1240BF21Q0087 MV Chugach Interpretive Exhibits.pdf

1240BF21Q0087 – Tongass National Forest – Wrangell, AK (M/V Chugach Exhibit)

M/V Chugach Interpretive Exhibits

1240BF21Q0087

ISSUING OFFICE: (Forest Service Unit Name) Issue Date:

Tongass National Forest 8510 Mendenhall Loop Rd Juneau, AK

08/19/2021

Financial obligations and payments shall be processed via the Issuing Office.

PROJECT:

M/V Chugach – Interpretive Exhibits and Panels (Wrangell, AK)

Response Date/Time (close of business unless otherwise shown):

Offers due via email by 09/27/2021 @ 12:00PM (Alaska Time)

OFFER:

Offeror Name (same as on contract) Offered by (Name, Title, Phone):

Offered Amounts attached in Section B. Authorized Signature:

DATE:

DUNS:

EMAIL:

GSA Contract #:

This is a firm offer for 30 calendar days from the Response Date/Time.

ITEM

NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAY

UNIT EST QTY TOTAL

0001 Planning & design of interpretive exhibits for the MV Chugach EA 1

Develop conceptual designs for associated infrastructure around the MV Chugach (exterior walkway, viewing platform and shelter for the vessel)

EA 1

0003 Fabricate the panels/exhibits EA 10 0004 Ship the panels/exhibits to Wrangell, AK LS 1

BASE TOTAL

ITEM

NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAY

UNIT EST QTY TOTAL

1001 Design & fabricate remaining off-site or virtual interpretive elements EA 3

1002 Installation of all on-site interpretive panels/exhibits in Wrangell, AK EA 10

OPTION TOTAL

GRAND TOTAL

EA - EACH

LS - LUMP SUM

Award anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

1240BF21Q0087

Alaska Regional Office

PROJECT TITLE: M/V Chugach Interpretive Exhibits

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Period of Performance Base Year: 10/01/21 – 06/30/22

Period of Performance Option Year 1: 01/01/22 – 06/30/22

Statement of Work

Project M/V Chugach Interpretive Exhibits

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

This statement of work consists of two distinct requirements. The base requirement is for all required labor, transportation, supplies, incidentals, and supervision required to:

a. plan and design interpretive panels/exhibits for the M/V Chugach located in Wrangell, AK.

b. conceptual designs for associated infrastructure around the M/V Chugach (exterior walkway, viewing platform, and shelter for the vessel)

c. fabricate the panels/exhibits

d. ship the panels/exhibits to Wrangell, AK

The exact number of panels will be determined through this task order; however, the Forest Service anticipates approximately three to four (3-4) outdoor panels (located on the grounds of the Wrangell Museum), approximately three to four (3-4) small indoor panels (located in the interior portion of the M/V Chugach and approximately one (1) interior panel (located inside of the Wrangell Museum). The Contractor will make a recommendation on the final numbers and types of signs for final approval by the Forest Service.

The option, if exercised, will be for all required labor, transportation, supplies, incidentals, and supervision required to:

a. design and fabricate remaining off-site or virtual key interpretive elements identified during the planning phase of this project.

b. installation of the on-site interpretive panels/exhibit in Wrangell, AK.

2.0 Background

The M/V Chugach is a 62-foot wooden-hulled crew vessel owned by the Forest Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The vessel was built in 1925 and is the last wooden ranger boat in the Forest Service fleet. Continued operation of the M/V Chugach as part of the Forest Service fleet was no longer practicable. The Forest Service conducted an extensive alternative use feasibility study 2015- 2016 to identify a new use for the M/V Chugach that preserves her historic integrity and presents opportunities to share with the public her history of service.

During the feasibility study's public comment period, the City and Borough of Wrangell produced a viable proposal to work with the Forest Service to preserve and interpret the M/V Chugach at the city and borough-owned Wrangell Museum, housed within the Nolan Center.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Task #1 Attend and Participate in Pre-work Meeting, Site Visit and Stakeholder Meeting

1. Key Personnel from the Contractor’s staff will participate in a two-hour pre-work meeting to be hosted by the Forest Service upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed. The date for the meeting will be agreed to by both parties but will need to take place within 10 days of the project award. The meeting will take place virtually. The coordination of the meeting will be the responsibility of the Forest Service. The Contractor must be prepared to actively participate in the meeting and lead a discussion of the total time frame for the preparation of project deliverables.

2. The Contractor will conduct an on-site visit to meet with the Forest Service’s point of contact and key personnel. Contractor will work with the Forest Service to determine the best date for the site visit. During this site visit the Contractor will observe the site conditions, inspect exhibit spaces, and verify measurements. Please note that some of these exhibit spaces include the interior space of the M/V Chugach. The vessel is currently shrink wrapped to protect it from the elements, so access is limited.

3. To minimize travel costs and make the most efficient use of time, the Contractor will conduct an 8-hour stakeholders’ meeting in conjunction with the site visit. The coordination of the meeting will be the responsibility of the Forest Service. The Contractor must be prepared to actively lead a design charette with the stakeholders that focuses on identifying the following:

a. Project vision

b. Project parameters

c. Key themes and messages

d. Interpretive goals and objectives

Contractor will be responsible for taking notes from the meeting that include identifying participants, summarizing the issues discussed and describing any decisions reached. Notes are due within 5 business days of the meeting.

Task #2 Project Plan and Management:

1. The Contractor will prepare the project schedule that includes milestones, review timelines and cost estimates after the site visit has been conducted.

2. The Contractor will, in consultation with the Forest Service, schedule and conduct progress review meetings, approximately one per month, lasting approx. 1 hour. Meetings will be held virtually, and the Contractor will be responsible for taking meeting notes that identify participants, summarize the issues discussed, and describing any agreements or decisions reached. Notes are due within 2 business days of the meeting.

Task #3 Exhibit Planning and Design:

1. After initial consultation, site visit, stakeholder meeting and review of available materials, the contractor will prepare a conceptual design plan for review. This conceptual design plan will include:

• project vision and parameters

• key themes and messages

• interpretive goals and objectives

• preliminary design layouts and text for interpretive panels/exhibits

• conceptual ideas for any off-site or virtual interpretive products identified

• conceptual designs for associated infrastructure around the M/V Chugach (exterior walkway, viewing platform, and shelter for the vessel)

Designs should include available space inside the Nolan center, exterior space outside the Nolan Center and around the M/V Chugach and interior space inside the M/V Chugach, as appropriate.

2. Based upon the approved conceptual design plan, the contractor will develop final designs for the interpretive exhibits identified. Contractor will be responsible for the research necessary to convey the identified key messages and themes. The Contractor will also be responsible for the interpretive writing, developing original artwork as needed and acquiring any additional images required that are not supplied by the Forest Service. The Contractor will acquire the rights to any copyright images used in the exhibits and all original artwork created by the Contractor for this project will become the property of the Forest Service and may be used for other publication or products supporting the Forest Service mission.

3. The Contractor will provide the Forest Service with 4 reviews of the designs – 30%, 60%, 90% & Final Draft. Drafts may be submitted via email or file transfer of pdf files.

4. The Contractor will deliver the final designs as production ready files and will provide them in the native file formats (including all links and fonts) using industry standard software – Adobe Creative Suite products. The Contractor will also provide the final designs as high-resolution pdf versions. Files may be made available for download or provided on a disk or external drive.

Task #4 Fabrication and Shipping of On-site Exhibits

1. The Contractor shall recommend fabrication materials for both interior and exterior exhibits. The Forest Service will approve all materials used prior to beginning fabrication.

Final designs for the exterior signs shall be constructed of a material sufficient to withstand extreme weather – winds, rain and temperature. Final designs for the interior signs should match the existing materials in the Wrangell Museum as much as possible.

2. Final signs and exhibits shall be fabricated by the Contractor and delivered to the Wrangell Museum:

Shipping Address: 296 Campbell Drive, Wrangell, AK 99929 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1050, Wrangell, AK 99929

Task #5 Fabrication or development of off-site interpretive products (Option Item):

1. Based upon the conceptual design plan, the Contractor will develop key interpretive products (off-site or virtual) identified as priorities by the Forest Service.

Task #6 Exhibit Installation (Option Item):

1. The Contractor will install all the exhibits identified in the base requirement including both interior and exterior exhibits with the associated sign bases and hardware necessary.

2. All work and final inspections shall be complete prior to the start of the summer visitor season in June 2022.

4.0 Government Furnished

The Forest Service will supply to the Contractor the following:

• Relevant images located in Alaska Region hard copy or digital files

• Relevant source materials such as ranger boat logs, charts, articles, interviews, past interpretive products, etc. located in Alaska Region hard copy or digital files

• National Register Nomination

• Alaska Region Ranger Boat Historic Context

• Access to current and former Forest Service Staff familiar with the M/V Chugach

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

Key Deliverables – Base Items

Item No. Deliverable Objective Due

1 Stakeholder Meeting Notes

Capture ideas, topics and issues discussed at the stakeholders’ meeting. Ref. Task 1.3

Due within five (5) business days of the meeting

Proposed Project Schedule

Defining the responsibilities, timeline, risks and milestones of contract objectives. Ref.

Task 2.1

Due within five (5) business days after the site visit

Monthly Progress Meeting Notes

Notes documenting monthly tasks & issues Ref Task 2.2

Monthly due 2 business days after the meeting takes place.

Conceptual Design Plan

Includes preliminary design ideas for interpretive exhibits on-site, off-site interpretive products and conceptual designs for on-site associated infrastructure.

Ref. Task 3.1

To be determined in the proposed Project Schedule

5 30% , 60%, 90% and Final Draft Designs

Draft designs of all on-site interpretive exhibits. Ref. Task 3.3

To be determined in the proposed Project Schedule

6 Final Designs Deliver Final designs of all on-site interpretive exhibits. Ref Task 3.4

To be determined in the proposed Project Schedule

Fabricated On-site Exhibits

Fabrication of all on-site exhibits and delivery to Wrangell, AK. Ref Task 4.2

Delivery of interpretive exhibits no later than June 15, 2022

Key Deliverables – Optional Items

Item No. Deliverable Objective Due

1 Off-site or Virtual interpretive products

Development of 1-2 key interpretive products. Ref Task 5.1

To be determined in the proposed Project Schedule

Installation of all on-site interpretive exhibits

Ref Task 6.1 Installation of interpretive exhibits no later than June 30, 2022

6.0 Travel

The Contractor will conduct a 2-day on-site visit to Wrangell, AK to observe the site conditions, inspect exhibit spaces, verify measurements, and conduct an 8-hour stakeholders’ meeting.

If the optional items are exercised, the Contractor would be required to travel to Wrangell, AK (estimate a 3-day on-site visit) to install the on-site interpretive exhibits.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

The Contractor shall provide qualified personnel in the performance of this Statement of Work that include the following:

Interpretive planning – Contractor shall have:

• Skills and experience in interpretive planning. Contractor shall be NAI certified in interpretive planning or have an equivalent educational background in interpretive planning.

• Demonstrated experience (minimum of 5-10 years’ experience) in long term comprehensive interpretive planning.

• Knowledge of the philosophies of interpretation and various planning processes.

• The ability to develop thematic interpretive plans and other varied interpretive products for the

Forest Service.

• Knowledge of federal land management agency interpretive programs and guidelines.

Exhibit Planner/Designer – Contractor shall have:

• Skills and experience in exhibit design that include understanding how the visitor will interact with/experience the spaces, media, and messaging.

• Demonstrated experience (minimum of 5-10 years’ experience) in exhibit planning and design including, but not limited to, conceptualizing project ideas and translating into camera-ready copy using desktop publishing technology and graphics software applications.

• Knowledge of exhibit design and display techniques related to natural history/science or historical museum exhibits, and graphic design techniques.

Writer/Editor/Researcher - Contractor shall have:

• Skills in researching, writing, and editing, use of grammar and punctuation in professional documents.

• Demonstrated experience (minimum of 5-10 years’ experience) as an interpretive writer/editor.

• Knowledge and understanding of interpretive writing and philosophy.

Exhibits Fabrication Specialist – Contractor shall have:

• Skills and experience in exhibit fabrication, working with a variety of interpretive media.

• Demonstrated experience (minimum of 5-10 years’ experience) in a professional production workshop.

8.0 Security Requirements - N/A

9.0 Data Rights.

All artwork created through this contract will become the property of the Forest Service and may be used for other publications or products supporting the Forest Service mission.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards If the optional requirements listed in this statement of work are exercised, any informational technology must meet the following requirements:

IT Accessibility Requirements

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220) requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use information and communication technology (ICT), it shall be accessible to people with disabilities. Federal employees and members of the public who have disabilities must have access to, and use of, information and data that is comparable to people without disabilities.

1. Products, platforms and services delivered as part of this work statement that are ICT, or contain ICT, must conform to the Revised 508 Standards, which are located at 36 C.F.R. § 1194.1 & Apps. A, C & D, and available at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines

Applicable Functional Performance Criteria: All functional performance criteria apply when using an alternative design or technology that achieves substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability by individuals with disabilities, than would be provided by conformance to one or more of the requirements in Chapters 4-6 of the Revised 508 Standards, or when Chapters 4-6 do not address one or more functions of ICT.

Applicable requirements for software features and components: All WCAG Level AA Success Criteria, 502 Interoperability with Assistive Technology, 503 Application.

Applicable requirements for hardware features and components, services and documentation:

All requirements apply https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines

Instructions to Offerors

1. Provide an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) for each commercially available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) item offered through this contract. Create the ACR using the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template Version 2.1 or later, located at https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat . Complete each ACR in accordance with the instructions provided in the VPAT template. Each ACR must address the applicable Section 508 requirements referenced in the Work Statement. Each ACR shall state exactly how the ICT meets the applicable standards in the remarks/explanations column, or through additional narrative. All "Not Applicable" (N/A) responses must be explained in the remarks/explanations column or through additional narrative. Address each standard individually and with specificity and clarify whether conformance is achieved throughout the entire ICT Item (for example - user functionality, administrator functionality, and reporting), or only in limited areas of the ICT Item.

Provide a description of the evaluation methods used to support Section 508 conformance claims. The agency reserves the right, prior to making an award decision, to perform testing on some or all of the Offeror’s proposed ICT items to validate Section 508 conformance claims made in the ACR.

2. Describe your approach to incorporating universal design principles to ensure ICT products or services are designed to support disabled users.

3. Describe plans for features that do not fully conform to the Section 508 Standards.

4. Describe "typical" user scenarios and tasks, including individuals with disabilities, to ensure fair and accurate accessibility testing of the ICT product or service being offered.

Attachment Included in this package are the following attachments:

• Conceptual Site Plan

• As Built Site Plan

• M/V Chugach Photos

RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS:

In order to be considered for award, each quoter shall submit a quote with the following:

(1) Completed page 1, filled out and signed, and page 2 with pricing.

Make sure to fill out vendor information, including your name, business, & DUNS #.

(2) Response to non-price evaluation criteria

(3) Quotes must be e-mailed by 12:00PM (Alaska Time) on 09/27/2021 to:

steven.behrns@usda.gov della.koelling@usda.gov https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat mailto:steven.behrns@usda.gov mailto:della.koelling@usda.gov

Evaluation Criteria

Section 1: Evaluation Methodology Each contractor shall prepare a proposal for review and evaluation by the Forest Service.

Proposal Content (not more than 20 pages):

• Proposal Summary

• Team Description

• Methods of Implementation

• Proposed Delivery Milestones

• Brief Description of immediate past three (3) projects completed of similar nature, include contact information for the hiring organization

• Cost Pricing Sheet

Section 2: Evaluation Factors

All evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price.

The evaluation factors are in descending order of importance (decreasing in importance).

Factor 1: Technical Skills and Abilities

Submission Requirements:

• Expertise in interpretive planning, exhibit design and fabrication

• Completeness and attention to detail of proposal documents

Evaluation Criteria/Methodology:

• Adjectival Rating and Technical Confidence Ratings

• The adjectival rating and the technical confidence rating are of equal importance.

Factor 2: Past Performance Submission Requirements:

• Experience with past projects that are similar in scope and scale

Evaluation Criteria/Methodology:

• Past Performance Confidence and Performance Confidence Assessment

• The past performance confidence rating and performance confidence assessment are of equal importance but less important than the evaluation criteria identified in Factor 1: Technical Skills and Abilities.

• Ratings will also be based on relevancy and recency.

Factor 3: Cost/Price Submission Requirements:

• Cost is determined to be fair and reasonable for the work described.

Evaluation Criteria/Methodology:

• Ratings will be based upon a cost analysis to determine reasonableness.

• The cost/price rating is less important than the evaluation criteria identified in Factor 1: Technical Skills and

Abilities and Factor 2: Past Performance.

Section 3: Definitions

Adjectival Ratings

Adjectival Rating Definition Exceptional Quote/Offer contains no deficiencies and fully addresses all aspects of the criteria and demonstrates an excellent approach/solution and understanding of the requirements. Many strengths exist, far outweighing any weaknesses. The highest quality of contract performance is anticipated with very low risk.

Very Good Quote/Offer contains no deficiencies; fully addresses all aspects of the criteria and demonstrates a very effective approach/solution and understanding of the requirements. Some weaknesses may exist; however, the weaknesses, if any, are outweighed by strengths. A high quality of contract performance is anticipated with low risk.

Satisfactory Quote/Offer contains no deficiencies; addresses all aspects of the criteria and demonstrates an adequate approach/solution and understanding of the requirements. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting or will have little or no impact on contract performance. A quality contract performance is anticipated with an acceptable amount of risk.

Marginal Quote/Offer may contain deficiencies; fails to address all of the criteria and does not demonstrate an adequate approach/solution or understanding of the requirements. One or more weaknesses exist which are not offset by strengths.

Contract performance is anticipated with high risk.

Unsatisfactory Quote/Offer contains many deficiencies and does not address all aspects of the criteria and/or does not present evidence demonstrating an adequate approach/solution and understanding of the requirements. Many weaknesses and/or omissions exist creating an unacceptable risk.

Technical Confidence Rating

Confidence Rating Definition

High Confidence (Low Risk)

The Government has high confidence the vendor understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with little or no Government intervention.

Some Confidence (Moderate Risk)

The Government has some confidence the vendor understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with some Government intervention.

Low Confidence (High Risk)

The Government has low confidence the vendor understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, or will be successful in performing the contract even with Government intervention.

Past Performance Confidence

Rating Description

Relevant Past/present performance effort involved much of the similarity, magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Somewhat Relevant

Past/present performance effort involved some of the similarity, magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Not Relevant

Past/present performance effort did not involve any of the similarity, magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation required.

Performance Confidence Assessment

Quote/Proposal Metrics When identifying the merits of a quote/proposal the following three terms shall be utilized along with the definitions.

Narrative Element Definition Strength A significant, outstanding, or exceptionally positive aspect of a Quote/Offer.

Weakness Any aspect of a Quote/Offer increasing the potential for problems and issues with regard to contract performance. The Quote/Offer provides a minimally acceptable response to the Government’s requirements. The response leaves the evaluator with uncertainty as to the understanding of the work, capability to successfully perform the work, or capability to effectively manage the work effort.

Deficiency A material failure of a Quote/Offer to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a Quote/Offer increasing the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level.

Rating Description

Substantial Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the government has a high expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Satisfactory Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the government has an expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Limited Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the government has a low expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

No Confidence Based on the offeror’s performance record, the government has no expectation that the offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

Unknown Confidence No performance record is identifiable, or the offeror’s performance record is so sparse that no confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned.