Request for Information for Ceramics Studio Operations and Programming for the Dublin Arts Center

CITY OF DUBLIN
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Ceramics Studio Operations and Programming
Dublin Arts Center
Responses must be received by: June 5, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
City of Dublin, Parks and Community Services Department
Attn: Ben Keisic | DAC Ceramics Studio
City of Dublin
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin, California 94568
(925) 556-4558
ben.keisic@dublin.ca.gov
1. Overview
The City of Dublin ("City") is issuing this Request for Information ("RFI") to gauge interest,
gather ideas, and identify qualified organizations or individuals who may be capable of operating
and programming the Ceramics Studio at the Dublin DAC.
The City has not yet determined its preferred operating model for the Ceramics Studio.
This RFI is issued to gather market insight and inform the City's decision regarding the
appropriate service delivery approach. Issuance of this RFI does not obligate the City to select a
respondent, enter into negotiations, issue a Request for Proposals or Request for Qualifications,
or award a contract, but the City may, at its discretion, invite one or more respondents to enter
negotiations. The City will not pay for any costs incurred in preparation or submission of
responses to this RFI.
This is not a competitive bid or proposal process. No contract will be awarded solely on the
basis of responses to this RFI.
2. Guiding Principles
The Dublin Arts Center is guided by core operational principles of Access, Collaboration, and
Trust, which shape all programming and partnership decisions.

Access. The DAC is committed to ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to
create, exhibit, perform, and experience art. Programming is intended to be inclusive,
accessible, and affordable, serving those who live, work, study, and play in Dublin and the
surrounding Tri-Valley region. The City seeks programming and instructors that reflect the
cultural diversity of the community.
Collaboration. The DAC values strong partnerships with instructors, artists, and organizations
serving City neighborhoods. The City seeks partners or operators who will engage
collaboratively and deliver high-quality programming responsive to community demand and
evolving arts trends.
Trust. The DAC is intended to be a welcoming, well-maintained, multi-purpose arts facility that
operates with professionalism and financial responsibility. The City is committed to sustainable
operations that support long-term community benefit while minimizing reliance on General Fund
subsidy.
3. Vision for Success
While the City has not yet determined the final operational model for the Ceramics Studio, the
City envisions a successful program as one that:
* Provides accessible, inclusive, and affordable arts programming for City residents.
* Reflects the cultural diversity of the community through instructors and class offerings.
* Activates both the Ceramics Studio and Arts Yard effectively and safely.
* Offers high-quality instruction and positive participant experiences.
* Demonstrates financial responsibility and a sustainable operating approach.
* Functions as a collaborative partner within the broader Dublin Arts Center.
Respondents are encouraged to describe how their experience and proposed approach would
support these outcomes.
4. Project Description
The Dublin Arts Center Ceramics Studio is envisioned as a community-serving facility offering
inclusive, high-quality ceramics programming for a variety of ages and skill levels. Potential
activities may include, but are not limited to:
* Introductory, intermediate, and advanced ceramics classes and workshops.
* Open studio and supervised studio access.
* Youth, teen, adult, and senior programming.
* Skill-building series, specialty workshops, and short-term intensives.
* Community engagement and outreach activities.

Programming is expected to support participants ranging from beginner to advanced levels and
to foster artistic growth within a welcoming, community-focused environment. The City seeks to
understand how an experienced operator or partner would approach programming, staffing,
scheduling, safety, and collaboration within a municipal arts center environment.
5. Potential Operating Models
The City is interested in learning about a range of potential operating structures. Respondents
may propose or discuss one or more of the following models:
* In-house city-managed operations with contract instructors.
* Contracted operator model (single entity manages studio operations under a services
agreement).
* Nonprofit partnership (shared operational responsibilities between the City and a
nonprofit organization).
* Revenue-sharing arrangement.
* Facility lease or license agreement.
* Hybrid approaches combining elements of the above.
The City intends to utilize its recreation registration software for program enrollment and to
promote approved programming through official City channels, including the City recreation
guide and website. Respondents should clearly state any assumptions regarding registration,
fee collection, revenue distribution, facility access, staffing responsibilities, and City support.
Respondents are encouraged to identify the operating model(s) they believe would be most
effective for a ceramics studio within a municipal arts center environment, and to explain the
basis for that recommendation.

Dublin Arts Center Floor Plan

6. Facility Information
Preliminary facility and equipment information is provided in Exhibit A (Facilities Specifications)
for planning purposes only and may be subject to change. Key details include:
* Interior studio area of approximately 1,232 square feet in a garage-style configuration
with direct access to the Arts Yard.
* Adjacent outdoor Arts Yard of approximately 1,029 square feet for expanded or weather-
dependent programming.
* Eight ceramics wheels and two electric kilns (City-provided).
* Worktables, storage shelving, handwashing and cleanup areas.
* Building hours:
Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
o
Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
o
Respondents should identify any additional equipment, infrastructure, or facility modifications
they would recommend to successfully operate the studio.
7. RFI Response Requirements
Please prepare and organize your Statement of Information based on the requirements
provided below. Any other information you would like to include should be placed in a separate
section at the back of your Statement of Information. Please note however that the RFI
submittal is limited to 15 pages maximum single sided (excluding resumes) and should be
submitted on 8 12 x 11 paper, in 12-point font. Page limit excludes a table of contents, tabbed
dividers, and resumes for Consultant's team. Respondents are requested to submit electronic
copies by emailed PDF attachment only. Please do not submit via Cloud-based systems or
links.
Respondents are requested to address the following:
1. Cover Letter. A cover letter (one page maximum) describing interest in the Ceramics Studio
opportunity, relevant qualifications, and the name and contact information of the person
authorized to communicate on behalf of the respondent. Include the cover letter within the
body of the document.
2. Qualifications and Experience. Describe the qualifications and experience of the
respondent organization or individual, with emphasis on experience operating ceramics
studios, arts facilities, or similar community-based programs.
3. References. Provide at least three (3) references (names, current phone numbers, and
email addresses) from recent work (within the previous five years) similar to the services
described in this RFI. Include a brief description of the work performed and the respondent's
role.

4. Key Personnel. List key staff members, including identification of the primary point of
contact, instructor oversight, and operational support.
5. Suggested Operating Approach. Provide a high-level description of how the Ceramics
Studio could be operated in a public arts center, including the respondent's recommended
operating model, programming concepts, staffing approach, community engagement
strategy, and any assumptions regarding registration, revenue, materials, and City support.
6. Financial Approach. Describe the respondent's general approach to financial sustainability,
including assumptions about revenue sources, cost recovery, fee structures, and any
anticipated need for City subsidy or in-kind support.
7. Insurance and Agreement Considerations. A sample of the City's standard contract terms
and insurance requirements are provided as Exhibit B for informational purposes only.
Respondents are asked to review these materials and note any concerns or requested
exceptions. This information will help the City evaluate the feasibility of various operating
models and adjust requirements for any future solicitation. Full contract terms and insurance
requirements for a future agreement will depend on the operating model selected and will be
tailored accordingly. Exceptions or questions to the standard contract terms or insurance
requirements shall be specifically noted in the description for the suggested operating
approach.
8. Process and General Conditions
Submission
Respondents shall submit an electronic copy by emailed PDF attachment to:
City of Dublin, Parks and Community Services Department
Attn: Ben Keisic, Parks and Community Services Manager
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: (925) 556-4558
Email: ben.keisic@dublin.ca.gov
Responses must be received no later than June 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to the Parks and
Community Services Department at 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568. Any response
submitted after the stated deadline will not be accepted for consideration.
Schedule (Tentative, Subject to Change)
April 6, 2026, Request for Information Issued.
May 27, 2026, Deadline to submit questions to City of Dublin.
May 29, 2026, Addendum posted (if required).

June 5, 2026, RFI Responses are due no later than 4:00 PM on June 12 at the
offices of the City of Dublin, Parks and Community Services
Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568. Late submittals
will not be accepted.
July 2026 Interviews with respondents (optional).
August 2026 Council consideration (approval if required).
Review and Next Steps
Responses will be reviewed by a subcommittee of City staff. Based on responses received, the
City may, at its sole discretion and consistent with its internal policies:
(a) Invite one or more respondents to enter direct negotiations to contract as the
Ceramics Studio operator;
(b) Issue a formal Request for Proposals or Request for Qualifications;
(c) Request additional information from one or more respondents;
(d) Determine that in-house operations is the preferred approach; or
(e) Take no further action.
Issuance of this RFI creates no obligation on the part of the City to take any further
action. The City reserves the right to reject any and all submittals without penalty.
9. Evaluation Criteria
Submitted responses will be reviewed and evaluated by City staff. Evaluation may include, but
is not limited to, the following criteria:
1. Relevant Experience and Operational Capacity
* Demonstrated experience operating ceramics studios, arts facilities, or similar
community-based programs.
* Experience managing facilities of comparable size, equipment, and instructional
capacity.
* Ability to oversee safe and effective use of specialized equipment, including kilns and
ceramics wheels.
2. Programming Quality and Alignment with DAC Principles
* Demonstrated commitment to access, including inclusive, affordable, and community-
serving programming.
* Ability to reflect the cultural diversity of the City through instructors and class offerings.
* Experience providing programming across a range of skill levels, from beginner to
advanced.

* Capacity to activate both indoor and outdoor spaces effectively and safely.
3. Collaboration and Professionalism
* Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with public agencies, instructors, artists,
and community partners.
* Professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to maintain a positive working relationship
with City staff.
* Experience operating within municipal or publicly accountable environments.
4. Staffing and Operational Approach
* Qualifications of key personnel, including instructors, technical staff, and management.
* Clear understanding of scheduling, supervision, safety protocols, and coordination within
established building hours.
* Ability to adapt programming, pricing structures, and operational approaches in
response to community needs and City policy direction.
5. Financial Responsibility and Sustainability
* Demonstrated understanding of sustainable operating models.
* Experience balancing accessibility with financial responsibility.
* Clarity of assumptions regarding registration, revenue distribution, and operational costs.
6. Quality and Completeness of Submission
* Clarity, organization, and responsiveness of the submission.
* Satisfaction of previous clients or partners, as evidenced by references.
10. Insurance Requirements
The insurance requirements listed below reflect the City's standard insurance requirements for a
contract of this nature. The final insurance requirements will depend on the operating model
selected and will be tailored to the scope of services and risk profile of the chosen approach.
Respondents are encouraged to note any concerns regarding insurability or feasibility,
particularly for nonprofit organizations or individual operators.
Standard Insurance Levels (Subject to Adjustment):
* General Liability Insurance: $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 general
aggregate (per project or location).
* Automobile Liability Insurance: $2,000,000 each accident, or $1,000,000 each
accident if the vendor will not be driving to provide these services.
* Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability Insurance: $1,000,000 each
accident or disease if the vendor has any employees.

* Sexual Abuse and Molestation Liability: $1,000,000 per claim.
If the respondent anticipates difficulty meeting any of these requirements, the respondent
should describe the concern and suggest alternative coverage levels or risk-mitigation
approaches. The City will take this information into account when determining the appropriate
insurance framework for the selected operating model.
11. Conflict of Interest
Respondents must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in working for the City. This
includes, but is not limited to, a list of clients who are the following: Private clients located or
operating within the City of Dublin limits, Dublin San Ramon Service District, US Army Camp
Parks and/or the County of Alameda, and a brief description of work for these clients.
Respondents must also identify any other clients (including public entities) that may pose a
potential conflict of interest.
This disclosure must cover potential conflicts of interest within the year prior to the release of
this RFI, as well as current and future commitments to other projects.
Principals and those performing work for the City may be required to submit a California Fair
Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Form 700: Statement of Economic Interests
documenting potential financial conflicts of interest. For additional information, proposers should
refer to the FPPC website at http://www.fppc.ca.gov/Form700.html.
12. Equal Employment Opportunity
Respondents shall not, on the basis of any classification protected by applicable federal, state,
or local law, either discriminate or permit discrimination against any employee or applicant for
employment. Protected classifications include, but are not limited to, race, color, sex, gender,
gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical
condition, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, and
military or veteran status.
13. Governing Law
This RFI summarizes applicable laws and governance. When in conflict, applicable state and
federal guidelines shall apply. Any future contract or agreement and the legal relations between
the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
California.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Facilities Specifications for the Ceramics Studio.
Exhibit B: Standard Contract Terms Template; the final agreement type and terms will be
determined by the City based on the operating model selected).

EXHIBIT A
FACILITY SPECIFICATIONS
Dublin Arts Center, Ceramics Studio
Purpose
This document provides preliminary facility and equipment information for respondents to the
City of Dublin's Request for Information (RFI) for Ceramics Studio operations. Information is
provided for planning purposes only and may be subject to change.
Ceramics Studio Space
* Interior Area: 1,232 square feet
* Configuration: Garage-style studio space
* Access: Large access door connecting directly to the Arts Yard
* Primary Use: Instructional classes, workshops, and supervised studio activities
The Ceramics Studio is designed to support flexible arts programming and may accommodate a
variety of instructional formats depending on class type, materials, and participant count.
Studio Layout
Final layout and configuration will be confirmed prior to operation, but the Ceramics Studio is
anticipated to include the following functional areas:
* Instruction and worktables
* Pottery wheel area
* Kiln room (ventilated per code requirements)
* Glazing and finishing area
* Clay and materials storage
* Handwashing and cleanup areas
Arts Yard
* Outdoor Area: 1,029 square feet
* Location: Immediately adjacent to the Ceramics Studio
* Use: Outdoor instruction, messy or material-intensive activities, and expanded class
capacity
Classes may occur in the Arts Yard weather-, air-quality-, and program-dependent, and may be
used independently or in conjunction with the indoor studio. Instructional capacity will vary
based on program type, equipment configuration, and layout. As currently configured, the studio
includes eight (8) ceramics wheels and multiple four-person worktables, allowing for:
* Wheel-based classes can serve up to eight (8) participants per session
* Table-based or mixed-media classes serving approximately 12-20 participants
depending on layout and materials
The Arts Yard may be utilized for expanded capacity, weather permitting, or for programming
that benefits from outdoor workspace. Respondents are encouraged to describe how they would
manage class sizes, supervision, and safety within the existing square footage.