Never Again is Now_ SJSU Mural Project.pdf

Never Again is Now!

SJSU Mural Project

408-924-1558 1 Washington Square San José, CA 95192

STRATEGIC

SOURCING

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ISSUE DATE: 9/3/2026

TITLE: Never Again is Now! SJSU Mural Project

RFP Number: SJSU-RFP-00000831-2026 (218140087)

PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL:

Miguel Robles

Assistant Director, Contracts Services

Finance & Business Services

San José State University

Email: miguel.robles@sjsu.edu

Phone: (408) 924-1559

Nina Chuang

Assistant Director of Community and

Government Relations

Office of the President

San José State University

Email: nina.chuang@sjsu.edu

Phone: (510) 371-1251

BID WALK

Bidders who plan on submitting a proposal are strongly encouraged to attend the bid walk. Bid

Walk will take place on:

● Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST

● Thursday, November 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST

Refer to Section 6.3 of this RFP for more information.

Interested bidders should assemble at the Yoshihiro Uchida Hall, located near the North Entrance at the Swenson Gate. The closest parking structure is at West Parking Garage, S 4th St, San

José, CA 95112. of the Diaz Compean Student Union, 211 East San Salvador Street, San

José, CA 95192.

Please arrive early to allow sufficient time to find parking.

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS

The deadline for submission of questions regarding the content of this RFP is Thursday, November 19, 2026, 3:00 p.m. PST. Questions shall be submitted via the SJSU procurement platform known as CSUBUY.

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

● Proposals in response to this RFP shall be submitted by Tuesday, January 12, 2027, 3:00 p.m. PST. Proposal submissions shall be submitted via CSUBUY.

● Submissions shall be delivered electronically and uploaded into the CSUBUY system.

Submissions will be composed of two distinct Adobe PDF files with one file containing the mailto:nina.chuang@sjsu.edu https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=CalState

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Proposers’s Proposal, with the second file containing the Proposers’s Cost Proposal marked as “confidential”. See CSUBUY Questions Section for Upload Instructions.

● SJSU assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay associated with submission of any prospective response to this RFP.

● Proposals shall be organized based on the sequence of information described below, with page numbers included on all pages that count toward the 15-page limit.

NOTICE

● Submissions that do not meet minimum requirements, including content and quality standards set forth in this RFP, or which take exceptions, may be eliminated from further consideration.

● This RFP does not constitute a call for bids, a final contract, or a legal commitment by

SJSU.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Solicitation Schedule

Section 1 Introduction, Intent, and Access

1.1 Introduction to SJSU

1.2 Overview

1.3 Background & History

1.4 Intent of this Request for Proposal

1.5 RFP Access

Section 2 Definitions, Supplemental Solicitation Provisions

2.1 Definitions

2.2 Proposals

2.3 Unsigned Proposals and Incomplete Documentation

2.4 Confidential Information

2.5 Ownership of Submitted Materials

2.6 Competitive Offer

2.7 Competitive Negotiation

2.8 Proposer’s Designated Representative

2.9 Governing Law

2.10 Dispute/Protest

2.11 Withdrawal of Proposals

2.12 Disqualification of Proposals

2.13 Right of Refusal and Awarding

2.14 Proposal Preparation

2.15 Questions and Answers

2.16 Trademark and Logo

2.17 Presentations and/or Best and Final Offer

2.18 Payment & Payment Terms

2.19 Solicitation Conditions

2.19.1 SJSU Reservation of Rights

2.19.2 Due Diligence

2.19.3 Termination for Performance

Section 3 Scope of Services

3.1 Projected Project Timeline:

3.2 Budget Details

3.3 Project Description

3.4 Project Background & History

3.5 Long-Term Maintenance and Repairs

3.6 Mural Location

3.7 Measurement Description & Size

3.8 Artist Eligibility & Process

3.9 Submission

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3.10 Payment Terms

3.11 Legal Ownership of Artwork

Section 4 Cost Proposal

Section 5 Evaluation of Proposals

5.1 Overview

5.2 Initial Screening

5.3 Technical Evaluation

5.4 Scoring Criteria

5.5 Finalists Selection

5.5.1 Remembrance & Resistance Committee: Artist Selection Process

5.5.2 Round 1: Application Review

5.5.3 Round 2: In-Person Interview

5.5.4 Round 3: Finalist Stipend & Proposal Development

5.5.5 Round 4: Final Proposal Submission

5.5.6 Finalists Selection

5.5.7 Process Overview

5.5.8 Stipends for Finalists from Associated Students

5.6 Special Considerations:

5.7 Post-Evaluation

5.8 Award or Rejection

Section 6 Eligibility, Qualifications, & Proposal Structure, & Content

6.1 Overview

6.2 SJSU Official Representative

6.3 Bid Walk Details, and Q&A Guidelines

6.3.1 Bid Walk for All Prospective Proposers

6.3.2 Proposers Questions & SJSU Response

6.4 Artist Eligibility

6.5 Proposal Requirements & Structure

6.5.1 Submission Instructions

6.5.2 Proposal Requirements & Structure

6.5.3 Deadline & Location for Submission of Proposal

Section 7 Exhibits

End Table of Contents

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Solicitation Schedule

The actual schedule and sequence of events is subject to modification at any time at SJSU’s sole discretion.

TASK TIMELINE

RFP Release Date Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, 3:00 p.m.

PST

Artist Bid Walk

Note: Attending either of the two bid walks is not required of artists and entirely optional.

Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST

Thursday, November 12th, 2026, 10:00 a.m.

PST

Submission of Questions Deadline Thursday, November 19th, 2026, 3:00 p.m.

PST

Target Date for SJSU Responses to

Questions Tuesday, December 1st, 2026, 3:00 p.m. PST

RFP Submission Deadline Tuesday, January 12th, 2027, 3:00 p.m. PST

RFP (8) Semi-Finalists: Selection

Period

● January 14th, 2027 - January 29th, 2027*

RFP (8) Semi-Finalists

Announcement

● February 1st, 2027 - February 2nd, 2027*

RFP (8) Semi Finalist Interviews Week of Tuesday February 9th, 2027

RFP (4) Finalists: Selection Period ● February 22nd, 2027 - February 25th, RFP (4) Finalists Announcement

● March 8th, 2027 - March 12th, 2027

RFP (4) Finalists Community

Meeting

● March 2027

RFP (4) Finalists: Presentation 1

Draft Mural Rendering, Provide

Concise Explanation of Rendering, and Artist Interview Preparation and

Feedback

April 14th, 2027 - April 21st, 2027

- Remembrance & Resistance Committee

- SJSU Campus Committees

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RFP (4) Finalists: Presentation 2

Final Mural Rendering, Provide

Concise Explanation of Rendering, and Artist Interview Preparation

May 12th, 2027 - May 19th, 2027

- Remembrance & Resistance Committee

- SJSU Campus Committees

RFP Finalist Selection Period ● May 20th, 2027 - June 4th, 2027*

Finalist Announcement & Notice of

Intent to Award (Targeted Timeline

Date)

● Between June 8th, 2027 and June 11th, 2027*

Contract Execution Between June 15th, 2027 and June 25th, 2027*

* Timelines may vary

End of Solicitation Schedule

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Section 1 Introduction, Intent, and Access

1.1 Introduction to SJSU

Founded in 1857, San José State University (SJSU) is the oldest public institution of higher education in California. SJSU’s footprint in Santa Clara County consists of a Main and South campus along with several individual or leased properties. The 88.5-acre Main Campus is located in downtown San José includes 48 buildings and is where most of the academic and research core of SJSU resides. The 62-acre South Campus, just over a mile away, hosts an additional 23 buildings/structures and is where most of the athletic core of SJSU resides. In addition, the SJSU Santa Clara County footprint includes other smaller owned or leased properties. SJSU’s footprint in Monterey County is consolidated at 36.7 acres known as the

Moss Landing Marine Laboratory.

The University is organized under nine colleges: Lucas College and Graduate School of

Business, Connie L. Lurie College of Education, Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Humanities and the Arts, College of

Science, College of Social Sciences, College of Graduate Studies and the College of

Professional and Global Education. The University offers 85 baccalaureate degrees with 143 concentrations, 75 master’s degrees in 98 concentrations, and four independent doctoral degrees. In addition, the University offers 126 minors, 11 credentials, and 39 certificates. With approximately 36,000 enrolled students and nearly 4,300 employees, SJSU is the largest and most diverse of the South Bay’s colleges and universities, and its graduates fuel the business, industry, and communities of Silicon Valley and beyond. SJSU is an essential partner in the economic, cultural, and social development of Silicon Valley and California.

Student Demographics | Employee Demographics

1.2 Overview

Never Again is Now!: Disrupting Silence and Memorializing Japanese American Incarceration at San José State University is a student-led and artistic movement to remember Japanese

American history and call for the recognition and acknowledgement of San José State

University’s role in the incarceration of Japanese Americans as a result of Executive Order

9066 during World War II.

1.3 Background & History

SJSU’s Spartan Complex Boy’s Gym served as a processing center where 2,487 people of

Japanese “immigrant aliens” and their children,including American citizens, were ordered to appear before being forcibly sent to incarceration camps. 125 Japanese American students were forced to leave SJS College, now known as San José State University in 1942 due to

EO 9066, and many never returned to complete their degrees. Years later, the Gym was renamed in honor of Yoshihiro Uchida. Uchida Sensei is a SJSU graduate, Nisei Judo Head https://www.sjsu.edu/facts-and-accomplishments/facts.php#students https://www.sjsu.edu/diversity/campus/demographics.php https://jahistorysjsu.squarespace.com/ https://jahistorysjsu.squarespace.com/

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Coach, and served in the military while his family was incarcerated in a U.S. concentration camp.

In April 2023, with the help and advocacy of our Japantown community leaders, SJSU Asian

American Studies professors, and student leaders, we passed a Sense of Senate Resolution.

In this Sense of Senate, it formally acknowledges SJSU’s role in the forced removal and incarceration of local Japanese Americans during Executive Order 9066. This proclamation also documents and memorializes individuals at SJSU that faced discrimination, incarceration, and hardship during this time, who leave a legacy of change for future generations in San José and beyond.

“San José State University played a significant role in the forced removal and incarceration of local Japanese Americans during Executive Order 9066.The purpose of this resolution is to acknowledge and be accountable for the role played by SJSU during WWII, and to acknowledge and be accountable to the university and broader local community for the harms that were done as a result of that role.” You can view the resolution here:

https://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/SS-S23-4.pdf

In January 2024, San José State University’s President, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson released a Presidential Directive, in support of this project and recognizing a Day of

Remembrance at SJSU.

For the mural project, we have a central committee called the “Remembrance & Resistance

Committee) composed of SJSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Japantown community members. Our purpose as a committee is to ensure the stories and voices of community and faculty members affected during February 1942 to the present—are properly amplified, preserved, and heard by past, present, and future Spartans and the San José community through this permanent mural.

Our vision for the mural tells this story of resistance to oppression, unity and dismantling institutional racism, the drive for reparatory justice, accepting accountability, and disrupting silence. The reckoning and centering of this history connects the Japanese American incarceration to a much larger movement of allyship and resistance against systems, discrimination, and oppression of historically marginalized communities. It empowers us, as present and future leaders of our generation, to disrupt the silence, speak out against the norm of complacency, and fight injustice.

As we continue to reclaim this space and our history at SJSU, we uplift and empower the experiences of our elders and people of Japanese American ancestry on the very land where our communities were stripped of their civil liberties and targeted eighty-one years ago. We continue to work to never forget, amplify the voices of our history-- while making history, and speak truth to power.

Supportive Links:

JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT MEMORIAL Artist: Ruth Asawa (1994)

Japanese American Museum of San José

Hidden Histories of San José Japantown https://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/SS-S23-4.pdf https://www.sjsu.edu/president/docs/Presidential-Directive_PD-2024-01_Day-of-Remembrance-to-Honor-Japanese-Americans.pdf https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2575/1396?npage=3 https://www.jamsj.org/ https://hiddenhistoriesjtown.org/

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1.4 Intent of this Request for Proposal

SJSU is seeking proposals from an experienced Artist/Artist Team with proven skills in developing, designing, and creating murals for designated spaces, such as the Yoshihiro

Uchida Hall on SJSU’s Main Campus.

This RFP aims to identify qualified Artist/Artist Team and award a service agreement based on the outlined requirements.

Artist/Artist Team with the expertise to create a historic landmark mural for SJSU are encouraged to apply. Proposals may be submitted by individual Artists or Artist Teams. Artist

Teams are only expected to submit one proposal, with the Lead Artist encouraged as the point of submission.

1.5 RFP Access

All information pertaining to and including the RFP is available in electronic format via the

SJSU procurement system known as CSUBUY. The RFP is titled “Never Again is Now! SJSU

Mural Project”. Proposers can locate and obtain access to CSUBUY by typing “SJSU Never

Again is Now!” or “SJSU Mural Project” or “SJSU-RFP-00000831-2026”.

Should a Proposer require technical support as related to CSUBUY, <CSUBUY Vendor

Support>, all information related to this solicitation (e.g. answers to questions posed, schedule changes, and any addenda to the RFP) will be communicated via CSUBUY.

SJSU may issue Addenda at any time during the solicitation. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to review all issued Addenda prior to the Proposal submittal due date. A notification is submitted for each change that is added to Addenda.

End of Section 1 https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=CalState https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/contract-services-and-procurement/Pages/csubuy.aspx https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/contract-services-and-procurement/Pages/csubuy.aspx

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Section 2 Definitions, Supplemental Solicitation Provisions

2.1 Definitions

2.1.1 “University” or “Trustees”: The Board of Trustees of the California State University are referred to as “San José State University and its legally recognized entities, which together is the State of California acting in its higher education capacity.”

2.1.2 “Bidder” or “Proposer”: Means an individual, partnership, sub-consultants, or corporation from whom the University is soliciting a proposal.

2.1.3 “Contractor,” “Consultant,” “Service Provider,” or “Provider”: The successful individual, partnership, or corporation whose bid is accepted and who is awarded a contract.

2.1.4 “Contract” or “Agreement”: The legal document the University issues to bind the

Consultant to provide products and/or services described in the RFP.

2.1.5 “Specification,” “Scope of Work,” “Scope of Services,” or “SOW”: The complete set of documented designs, specifications, performance criteria and delivery requirements delineated in this document and in all referenced project documentation.

2.1.6 “Provide”: Supply, deliver, install, configure, test, commission, train, and/or warrant.

2.1.7 “SJSU”: San José State University and its legally recognized entities

2.1.8 “Remembrance & Resistance Committee”: The "Remembrance & Resistance

Committee" functions as the Mural Advisory Committee, consisting of students, staff, faculty, alumni and Japantown community members. The purpose as a committee is to ensure the stories and voices of community and faculty members affected during

February 1942 to the present—are properly amplified, preserved, and heard by past, present, and future Spartans and the San José community through this permanent mural.

2.2 Proposals

All Proposals and contracts awarded as a result of this RFP are subject to the University’s terms and conditions as stated in this RFP. The submission of any other terms and conditions by a bidder may be grounds for rejection of the bidder’s proposal. Deviations may result in disqualification.

2.3 Unsigned Proposals and Incomplete Documentation

Bidders shall clearly identify a single point of contact authorized to make all decisions for the bidder. Please provide direct contact information for this individual and have an authorized

SJSU-RFP-00000831-2026 - Never Again is Now! SJSU Mural Project Page 12 of 35 representative of the proposing firm sign and date the transmittal letter. The University reserves the right to reject proposals that are submitted without an authorized signature.

2.4 Confidential Information

Proposers must notify the University in advance of any legally proprietary or truly confidential materials contained in their Proposal and provide justification for not making such material public. Proposals will remain confidential until the evaluation process associated with this RFP is completed. Following, all Proposals will become a matter of public record. The University shall have sole discretion to disclose or not disclose such material.

2.5 Ownership of Submitted Materials

All responses, inquiries, or correspondence relating to or in reference to this RFP, and all other reports, charts, displays, schedules, exhibits, and other documentation submitted by the

Proposers will become the property of the University when received. The University shall have the right to make use of information contained in such documents. A digital record of each

Proposal will be retained in official SJSU project files.

2.6 Competitive Offer

Under penalty of perjury, the signer of any Proposal submitted in response to this RFP certifies that its Proposal has not been arrived at collusively or in violation of Federal or California antitrust laws. In submitting the Proposal, the Proposer agrees not to discuss or otherwise reveal its technical or cost information to any other sources, government or private, until after the award of the contract. Proposers not in compliance with this provision shall be disqualified.

2.7 Competitive Negotiation

The RFP process provides all interested bidders with an equal opportunity to offer their services. The process of competitive negotiation being used in this case should not be confused with the different process of competitive sealed bidding. The latter process is usually used where the goods or services being procured can be precisely described and the financial proposal is generally the determinative factor. The University has the flexibility to negotiate with a bidder to arrive at a mutually agreeable relationship. The University is not required to accept any proposal if in its judgment the University’s interests are better served by declining to do so.

Contractors are cautioned that this is a Request for Proposal, not a request to contract, and the University reserves the right to reject any offers when such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of the University.

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2.8 Proposer’s Designated Representative

Proposers shall provide the name, address, and telephone number of the Lead Artist (if applicable) with the authority to bind the company and answer questions or provide clarification concerning the Proposer’s Proposal.

2.9 Governing Law

The validity, interpretation, and performance of any Agreement or Contract, which is forthcoming from this RFP, shall be controlled by the construed under the laws of the State of

California.

2.10 Dispute/Protest

Disputes must be received in writing via email to Miguel Robles at miguel.robles@sjsu.edu within one business day after issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award. The University’s decision on protest proceedings is final.

2.11 Withdrawal of Proposals

Proposals may be withdrawn from CSUBUY before submission by uploading a newer version.

Resubmissions must adhere to the original deadline. Proposers can access their proposal prior to the close of deadline to update or remove their request, however, once the close date occurs, there will be no more access.

2.12 Disqualification of Proposals

The University will only consider those proposals submitted in accordance with all requirements set forth in this RFP and which demonstrate an understanding of the scope of work. Any proposal offering terms and conditions contrary to those included in this RFP may be disqualified without further notice.

2.13 Right of Refusal and Awarding

SJSU reserves the right to reject any proposal.

The Award, if any, will be to the Proposer whose Proposal best complies with all of the requirements of the RFP documents and any addenda. A “Notice of Intent to Award” will be publicly posted for five (5) consecutive working days prior to the award. Evaluation methodology and bases for award are described in Section 5 “Evaluation of Proposals.”

mailto:kim.gamblin@sjsu.edu

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2.14 Proposal Preparation

Proposals are to be prepared in such a way to provide a straightforward, concise delineation of capabilities. Proposal format shall adhere to Section 6 “Eligibility, Qualifications, & Proposal

Structure, and Content” for organization and content.

Bidders shall state that the proposed costs, work tasks and products shall remain in effect for a period of 180 days from the time of submission.

Proposers shall bear all expenses in connection with their RFP Proposal submissions. SJSU assumes no obligations, responsibilities, and liabilities to reimburse any costs incurred by parties considering a response to and/or responding to this RFP. All costs related to preparation and submission of a Proposal to this RFP shall be the sole responsibility of each

Proposer and its team. SJSU reserves the right to cancel, withdraw, postpone, or extend this

RFP without SJSU incurring any obligations or liabilities.

Elaborate bids in the form of brochures or other presentations beyond that necessary to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired.

2.15 Questions and Answers

All questions related to this RFP shall be submitted via the Q & A Board on CSUBuy no later than the date and time presented as documented in the “Solicitation Schedule”. Verbal, emailed, faxed, or mailed questions will not be accepted. All written questions shall be delivered in CSUBuy.

Oral explanations will not bind the University.

2.16 Trademark and Logo

The University will review any marketing or promotional materials identifying the University, and will require that the Contractor receive the University’s prior written consent before distributing said materials, or using the University's name or marks.

2.17 Presentations and/or Best and Final Offer

Upon review and scoring by the evaluation committee, the University has the right to accept the best proposal as submitted, without discussion or negotiation. However, the University reserves the right to request additional information and discuss the Contractor’s proposal with the evaluation committee to facilitate arrival at a contract most advantageous to the University.

If the evaluation committee determines that further discussion is in the best interest of the

University, the Contracts and Procurement Services Office may invite qualified Proposer to https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/doing-business-with-the-csu/contract-services-and-procurement/Pages/csubuy.aspx

SJSU-RFP-00000831-2026 - Never Again is Now! SJSU Mural Project Page 15 of 35 attend a final meeting and/or provide an oral presentation at a time to be determined later.

Decision by the University is final.

2.18 Payment & Payment Terms

Payment will be made in “progress payments”, split evenly throughout the duration of the project. Any changes or exceptions to progress payments must be approved in writing between the Artist/Artist Team and the University.

Payment shall be made in accordance with the fees established and agreed upon in the proposal response. Upon receipt by the University Payment Services Department of itemized invoices approved by an authorized Department representative, the University will process claims for payment of approved invoices in arrears in accordance with State fiscal procedures and the terms of this Agreement. Federal and State withholding taxes may apply for those performing services in California from out of state.

2.19 Solicitation Conditions

2.19.1 SJSU Reservation of Rights

SJSU reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, and without liability to any

Proposers to (1) modify or cancel the solicitation process or schedule at any time, including modifications to any terms and conditions within this RFP, (2) not award the Project or portion of the Project for any reason; (3) waive non-material irregularities; (4) reject any, or all, submittals to this RFP or to seek new submittals when it is in the best interest of SJSU to do so; (4) seek clarifications or additional information from Proposers as it deems necessary for the evaluation of Proposals; and (5) request any additional information or evidence from individual Proposers.

2.19.2 Due Diligence

Efforts have been made by SJSU to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this RFP.

While SJSU believes all such information to be accurate, it does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or use of the information by Proposers. Proposers shall be responsible for performing their own due diligence and investigations, as they deem necessary, prior to submitting a Proposal.

2.19.3 Termination for Performance

San José State University will document perceived poor performance relative to the resulting agreement. If, after discussion with appropriate contractor management, poor performance issues are not resolved to the satisfaction of the University, the agreement may be canceled.

End of Section 2

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Section 3 Scope of Services

3.1 Projected Project Timeline:

TASK TIMELINE

Awarded Artist Collaborates with the

Remembrance & Resistance

Committee to Finalize Design and

Rendering

February 2027 - April 2027

SJSU Committees: Design Approval

Period

1. SU Facilities & Program

Committee

2. Campus Art Committee

3. Campus Planning Board.

April 2027 - July 2027**

Mural Installation Summer 2027

Mural Unveiling Fall 2027

**Delays to this Project’s timeline may be anticipated due to external factors out of our control

(weather conditions, procedural delays, etc.).

3.2 Budget Details

The total budget for this project covers artist compensation for their labor, design, assistants, insurance, travel, equipment, materials, and any additional costs incurred to complete a successful installation of the mural. This is inclusive of all expenses related to the creation, approval, and installation of the art.

The Remembrance & Resistance Committee encourages those submitting proposals to be competitive with respect to the fees they intend to charge for this Project.

3.3 Project Description

Hereby called the “Never Again is Now! Mural”, this project represents a priority initiative of

San José State University’s President, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson.

“Remembrance & Resistance Committee”: The "Remembrance & Resistance Committee" functions as the Mural Advisory Committee, consisting of students, staff, faculty, alumni and

Japantown community members. The purpose as a committee is to ensure the stories and voices of community and faculty members affected during February 1942 to the present—are

SJSU-RFP-00000831-2026 - Never Again is Now! SJSU Mural Project Page 17 of 35 properly amplified, preserved, and heard by past, present, and future Spartans and the San

José community through this permanent mural.

The Remembrance & Resistance Committee is proud to release a Request for Proposals

(RFP) for artists that demonstrate their ability to provide a historic landmark mural at San José

State University (SJSU). The large outdoor mural will be constructed on the north side of

Uchida Hall, closest to 4th Street in Downtown San José so that it is accessible to the public and visible to the casual observer. A virtual and an indoor permanent educational gallery exhibit will be constructed inside the building to provide historical context to the mural to create a larger space of remembrance.

An artist (or team of artists) will be selected to create this mural. Upon completion, this mural will become part of the SJSU’s permanent public art collection and is anticipated to be an important cultural beacon that honors Japanese American history for generations to come.

3.4 Project Background & History

SJSU’s Spartan Complex Boy’s Gym served as a processing center where 2,487 people of

Japanese “immigrant aliens” and their children, including American citizens, were ordered to appear before being forcibly sent to incarceration camps. 125 Japanese American students were forced to leave SJS College, now known as San José State University in 1942 due to

EO 9066, and many never returned to complete their degrees. Years later, the Gym was renamed in honor of Yoshihiro Uchida. Uchida Sensei is a SJSU graduate, Nisei Judo Head

Coach, and served in the military while his family was incarcerated in a U.S. concentration camp.

In April 2023, with the help and advocacy of our Japantown community leaders, SJSU Asian

American Studies professors, and student leaders, we passed a Sense of Senate Resolution.

In this Sense of Senate, it formally acknowledges SJSU’s role in the forced removal and incarceration of local Japanese Americans during Executive Order 9066. This proclamation also documents and memorializes individuals at SJSU that faced discrimination, incarceration, and hardship during this time, who leave a legacy of change for future generations in San José and beyond.

“San José State University played a significant role in the forced removal and incarceration of local Japanese Americans during Executive Order 9066.The purpose of this resolution is to acknowledge and be accountable for the role played by SJSU during WWII, and to acknowledge and be accountable to the university and broader local community for the harms that were done as a result of that role.” You can view the resolution here:

In January 2024, San José State University’s President, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson released a Presidential Directive, in support of this project and recognizing a Day of

Remembrance at SJSU.

https://www.sjsu.edu/president/docs/Presidential-Directive_PD-2024-01_Day-of-Remembrance-to-Honor-Japanese-Americans.pdf

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For the mural project, we have a central committee called the “Remembrance & Resistance

Committee) composed of SJSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Japantown community members. Our purpose as a committee is to ensure the stories and voices of community and faculty members affected during February 1942 to the present—are properly amplified, preserved, and heard by past, present, and future Spartans and the San José community through this permanent mural.

Our vision for the mural tells this story of resistance to oppression, unity and dismantling institutional racism, the drive for reparatory justice, accepting accountability, and disrupting silence. The reckoning and centering of this history connects the Japanese American incarceration to a much larger movement of allyship and resistance against systems, discrimination, and oppression of historically marginalized communities. It empowers us, as present and future leaders of our generation, to disrupt the silence, speak out against the norm of complacency, and fight injustice.

As we continue to reclaim this space and our history at SJSU, we uplift and empower the experiences of our elders and people of Japanese American ancestry on the very land where our communities were stripped of their civil liberties and targeted eighty-one years ago. We continue to work to never forget, amplify the voices of our history-- while making history, and speak truth to power.

Supportive Links:

JAPANESE AMERICAN INTERNMENT MEMORIAL Artist: Ruth Asawa (1994)

Japanese American Museum of San José

Hidden Histories of San José Japantown

3.5 Long-Term Maintenance and Repairs

The maintenance of this mural will occur on a tentative basis, with the opportunity being extended to the contracted Artist/Artist Team over the years.

3.6 Mural Location

The large outdoor mural will be constructed on the north side of Uchida Hall, closest to 4th

Street in Downtown San José so that it is accessible to the public and visible to the casual observer. A virtual and an indoor permanent educational gallery exhibit will be constructed inside the building to provide historical context to the mural to create a larger space of remembrance.

3.7 Measurement Description & Size

A - End to End Width, ~74 feet

B - One Side End to Start of Red Decorative Feature, 28 feet, 8-¾ inches https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2575/1396?npage=3 https://www.jamsj.org/ https://hiddenhistoriesjtown.org/

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C - Outside Edge of Red Decorative Feature to Outside Edge of Other Red Decorative

Feature, 16 feet, 6-½ inches

NOTE: We will not want to change the red decorative feature or the tan color in between the tan features.

D - From the top of the brick to the highest point of the arch at the outside edge of the red decorative feature, ~28 feet

E- From the top of the brick to the lowest point where the arch ends, ~16 feet

As depicted in both Diagram 1 and Diagram 2, the red circle highlights the designated spot for the mural. Nestled on the north side of Uchida Hall at the heart of SJSU’s Main Campus, this prime location is situated near 4th Street in the vibrant Downtown San José area.

Positioned along the bustling Paseo de San Antonio, it benefits from a steady flow of foot traffic connecting Downtown to the SJSU campus, ensuring the mural will be prominently visible to all who pass by, especially from South 4th Street.

See Diagrams 1-2 below:

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Diagram 1

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Diagram 2

3.8 Artist Eligibility & Process

All Mediums welcome within the limitations of wall space detailed above. Due to budget constraints, we are only able to open this opportunity to artists 18 years and older and who reside in the West Coast.

3.9 Submission

Proposals must be submitted through CSUBUY.

Final Notes for Submission:

● Completeness: Ensure that all sections are fully completed (section 6.5.2) in the

CSUBuy platform. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

● Review Process: Proposals that meet all the requirements will be considered in Round

1: Application Review. If your proposal meets the project’s criteria, you will be notified and invited to participate in the next stages of the selection process.

The deadline to submit proposals is Tuesday, January 12, 2027, 3:00 p.m. PST.

Late submissions will not be accepted. A proposal which is incomplete, unclear, conditional, or which contains irregularities of any kind, may be rejected at the discretion of the evaluation committee.

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3.10 Payment Terms

Payment will be made in progress payments, split evenly throughout the duration of the project.

3.11 Legal Ownership of Artwork

Upon completion and installation of the artwork, the work becomes the property of San José State

University.

In addition, if awarded a contract, the selected Artist/Artist Team will be required to provide and add their original mural concept sketches to the campus art collection archives. This will be referenced for future studies conducted by faculty and students.

In consideration of the acquisition of said work by SJSU, the Artist/Artist Team will grant reproduction permission for the use of the work for all conventional educational and interpretive purposes including, however not limited to: public display, reproductions in any appropriate manner including exhibitions catalogs, scholarly publications, slides, transparencies, black-and-white and/or color prints, digital formats, web pages, and any other suitable manner that agents of SJSU deems necessary.

End of Section 3

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Section 4 Cost Proposal

See Exhibit G - Also included in CSUBUY Exhibits

End of Section 4

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Section 5 Evaluation of Proposals

5.1 Overview

All written proposals submitted will be reviewed and evaluated by the Remembrance &

Resistance Committee. The selection process and criteria are indicated below.

5.2 Initial Screening

SJSU will conduct an initial screening of all Proposals to assess the completeness of the response. Any Proposers failing to include all the required elements outlined in Section 6.5.2 and/or requested within this RFP may be disqualified.

5.3 Technical Evaluation

All proposals will be reviewed by an Remembrance & Resistance Committee composed of

University representatives and folks serving on the Mural Advisory Committee . Points will be assigned by the Remembrance & Resistance according to the criteria below and used to derive an overall ranking of the proposals.

The evaluation of the initial bids will be based on the criteria set forth in the criteria detailed in the next sections.

The four top-ranked proposers will be contacted next steps of the RFP process.

5.4 Scoring Criteria

Evaluation of Proposals will be based on the selection criteria summarized below, with approximate maximum point values attributed to each category.

Proposal Responsiveness to RFP Submittal Requirements (50 points)

The degree to which the Proposers provides a complete, well organized, and thoughtful

Proposal that is inclusive of all stated requirements including page limitations.

Approach and Methodology (200 points)

The degree to which an applicant’s proposal accomplishes the following:

1. Stand as a powerful symbol of history, resilience, and cultural identity at

SJSU.

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2. Acknowledge and confront the historical incarceration of Japanese

Americans by honoring their resilience, contributions, and leadership throughout history.

3. Act as a call to action for all students in the ongoing pursuit of reparatory justice—acknowledging past injustices, challenging systemic oppression, and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equity and inclusion.

4. Be a meaningful symbol for Japanese American students to see their heritage and identity reflected on campus.

5. Act as an educational platform to deepen public understanding of Japanese

American history, their enduring impact, and the ongoing fight for justice.

6. Be constructed with high-quality, durable materials that are visually striking in color and design, ensuring longevity and impact.

Responsiveness to Scope of Services (150 points)

Provide a clear plan of execution and implementation of proposed services, to the degree to which the Proposers link the vision, goals, objectives expressed by the University into a scope of services response and is judged as likely to succeed given SJSU’s capabilities and constraints. For example, size, types of material, long term maintenance, sustainability, etc.

Cost Proposal (100 points)

Cost will be evaluated based on the categories as indicated. Points on proposals with a higher overall price shall be determined by dividing the lowest proposal price by the higher proposal price and multiplying by the maximum points as indicated below.

SJSU Alumni, and Bay Area Resident (50 points)

We encourage proposals from all qualified artists and artist teams who live in the West Coast.

Given the project’s focus on Japanese American heritage and leadership, proposals from

Artist/Artists Teams involved within the Japanese community are encouraged but not required. Preference will be given for being an SJSU alumni, or a local resident will be especially valued.

Resume, Portfolio, and References (100 points)

The degree to which the Proposers demonstrate the qualifications, experiences, and references that align with projects of a comparable scope and scale. This will be determined through the submitted resume(s), portfolio(s), and references within their proposal. The SJSU

Official Representative will contact references for evidence of success.

5.5 Finalists Selection

5.5.1 Remembrance & Resistance Committee: Artist Selection Process

“Remembrance & Resistance Committee”: The "Remembrance & Resistance Committee" functions as the representatives of the larger Mural Advisory Committee, consisting of

SJSU-RFP-00000831-2026 - Never Again is Now! SJSU Mural Project Page 26 of 35 students, staff, faculty, alumni and Japantown community members. The purpose as a committee is to ensure the stories and voices of community and faculty members affected during February 1942 to the present—are properly amplified, preserved, and heard by past, present, and future Spartans and the San José community through this permanent mural.

The Remembrance & Resistance Committee will review and evaluate all submitted proposals to select finalists who will be invited to submit more detailed conceptual proposals for their artwork. Below is the detailed process:

5.5.2 Round 1: Application Review

● Initial Review: Your online application and website will be reviewed to ensure completeness and adherence to submission requirements. If your submission is approved, you will be notified.

5.5.3 Round 2: In-Person Interview

● Interview: If approved, you will be invited to an in-person interview to present your portfolio to the Remembrance & Resistance Committee. This provides an opportunity for you to discuss your background, work, and the vision behind your proposal.

5.5.4 Round 3: Finalist Stipend & Proposal Development

● Finalists Selection: Selected finalists will receive a stipend from Associated Students to develop their proposals. Finalists will be expected to submit:

○ A detailed proposal, including the artist’s vision for the mural.

○ An estimated budget, timeline, and maintenance plan for the mural.

● Community Input Meetings: Finalists will be scheduled for community input meetings to gather feedback from the community and advisory panel, helping to shape the proposal.

Artists are expected to meet with SJSU stakeholders and committees during these sessions.

5.5.5 Round 4: Final Proposal Submission

● Revised Proposals: Finalists will present their revised designs to the advisory committee and campus stakeholders. The final design for the mural will be selected based on these presentations.

5.5.6 Finalists Selection

The Remembrance & Resistance RFP Selection Committee will choose four finalists to advance to the next stage of the selection process. Each finalist will be required to submit the following materials to help determine the final artist/team selected:

● A draft rendering of the proposed artwork for the full mural location.

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● A written description explaining the intention, nuance, and story behind the proposed design.

Additionally, each finalist will be interviewed by the Remembrance & Resistance RFP

Selection Committee, where applicants will have the opportunity to showcase, explain, and discuss their designs.

After completing all finalist interviews, the Remembrance & Resistance RFP Selection

Committee will determine the final artist/team to be awarded the contract to execute the mural.

5.5.7 Process Overview

1. Initial Screening: Proposals are reviewed for completeness and adherence to submission requirements.

2. Semi-Finalist Selection: The top 8 proposals will be invited for interviews and concept discussions.

3. Finalist Selection: The top 4 finalists will receive stipends to develop detailed concept designs, including:

○ A refined mural rendering.

○ A narrative describing the design’s historical and artistic intent.

○ Feedback from community engagement sessions incorporated into the design.

4. Community Input: Finalists will participate in public engagement sessions to refine their proposals.

5. Final Presentations: Finalists will present their revised designs to the Remembrance &

Resistance RFP Selection Committee and stakeholders.

6. Contract Award: One artist or team will be selected to execute the mural.

5.5.8 Stipends for Finalists from Associated Students

● Finalist Artist: $2,000.

● Three Additional Finalists: $1,000 each.

Campus Stakeholders groups at SJSU that the Mural Advisory will work with that Artist that must receive approval to install the art.

1. SU Facilities & Program Committee. This committee focuses on the location and the mural’s relationship and relevance to SJSU’s student population and culture.

2. Campus Art Committee. This committee focuses specifically on the proposed artwork, design, history, and intention.

3. Campus Planning Board. This group focuses on both the design and the location, ensuring that both are aligned with the University's goals and Master Plan.

If you have any questions, please contact Nina Chuang at sjsujamural@gmail.com.

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5.6 Special Considerations:

1. The act of submitting a proposal is a declaration that the proposer has read the RFP and understands all of the requirements and conditions.

2. The selected Artist/Artist Team must comply with all applicable codes and regulations as well as campus policies applicable to the work effort (i.e. safety, cleaning, disposal of materials, etc.).

3. While conducting the installation effort, the selected Artist/Artist Team must not interfere with nor disrupt the safe passage of vehicles or pedestrians along this essential campus thoroughfare.

4. The selection of any proposed artwork is conditioned by available budgets, construction project schedules, maintenance, and safety issues as determined by San José State

University.

5. The Remembrance & Resistance Committee Committee reserves the right at any time to supplement, amend, or otherwise modify this solicitation and to request additional or supplemental information or proposals from any or all participating artists. The

Remembrance & Resistance Committee further reserves the right to request that respondents make presentations to the necessary University Committees or community groups, as deemed appropriate.

6. Issuance of this RFP does not obligate SJSU to award a contract, nor is the University liable for any costs incurred by any proposer in the preparation and submission of proposals for the subject work.

7. Must comply with all SJSU vendor procedures, safety precautions, and operational agreements.

8. SJSU reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of work, any or all proposals or any part thereof submitted in connection with this solicitation, to waive any defect or technicality, and to advertise for new proposals where the acceptance, rejection, waiver, or advertisement would be in the interest of SJSU. If, regardless of the reason, the contract for the commission of the artworks is not executed within ninety days of the giving of notification that an Artist/Artist Team has been selected, the Remembrance

& Resistance Committee reserves the right to either terminate the selection of the

Artist/Artist Team or to extend the period of negotiation. The University also reserves the right to negotiate unacceptable provisions incorporated within an otherwise acceptable proposal.

5.7 Post-Evaluation

After all Proposals have been evaluated, the University may negotiate with any Proposer who, in their judgment, may serve their interests. The University reserves the right to terminate any negotiations with any Proposer at any time.

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5.8 Award or Rejection

All qualified Proposals will be evaluated. The University intends to award one (1) contract to the proposer whose proposal is determined to offer the highest qualifications and best value to the University. Any award made is subject to a signed Contract. If a Contract between the

Contractor and the University cannot be negotiated and consummated in a timely fashion to the University's satisfaction, the award may be withdrawn. The University reserves the right to withdraw the award at any time for any reason during the Contract negotiation process.

Any changes to the Contract must be mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and the

University in writing. In the event the successful…