Alexandria Police Memorial: Inquiries/Frequently Asked Questions

Please send questions regarding this solicitation to Dominic Lackey at the City of Alexandria.  Questions may be sent by email dominic.lackey@alexandriava.gov, fax 703.838.6493 or postal mail at:

Attention: Dominic Lackey
Procurement Department
Suite 301 - Banker's Square
100 North Pitt Street
Alexandria, VA  22314

Please reference the solicitation number and title on the fax or email.  The deadline for submitting questions is October 15, 2009.

Answers to the questions will be posted here and added to the RFQ as an Addendum.  If you are registered on the eprocure system, you will automatically receive this addendum.

Questions and Answers:

1. Are you interested in abstract or representational work?
There is a preference for abstract work but allegorical figures may be considered.  If representational, the work must be inclusive of all persons, regardless of race or gender.

2. Can we get more of the parameters, for example, is a landscape architect required? 
A landscape architect is not required.  After the three finalists are selected, the finalists must use their discretion as to the particular members of their artistic team/collaborators.  While we do ask for a list of team members for the RFQ, it is understood that other members may be brought on during the finalist stage.

3. Do you consider a fountain?
Water features are generally discouraged based on high maintenance and weight but if your proposal can provide a water feature that addresses these concerns, they will be considered.  The structural and maintenance requirements of any suggested water feature will be highly scrutinized due to the situation of the memorial and the City’s long-term maintenance concerns.

4. How much of the designated memorial site is over the underground structure?
The plaza drawing on page 7 of the RFQ indicates the proposed limits of the memorial site as well as the outline of the underground structure (represented by the black dashed line). 
 
5. What is the max load the area over the underground structure can hold?
The acceptable load is 100 pounds per square foot.

6. What are the building materials used on the exterior of the building?
The exterior cladding materials include brick, precast concrete, metal panel and clear glazing.

7. Does your use of the term ‘non-representational’ mean that your committee does not wish for an artist to attempt to represent any specific officers, or that you do not want any submissions that realistically represents the human figure?
A human figure will be considered, however, the work must be inclusive of all persons, regardless of race or gender.  Please note that there is a preference for abstract work.

8. Is the “non-representational” rule hard and firm, or is it flexible so long as diversity in the final project is maintained? 
There is flexibility, so long as diversity in the final project is maintained.  Please note that there is a preference for abstract work.

9. Does the Goal ask for “abstract” art or can the art be representational but non-specific to persons or events?
The art can be representational so long as it is inclusive of all persons, regardless of race or gender.  Please note that there is a preference for abstract work.

10. Can there be men and women who look like police – but are not any particular people? Can there be cars and guns – but not be a specific car and gun, etc?
The project goal states that the artwork shall be non-representational.  This applies to the human form.  It is the preference for the artwork to be inclusive of all persons, regardless of race or gender.  It should be noted that there is a preference for abstract work.

11. Will the site be fully designed, independent of the sculptor/artist's specific memorial, or will the sculptor/artist be expected to participate in that process? 
The site will be fully designed, independent of the sculptor/artist's specific memorial though the artist will be expected to work with the architect to integrate the artwork into the construction plans.

12. Would it be possible for me to make a site visit, and review site plans one day this week or next?
The site is currently under construction and not accessible for a site visit.  Please visit the web site for architectural drawings (www.alexandriava.gov/arts - then click on Alexandria Police Memorial and go to the Site page.)

13. Can landscape be considered for this site?
Yes, if an artist is a member of the design team.

14. Can you better explain how the suspended portion of the site relates to the lower section and what specific issues there are with weight and load for the memorial area.  What are the dimensions of the area that cannot support much weight and do you have any diagrams or plan views for the specific areas?  
The acceptable load over the underground structure is 100 pounds per square foot.  The plaza drawing on page 7 of the RFQ indicates the proposed limits of the memorial site as well as the outline of the underground structure (represented by the black dashed line).  For plan views which include more detailed information, please visit the web site at: www.alexandriava.gov/arts - then click on Alexandria Police Memorial, and then go to the Site page.  The link at the bottom of the page, entitled "Enlarged Plaza Plan" should answer your questions.  Please keep in mind that at this stage, we are not accepting complete proposals.  More specific information will be provided to the three finalists.

15. Exactly what area of the 30 ft by 40 ft site is over this underground structure? Can you send me a drawing or written description of this area which is limited to the 100 pounds per square foot load?
The plaza drawing on page 7 of the RFQ indicates the proposed limits of the memorial site as well as the outline of the underground structure (represented by the black dashed line).  For more plan views, please visit the web site at: www.alexandriava.gov/arts - then click on Alexandria Police Memorial, and then go to the Site page.  The link at the bottom of the page, entitled "Enlarged Plaza Plan" should answer your questions.