of artwork concepts for the façade of the bridge structures. This phase is independent and may be awarded to a different proposer than Phase 1 or Phase 3. Services shall include, but are not limited to:
Conduct field visits as needed to determine dimensions and assess existing bridge surface conditions, including evaluation of any existing paint or coatings that may require surface preparation or hazardous materials testing prior to installation. As-builts are not available.
Develop artwork concept that incorporate color elements and the City’s logo/seal, consistent with railroad design guidelines and the City’s aesthetic preferences.
Present a consistent artwork design approach applicable across all three bridge locations, with allowances for site-specific adjustments as needed.
Prepare and submit artwork concept materials for City staff review and comment.
Incorporate City staff comments and revise artwork concepts as necessary and allow for a minimum of two (2) rounds of revisions by City Council.
Attend up to two (2) presentations to the City Council for artwork review and approval.
Prepare and submit to the City, plans and specification packages for railroad agency review: four (4) sets of plans (11” x 17”), and two (2) copies of specifications, for each applicable railroad agency (UPRR and BNSF), in accordance with each agency’s requirements.
Revise artwork as required based on the City’s and railroad agency comments and resubmit for approval. The number of revision cycles is unknown and may be significant; the fee proposal shall reflect a reasonable allowance for multiple rounds of revisions.
Recommend paint and coating systems with appropriate durability and service life for outdoor bridge applications, and graffiti-resistant properties, consistent with railroad agency requirements.
Prepare final approved artwork concept documents for use in Phase 3 – Installation Services.
The City will own the rights to the artwork that is developed as part of this Project.
Note: Phase 2 may be awarded independently for each bridge.
Phase 3 – Artwork Installation
Phase 3 involves the physical installation of the approved artwork on the bridge structures. This phase may not commence until all required City and railroad agency approvals have been obtained.. This phase is independent and may be awarded to a different proposer than Phase 1 or Phase 2. Services shall include, but are not limited to:
Conduct a thorough pre-installation field assessment of each bridge structure to confirm existing surface conditions, identify any hazardous materials, accessibility constraints, and safety requirements.
Prepare and implement a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) in accordance with the CA MUTCD for all work within or adjacent to public roadways. Obtain all required traffic control permits from the City prior to commencing work. Submit Temporary Traffic Control plans for the City’s review and approval.
Prepare an installation work plan accounting for the operational constraints of active railroad corridors, including coordination with railroad flagging and inspection requirements, work windows, and all UPRR and BNSF safety protocols.
Note: No construction or installation activities are permitted on BNSF property during the fourth quarter of the calendar year (October through December). The installation schedule must be planned accordingly.
Procure all materials (paint, coatings, surface preparation materials, etc.) consistent with the approved artwork concept.
Perform all surface preparation work required prior to application of paint or coatings, in accordance with railroad agency requirements. If hazardous materials (e.g., lead-based paint) are identified during pre-installation assessment, the proposer shall advise the City and coordinate any required abatement procedures.
Execute installation of the approved artwork on all three bridge structures, including any required scaffolding, lifts, or equipment to access elevated or complex areas of the bridges.
Comply with all City and railroad safety requirements and clearance requirements.
Procure all required Railroad Protective Liability insurance as required by UPRR and BNSF prior to commencement of any work on railroad property.
Coordinate all work with City and the railroad agencies throughout the installation phase.
Provide documentation of completed installation, including photographs for City records.
Participate in a final walk-through with City staff and address any punch list items.
Note: Phase 3 may be awarded independently for each bridge. The proposer shall acknowledge in their proposal the complexity associated with painting active railroad structures, including coordination with operating railroads, safety requirements in active rail corridors, material and application standards mandated by railroad agencies, and the risk of work delays due to train operations, work window changes, or BNSF’s right to stop work. The Phase 3 fee proposal shall account for these risks.
REQUIRED FORMAT FOR PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL
All proposers must submit qualifications in accordance with the specifications outlined below. Proposals should be clear, concise, and focused on demonstrating the proposer’s ability to meet the requirements of this RFP. Emphasis should be placed on the proposer’s relevant experience and capability to perform the requested services effectively.
Proposals must remain valid for a minimum of 90 days from the submission deadline. The City reserves the right to request additional information to evaluate the proposer’s qualifications, including personnel, organization, and financial capacity to perform the work.
Cover Letter/Executive Summary
Provide a cover letter on company letterhead that includes the company’s name, address, and contact information for the individual authorized to act on behalf of the firm. Include a general statement of intent to perform the required services and confirmation that all elements of the RFP have been reviewed and understood. The letter should briefly describe the firm and must be signed by a person authorized to bind the company contractually.
Clearly identify which phase(s) the proposer is submitting for (Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, or any combination).
Identify a designated representative who will serve as the primary point of contact for the City and will be responsible for services outlined in Scope of Work section.
Acknowledge receipt of any addenda issued for this RFP, if applicable.
Table of Contents
Provide a table of contents that clearly identifies the sections and subsections of the proposal in alignment with the format presented here.
Section 1: Approach and Scope of Work
Describe your understanding of the project, including the complexities associated with designing and painting active railroad bridge structures and navigating railroad agency approval processes.
Outline the detailed scope of work and tasks for each phase you are proposing. If proposing for multiple phases, address each phase separately.
Describe your approach to obtaining railroad agency approvals, including experience with the UPRR and/or BNSF plan review and approval processes.
Describe your approach to railroad safety compliance during installation, including flagging coordination, clearance requirements, work windows, and PPE.
Describe your approach to surface preparation, including identification and management of any hazardous materials (e.g., lead-based paint) on existing bridge surfaces.
If proposing for Phase 1 or Phase 3, describe your approach to surface preparation, including identification and management of any hazardous materials (e.g., lead-based paint).
Describe your recommended paint/coating system, including anticipated service life, durability, and graffiti resistance.
If proposing for Phase 1 or Phase 3, describe your proposed paint/coating system, anticipated service life, durability, and graffiti resistance.
Highlight any unique methods, tools, or experience that distinguish your firm for this type of project.
Describe you understanding and experience with designing and setting the Temporary Traffic Control on major arterials. Temporary Traffic Control Plans must be approved by the City before commencement of the work.
Section 2: Project Team
Provide an organizational chart listing proposed staff and their roles for each phase you are proposing for.
Submit resumes for all key personnel.
Provide a sample or portfolio of prior public art, municipal beautification, or bridge/infrastructure painting work.
Note: Once the Proposer has been selected for this project, changes to the project team will not be allowed during the course of the project unless the City is informed in advance. In the event that a team member needs to be replaced, the replacement will have the same qualifications as the original team member. A current resume of the proposed replacement will be provided for review and approval to ensure continuity and maintain the necessary expertise for the successful completion of the project.
Section 3: Professional References
Provide 3 public agency references for similar Projects. Provide the following information for each reference:
Project Name
Project Owner Agency Name
Contact Person (Name, Email, Tel)
Narrative of services your firm provided, including any challenges encountered during development of the plan, resolutions developed; was the plan completed on time and budget, if not, reasons; and any other regarding your firm’s performance.
Section 4: Schedule
Provide a detailed timeline for each phase you are proposing, addressed separately per phase and per bridge. The schedule shall reflect:
Milestones for City review, City Council approval, and railroad agency review and approval (Phases 2 and 3).
Execution of required railroad agreements prior to commencement of any installation work (Phases 1 and 3).
The fourth-quarter work restriction on BNSF property (no work October through December).
The 30-day advance notice requirement to railroad agencies prior to work commencement.
Note: Any changes to the approved schedule must be formally requested in advance using a City-provided form and is subject to approval by the City’s Project Manager.
Section 5: Firm Qualifications
Explain why your firm is the most qualified for this project. Provide any special qualifications relevant to this project, including experience with:
Municipal beautification, public art, or bridge/infrastructure painting projects.
Working with or obtaining approvals from UPRR, BNSF, or other Class I railroad agencies, including plan submittal and approval processes.
Execution of painting or coating work on railroad or transportation infrastructure in active corridors, including compliance with railroad flagging, inspector, and safety requirements.
Procurement of Railroad Protective Liability insurance and compliance with railroad contractor insurance requirements.
Provide your firm’s general service capabilities, qualifications and experience.
Section 6: City’s Standard Professional Services Agreement The City’s Standard Professional Services Agreement, which will be executed by the selected proposer, is provided as Attachment 1: City’s Standard Professional Services Agreement.
Please review the document and provide comments you may have. Please note that the City does not guarantee that any revisions to the contract will be accepted.
FEE PROPOSAL
Fee Proposals shall be submitted as a separate file. Proposers shall provide separate fee breakdowns for each phase they are proposing and for each bridge, as follows:
Phase 1 Fee – Bridge Painting
Provide a detailed cost breakdown for each bridge separately, covering:
Surface preparation, including any hazardous materials assessment and handling Paint and coating materials (base coat, neutral color)
Labor and equipment, including scaffolding, lifts, and access equipment Traffic control
Railroad Protective Liability insurance
A not-to-exceed total per bridge and an overall total for all three bridges Any other details that may be necessary for consideration.
Phase 2 Fee – Artwork Concept Development
Provide a detailed fee breakdown for each bridge separately, covering:
Hourly rates by staff classification and estimated hours per task An allowance for City review, City Council presentations, and multiple rounds of railroad agency design review and revision A not-to-exceed total per bridge and an overall total for all three bridges Any other details that may be necessary for this project.
Phase 3 Fee – Artwork Installation
Provide a detailed cost breakdown for each bridge separately, covering:
Materials (paint, coatings, surface preparation materials, etc.) Labor and equipment, including scaffolding, lifts, and access equipment Traffic control
Railroad Protective Liability insurance
A not-to-exceed total per bridge and an overall total for all three bridges Any other details that may be necessary for this project.
The City reserves the right to award any phase to any proposer independently, for any or all bridges, or to not award any phase for any bridge. Selection for one phase does not guarantee award of any other phase.
PROPOSER SELECTION METHODOLOGY
Under the direction of the Department Director, and staff assigned by her/him, will review the proposals received. The review will include various factors. While the Fee is not a defining factor in the selection of the proposer, it will also be reviewed for cost effectiveness based on the scope and level of effort included in the proposals. At City’s sole discretion, City may invite top 3 proposers deemed to be highest qualified for an interview. The City will enter into a contract with the most qualified proposer that in City’s opinion provides the best value to the City.
The proposer/proposal evaluation factors will include:
Evaluation Criteria
Max Points
Compliance with the RFP Requirements, Proposal Quality
15 Project Understanding, Approach, Methodology, including responsiveness, flexibility 25 Experience of Assigned Staff, including prior experience of working relationship of key team members in the past 25 Similar Project Experience
20 Schedule Efficiency
15 Cost Effectiveness. No point is assigned for fee, but Fee must be fair and reasonable. City will consider the fee accordingly and select the most qualified proposer that in City’s opinion provides the best value to the City Total Points
100
The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any informality in any proposal, and to select the proposal that best meets the City’s needs.
PROPOSER SELECTION SCHEDULE
Following is estimated schedule for proposer selection process. Please note this schedule may be changed and adjusted as necessary.
Issue RFP
May 27, 2026
Receive Proposals from Proposers
June 25, 2026
Evaluation of proposals
July 2026
Final Proposer Selection
August 2026
City Council Approval of Contract
August 2026
Completion of necessary Contract Documents and Final Contract Execution August/September 2026
Notice to Proceed
September 2026
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS REQUEST
All inquiries regarding this request must be submitted to PlanetBids. Questions will be accepted until 10 calendar days prior to proposal due date. City will post responses to questions within approximately 5 calendar days of receiving them. The City will post final responses 5 calendar days prior to proposal due date
PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL PROTOCOL
Proposals shall be submitted in searchable pdf format on PlanetBids by the specified due date.
Please address the Proposals to:
City of Commerce
ATTN: Shahid Abbas, Department of Public Works
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040
Separate files shall be submitted for Technical and Fee Proposals.
Please use the following Title for Technical Proposal:
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, BEAUTIFICATION OF BNSF/UPRR BRIDGES Please use the following Title for Fee Proposal:
FEE PROPOSAL, BEAUTIFICATION OF BNSF/UPRR BRIDGES
Submittals received after the specified date and time will be considered late and will not be considered for further evaluation.
PRE-CONTRACTUAL EXPENSES IN RESPONDING TO THE RFP
The City shall not be liable for any pre-contractual expenses incurred by any proposer or by any selected proposer. Each proposer shall protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City from any and all liability, claims, or expenses whosoever incurred by, or on behalf of, the entity participating in the preparation of its response to this RFP. Pre-contractual expenses are defined as expenses incurred by proposers and the selected proposer, if any, in:
Preparing and submitting information in response to this RFP Negotiations with the City on any matter related to this procurement Costs associated with interviews, meetings, travel or presentations All other expenses incurred by a proposer/proposer prior to the date of award and a formal notice to proceed.
AUTHORITY TO WITHDRAW
The City reserves the right to amend, withdraw and cancel this request. The City reserves the right to reject all responses to this request at any time prior to contract execution. The City reserves the right to request or obtain additional information about any and all submittals.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1- City’s Standard Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2- Rosewood Park Extension Concept Layout
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
RFP Page 2
RFP Page 1
RFP FOR THE BEAUTIFICATION OF BNSF/UPRR BRIDGES
CITY OF COMMERCE