City Collection Audit Researcher

The City of Pittsburgh's Department of City Planning (DCP) is seeking a City Collection Audit Researcher through Request for Proposal #2022-RFP-231 to conduct a comprehensive audit of the city's public art collection. The project involves assessing over 160 permanent and limited-term artworks, monuments, memorials, and historic objects, with a specific focus on identifying inequities within the city's public art narrative. The ideal candidate will have a background in research or academics and have completed at least one prior research project. The researcher will work closely with the Public History, Art, & Design Division (PHAD) and an Advisory Committee to create and direct the audit process. Proposals will be evaluated based on three key criteria: background and statement of interest (40%), qualifications and experience (30%), and project approach and plan (30%). The project is estimated to take twelve weeks, requiring 20-24 hours per week, with the proposal submission deadline of December 16, 2022, at 5:00 pm. The anticipated contract award was expected in December 2022.

The contract demonstrates a commitment to supporting diverse business participation, with specific encouragement for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. The total compensation for the project is $15,000, which covers all project elements, including insurance, travel, and potential subcontractor costs. Payment will be structured in two installments: the first payment will be issued after legal agreements are executed, and the final payment will be made upon successful project completion. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the city appears to be seeking a flexible, research-oriented professional who can provide an objective and comprehensive analysis of the public art collection. The procurement is open to individual researchers and small firms with demonstrated expertise in public art, history, and cultural assessment. The project's focus on identifying inequities suggests a broader institutional commitment to reviewing and potentially reimagining the city's cultural representations.