ALISAL GREENING AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT, CIP 9345
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Skyway-Alisal Roundabout – Monument
Figure 1 – Skyway-Alisal Roundabout Concept Design, City of Salinas 2012 RFP Issued:
February 6, 2026
Submission Deadline:
Proposals shall be submitted electronically via the PlanetBids website until 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on March 6, 2026.
Skyway/Alisal Roundabout Monument RFP (Salinas CCLGP Call for Art) | Page 2 of 8
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The City of Salinas is seeking a design-build artist, or artist group, to create and install a gateway monument or sculpture within the Skyway-Alisal Roundabout. This Request for Proposals describes the project, the required scope of services, the selection process, and the information that must be included in the Proposal.
Failure to submit information in accordance with the requirements and procedures for this Req uest for Proposal may be cause for disqualification.
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The selected artist, or artist team, will develop and implement a site-specific public art installation in the central island at the Skyway-Alisal Roundabout as part of the Alisal Greening, Beautification, and Safety Project, Capital Improvement Program 9345. The objective of this call for art is to enhance and revitalize public spaces while creating community placemaking, enhancing cultural connection, and improving public health.
Funding for this Project is provided by the Clean California Local Grant Program (CCLGP) from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and Measure G funds. Selected artwork resulting from this process will become the property of the City and will be accessioned into the Municipal Art Collection.
1.2 SKYWAY-ALISAL ROUNDABOUT BACKGROUND
In 2015, the City of Salinas constructed its first roundabout at the intersection of East Alisal Street, Skyway Boulevard and Quilla Street . This intersection provides commuter access to and from the Alisal neighborhood, the Salinas Municipal Airport, Salinas Fairways Golf Course, Firehouse Recreation Center, Little League Baseball Field, US Highway 101 (via Airport Boulevard) , agricultural industries, social services, job destinations in the Airport Business Park, USDA and Hartnell College East Campus.
2.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES
The ideal candidate for this request for proposals will be responsible for designing , developing and installing a monument or art installation in the central island at the East Alisal St/Skyway Blvd Roundabout.
Refer to Attachment A pertaining to additional images of the skyway roundabout.
The design of the monument or art installation should align with the vision and policies of the City’s Public Art Master Plan , The Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP) and, The Alisal District Identity Master Plan (ADIMP).
The approved design for the project shall support and connect with the values of the neighborhood and its visitors, foster safety, unity, peace, and resilience, and instill a positive environment.
The selected artist, or artist team, shall be responsible for the project management and logistics for the preparation, finishing, and installation of the monument or art installation. The artist, or artist team, will oversee any subconsultants and or contractors involved in the project and shall ensure work performance is coordinated with City staff and in accordance with state and local laws, including City of Salinas encroachment permit requirements . Additional responsibilities under this contract include preparing progress reports, submitting construction schedules, invoices, and other pertinent documentation as specified in the City’s standard agreement, Attachment B.
The selected artist, or artist team shall be required to coordinate and work harmoniously with utility companies, other contractors working in the area, and the City of Salinas during the execution of this Contract.
Skyway/Alisal Roundabout Monument RFP (Salinas CCLGP Call for Art) | Page 3 of 8
2.1 PROJECT TIMELINE
1. Call for Art (Request for Proposals) Issued: February 6, 2026.
2. Proposal Submission Deadline: March 6, 2026.
3. Selection Process: March 9-20, 2026:
1. Oral interview with selection committee tentatively scheduled for the week of March 9th, 2026.
2. Selection announcement week of March 16th, 2026.
3. Finalize agreement between selected artist and City (March-April).
4. Request Public Feedback for Final Design: Late April to May 2026
1. Community engagement on proposed design, such as requesting comment through the City webpage or hosting a workshop.
2. Public Art Commission Presentation: May 18, 2026.
3. Traffic and Transportation Commission TBD-2026
4. 5. Final Design: Late May 2026- Early June 2026.
6. Develop/manufacture artwork (material submittals) + prep site (landscape & utility alterations? + foundation). City Encroachment Permit process: June/July 2026.
7. Install Monument(s): July - September 2026.
8. Contract Closeout Deadline: September 30, 2026.
9. Ribbon Cutting (Community Celebration): TBD (Fall 2026)
3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL
It is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to contact the City’s online bid management provider (PlanetBids at 818-992-1771) to resolve any technical issues related to electronic bidding, including , but not limited to , registering as a vendor, updating passwords, updating profiles, uploading/downloading documents, submitting an electronic bid/proposal, etc.
Proposals shall be submitted electronically via the PlanetBids website until 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on March 6, 2026.
It is the Proposer’s responsibility to ensure the proposal is uploaded via the PlanetBids website, prior to the aforementioned designated date and time. The City will not be accepting paper proposals.
1. All questions regarding this project shall be submitted through the PlanetBids website (https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/22949/portal-home). The City encourages all interested Proposers to submit questions as soon as possible. Questions received after February 25, 2026, shall not be answered. All registered Prospective Proposers for this project will receive an email notification once a response to a question has been posted on the PlanetBids website.
2. Examination of the content of the RFP and site of work: By submitting a proposal, the artist/artist group represents that it has thoroughly examined and become familiar with the contents of the RFP, carefully examined the site of work contemplated, and that it is capable of performing quality work to achieve the City objectives. Artist/Artist group is cautioned to make such independent investigation and examination as they deems necessary to satisfy themselves as to conditions to be encountered in the performance of the work and with respect to possible local material sources, the quality, and quantity of material available, and the type and extent of processing that may be
Skyway/Alisal Roundabout Monument RFP (Salinas CCLGP Call for Art) | Page 4 of 8 required in order to produce material conforming to the requirements of this RFP. The submission of a signed proposal shall be considered an agreement to all the terms, conditions, and specifications provided in this RFP.
3. Sample Agreement: A sample Agreement is attached (Attachment B) for the purpose of informing the proposer of the fixed, predetermined, standard contract provisions with which they will be required to comply. These provisions are subject to revision by the City at any time prior to the signing of the agreement.
4. Exceptions: If the artist/artist group suggests alternatives or states exceptions to any term or condition in the Agreement, or to any provision of the RFP, such alternative or exception shall be clearly stated and identified in the submitted proposal. Ot herwise, the successful artist/artist group will be expected to sign the Agreement upon award of the contract. Any alternative proposed must satisfy all minimum qualifications specified in the RFP. The City expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to (1) reject a proposal containing any exception or alternatives as non-conforming, or (2) accept any proposal alternative or exception and to award a contract based there on if determined to be in the best interest of the City.
5. Proposal Signature: The proposal must be signed by an official authorized to bind the artist/artist group.
4.0 PROPOSAL CONTENT
To expedite and maintain consistency in the evaluation process, each proposal to this RFP shall be organized in accordance with this section. Proposals shall be limited to 19 pages, not including the appendices. Proposal submissions shall contain thorough description of the information in the order presented below.
1. Artist Statement / Cover Letter. Not to exceed 1 page and shall include:
a. Lead Project Contact Information: Name, title and telephone number of the artist, or artist team representative, designated lead contact person for communications pertaining to the proposal.
This person will be the contact on all matters dealing with the project and will handle the day - to-day activities through completion of the project.
b. A brief statement indicating artist team’s clear understanding of the services requested. c. Comprehensive justification for choosing the proposer.
2. Monument/Art Installation Design Concept. Not to exceed 6 pages and shall include:
a. Detailed, well-rendered, color concept, hand drawn or computer -generated simulations of the proposed monument or art installation , appropriately labeled, and shown to scale, at the Skyway/Alisal Roundabout monument location per Attachment A. b. Monument concepts shall include the title and narrative description of the concept, color palette, material description, product cutsheets, tools, and equipment to be used (including storage , if required).
c. A low maintenance plan for routine, long-term, and to treat graffiti/vandalism.
3. Artist Qualifications and Experience. Not to exceed 6 pages and shall include:
a. Provide the number of years the artist/artist team, has provided the services outlined in the RFP.
Skyway/Alisal Roundabout Monument RFP (Salinas CCLGP Call for Art) | Page 5 of 8 b. List artist, or artist team members, assigned to the project along with a clear indication of each member’s responsibilities for this project. Provide resumes for key staff resumes as an Appendix in the Proposal.
c. Outline any training, skills, abilities and experience working with governmental entities or for - profit agencies to design, fabricate and install public art. d. Provide at least five (5) references that have procured similar services from the Artist. Each reference shall include description of work performed, company name; contact name, and phone number.
e. Provide a list of any litigation, including personal and property, involving Artist’s firm in the last five (5) years.
4. Technical Approach and Timeline. Not to exceed 6 pages and shall include:
a. A narrative describing the approach and work plan for completing requested deliverables with this RFP.
i. Artist/artist team shall include a statement indicating how their proposed art installation meets the goals and vision of the city Public Art Master Plan and the community. ii. On a per task basis, identify specific deliverables, team member(s) responsible for completing the work, and any required meetings.
iii. Identify, obtain, and provide any and all licenses, permits, clearances, reports, and documents required to complete the project and perform the services within required timelines.
b. Identify those services that will be outsourced to a sub consultant and or contractor. Artist team will be responsible for verifying the experience, qualifications, and validity of all licenses, permits, and copyrights for any outsourced work to subconsultant and subcontractors. Artist team is also responsible for paying its employees and any subcontracted work. c. Provide an outline of its business safety record. Artist team will be required to comply with all Federal, State, and CAL OSHA laws and regulations.
d. Project Schedule: Include timeline for completion of tasks, including milestone dates for deliverables, in alignment with Section 2.1-Project Timeline. For project management purposes, the schedule should indicate frequency of meetings with the artist/artist group, includin g subconsultant and or contractors, and City staff, and the duration and number of any other proposed meetings.
5. Cost Proposal. Not to exceed 3 pages. Must be submitted separately via e-mail to Michaelle Mowery, Community Development Analyst at [email protected]. a. A detailed budget estimate in matrix form, by task, including hourly rates, time commitments, equipment, labor, and materials for all team members and subcontracted work.
6. Appendix
a. A signed copy of any addenda issued with this RFP.
b. Key staff resumes.
c. Requested modifications to the City’s standard agreement ( Attachment B). Proposals shall include a statement that the proposer has read, understands, and will execute the sample City’s standard agreement as presented. Alternatively, if a proposer objects to any language contained in the standard agreement, the proposal shall identify the contested contract language and shall set forth alternate contract language for the City’s consideration. Proposals that do not confirm acceptance of the sample agreement, and that do not identify contested contra ct language and
Skyway/Alisal Roundabout Monument RFP (Salinas CCLGP Call for Art) | Page 6 of 8 include alternative contract language, shall receive a reduced score. Changes request ed by the proposer afterwards will not be considered. The scope, nature, and severity of the alternative contract language submissions (particularly as it relates to the indemnification requirement) may result in a reduced score. The City reserves the right to alter the standard agreement after selection of an artist team with notice to the proposed awardee prior to final offer. d. Declaration of Local Business Enterprise (Local Business Preference Form) (Attachment C).
5.0 SELECTION PROCESS AND AWARD OF CONTRACT
All proposals received by the due date will be evaluated by selected City staff. Responses will be evaluated against the submission requirements of this RFP. Proposal submissions with complete information as listed will be considered for evaluation.
1. Evaluation and Scoring: The City will establish a selection panel whose members must have no conflict of interest with any of the artist/artist groups. Selection panel members will individually review and evaluate the proposals and qualifications of all responsive artists/artist groups.
The selection panel will consider the following factors (and other reasonable, objective, and accountable factors) which are listed here without implication of priority:
a. Responsiveness: The artist/artist group’s ability to effectively meet the Scope of Services and all the requirements stipulated in the RFP.
b. Monument/Art Installation design concept and maintenance. c. Qualifications and Experience: The artist/artist group’s capability and qualifications to perform the Scope of Services and meet all the requirements stipulated in the RFP. d. Technical Approach and Timeline: The artist/artist group’s method to effectively provide the Scope of Services and all the requirements stipulated in the RFP within a reasonable timeline.
Scoring Criteria Points
Possible
Cover letter -
Monument/Art Installation Concept and Maintenance -
Is concept an original design? 6
Does the proposal provide a title and concept narrative? 3 Does the proposal align with the City’s Public Art Master Plan and community vision and policies?
8 Does the proposed monument/art installation connect with the AVP, ADIMP, and the Community?
8 Does the proposal incorporate a maintenance plan that meets the required short term and long term maintenance?
5 Artist Qualifications and Experience 10
Artist Technical Approach and Timeline 10
Subtotal 50
10% Local Preference1 (if applicable) 5
Total 55
Skyway/Alisal Roundabout Monument RFP (Salinas CCLGP Call for Art) | Page 7 of 8 1The Proposal will receive local preference points equal to 10% of the total possible points pursuant to Municipal Code Section s 12-28.10, 12-28.020 and 12-28.040. Qualifying businesses (artist, artist team, and subcontractor) are required to submit a Local Business Enterprise form (Attachment C) with their Proposal to be considered a Local Business Enterprise.
2. Interviews: Top rated proposals will be invited to an oral interview tentatively scheduled for the week of March 9th, 2026.
3. Award of Contract: Final Contract will be awarded to the best qualified artist/artist group, that in the opinion of the selection panel has the best overall vision and concept for the project.
a. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses and proposals received in response to this RFP, to waive minor irregularities, to negotiate with any qualified source, or cancel in whole or in part this RFP if it is in the best interest of the City to do so, and to take all proposals under advisement for a period of ninety (90) days. If a Contract cannot be negotiated the City reserves the right to negotiate with any other finalist. b. Subsequent to contract negotiations, prospective artists/artist groups may be required to submit revisions to their proposal.
c. This RFP does not commit the City to award a Contract, to pay any cost incurred in preparation of a proposal, or to procure or contract for supplies or services. d. The City reserves the right to select an artist/artist group to perform all the work identified in the RFP, or only selected portions based on price and other factors. e. The City may, at its sole discretion, award the contract in whole, or in part, to one or more artist/artist group.
f. All artists/artist groups submitting a proposal should note that the execution of any contract pursuant to this RFP is dependent upon the recommendation of the Selection Panel and may be subject to Salinas City Council authorization.
The City reserves the right to request additional information during the evaluation and selection process , and to require substantially more extensive and detailed information in the course of any subsequent contract negotiations.
6.0 CONDITIONS AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Oral and Written Explanations: The City will not be bound by oral explanations or instructions given at any time during the review process or after the award. Oral explanations given during the review process and after award become binding only when confirmed in writing by an authorize d City official. Written responses to question(s) asked by one proposer will be provided to all proposers who received this Request for Proposals.
2. The selected artist/artist group will be required to assume responsibility for all services offered in the proposal whether or not they possess them within their organization. The selected artist/artist group will be the sole point of contact with regard to contractual matters or other liabilities, including payment of any and all charges resulting from the contract.
3. Liability of Costs and Responsibility: The City shall not be liable for any costs incurred in response to this Request for Proposals. All costs shall be borne by the person or organization responding to the request. The person or organization responding to the request shall hold the City harmless from
Skyway/Alisal Roundabout Monument RFP (Salinas CCLGP Call for Art) | Page 8 of 8 any and all liability, claim or expense whatsoever incurred by or on behalf of that person or organization.
4. Public Record: All submitted responses, proposals and information included therein shall become public record upon contract award. Proposals are not to be marked as confidential or proprietary.
Regardless of any identification otherwise, including marking some or all of the pages as “confidential” or “proprietary,” information in proposals shall become part of the public record and subject to disclosure without further notice to the artist/artist group. The City shall not in any way be liable or responsible for the disclosure of any such records.
5. Public Nature of Proposal Material: Responses to this Request for Proposals become the exclusive property of the City. At such times as a formal recommendation to award an agreement to one proposer is made to the awarding authority, all submittals received in response to this Request for Proposals become a matter of public record and shall be regarded as public records, with the exception of those elements in each submittal which are defined by the proposer as business or trade secrets and plainly marked as “Confidential,” “Trade Secret,” or “Proprietary”, unless disclosure is required under the California Public Records Act or other applicable law. Any submittal which contains language purporting to render all or significant portions of the proposal “Confid ential,” “Trade Secret,” or “Proprietary,” shall be regarded as non-responsive.
6. Although the California Public Records Act recognizes that certain confidential trade secret information may be protected from disclosure, the City may not be in a position to establish that the information that a proposer submits is a trade secret. If a request i s made for information marked “Confidential,” “Trade Secret,” or “Proprietary,” the City will provide the proposer who submitted the information with reasonable notice to allow the proposer to seek protection from disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction.
7. Validity: The proposer agrees to be bound by its proposal for a period of ninety (90) days commencing from the date proposals are due, during which time the City may request clarification or correction of the proposal for the purpose of evaluation. Amendments or clarifications shall not affect the remainder of the proposal, but only the portion so amended or clarified.
8. Law Compliance: Selected Artist is required to comply with all applicable State, Federal, and local laws and regulations, including the City’s Labor Compliance Program. Selected artist/artist group is also responsible for complying with all OSHA and any other applicable standards and requirements. If the artist/artist group out-sources any work or job to a sub-contractor, it will be the artist/artist group’s responsibility to ensure that all sub-contractors meet the requirements as stated in this RFP and Contract award.
9. Insurance: General liability, automobile, professional liability, and workers’ compensation insurance are required if selected.
10. Proposer’s Representative: The person signing the proposal must be a legal representative of the artist/artist group authorized to bind the artist/artist group to an agreement in the event of the award.
11. Permits and Licenses: The artist/artist group, and its subcontractors, at its and/or their sole expense, shall obtain and maintain during the term of any agreement, all appropriate permits, certificates and licenses including, but not limited to, a City Business License, which will be required in connection with the performance of services hereunder.
12. The artist/artist group and subcontractors must be licensed in accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 9 of Divisions 3 of the Business and Professions Code. Contractors shall possess the license appropriate for their classification of work. The Contractor must be properly licensed as a contractor from contract award through Contract acceptance (Public Contract Code § 10164).