Request for Proposals (RFP)

Wayfinding Planning and Design Services

Issue Date: July 11, 2025

Due Date: August 22, 2025

Budget: $70,000

INTRODUCTION

Downtown Tulsa Partnership (DTP), in coordination with the City of Tulsa, seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide planning and design services for the evaluation, modernization, and expansion of Downtown Tulsa's existing wayfinding signage system. The selected consultant will lead a comprehensive process to analyze the legacy 2008 system, engage stakeholders, and propose a contemporary, multimodal, and district-aware signage framework for Downtown.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

In 2008, a comprehensive static signage system was implemented in Downtown Tulsa to improve navigation for drivers and pedestrians, timed with the opening of the BOK Center. Designed by Corbin Design, the system included vehicular guides, parking signs, and pedestrian information kiosks. While functional, the system now lacks support for newer districts, digital integration, multimodal travel, and modern branding practices. Downtown Tulsa has evolved with the emergence of eight distinct districts and new mobility patterns. A refreshed system is needed to reflect today's Downtown experience.

Photos of the Current Wayfinding System

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected consultant will be responsible for the following:

1. Evaluation of Existing System
   • Existing inventory of signs, condition, placement, and functionality
   • Assess effectiveness of current signage (vehicle, pedestrian, parking)
   • Evaluate visibility, accessibility, ADA compliance, and branding alignment
   • Evaluate feasibility to repurpose, supplement with added signs, retrofit and/or fully replace existing inventory
2. Stakeholder & Public Engagement
   • Facilitate engagement with stakeholders, including DTP, City of Tulsa, business and property owners, district leaders, and residents
   • Conduct at least two public workshops or pop-ups for input and feedback. Ideally, there will be one workshop to solicit feedback and to inform during the design process and then one workshop to present the new designs.
   • Provide digital tools for gathering feedback using an online survey, interactive maps, or social media outreach.
3. Strategic Framework.
• Clear district branding identity (e.g., Deco, Cathedral District, Blue Dome)
• Multimodal integration (visible/accessible from bike/scooter, transit, pedestrian, vehicle experiences)
• Real-time information opportunities (digital parking, events, mapping, advertising)
• Design a scalable, modular wayfinding system that uses standardized components — such as poles and mounting brackets — that can be easily adapted with district-specific signage to support future expansion beyond downtown.
• Recommendations for incorporating digital wayfinding, app connectivity, and QR/NFC technologies
• Identify opportunities for storytelling, cultural interpretation, and public art integration
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with City of Tulsa and/or local signage shop for easily updated signage
4. Design Concepts
   • Develop at least three distinct design concepts with sample mockups for signage families (vehicular, pedestrian, digital, gateway, etc.)
   • Recommend colors, typography, iconography, and fabrication materials
   • Ensure concepts meet or exceed ADA, MUTCD, and CPTED standards
   • Meaningfully scope ability to retrofit, repurpose and maximize existing infrastructure
5. Phased Implementation Plan
• Prioritize high-impact updates and expansion
• Provide cost estimates for design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance
• Identify potential funding sources and phasing strategies
6. Final Deliverables
   • Wayfinding System Master Plan (PDF + Word or InDesign)
   • Existing and proposed signage location plan (GIS-compatible files)
   • Design specifications and fabrication-ready guidelines
   • Summary of public engagement and stakeholder feedback
   • Cost matrix and implementation roadmap
   • Maintenance Plan for implemented systems

PROJECT TIMELINE

RFP Issued — Friday July 18, 2025

Questions about RFP Deadline — Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Questions Addendum — Monday, August 4, 2025

Proposals Due — Friday, August 22, 2025

Interviews (if needed) — Week of September 1, 2025

Selection Announced — Friday, September 19, 2025

Contract Execution — Friday, October 3, 2025

Project Kickoff — Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Draft Concepts Delivered — Friday, February 27, 2026

Final Deliverables Due — Friday, March 27, 2026

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals should not exceed 25 pages (excluding appendices) and must include:

• Firm Qualifications & Relevant Experience
• Experience with urban wayfinding and branding
• Work in similar downtowns or with BIDs/municipalities
• Team Composition
• Key personnel, roles, and resumes
• Project Understanding & Approach
• Public Engagement Strategy
• Work Plan & Timeline
• Fee Proposal
• References (minimum of three comparable clients)

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Relevant Experience & Qualifications — 30%

Project Approach & Creativity — 25%

Public Engagement Strategy — 15%

Work Plan & Timeline — 15%

Fee Proposal — 15%

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Please submit your proposal electronically in PDF format to:

Jody King
Public Realm Manager
Downtown Tulsa Partnership
Jody@downtowntulsa.com
(918) 537-0228

Deadline: Friday, August 22, 2025, by 5:00 P.M. CDT

QUESTIONS

Questions regarding this RFP should be submitted by Wednesday, July 30, 2025, to the contact above. Answers will be posted publicly or shared with all interested firms by the end-of-day Monday, August 4, 2025.