Artists interested in producing a cast bronze sculpture* of
Charles E. Bessey for the Nebraska Hall of Fame must prepare and provide
a formal submission to this request.For more information about Charles E. Bessey,
see "About Charles E. Bessey" below.Project Budget Range: $12,000-$20,000 (for Nebraska Hall of Fame bust)
Deadline for Submission: May 16, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Questions?: Call 402.471.4955 or email dmcwilliams@nebraskahistory.org
The request for proposal, artist submission form, bust dimensions
and mounting requirements can be found by visiting www.nebraskahistory.org/charles-bessey-rfp.htm
Project Summary
The Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission, an agency of the State of Nebraska, seeks to provide a permanent cast bronze bust of Charles E. Bessey (1845-1915) for the Nebraska Hall of Fame. The sculpture will be located in the State Capitol Building in Lincoln, Nebraska.The sculpture should:
- Represent a realistic representation of Charles E. Bessey
- Create interest in Charles E. Bessey as a member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame;
- Educate State Capitol visitors about the life and contributions of Charles E. Bessey.
Qualifications include the artist's willingness to learn about Charles E. Bessey and his service to Nebraska, to have dialogue with the Charles E. Bessey selection committee, to apply the information to concepts and meet specifications, budgets and schedules. While price/cost estimates will be taken into account in making a selection, there is not a bid process as such.
*Note: A second cast bronze bust, adhering to the same specifications and size, is requested as part of the proposal, for placement in another location in Lincoln, Nebraska. The cost of the second cast bronze bust should be provided separately in the bid.
Example:
Bid 1 = Nebraska Hall of Fame bust
Bid 2 = Second cast bronze bust to be located in another location in Lincoln, NebraskaAbout Charles E. Bessey
Professor Bessey made a lasting impact on the University of Nebraska and our state through his conviction that the University of Nebraska should be a state university for the benefit of the public. His motto, "Science with Practice" succinctly states his guiding philosophy that scientific discovery is most useful when put into practice.
Professor Bessey is a nationally known University of Nebraska professor of botany and horticulture from 1884-1915 and gifted administrator who served as Acting Chancellor from 1888-1891 and again in 1899. When he arrived in 1884, the University of Nebraska was only 15 years old with 373 students. Within two years, Bessey convinced the Board of Regents to establish an agricultural experiment station to take university research to Nebraska's citizens.
Bessey wrote Congressional legislation requiring land-grant universities to distribute new knowledge and research to the public through agricultural experiment stations. He established one of the foremost botany programs in the country, developed modern plant classification, was president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and mentored many students who became leaders and pioneers in their own fields including plant ecology, entomology, law, medicine, and parasitology.
Bessey served on national, state, and community groups promoting public education and environmental stewardship. He conceived the only man-made forest in the nation, the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest near Valentine. Bessey convinced President Theodore Roosevelt to designate them as national treasures in 1902.
Called a "great harmonizer", Professor Bessey believed that the University of Nebraska should provide both classical and practical education; he fought efforts in 1889 and 1915 to create two separate state universities like many other states for these purposes. Nebraska is indebted to Professor Bessey for laying the foundation of our single, unified, state university serving the world.Bust Considerations
The bust must be cast bronze. Bust dimensions, mounting, and fit to a limestone pedestal are available as part of this Request for Proposal -- visit http://www.nebraskahistory.org/bust-drawings.pdf. The sculpture must be inviting, durable, have a safe mounting, and be appropriate to its location in the Nebraska State Capitol. A possible second cast bronze bust, adhering to the same specifications and size as the bust for the Hall of Fame, is requested as part of the proposal, for placement in another location in Lincoln, Nebraska. Busts must represent a naturalistic representation of Charles E. Bessey -- see http://www.nebraskahistory.org/bessey-images.htm for images of Bessey .Budget
The Charles E. Bessey bust selection committee has a project budget range between $12,000-$20,000. The budget includes costs associated with the project including, but not limited to: design, materials, transportation, fabrication, construction costs, and documentation for two busts. The committee anticipates that a second bust would be over and above this amount.Eligibility / Interest
All professional artists, eighteen years of age and older, regardless of their race, gender, creed, religion or disability are encouraged to submit a proposal.Selection Criteria
A selection committee composed of members of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission, Nebraska Arts Council, and the University of Nebraska is established to select the artist. The artist will be selected based on: resume, quality of past work, demonstrated ability to complete the project in a timely manner, within budget, and a desire to work with the Charles E. Bessey Hall of Fame selection committee.PHASE ONE -- RFP Submission Phase
Artists interested in the Charles E. Bessey sculpture project must prepare and submit a formal submission to this request by providing the following:1. Letter of interest -- no more than two pages in length, summarizing the artist's interest in the project, qualifications and expertise as they relate to the requirements of this project. The artist's philosophy and approach to art in similar projects of this scale is encouraged.
2. Complete Artist Submission Form -- found at the end of this document.
3. Resume -- Current professional resume including past experience. Include professional references that have an intimate knowledge of the artist's work. The list must include names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
4. Images of past work -- For each piece of work submitted, please include three angles (digital) of each previous work, not to exceed ten previous works. Images of the artist's work must be numbered with the artist's name and contact information with each digital photograph.
5. Annotated photograph list -- The photograph list must include the artist's name, title of work, completion date, medium, dimensions, location of the commission, the budget or price of the work, and the commissioning agent along with contact information.
6. Reviews -- The artist may include no more than three selections of supporting materials such as reviews, news articles, or related information. All reviews submitted must be readable.
7. Submissions -- Those interested in making a submission for the Charles E. Bessey bust should compile items identified in Phase One, item numbers 1-6, on a CD. Only electronic submissions will be accepted by the Selection Committee.
a. Textual items -- (letter of interest, complete artist submission form, resume, annotated photograph list, and reviews) should be submitted on a CD in one of the following formats: .txt, .rtf or .doc
b. Images of past work -- Images of past work should be submitted in a .jpeg format, not to exceed a resolution of 300 pixels per inch.
c. Eight copies of your submission should be placed on CD's -- those items identified in Phase One, item numbers 1-6. The eight CD's should be placed in a sealed envelope that clearly reflects the project name and the applicants name and address.
The Charles E. Bessey sculpture selection committee reserves the right to reject any or all applications. The Charles E. Bessey selection committee is not responsible for the loss or damage of materials submitted. Original artwork will not be accepted. Incomplete or late submissions WILL NOT be accepted, or reviewed. All materials submitted become the property of the Nebraska Hall of Fame and will not be returned.
Artists must submit all materials by 5:00 p.m. (CT) on Friday, May 16, 2008.
- Deb McWilliams
Bessey Project Manager
1500 R Street
P.O. Box 82554
Lincoln, NE 68501-2554
PHASE TWO -- Competition Phase
Submissions will be reviewed by the sculpture selection committee which may select one or more finalists. The selected finalists will be interviewed by the sculpture selection committee. The interview process will consist of a formal interview with the sculpture selection committee in Lincoln, Nebraska. Expenses for coming to Lincoln for the interview will not be paid. The awarding of the commission will take place by June 2, 2008. The selection committee reserves the right to not select a finalists if desired.
PHASE THREE -- Creation Phase
This phase will consist of the creation of a cast bronze sculpture by the artist and approval of the cast bronze sculpture by the selection committee (see project timeline).Sculptor shall submit sketch(es) and/or shop drawings of bust for approval of Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission and Department of Administrative Services Building Division prior to any final casting or fabrication. Proposed finish(es) shall also be noted on sketches and samples submitted with drawings for approval. Deviations in final bust (from approved sketches noted above) or exceeding maximum dimensions shown on this drawing, may constitute rejection of final bust requiring sculptor to reconfigure and/or recast entire bust to conform to approvals or standards noted.
PHASE FOUR -- Commemoration Phase
This phase will consist of the unveiling of the sculpture in the Nebraska Hall of Fame, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Project Timeline for Charles E. Bessey Project
(The selection committee reserves the right to change the proposed timeline)April 15, 2008: Request for Proposal Form is available
May 16, 2008: Deadline for Responses to the Request for Proposal 5:00 PM (CT)
May 16-June 2, 2008: Artist selection committee will judge submissions. Finalists will be selected and interviewed
June 9, 2008: Awarding of the project
June 16, 2008: Contractor is required to show proof of insurance. See requirements below
Dates to be determined: Selection committee reviews the bust progress
January 30, 2009: Sculpture is delivered to the Nebraska State Capitol
May 22, 2009: Unveiling and celebration of the Charles E. Bessey bust
Below this line, copy then paste the text into a word processing document, either .txt, .rtf, or .doc. Complete the submission form and save it as such. It will be added to each CD you submit. Also, please print 8 copies and add them to your submission packet.
Artist Submission Form
Artists interested in producing a cast bronze sculpture* of Charles E. Bessey for the Nebraska Hall of Fame must prepare and provide a formal submission to this request in the format specified above.
Incomplete or late submissions will NOT be accepted.
Artist's Name: ___________________________________________________________
Street Address: __________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State: _____________________ Zip: ________
Phone: _________________________ (day) Cell Phone: _________________________
E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________________
Fax: ___________________________________________________________________
Website: _______________________________________________________________
Artists must submit all materials by 5:00 p.m. (CT) on Friday, May 16, 2008.
Submit all requested materials via mail to:
Deb McWilliams
Bessey Project Manager
1500 R Street
P.O. Box 82554
Lincoln, NE 68501-2554Questions:
Deb McWilliams (402.471.4955-phone)
dmcwilliams@nebraskahistory.org
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
This successful artist will be placed on contract by the State of Nebraska. Said contract will specify that work will not commence until he or she has obtained all the insurance required hereunder and such insurance has been approved by the State. The Contractor shall not allow any Subcontractor to commence work on his or her subcontract until all similar insurance required of the Subcontractor has been obtained and approved by the State (or Contractor). Approval of the insurance by the State shall not limit, relieve or decrease the liability of the Contractor hereunder.
If by the terms of any insurance a mandatory deductible is required,
or if the Contractor elects to increase the mandatory deductible
amount, the Contractor shall be responsible for payment of the
amount of the deductible in the event of a paid claim.
1. WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE
The Contractor shall take out and maintain during the life of
this Contract the statutory Workers' Compensation and Employer's
Liability Insurance for all of the Contactors' employees to be
engaged in work on the project under this Contract and, in case
any such work is sublet, the Contractor shall require the Subcontractor
similarly to provide Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability
Insurance for all of the Subcontractor's employees to be engaged
in such work. This policy shall be written to meet the statutory
requirements for the state in which the work is to be performed,
including Occupational Disease. Where applicable, this policy
shall provide USL&H coverage. This policy shall include a
waiver of subrogation in favor of the State. The amounts of such
insurance shall not be less than the limits stated hereinafter.
2. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE AND COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE
LIABILITY INSURANCE
The Contractor shall take out and maintain during the life of
this Contract such Commercial General Liability Insurance and
Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance as shall protect Contractor
and any Subcontractor performing work covered by this Contract
from claims for damages for bodily injury, including death, as
well as from claims for property damage, which may arise from
operations under this Contract, whether such operation be by
the Contractor or by any Subcontractor or by anyone directly
or indirectly employed by either of them, and the amounts of
such insurance shall not be less than limits stated hereinafter.
The Commercial General Liability Insurance shall be written on
an occurrence basis, and provide Premises/Operations, Products/Completed
Operations, Independent Contractors, Personal Injury and Contractual
Liability coverage. The policy shall include the State, and others
as required by the Contract Documents, as an Additional Insured.
This policy shall be primary, and any insurance or self-insurance
carried by the State shall be considered excess and non-contributory.
The Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance shall be written
to cover all Owned, Non-owned and Hired vehicles.
3. INSURANCE COVERAGE AMOUNTS REQUIRED
a. WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYER'S LIABILITY
Coverage A Statutory Coverage B Bodily Injury by Accident $100,000 each accident Bodily Injury by Disease $500,000 policy limit Bodily Injury by Disease $100,000 each employee b. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY
General Aggregate $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $2,000,000 Personal/Advertising Injury $1,000,000 any one person Bodily Injury/Property Damage $1,000,000 per occurrence Fire Damage $50,000 any one fire Medical Payments $5,000 any one person c. COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY
Bodily Injury/Property Damage $1,000,000 combined single limit d. UMBRELLA / EXCESS LIABILITY
Over Primary Insurance $1,000,000 per occurrence
4. EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE
The sculptor that is selected shall
furnish the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission on June 9, 2008,
a certificate of insurance coverage complying with the above
requirements, which shall be submitted to the Nebraska Hall of
Fame, P.O. Box 82554, Lincoln, NE 68501-2554, or by facsimile
402-471-3100. A cover sheet shall reference "Charles E.
Bessey Project," and the certificates shall include the
name of the company, policy numbers, effective dates, dates of
expiration and amounts and types of coverage afforded. If the
State is damaged by the failure of the sculptor to maintain such
insurance, then the sculptor shall be responsible for all reasonable
costs properly attributable thereto.
Notice of cancellation of any required insurance policy must
be submitted to the Hall of Fame Commission, P.O. Box 82554,
Lincoln, NE 68501-2554, when issued and a new coverage binder
shall be submitted immediately to ensure no break in coverage.