140R3022R0014_-_Questions_and_Responses_-Amd_No__0001_0001.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation Solicitation No. 140R3022R0014 Amendment No. 00001

Questions and Responses Interpretive Exhibits Fabrication and Installation Services

1. Question - Can we alter the bid form slightly so that it more accurately reflects our construction approach? For instance: 4.1.1, 4.1.4, and 4.2.6 would all be built as one structure. Breaking it into three-line items would distort the pricing for each.

Response – You may lump the pricing for 4.1.1, 4.1.4 and 4.2.6 into one price under element

4.1.1 and indicate pricing for 4.1.4 and 4.2.6 as $0.

2. Question - Does 3.1.2 Passageway contain a dynamite plunger interactive? The digital media reference package says yes but the drawings and the mechanical/electrical exhibit reference package says it is in 4.1.2 with no interaction between it and the 3.1.2 digital media.

Response – The plunger is physically located in 4.1.2. When activated the explosion effect will be seen, heard and felt in 3.1.2. Document will be revised and incorporated in future addendum.

3. Question - Can you give us more details about the 3.1.2 Passageway "lighting effect below" referenced on X3.110? Is the exhibit contractor responsible for that? If so, are there any more details or specs?

Response - The 3.1.2 Passageway Lighting Effects are in the Exhibit requirement scope.

The lighting effects in the passageway (above and below) are in reference to what you might typically experience when walking across a covered scaffold in bright sunlight - where light is visible above and below between the boards. This is intended to heighten the feeling of being “up” on the side of a canyon wall.

4. Question - Is there an exhibit lighting plan drawing? We only see an equipment schedule.

Response – Please refer to supplemental information provided with this addendum:

Exhibit Lighting – Drawings (Att 8 - Supplemental Information 1) Exhibit Lighting - Schedules (Att 9 - Supplemental Information 2)

5. Question - Can you provide a case schedule?

Response – Please refer to the following documents for a complete description of the Exhibit requirement lighting scope:

Exhibit Production Specification - Division 05 Artifacts, Objects, Display Case and Mounts, Section 05 02 00 Display Cases.

6. Question - Can we have a copy of the architectural drawings?

Response – Yes, attached in this amendment under Attachment No. 7.

7. Question - On drawing X5.211, are the overhead power lines and insulators in the exhibit fabricator's scope? If so, can you provide any reference information?

Response – Yes, they are in exhibit fabrication contract scope. See Production Reference Document (PRD) section 06 07 Props - 5.2.2 Water Management - Insulators and Tower (Att No. 3D, pg. 390).

8. Question - Can you provide any reference information for the wrench photo-op listed on drawing X5.211?

Response – This exhibit incorporates two (2) artifacts that will be exposed and touchable. Please refer to the accessioned object list: Coupling bolt and nuts, big blue wrench. These items are currently on display at the dam and may be viewed if needed, along with several other related objects.

9. Question - Can you provide a reference package for the custom artwork required in the graphic layouts?

Response: The exhibit fabrication requirement does not include the creation of Production Ready Files. The Government will supply Production Ready files and acquire the majority of production quality digital images. A select number of images are the responsibility of the exhibit contractor. Please refer to the supplemental image schedule included with this addendum (Att 10 - Supplemental Information 3). The schedule identifies the specific images the contractor is responsible to supply. Due to digital size of the Att 10 – Supplemental Information 3, interested contractors must send an email to the Contract Specialist requesting the attachment, which will then be sent to the contractor via Kiteworks.

a. Anything that conveys the desired style, medium, etc.re. various Case Label Illustrations (3.1.1-5; 4.1.2-10; 4.1.6-2; 4.2.1-6; 5.2.1-3) - please provide direction as to style, color, and level of detail

Response: Please see response to question 9 above.

b. re. Diversion Tunnels Dam Diagram (4.1.2-3) - will APA create the artwork as indicated in the matrix Description?

Response: Please see response to question 9 above.

c. re. Blueprint style Illustrations (4.1.4-2; 4.2.3-4; 5.2.3-2) - are these to appear hand-drawn, worn, and authentic to the time, or basic line art?

d. re. Monitoring Case Label (5.2.1-3) - are there reference photos available for the control panels to be illustrated? Please provide direction as to style, color, and level of detail

e. re. Power Distribution Diagram (5.2.1-10) - shall the diagram overlay a map of the western states: Nevada, Arizona, California? Please provide direction as to style, color, and level of detail

f. re. Vignettes (5.2.2-3) - please provide direction as to style, color, and level of detail

Response: Style is illustrated and described on p.260 of the Production Reference Document for 5.2.2 Water Management. Color of the printed elements will be dark (navy or black).

g. re. Graphic ID (2.2.2-1) - The note says "redo these maps -- don't use maps done by others". Does this mean this photo should be a custom artwork?

10. Question - Is the exhibit fabricator responsible for acquiring all the photos in the image schedule? If so, will the client be providing sources for all of these photos?

11. Question - If the exhibit fabricator is responsible for image acquisition, can you establish an allowance for the images? Otherwise, the bids for this task will not be apples to apples.

Response – Please see response to question 10 above.

12. Question - Page 192: “The sourcing and acquisition of archival assets is the responsibility of the

Government, including still, motion and audio footage.” & “…stills and commercial stock footage are the responsibility of the Contractor.”

a. Can you clarify whether BOR will be responsible for archival acquisition from commercial sources (for example Periscope Films)?

b. Since new archival needs will become apparent during production of the videos, will the contractor be responsible for additional archival research, and BOR will then acquire and pay for rights?

13. Question - Page 193: The asset links are broken; can the asset spreadsheet be resent?

Response – Microsoft Excel version has been included with this addendum (Att 11 - Supplemental Information 4). Due to digital size of the Att 11 – Supplemental Information 4, interested contractors must send an email to the Contract Specialist requesting the attachment, which will then be sent to the contractor via Kiteworks.

14. Question - 3.1.2 Passageway Immersive AV Outer Wall: Confirming that this is comprised of a historic panoramic photo, with animated elements to create a construction scene?

Response – This is intended to be an animated video panorama using historic photos as reference and other custom artwork as needed to create an immersive effect. i.e., it be a new seamless, photo-realistic animation or collage using modern-day images to recreate a period scene, in color. It can be a stable image but subtle movements (birds, clouds, river, explosion clouds) are expected to help augment the immersive effect.

15. Question - Where will artifacts be available for patterning mount templates?

Response – The Government will be responsible in providing access to the artifacts prior to installation.

16. Question - Specifications state that mount sketches need to be submitted for each mount. Would it be acceptable to submit one sketch per mount type with a list of artifacts proposed to utilize each type?

Response – Yes, acceptable.

17. Question - Specification states that 'handling of artifacts at installation site will be by

Government." Will they provide one artifact handler per installer, or will our guys have to wait for someone (who may or may not have their years of experience in artifact handling) to be available?

Response – The installer will coordinate with the Government for installation of artifacts. The Government has several staff qualified to handle museum property. Government will work closely with installers to manage artifact installation in the manner compliant with Governmental requirements for handling of artifacts and efficiency of completing work.

18. Question - In the artifact schedule, 4.2.8-A1 (Attachment 3B, pg. 284) just says Construction tools with a notation that they are located at the Boulder Museum. The drawing for 4.2.8-A2 shows eight (8) artifacts but they are all described further down in the schedule. 4.2.8-A1 shows an empty box. Just need to know if there are more tools to be included in the scope and a rough estimate of how many.

Response – There are eight (8) artifacts as indicated in the drawing. Disregard the Boulder City Museum line item, line will be updated in future amendment.

19. Question - For “4.2.4 Construction Model Interactive” the Production Reference Document (on page 231) says that these touch screens function as a “more accessible alternative for low-vision visitors” however the concept described in the Production Reference Document does not itself seem to meet NPS accessibility standards. It is stated on page 198 that they want all media to meet these standards, but to do so, these touch screens would need to have (a) non-linear audio description that describes the user input in real time, and (b) an alternate tactile input device such as the Storm EZ-Access 8-button device that would allow low vision or blind users to navigate without using the touch screen. Should we include this in our bid?

Response – Please include requirements to meet NPS accessibility standards in your proposal.

Revisions to this section will be provided in future amendment.

20. Question - Can you please explain the current ceiling conditions for attaching signage and exhibits?

Response – Ceiling is concrete with a suspended tile layer to hide HVAC and other services.

Access to the ceiling will be possible through the suspended ceiling. This should be coordinated with the general contractor and the Government.

21. Question - Can you please supply lighting drawings?

Response – Please see response to question 4.

22. Question - What is the thickness for the glass for the exhibit caseworks?

Response – Glass thickness: 3/8” for all cases. The Production Reference Document will be updated to reflect this requirement and issued in a future amendment.

23. Question - Will all work be performed during standard working hours?

Response – Work inside the building may be performed during standard work hours for the facility 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Visitor Center will be open and conducting tours utilizing our Theater and Observation Levels. Tours are conducted from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Seven (7) days per week with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Guided tours exit the elevator at the Exhibit level. During renovation work visitors will leave through a door immediately adjacent to the elevators and will not have access to the exhibit area. Deliveries or work interfering with public access on the plaza outside the exhibit level will need to be performed when the Hoover Dam facilities are closed to the public 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM daily. Depending upon the time of year it may be possible to arrange early closure of the facility to the public, 6:30 PM or early morning with roadway cleared by 5:00 AM and fenced plaza area cleared by 9:00 AM. All such arrangements shall be made in advance through the COR.

24. Question - Will exhibits require stamped drawings from a Licensed engineer from Nevada?

Response – Drawings are required to be stamped by an engineer licensed in any of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, a Nevada license is not required.

25. Question - Drawing X4.230 – Is the glass and metal railing faceted or curved? Can the Railing be curved, and the glass faceted?

Response - Railing to be curved. Glass to be flat panels.

26. Question - Drawing X5.311 - The hinged door for the case 5.3.1-A1 exceeds the size for common hinged doors. Can the unit have 2 doors with a seam in the middle with a bubble seal?

Response – Hinged door shall be proposed as shown on the drawings.

27. Question - The solicitation on page E-14, Technical Evaluation Factors, Technical and

Management Capability, under (9) AV Production – Interactive Digital Media includes “motion-based media programming.” What do you define as “motion-based media programming?”

Response – There are no motion-based media experiences. AV Production element (9) Interactive Digital Media including custom final interactive/touchscreen or motion-based media programming is deleted. This element will not be included in the evaluation of proposals.

Solicitation package has been revised to remove this requirement (noted in red strikethrough)

28. Question – Audiovisual Media - Is there an order of magnitude budget for the AV Production that can be provided for the project?

Response – Due to the commercial nature of this project, the magnitude cannot be disclosed.

29. Question - Audiovisual Media - On Attachment 3B, page 192, it says that “sourcing and acquisition of archival assets is the responsibility of the Government.” Is this only for imagery owned by the Government, or will the BOR also be securing and paying for all archival materials owned by third parties?

Response – Government is responsible for sourcing and acquisition of all archival materials.

30. Question – Audiovisual Media - Please confirm that the rights for all third party-owned material is for display at the visitor center only.

Response – Confirmed

31. Question - Audiovisual Media - Within Attachment 1, Specifications Section 01 11 00 on page 3 of 14, item 1.6.A (Government Furnished), says that the “The Government will provide high-resolution digital scans for all images as specified by the Design Authority” for Photographic Images and “The Government will provide high-resolution digital files per the technical requirements specified by the Contractor” for Film and Video Footage. Please confirm that this applies to all of the AV media pieces.

Response – This applies to assets for graphics only. The exhibit contractor’s scope includes the production of new assets. Refer to the specific treatments.

32. Question - Audiovisual Media - Under the AV Production Assets list on Attachment 3B, pages

193-194, what do you mean by “prescriptive asset?”

Response – This indicates footage and images that we need to ensure is included (ie, it is not optional)

33. Question - Audiovisual Media - We want to better understand the Digital Media Production scope for scripting the AV programs. On Attachment 3B, page 197, Text Content notes that “The wording and voice is intended for the final production.” Are the scripts included for programs such as the Feature Wall (page 205), Harnessing the River (page 208), the Dam Wall Timeline Projection (page 238), and the Day on the Job Audio Stories (page 246), all meant to be the final text for the programs? If so, how does that match the specifications (Attachment 1, section 03 02 00, L.) that state “A draft script and revised draft scripts shall be submitted to the Design Authority for review. Upon review and approval of the revisions, the final script shall be submitted.”

Response – The scripts and on-screen text provided in the AV document are draft final, and it is expected that the Producer will adapt and update the scripts and narrative texts as needed to satisfy the nuances of the production, taking into account creative input from them. We feel these are relatively well developed and do not need to be created from scratch.

34. Question - Audiovisual Media - For the statement on “On-screen text vs. Captioning”

(Attachment 3B, page 198), has this style of captioning been vetted for compliance with ADA?

Is captioning over black boxes to be done in addition to the on-screen text?

Response – It is intended that the on-screen text will provide the captioning requirement.

35. Question – Audiovisual Media - For programs with narration, is all narration captured by the designed on-screen text, or is there any “traditional” captioning?

Response – Please see response to question 34.

36. Question – Audiovisual Media - Regarding Attachment 1, section 03 02 00 – 2 lists the way to submit submittals to the Design Authority.

● 1.3.D.1 Is it permissible to send all in-progress electronic files electronically (such as email, cloud-based drive) rather than send them via CD or USB?

● 1.3.D.3 Is it permissible to transmit all in-progress video submittals via a Vimeo link, rather than a DVD?

Response – It is preferred that Contractor use cloud-based and web-based links to help expedite the approvals process for all submittals. If COR determines hard copy, CD or USB submittals are necessary for adequate review, Contractor will be notified. Section will be revised in future amendment.

37. Question – Audiovisual Media - Page 4 of the Specifications section 03 02 00 (Attachment 1) says that all programs are in English, but page 14, under Narrator Samples, says that “Narrator language and dialects must be confirmed and may include French, English and Indigenous languages where specified.” Please confirm that all media programs are in English only.

Response – All narrated media programs are to be produced as English only. Section will be revised in future amendment.

38. Question – Audiovisual Media - Page 200 of the Production Reference Document (Attachment

3B) says that 0.1 Accessible Audio Description production is “in at least English and Spanish, more languages TBD.” Please confirm which languages the audio description is in.

Response – Propose at least English and Spanish, with up to 3 additional languages TBD.

Document will be revised to incorporate change in future addendum.

39. Question -2.2.1 Harnessing the River - Attachment 3B, page 208 – Is this the final script for the program or an example for inspiration?

Response – Please see response to question 33.

40. Question - 2.2.1 Harnessing the River - What are the approximate pixel dimensions of the overall combined projection for this AV program?

Response – The approximate dimensions between the two projectors is 3034x1200px with a buffer of 800px for any adjustments to the width due to the depth/angle of the facets.

41. Question - 2.2.1 Harnessing the River - Can a digital 3D model of the projection surface be provided to the AV media producer early on in production?

Response – The designer can provide a sketch-up model file as general reference if desired early in the production phase.

42. Question - 2.2.1 Harnessing the River - Can you share some specific Vox animation links that you are most drawn to? The link on page 209 of Attachment B goes just to the general Vox site and not the specific video.

Response – https://youtu.be/EiX3hTPGoCg?t=328 The still in the document references this video specifically, however other examples are provided as well. Other examples:

https://youtu.be/43BDpdMq_Ag?t=66 https://youtu.be/tkD6QfeRil8

These videos are intended to provide context for the intended vision but are not prescriptive in the final production animations.

43. Question - 3.1.2 Passageway Immersive AV – Inner Walls - Is the background of this scene a rock wall similar to the rendering on attachment 3B, page 213, and does it change (light, shadows, etc.?) or remain static?

Response – The background could remain rock, with the characters appearing to move in front of it, or over it. The intent is not to create a scene with depth, rather it is intended to highlight the people who are working around you (i.e. the background is not important, other than to help reinforce the sense of immersion within the passageway space). Light and shadow could be used on the rock.

44. Question - 3.1.2 Passageway Immersive AV – Inner Walls - Is there synched sound to this program, or is the audio the background soundscape?

Response – The latter, audio is the background soundscape.

45. Question - 3.1.2 Passageway Immersive AV – Outer Walls - Will this program incorporate edited historic photographs such as those provided in the AV Production Assets in a collage style, as in the rendering on page 214 of Attachment 3B? Or will it be a new seamless, photo-realistic animation or collage using modern-day images?

Response – Please see response to question 14.

46. Question - 3.1.2 Passageway Immersive AV – Outer Walls - If this will involve colorized treatments of historic photographs, do you have an example of a preferred colorization style?

Response – Please see response to question 14 https://youtu.be/EiX3hTPGoCg?t=328 https://youtu.be/43BDpdMq_Ag?t=66 https://youtu.be/tkD6QfeRil8

47. Question - 3.1.2 Passageway Immersive AV – Outer Walls - For the high scalers, is there a preference on how they would be represented? For example, colorized animated archival photography, newly produced green-screen video, or new animation?

Response – Custom footage should be used for the high scalers (mimicking the style and clothing of the other worker characters in the Passageway production and cutouts).

48. Question - 4.1.3 Design and Engineering Video - Can a digital 3D model of the projection surfaces and facets be provided to the AV media producer early on in production?

Response – These surfaces will be worked out as part of the fabrication process.

49. Question – 4.1.3 Design and Engineering Video - The visual design approach link provided on page 221 of Attachment 3B (a touchscreen with the text “Chain Reaction”) appears to be broken.

Can you please provide an updated link?

Response – The webpage in the original link has since been taken down. The most similar reference available can be found here:

NEW LINK

https://player.vimeo.com/external/282719869.sd.mp4?s=abfb3974eeed42e8ef70cf6a3cf712f0 aebfdea2&profile_id=165 or https://www.bluecadet.com/work/national-wwii-museum/ (at the bottom of the page) Attachment will be updated to include new link in future amendment.

50. Question - 4.1.3 Design and Engineering Video - Is any 3D animation anticipated for this AV program? If so, can you provide more insight into what aspects would be shown in 3D?

Response - The majority of the animation is intended to be illustrated and appear as drawings or plans, not as a model.

51. Question - 4.1.3 Design and Engineering Video - Is the video projection onto the wall supposed to be projection-mapped just to the two rectilinear areas of the “paper” squares mounted on the wall, as shown on page 217 of Attachment 3B? If so, how is the video image to be cropped to these two specific areas?

Response – The video projection is to be mapped so that it appears as the full wall pinup board, inclusive of any inset paper squares. The paper squares were meant to represent some elements that would be raised to offer some 3D relief and which might visually change, but the overall wall is the projection surface.

https://player.vimeo.com/external/282719869.sd.mp4?s=abfb3974eeed42e8ef70cf6a3cf712f0aebfdea2&profile_id=165 https://player.vimeo.com/external/282719869.sd.mp4?s=abfb3974eeed42e8ef70cf6a3cf712f0aebfdea2&profile_id=165 https://www.bluecadet.com/work/national-wwii-museum/

52. Question - 4.1.3 Design and Engineering Video - Is the video projection onto the table supposed to be projection-mapped just to the rectilinear area of the “paper” on the table, as shown on page 217 of Attachment 3B? If so, how is the video image to be cropped to this specific area?

Response – Please see response to question 51.

53. Question - 4.1.6 Surveyor/Transit Views - How many unique AV videos are there?

Response – It contains one looping video that contains several animated/enhanced photos. A panning transition can be used between the photos to support the "surveyor’s" point of view as it shifts.

54. Question - 4.1.6 Surveyor/Transit Views - How many historic photographs would be represented in each 10-15 second video?

Response – The exact number of photos will be determined in production. The estimated number of photos per 10-15 second video will be provided in future amendment.

55. Question - 4.1.6 Surveyor/Transit Views - How many total photos would be animated?

Response – Please see response to questions 53 & 54.

56. Question - 4.1.6 Surveyor/Transit Views - Within each viewfinder, would the same 10-15 second video be on a constant loop?

Response – Yes

57. Question - 4.2.4 Construction Model Interactive - Is the view scope synched in any way to the interactive program?

Response – No, it offers an analog-only way to look at the model.

58. Question - 4.2.4 Construction Model Interactive - Are both interactive stations identical in terms of functionality and content?

59. Question - 4.2.4 Construction Model Interactive - Will the client provide hi-res images for the overall scene/model and the zoomed-in areas that will be highlighted in the interactive?

Response – The contractor will have the model and will be responsible to produce the close-up images based on the finished model upgrades.

60. Question - 4.2.4 Construction Model Interactive - Is the screen going to remain with the model as shown on page 233 of Attachment 3B? If yes, what will be shown on this monitor?

Response – No

61. Question - 4.2.7 Day on the Job Audio Stories - For this program and the Ragtown Audio

Stories, do you want to incorporate any other background sound effects, or will it simply be the actor’s voice?

Response – Background sound effects should be included.

62. Question - 5.2.2 Water Management - How soon in production could a digital version of the wall graphic be provided to the AV media producer?

Response – The digital wall graphic is intended to mimic the production animation style and layout. The digital mockup can be provided as reference, however the final graphic should be coordinated using the AV mapping as its guide, not the other way around.

63. Question - 5.2.2 Water Management - Would the projected animations be single tone/all white, as in the linked sample?

64. Question - The EF is responsible for removing existing and disposing existing installations.

Please confirm if this includes only 4.2.2, 4.2.3, and 5.2.3 and the client will handle the removal of everything else and will deliver a clean space for us to work in.

Response - It only includes those items identified in the documentation. All other exhibits will be removed by the Government.

65. Question - We assume work at the Visitor Center is different from the museum but will happen while EF work is going on. Can you provide a schedule, even if preliminary, for the visitor center?

Response - A concurrent contract will be awarded for the building renovation and expansion approximately 75 days after award of the interpretive fabrication contract. Construction activity from start of demolition to ready for exhibit installation is expected to take approximately 180 days. The interpretive contract notice to proceed will be issued as soon as practicable after award. The interpretive contractor baseline schedule accepted by the Government after contract award will dictate the notice to proceed with construction activities. It is the Government’s intention to align timing of building construction ready for interpretive installation with exhibit fabrication ready for installation as closely as possible to minimize the period of time exhibits are not available as part of the Hoover Dam experience.

66. Question - Since sustainability is a goal of this project will the EF need to provide a list of materials used and/or describe processes?

Response – Contractor will not be required to provide a list of materials used and/or describe processes. Contractor is strongly encouraged to utilize sustainable materials and processes to the greatest extent practical while balancing durability and cost in producing exhibits.

67. Question - Will you consider Matthews paint as a specified finish?

68. Question - Do we need to provide engineering stamps on overhead exhibits? Or any others?

Response – The EF is responsible for any engineering review and approvals of exhibits, if deemed necessary in their construction or installation.

69. Question - Are there any specifications for trim around the monitor arrays? We assume painted finish.

Response – This should match the architectural details and finishes for this space.

70. Question - Should we assume visible fasteners to match trim (ML-01)

71. Question - Will flat panels of glass be used on the curved rails (4.2.8, etc.), or is curved glass required?

Response - Please see response to question 25

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