2 bronze statues

The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) is conducting a competitive solicitation for a Washington-based sculpture foundry to cast two 9-foot bronze statues of Nisqually leader Billy Frank, Jr. The statues will be commissioned for two distinct locations: the National Statuary Hall in Washington DC and the Capitol Campus in Olympia, Washington. Each statue will be cast in silicon bronze with internal stainless-steel armatures, mounted on 2-foot pedestals, and feature intricate details including cultural items like a fishing net and traditional blanket. The project allows bidders three options for creating statue patterns: subcontracting with Form 3D Foundry, using their high-resolution scan, or completing the scanning/molding process independently. Evaluation criteria include technical capabilities, pricing (with the lowest bid receiving maximum points), and overall contractor responsibility. The solicitation was posted on July 17, 2025, with a virtual pre-bid conference scheduled for July 24, 2025, and a bid submission deadline of August 20, 2025. The contract term is up to 24 months, with expectations that the first statue will be completed in 15 months and the second in 18 months.

The solicitation provides opportunities for diverse business inclusion, with voluntary participation from minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses registered in Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). While diversity participation is not mandatory, bidders are encouraged to develop comprehensive outreach strategies to engage diverse subcontractors. Additional preference points are available for Washington small businesses and certified veteran-owned businesses, in alignment with Executive Order 18-03. The total projected budget for the project is $250,000 for full-service casting of both statues, with specific requirements for bronze alloy composition (CDA 873 or CDA 876), surface treatments, and technical specifications. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, including commercial general liability ($2M per occurrence), workers' compensation, employer's liability, commercial automobile liability, and property insurance. Awarded contractors will be required to meet annually with ArtsWA to discuss their inclusion goals, and the project emphasizes local preference by specifically seeking a Washington-based sculpture foundry.