REVISED_Tok_IVC_Exhibit_Fabrication_and_Installation_Scope_of_Work_0003.pdf

Tok Interagency Visitor Center Exhibit Fabrication and Installation

Scope of Work Revised July 23, 2024

Background The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), through a previous contract, has design drawings for new exhibits for the existing Tok Interagency Visitor Center at 1314 Alaska Highway, Tok, Alaska 99780. The visitor center is located in east central Alaska along the Alaska/Canada Highway. It is approximately 315 miles from Anchorage or 195 miles from Fairbanks by road. The roads to and from Anchorage or Fairbanks are open year-round, including the winter.

Visitation: At the completion of the exhibit project, visitation is expected to be around 30,000 visitors annually. The highest visitation occurs from June through August. The visitor center is open from mid- May through mid-September and closed for the remainder of the year. Visitors consist of Alaska Highway travelers, which are made up of retirees from the lower 48 and youthful adventurers, European and Canadian travelers, and individuals and families moving to Alaska for work or military assignment. For most visitors to the center, this is their first time to Alaska, and they are eager to learn about the wildlife and recreational opportunities on public lands in the region. Also, they are interested in trip planning and fulfilling their needs like finding a campground.

Purpose: The purpose of this Scope of Work is to fabricate and install a series of interpretive exhibits for the Tok Interagency Visitor Center in Tok, Alaska. All work completed under this contract must be done in coordination with Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge and any general contractors involved in this project and must be closely coordinated with any remodel or new construction schedules and constraints.

For the purpose of this statement of work, “exhibit” is defined as, but not limited to, any of the following or combinations: dioramas, interpretive panels, graphics, interactive mechanicals, 3D relief maps, photomurals, background paintings and murals, floor treatments, ceiling treatments, photographs, illustrations, cabinetry, interior and exterior signs, and kiosks.

General Requirements of the Project The primary purpose of the task order statement of work is to focus on the fabrication and installation of the previously designed interpretive exhibits for the Tok Interagency Visitor Center in Tok, Alaska. The exhibits are to be fabricated and installed in the visitor center exterior, lobby, and exhibit hall.

The contractor will furnish materials, equipment, services, labor, and necessary permits to fabricate/produce, finish, transport to the site, and install those items considered basic support structures for the interpretive media within local, state, and federal building codes. Work under this section includes all materials (including relief map LED interpretive light component), carpentry, cabinetry, metal work, acrylic work, glazing, and application of finishes.

The contractor will employ the latest and most suitable technology in the fabrication, production, and installation of all interpretive media. The contractor will work in close collaboration with USFWS team members identified in the task order to ensure interpretive materials are conceived and developed to be accurate and appropriate for the intended use. Interpretive materials are for targeted audiences and deal with a wide variety of subjects.

Accuracy of information is highly important. Illustrations and photographs must accurately depict habitats, landforms, and wildlife. Biological accuracy is the most important aspect of selecting an illustration style, but aesthetics and appeal are also important. When photographs are used, the images chosen must accurately represent the project area where the product will be installed.

All original illustrations, murals, photos, images, graphic layouts, and any other work associated with the project will be the exclusive property of the USFWS, even if they are stored at the contractor's facility to simplify the production of duplicate items. Final CAD and graphic files of all interpretive media shall be furnished to the USFWS in the native file format.

The contractor shall provide cleaning equipment and materials such as rags, paper towels, cleansers, vacuum cleaners, brooms, trash bags and containers, and other equipment for cleaning the exhibit and work areas. The contractor is responsible for removing all waste materials generated during the installation from the work site and shall make arrangements for proper disposal of this material. The work site is to be kept clean of debris and trash from each day's work activities.

The contractor shall be responsible for securing all materials, tools, and the site during installation.

Additionally, the contractor will be responsible for coordinating with USFWS regarding installation times and on-site conditions.

The contract will be awarded on best value to the government. This includes:

• Past performance (please provide 3 previous projects and point of contact)

• Experience in wildlife-related interpretive exhibits (please provide 3 previous projects and point of contact)

• Technical approach to fabrication and installation

Deliverables The following exhibits are to be fabricated and installed in accordance with this Scope of Work:

Base Items:

1. B.2: Welcome to Tok (wall panel)

2. C.1: Map Table and Graphic Panels (floor display)

3. D.1: Welcome to the Fortymile (floor display)

4. E.1: Mining Today (floor display)

5. J.2: Tetlin NWR Diorama

6. J.3: Succession Wall Panorama

Alternate Options:

7. B.1: Welcome Wall Mural

8. E.2: Gold in the Gravel (floor display)

9. J.1: Public Lands Interpretive Display (floor display)

Fabrication Fabrication shall be completed in accordance with this Statement of Work and the provided completed design documents. Government fabrication inspections at the Contractor’s or subcontractors’ place of business may be required at the 35%, 65%, and 95% phases.

The Contractor shall:

1. Fabricate the exhibits, from the approved and provided design documents.

2. All taxidermy work (with the exception of the Service-provided life-size brown bear mount for the J.2: Tetlin NWR Diorama) and preparation/preservation of plants and other natural items are the responsibility of the Contractor. Ultimately, securing hides, antlers, skins, plants, stones, etc… is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Service will assist the Contractor in trying to locate the needed specimens such as wildlife specimens or skins either in the Service’s collection, other government collection, or in private collection, but it is not the responsibility of the Service to provide all specimens.

3. Schedule Service reviews/checkpoints at the Contractor’s site or other fabrication (subcontractor’s) locations for Service inspection of the exhibit progress and quality at the 35%, 65%, and 95% stages of fabrication.

4. Prior to the exhibits being transported for installation, the Service shall visit the contractor's facility to review and approve the exhibits at the 95% phase of completion prior to crating and shipping to Alaska. While awaiting transportation, the exhibits shall be stored at the contractor's facility in a well-ventilated space and where not exposed to extreme changes in temperature, humidity, and away from pests, vermin, mold, and dirt.

5. When in-person visits by the Service to the fabrication shops are not possible, provide photographs as work is completed so that the Service can verify that the work is being completed and to the quality specified.

Wood and Wood-like products

1. Finished woodwork shall be free from machine and tool marks, abrasions, raised grain, or other surface defects on surfaces exposed to view in the finished work. Exposed wood surfaces shall be uniform in color and grain.

2. Finished wall work and panels shall be properly framed and installed, closely fitted, and accurately set to the required lines and levels as shown in any working plans or drawings, and rigidly secured in place. Miters or other joints shall be planed and sanded. All work shall be left free from warps, twists, open joints, or other defects.

3. All wood shall be fire retardant and treated at a minimum to a U.L. flame spread and Fire Rating Classification of 25.

4. Wood supporting or contacting all exhibits, millwork, finished carpentry, and custom woodwork shall be a type and dryness that will not alter the finish of the exhibits.

5. All visible edges of any particle board used shall be filled, sanded, and finished.

Metals

1. All metal surfaces shall be free from defects such as oxidation, flake burns, pitting, etc.

2. All metal parts and sections used shall be free from defects impairing strength, durability, or appearance and shall be fit for their intended purpose.

3. All steel surfaces shall be clean and free from mill scale, flake rust, burrs, oxidation, pitting, etc., and shall be formed to size and shaped, with sharp profiles, lines, and angles.

4. All matching and milling operations shall leave clean, true lines and surfaces.

5. When applying coatings to metal, manufacturer recommendations shall be followed (number of coats, preparation, etc.)

Plastics

1. All plastic laminate surfaces shall be free of scratches, cracks, chips, stains, and other surface or edge imperfections.

2. Joints on vertical surfaces shall be tight, straight, and flush.

Hardware

1. All fastening devices for all work shall be provided and installed as required for complete, secure, and rigid casework and rigid casework construction. Hardware/fastening devices shall be hidden from the viewer whenever possible.

2. Hardware for all casework shall be designed and finished to conform to any hardware existing in the building.

3. In exterior and designated interior spaces, upon request, hardware shall be tamper and theft-resistant.

4. Occasionally, secure displays for original objects will need to be created.

Painting

1. All exhibits shall be painted, lacquered, finished, etc., in the contractor's shop and shall be free from defects in appearance. Paint and other finishing materials shall be of good quality and fit for their intended purpose.

2. Fire classification of all paints shall be in conformance with all applicable local fire codes and requirements.

3. When applying paint to surfaces, manufacturer recommendations shall be followed (number of coats, preparation, etc.)

4. The contractor shall provide, fabricate, and install all lighting and electrical items in accordance with all applicable provisions of the current National Electrical Code and all local codes and requirements. All electrical hardware and equipment shall be U.L. tested and approved.

5. Unless otherwise approved, the power supply for exhibits shall generally be 120 volts A.C.

Multi-Media

1. The Government will retain a duplication master digital file or better technology of all multi-media programs for the 3D relief map. The Government will be furnished with two copies of each program.

2. Digital media players and associated equipment will be of industrial or commercial grade.

Items Provided by the Service or visitor center partner agencies.

• Provided by the Service is a life-size brown bear mount for the Tetlin Refuge diorama.

• Provided: Many of the historic objects found in the Mining exhibits. (See solicitation attachment containing provided artifacts). This doesn’t take away the responsibility of the contractor to provide any items not available or provided as a courtesy by the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.

• Provided: Lodging for the contractor site visit and installation crews at the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge housing complex, which consists of individual cabins, a cooking facility, a shower, and a laundry facility.

• Provided: Large capacity vehicle and fuel for transportation of the contractor’s installation crew from Fairbanks or Anchorage to and from the Tok Interagency Visitor Center in Tok, Alaska.

• Provided: Tok Interagency Visitor Center Interpretive Exhibit Design Documents.

• Scientific references for wildlife, habitat, and/or landscape illustrations, as needed.

• Existing public domain US Fish and Wildlife Service photographs, for possible use in the project.

• Detailed information regarding Service artifacts that should be considered for use in the exhibits

(e.g., sizes and substrates, photos, information regarding the significance of the artifact, etc.)

• Existing electronic map files and/or references for map development.

• Will provide, when available, other natural specimens needed for dioramas, historic objects, and other such exhibits in their natural state.

Fabrication Guidelines Overall

1. Exhibits shall be shop fabricated and delivered to the Tok Interagency Visitor Center site, 1314 Alaska Highway, Tok, Alaska 99780.

2. Floor displays, such as the map table, exhibit casework, etc… must be on heavy-duty, lockable casters so the floor displays can be moved.

3. The Contractor shall use as little combustible material as is possible in the fabrication of the exhibits. All main partition walls of the exhibits must be of noncombustible materials or fire-retardant materials. The General Contractor must approve the use of any combustible material prior to fabrication. Work shall conform to all applicable fire and building codes and requirements.

4. The Contractor shall provide, fabricate, and install any lighting and electrical items in accordance with all applicable provisions of the current National Electrical Code and all local codes and requirements. All electrical hardware and equipment shall by U.L..

5. The power supply for the exhibits shall be 120 volts A.C.

Packaging/Shipping Interpretive Exhibits and Media

1. The contractor shall package and ship all interpretive media products in a manner that protects the media from damage during transit and installation at the project site.

2. Prior to the exhibits being transported for installation, the Service shall visit the contractor's facility to review and approve the exhibits at the 95% phase of completion prior to crating and shipping to Alaska. While awaiting transportation, the exhibits shall be stored at the contractor's facility in a well-ventilated space and where not exposed to extreme changes in temperature, humidity, and away from pests, vermin, mold, and dirt.

Installation Installation Guidelines The Contractor shall furnish all materials and labor to transport the exhibit components to the site and shall unload and install the exhibits and those items considered basic support structures required for the exhibits (i.e., cabinetry and wall structures for dioramas). Work under this section includes all materials, carpentry, cabinetry, metalwork, woodwork, acrylic work, glazing, and application of finishes. All work areas shall be orderly and swept clean or vacuumed before the end of the workday.

The Contractor shall:

1. Install the exhibits on-site at the Tok Interagency Visitor Center. The contractor shall provide an installation schedule and anticipated completion date of the installation as soon as possible. The CO or COR will be present during the installation to review progress and work and discuss solutions to any installation problems that may occur.

2. Provide As-Built drawings for the actual installed exhibit floor layout.

3. Return to the Service all materials used as reference and/or to create the artwork for the interpretive panels and exhibits. All original artwork becomes the property of the Service at project completion. All photographs and other reference material shall also be returned to the Service or the original owner.

4. The Exhibit Contractor shall provide their cleaning equipment and materials such as rags, paper towels, cleansers, vacuum cleaners, brooms, trash bags and containers, and other equipment for cleaning the exhibit and work areas. The Contractor is responsible for removal of all waste materials generated during the installation from the facility and shall arrange for proper disposal of this material.

5. In accordance with FAR Clause 52.237-2, the contractor is responsible for repairing any damage incurred within the building or its work areas.

6. Installation of the interpretive media will comply with all OSHA and Local Safety Codes.

7. The contractor shall provide all tools and equipment necessary to assemble and install all interpretive media, exhibits, and displays on site.

8. The contractor shall provide a manual for the operation, care, and maintenance of all media and components.

9. USFWS and the Contractor will conduct a final walkthrough/inspection of all interpretive media provided. At the conclusion of the inspection, the contractor will receive the final punch list items for correction. Final acceptance is contingent upon the correction of punch list items.

Project Schedules & Coordination

1. The Contractor will meet with the appointed COR (Contracting Officer Representative) at the work site or via conference call at project start-up to obtain an overview of the site and to review the scope of work.

2. At this time, a project schedule will be developed using information specified in the contract. A formal progress and payment schedule may be developed in consultation with the contracting officer.

3. Points of contact will be identified. On the FWS side, this will include the contracting officer (CO), COR, project lead, field station lead, and other FWS staff, if appropriate. On the contractor side, this will include the contractor’s representative and the contractor’s project manager.

4. The contractor shall prepare and distribute to the COR a trip report or meeting minutes of all telephone conversations, site visits, in-person meetings, or other discussions related to the project. The FWS project lead will be responsible for distributing these to the designated USFWS Team. After the USFWS reviews the report, the FWS project lead will provide the contractor with comments, and the notes will be corrected if necessary by the contractor and redistributed to the same group named above.

5. Fabrication Submittals will occur at a minimum, at the 35%, 65%, and 95% phases of the fabrication. The USFWS review may involve an on-site shop visit at any or all of the phases.

Installation Schedule

• The contractor shall coordinate and confirm dates with the COR for shipment, delivery, storage, and installation of the interpretive media at the Tok, Alaska site.

• The installation shall be completed by May 18,2025

Quality Control

• The contractor shall provide quality control to ensure that all elements of the project work meet the requirements of the contract specifications and that all modifications are implemented.

• The contractor’s Project Manager shall provide routine inspections of in-house and subcontracted work to ensure it meets task order specifications and shall oversee the quality of work produced and implemented at all phases of the project. Any work found not acceptable or compliant with the specifications shall be corrected prior to inspection or review by the COR.

Warranty All products produced and/or provided under this contract will be warranted for a minimum of one calendar year from the date of acceptance for all parts and labor unless otherwise specified. If the product itself carries a higher warranty, that warranty will apply.

Government-Furnished Property If government-furnished material is provided during the course of the project, the contractor shall receive, inspect, and inventory all government-furnished materials and ensure that this material is forwarded to the appropriate unit or person within the contractor’s organization for use in the project.

The Project Manager shall notify the project lead via email within seven (7) days after receipt if government-furnished materials are not satisfactory for their intended purpose. The Project Manager shall notify the project lead via email as soon as possible, but no later than three (3) business days, if government-furnished materials are lost or damaged while in the contractor’s possession. The contractor shall be responsible for the security and protection of government-furnished property or materials in connection with this task order. Following acceptance of all work by the government, the contractor shall return to the project lead all government-furnished property.

The Government will furnish, as appropriate, the required data, materials, and access to project information necessary to perform the required services.

As Noted Above, the following is provided by the Government:

• Provided by the Service: One life-size adult brown bear mount for the Tetlin Refuge diorama.

• Provided: Many of the historic objects found in the Mining Exhibits. (See solicitation attachment containing a list and photographs of the provided artifacts). This doesn’t take away the responsibility of the contractor to provide any items not available or provided as a courtesy by the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.

• Provided: Lodging for the contractor’s site visit and installation crews at the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge housing complex, which consists of individual cabins, a cooking facility, and a shower/laundry facility.

• Provided: Large multi-passenger vehicle and fuel for transportation of the contractor’s installation crew from Fairbanks or Anchorage to and from the Tok Interagency Visitor Center in Tok, Alaska.

End of Statement of Work