Question_and_Answer_for_RFP_5522R0004_0001.pdf

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Responses to Questions for RFP 140P5522R0004

Collection Condition Survey

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

1. Regarding the breakdown of cataloged objects in the collection by material type: For the larger numbers, does the park have an idea of the approximate percentage of large versus small objects make up those numbers, e.g., are the ceramics at 419 Decatur Street mostly small pieces or fragments or are they full vessels?

ANSWER: Generally, there are more smaller objects than larger objects. Most of the ceramic items in storage at Decatur St are from one catalog record, JELAB 477, they are precontact sherds, not full vessels. Paper items listed in storage at Decatur St are mostly archives/records - these can be bulk evaluated. Higher numbers of items in the Visitor

Centers, especially in the wood/composite category are mostly tools, many of these are smaller hand tools but there are some large agricultural implements.

2. Regarding the draft and final deliverables: The Scope of Work (SOW) requests hard copies of the report, printed single-sided. By our count, there are approximately 4,329 items in the collection. If an individual treatment report is given for many of these items, this will result in a very large, multi-volume document. Printing it double-sided might make the report easier to handle as a reference tool. This is just something to consider.

ANSWER: The government is not expecting individual treatment reports on the majority of individual items. Those items listed in Appendix A of the SOW and those which need significant treatment should be prioritized for individual treatment recommendations (fewer than 100 items). Otherwise, bulk treatment recommendations using group summaries or representative samples of collection items which do not need extensive treatment would be acceptable.

3. Under Deliverables, digital images are requested. However, the last line of this section discussing the photographic caption sheets states, “The number shall be written in carbon black ink or pencil on the non-emulsion side of the image on the border or non-image area in neat, easily readable print.” Could you please clarify what is needed?

ANSWER: Since NPS has requested digital photos; labels/photo descriptions/captions can be included as a supplemental photo log. If photos are used in the report, photo captions in the report should match whatever metadata there is for that image in the photo log. See REVISED Scope of Work

4. Are there any paintings among the collections to be surveyed? If so, how many?

ANSWER: Up to forty paintings will be surveyed. These items can be bulk reviewed.

See REVISED Scope of Work for locations.

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5. Will each site be providing a space to survey collection items? Do these spaces have environmental controls?

ANSWER: As stated in the SOW, all the facilities at Jean Lafitte have experienced varying degrees of damage due to inconsistent environmental control. Also as stated in the SOW, many of the objects to be reviewed are currently on exhibit. Exhibited items will generally not be removed from exhibit cases and should be surveyed/reviewed in place. At the storage location on Decatur St, there is workspace that may be used.

6. Are there any materials in the collections that could be considered hazardous (fluid specimens, heavy metals, objects treated with pesticides, etc.)?

ANSWER: No

7. Do all the objects have recorded accurate locations?

ANSWER: Yes, object locations by building/Visitor Center are correct.

8. What is the total number of objects to be surveyed?

ANSWER: The SOW (see Section I. Background) provides counts of objects by object type for each location. 34 objects have been prioritized for individual review (see appendix A). All remaining objects can be given bulk treatment recommendations using group summaries or representative samples of collection items which do not need extensive treatment would be acceptable.

9. Are any of the objects currently on loan or scheduled to be loaned out?

ANSWER: No. Objects on loan are not included in this project. The only locations required to visit are those listed in the Scope of Work

10. Will appropriate lighting be provided, or will the contractor need to bring portable lights?

ANSWER: Most spaces have lighting that is suitable for basic, everyday work.

Contractor may provide additional lighting to suit their own needs. Additional lighting will not be provided by NPS.