Fine Arts Appraiser

The City of Ocala, located in Marion County, Florida, is soliciting proposals through Invitation to Bid (ITB# GRM/260113) for a Fine Arts Appraiser to provide professional appraisal services for the city's permanent public art collection. The project requires an experienced and qualified appraiser to conduct comprehensive valuations of 91 artworks, including 12 Horse Fever items, 37 murals, and 26 sculptures, for insurance replacement purposes. Deliverables include on-site assessments, minimal condition reporting, and USPAP-compliant appraisal reports presenting findings in alphabetical order by artist last name, with photographic documentation of each artwork. Bidders must demonstrate five years of professional art appraisal experience, hold current active membership in a recognized professional appraisal organization, and maintain specific insurance requirements. The City will provide a complete inventory listing, provenance information, and access to artwork locations. Proposals must be submitted via email to bids@ocalafl.gov by November 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M., with on-site assessments to be completed by March 2, 2026, and final reports due within eight weeks of site visits. The contract is expected to be awarded by April 27, 2026.

The solicitation does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. While the procurement documents do not list an incumbent vendor, they require that the selected appraiser perform a minimum of 70% of work with their own forces, with any sub-consultant services requiring advance City approval. The pricing structure is based on hourly rates for on-site visits and report preparation, with bidders required to submit a comprehensive price proposal covering all direct and indirect project costs. The City will provide payment terms including an initial payment of up to 10% of negotiated costs within 30 days of contract execution and final payment upon City acceptance of deliverables. Though specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project involving 91 artworks suggests a substantial investment in professional appraisal services. The evaluation criteria will focus on meeting all stated requirements, qualifications, and submitting the lowest responsive bid that meets the City's specifications.