Archway Project: Install a Decorative Archway at the Lower Detroit Steps Entrance

The Archway will be mounted to the new decorative fence, to be installed by DPW on Monterey Boulevard at the Lower Steps entrance. The fence was funded through the 2019 District 7 Participatory Budget. We hope the Archway will feature a design invoking a sun, and thus  become a local symbol reflecting the pride and character of the neighborhood of Sunnyside. 

The winning RFP design will be presented to the community during neighborhood workshops for feedback, and the final design will be submitted for approval to the SF Arts Commission (SFAC) Civic Design Review. We have been in contact with SFAC and the fee for SFAC Civic Design Review has been lowered to $500 for this project.

The Archway project will take place under a Community Challenge Grant. The Grant will also provide funding for the installation of lighting along the Upper and Lower Steps, and for landscaping a large section of the Upper Steps creating a CA Native Plant Garden.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Scope of Work: 

• Create an 89 inch wide Archway at the entrance of the Lower Detroit Steps at Monterey Blvd.

• The Archway will be attached to a new fence that will replace the current chain link fence. DPW will be responsible for fence replacement. 

• New Fence specifications: MONTAGE PLUS - STYLE MAJESTIC with 3 rails and ball cap adornment 

• Funding for this project is provided under a Community Challenge Grant expected to be awarded in March 2021.

Applicant Eligibility: Private businesses, non-profit or for-profit organizations, and educational and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.

Deadline for RFP Submission: February 15, 2021, 12 AM midnight. Send submissions to detroistepsproject@gmail.com

Project timeline after approval: Archway project must be completed between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. This period is dependent on approval of the Community Challenge Grant and is subject to its requirements. Within this timeframe, please provide your own timeline for each phase of the project (design, fabrication, and installation).

Budget: 

• $15,000 - $48,830 

• Materials may be purchased by DSP for the RFP Applicant, if that results in cost savings of Community Challenge Grant funds

Permits: Provide list of permits needed if any, and permit costs. Permits will be paid by DSP directly to the relevant City agency. 

What we are looking for: 

• Archway structure and design in bronze color to match the  Ameristar fence (see specifications above).

• Clean lines with simple a simple design with a sun motif as a nod to the neighborhood of Sunnyside

• Simple wording- “SUNNYSIDE lower Detroit Steps” large enough to read from 50-70 ft away.

• As modification in materials and/or design affect overall cost, preference will be given to proposals that provide justification for selected materials and offer alternate options to lower material or fabrication costs. 

• In the proposal, Applicants should take into consideration how site and environmental elements--such as sunlight, tree canopy, or future bollard lighting alongside the steps--will affect archway visibility.

• Share how would this particular vendor have a positive impact on this community project

• Note that Archway design must be reviewed by DPW for structure, weight, etc. Therefore Applicant will have to be able to provide those specifications to DPW.

• Additional ideas to possibly incorporate:

  • Adding other motifs such a plants, trees, leaves, butterflies, birds

  • Adding wording such as “Welcome”

  • Using negative space for the letters

  • Being able to see the words from both the north and south side of the archway

Applicant Requirements to get in Contract with DSP/SFPA:

• Independent Contractor Agreement to be signed with San Francisco Parks Alliance (SFPA), our fiscal sponsor.

• Proof of Insurance Liability - insurance requirements in accordance with SFPA  Independent Contractor Agreement.

• Ability to work /license for City & County of SF. 

• W9

APPLICANT TO PROVIDE 

• Resume.  

• Portfolio of past work, as relevant or applicable to the DSP site/project.

• Draft Design of your proposal (this can be a pencil sketch, as DSP members may wish for some amendments or revised designs)

• Estimated Project Budget, with Design, Materials, Fabrication and Installation costs on separate budget lines.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Proposals will be scored by March 1, 2021.

• Selected applicants will be asked to submit a final proposal after review and feedback from the DSP Steering Committee. 

BACKGROUND

About DSP: The DETROIT STEPS PROJECT (DSP) is a multi-year and multi-phase community-led project that aims at improving with lighting, and beautifying with landscaping and tiling, a 185-step stairway spanning two sections: the Lower Steps (from Hearst to Monterey) and the Upper Steps (from Monterey to Joost) in Sunnyside in District 7. The Detroit Steps are used by residents of many surrounding neighborhoods in the course of walking or exercise. They are a vital connector enabling commuter access to public transit on the Monterey corridor.

Contact: Suna Mullins

(415) 516-3273 

suna.mullins@gmail.com