Ben Franklin Transit - National Arts Grant Award - City of Kennewick - RFP 26-20 (2026)
Ben Franklin TransitPublic Authority · Richland, WA- Due
- Dec 8, 2026
- 26 days left
- Posted
- Nov 3, 2026
- Primary contact
- Rob Orvis
- (509) 318-5862
The 30-second brief
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is soliciting proposals for a place-based public art initiative to commission local artists to design six unique bus wraps celebrating the distinct character and history of Benton City, Kennewick, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, and West Richland. The project aims to elevate civic pride and regional storytelling across Benton and Franklin Counties through mobile murals on BFT transit vehicles, aligning with the National Endowment for the Arts 'Our Town' discipline. The total project budget is $90,000, consisting of $60,000 for bus wrap printing and installation, and $30,000 in separate artist compensation ($5,000 per artist). Submissions require a digital portfolio with 6 to 10 original artworks and a concept summary of up to 500 words. Proposals are due by December 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm PST, with a non-mandatory pre-proposal Microsoft Teams meeting scheduled for November 19, 2026, and a question deadline of November 30, 2026.
Portfolio Quality (35%), Community Connection & Knowledge of Jurisdiction (35%), Artistic Concept, Vision & Feasibility (15%), Public Engagement & Accessibility (15%), Oral Presentation (Optional Interview, 10 additional points)
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Summary
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is soliciting proposals for a place-based public art initiative to commission local artists to design six unique bus wraps celebrating the distinct character and history of Benton City, Kennewick, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, and West Richland.
The project aims to elevate civic pride and regional storytelling across Benton and Franklin Counties through mobile murals on BFT transit vehicles, aligning with the National Endowment for the Arts 'Our Town' discipline. The total project budget is $90,000, consisting of $60,000 for bus wrap printing and installation, and $30,000 in separate artist compensation ($5,000 per artist). Submissions require a digital portfolio with 6 to 10 original artworks and a concept summary of up to 500 words. Proposals are due by December 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm PST, with a non-mandatory pre-proposal Microsoft Teams meeting scheduled for November 19, 2026, and a question deadline of November 30, 2026.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
6- Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Agreement
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Participation
- Non-Collusion Affidavit
- Statement of Qualifications
- Digital Portfolio
- Cover letter
- Submit to
- https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/bft
- Scope location
- Richland, WA
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Ben Franklin Transit?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is December 8, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/bft. For questions, contact Rob Orvis.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Ben Franklin Transit in WA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Rob Orvis at (509) 318-5862. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Portfolio Quality (35%), Community Connection & Knowledge of Jurisdiction (35%), Artistic Concept, Vision & Feasibility (15%), Public Engagement & Accessibility (15%), Oral Presentation (Optional Inte..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Ben Franklin Transit?
All active and historical solicitations from Ben Franklin Transit are tracked and searchable. As a public authority agency, Ben Franklin Transit regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of December 8, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Agreement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Participation, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Statement of Qualifications, Digital Portfolio, Cover letter. Review the full document from Ben Franklin Transit for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Richland, WA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.