B09_Amendment_0003_Q_A_0003.pdf

Solicitation 140L3625Q0085 Sundance Lodge and Four Dances Recreation Interpretive Signs Design – Graphics Questions and Answers Amendment 0003 8/21/2025

Q1. Do contacts currently exist with the Crow and Nez Perce tribes?

A1. Yes, we have contacts with both tribes, and they have been consulted regarding this effort in the past.

Q2. If so, were they involved at all in the creation of the “A06_Sundance_Lodge_Recreation_Area_Interpretive_Brief.pdf” or have they provided any input on the brief to date?

A2. Yes. They are familiar with the project and have given some limited feedback. We believe that by providing draft products we will get better, more detailed feedback.

Q3. Can you share why the firm or agency that produced the brief is not also creating these wayside designs? Are they free to bid on this contract?

A3. The contract for the brief only included the research components, not sign/graphic development. Any small business may submit a quote. Graphic design is a separate NAICS code from research and therefore warrants additional opportunities for small businesses.

Q4. Who will provide final approvals on content during panel development? Apsaalooke (Crow) and/or Niimíipuu (Nez Perce) representatives? BLM? Will there be a single, consolidated direction following each submittal, to guide the next phase of the work??

A4. BLM will approve the content in consultation with the tribes. We would likely provide recommended edits/modifications and direction to proceed with the next phase of development.

Q5. Undoubtedly the aim is for consensus between all parties. If this cannot be achieved, will the project still proceed? (The contract calls for no interim payments over this year-long effort, so want to be sure that there will be a payment, eventually, for work expended and costs incurred, since we will need to finance the work in the interim.)

A5. Yes, the project can still proceed. Progress Payments were addressed in Amendment 0002. Page 2, Schedule:

Changes: "Progress payments can be made with the approval of the CO and COR but will not exceed 50% of the contract value. Final Payment will be made after all deliverables are received, inspected and accepted by the COR and/or CO."

Q6. Is there any flexibility on the payment schedule (no payments until the project is finished)?

A6. Addressed in Amendment 0002.

Q7. The SOW calls for four trailheads. How many maps are anticipated in total? One overview map (like the map on page 31 of the brief) and four smaller, location-specific trail maps? What styles (s) (2-D vs. 3D; illustrated vs. standard; overlapping of maps from Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, as suggested in the brief?). Are there existing maps to work from, and if so, can you let us know the format of the files?

A7. The exact number is yet to be determined based on design suggestions. BLM has existing maps that can be provided in whatever format is desirable – they are developed in ArcGIS and can be exported in several formats.

Q8. Will trail data for accessibility be required for each trail? If so, will that data be provided?

A8. There is one ADA accessible trail. BLM can provide the line data and any other information for that trail.

Q9. Do you anticipate that any original artwork will be required? If so, have you identified any approved Apsaalooke (Crow) and/or Niimíipuu (Nez Perce) artists?

A9. It would be amazing to have some original artwork from Tribal artists. We have identified at least one artist, but have no idea of their interest or capacity to support this effort. Original art would likely stretch the scope of this contract and BLM is prepared to contribute additional funding to pursue this option, should it be available.

Q10. Collaboration with Tribal Communities: Is collaboration sufficient through sharing drafts or written reviews, or is participation in on-site workshops or face-to-face interviews essential?

A10. Sharing drafts should suffice. Face to face engagement has been difficult to obtain.

Q11. Research Requirements: In addition to the Interpretive Brief provided as standard, are there any additional research areas or minimum requirements (e.g., recording oral histories of tribal members, investigating specific topics) that must be included?

A11. There is nothing specific, but in sharing with Tribal members it may spur additional topics that would be worth further investigation.

Q12. Archive Materials and Image Libraries: Could you please clarify the scope and format of the archive materials or image libraries that BLM can provide? Are there any additional requirements regarding copyright or source attribution when using them?

A12. I'm not sure how to answer this. We have a photo library that is available, and all photos are BLM property (e.g. no copyright issues). We also have a curation center on-site in Billings that could contain useful information. I'm not sure what all is in there or potential copyright issues. It would take some exploring and searching. I would need to know more specifically what kinds/type of information is being sought. There is also a BLM library. Some of these resources may require source attribution.

Q13. Duration and Scope of Interviews – Does the Bureau have an anticipated timeframe or total hours expected for the interview process (e.g., number of sessions or estimated weeks to complete), or should the contractor propose a schedule as part of the project plan?

A13. Contractor should propose a schedule. Plan for a minimum of 2 review periods. Per the SOW; “The contractor shall schedule, coordinate, oversee, and manage work produced under this contract. Track work progress to ensure that the project is completed according to the schedule and period of performance. Coordinate and confirm the dates for all review of materials and meetings with the COR.”

Q14. Format of Interviews – May these interviews be conducted remotely (phone or video conference), or does the Bureau anticipate in-person interviews at BLM offices or on site at the recreation areas?

A14. Face-to-face visits with tribes haven't gained much information through this approach. Providing some draft content for review would likely spur more feedback. I would anticipate mostly virtual review meetings.

Q15. Participants – Beyond the BLM staff identified in the SOW, will the Bureau coordinate introductions with Tribal representatives, or should the contractor be prepared to initiate contact?

A15. The BLM Project Coordinator can coordinate introductions.

Q16. Whether the research aspect of the project will also involve direct visits with tribal or state contacts, or if their participation is strictly for the review stage. If it is limited to review, whether you have a sense of how many review meetings or sessions might be expected.

A16. Face-to-face visits with tribes haven't gained much information through this approach. Providing some draft content for review would likely spur more feedback. I would anticipate mostly virtual review meetings. It's difficult to predict how much interest there will be. I would plan on 2-3 review periods, a minimum of 2 as stated in the SOW.

Q17. For the PPQ, does qualifying experience only require graphic design work, or must it be directly related to interpretive signs, outdoor signage, etc.?

A17. Show or list any relevant experience needed to complete the work described in the solicitation.

Q18. Does the scope of work include the actual production/fabrication of the signage?

A18. No, deliverables will be digital files. BLM has the ability to produce the physical signage.

Q19. For the Preliminary Design Plan/Project Schedule, is it required to include mockups?

A19. Not required for the solicitation, but you may provide examples with your quote.

Q20. Will the BLM/Montana State Office be providing any high-resolution artwork, maps, or photographs related to these recreation areas for use in the interpretive signage, or should we plan to create and supply all graphic elements as part of our deliverables?

A20. That will be up to your company and the BLM Project Coordinator to collaborate on the unique designs, BLM is looking for creativity from the contractor. Pictures could be provided by request. BLM does have an extensive library in our curation center and a national photo library that could be helpful.

Q21. Will there be official BLM brand or design guidelines to follow, or would we be responsible for establishing a cohesive system for the project?

A21. That will be up to your company and the BLM Project Coordinator to collaborate on.

Q22. Of the ten total graphics requested, how many will be unique designs?

A22. That will be up to your company and the BLM Project Coordinator to collaborate on the unique designs. BLM is looking for creativity from the contractor.

Q23. Will any of these designs be replicated (and part of the total quantity) for use across multiple Recreation Area Sites?

A23. Right now, they are only for the Sundance Lodge and Four Dances Recreation areas.

Q24. Can you clarify the expected rounds of review to both BLM and the tribes who choose to participate?

A24. This will be dependent on the collaboration between the contractor, the BLM Project Coordinator, and tribal leaders to figure out. The SOW states a minimum of 2 review periods.

Q25. We appreciate access to national archives and images for inclusion into the design. Can we assume the permissions associated with this use to be managed by the BLM?

A25. See Amendment 0001 Q1 A1.