Professional Services (E32890) – Approve an ordinance awarding a Professional Services agreement to Underground Planet Art Studio LLC d/b/a Up Art Studio in the maximum contract amount of $395,000.00 to provide art-related services for the management of the City’s traffic signal control cabinet mural program for the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Houston Public Works.
Specific Explanation:
The Directors of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs and Houston Public Works and the Chief Procurement Officer recommend that City Council approve an ordinance awarding a professional services agreement for a two-year term with two one-year options to Underground Planet Art Studio LLC d/b/a UP Art Studio LLC in the maximum contract amount of $395,000.00 to provide art-related services for the management of City’s traffic signal control cabinet mural program for the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Houston Public Works.
The Traffic Signal Control Cabinet (TSCC) art program is an initiative to bring public art to more neighborhoods in the City of Houston. The program is overseen by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) and Houston Public Works (HPW) and is a collaborative program among mural sponsors, the managing entity, and various City departments and City Council Offices. MOCA is the point of contact for the program and coordinates with all entities and City Council Offices regarding murals scheduled for completion within City Council District(s).
The murals use a range of styles and imagery that enliven the city streets where they are placed for the benefit of residents and visitors and to curb graffiti and vandalism. The program has proven to be a cost effective and nimble intervention to bring art to more areas of the city. The program is funded through the City and outside sponsorships, which in the past have come from Houston City Council Member offices, management districts, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and grant making organizations. Underground Planet Art (UP Art) Studio provides professional project management services to supervise artists for the design and painting of murals.
The first TSCC Art Project was installed at the intersection of Spring and Sawyer on April 15, 2015, and was sponsored by the Washington Avenue Arts District. Beginning in May of 2015, several TSCC Art Projects were installed throughout District K in a pilot project sponsored by the late Council Member Larry Green. Since its inception, and prior to this authorization, the program has resulted in more than 360 new murals in the Greater Houston Area.
This recommendation is made pursuant to subsection 252.022(a)(4) of the Texas Local Government Code, which provides that "a procurement for personal, professional, or planning services" is exempt from the competitive requirements for purchases.
MWBE Participation:
Zero-percentage goal-document approved by the Office of Business Opportunity.
Hire Houston First:
This procurement is exempt from the City’s Hire Houston First Ordinance. Bids/proposals were not solicited because the department is utilizing a professional services procurement justification for this purchase.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY24 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
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______________________________________
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Jedediah Greenfield, Chief Procurement Officer
Finance/Strategic Purchasing Division
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Department Approval Authority
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Estimated Spending Authority:
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Department
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FY2024
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Out Years
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Total
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General Government
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$197,500.00
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$197,500.00
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$395,000.00
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