Solicitation No. 19TS8026Q0009_QA's (002).docx

Solicitation No. 19TS8026Q0009

Questions and Answers

1. Question No. 1: Will the Embassy provide all written content and imagery for the display? Should bidders factor in time for research and writing for the display? Acquisition of assets for the display?

Answer No. 1: The U.S. Embassy will provide the finalized historical narrative, timeline milestones, written content, captions, and the majority of the visual assets for the exhibition. The Contractor is not expected to conduct historical research or develop exhibition content.

2. Question No. 2: We do not see the following attachments in the main solicitation PDF, please provide:

· Attachment 1 Layout of USG Space in Pavilion

· Attachment 2 Drawings for Standard Booths

Answer No. 2: Attachments are removed. Any available floor plans, drawings, or other relevant documentation will be provided by the Museum, if available.

3. Question No. 3: Can you provide the display’s opening date and duration?

Answer No. 3: The exhibition is anticipated to open in September 2026 and remain on display throughout December 2026. The exact opening date will be announced following contract award and coordination with the Museum.

4. Question No. 4: How long will fabricator have to install the displays?

Answer No. 4: The installation schedule will be coordinated between the Contractor, the U.S. Embassy, and the National Military Museum following contract award and will be adjusted to align with the expected exhibition opening in September 2026.

5. Question No. 5: Can you provide any information on color palettes and preferred finishes (wood/metal/paint)?

Answer No. 5: The exhibition branding and graphic identity shall align with the U.S. Department of State Brand System. Offerors shall develop a museum-quality design that is consistent with the Department's branding standards while complementing the historical nature of the exhibition and the architecture of the National Military Museum. Specific materials are identified in the SOW for certain exhibition items. For all other elements, the Contractor may propose appropriate museum-quality materials and finishes, subject to Government approval. https://brand.america.gov/document/542402#/-/overseas-branding-guidelines

6. Question No. 6: Would you be open to light box versions?

Answer No. 6: Yes. Offerors may propose light box displays or other museum-quality display solutions where they enhance visitor engagement and readability. Any such solutions must be durable, energy-efficient, safe for public use, and compatible with the exhibition space and available electrical infrastructure.

7. Question No. 7: Do you have parameters for the interactive pod? Any desired interaction?

Answer No.7: The solicitation requires one standalone interactive display or kiosk. Offerors are encouraged to propose creative and user-friendly interactive experiences that complement the timeline exhibition. Examples may include interactive maps, multimedia content, archival photographs, short videos, 3D models, augmented reality experiences, or other digital interpretive elements. The proposed solution should be intuitive, reliable, accessible to a general audience, and suitable for continuous public operation.

8. Question no. 8: Will you also be interested in decorating the exhibition space?

Answer No. 8: Offerors may include proposals for complementary environmental graphics and exhibition dressing that enhance the visitor experience while respecting the character and preservation requirements of the Museum. Any decorative elements shall remain consistent with the approved exhibition design and be subject to Government approval.

9. Question No. 9: Can you provide drawings/photos of the exhibition space?

Answer No. 9: The Contractor shall conduct a site visit to inspect the exhibition space and take all necessary measurements. No photos or drawings can be provided

10. Question No. 10: Dimensions and weight of the portraits?

Answer No. 10: Life-size portrait of George Washington the overall dimensions, including the frame, are approximately 2.6 m × 1.7 m. The museum does not have an exact recorded weight, but they estimate that, including the heavy ornate wooden frame, the total weight is approximately 40–50 kg. For the portrait of Mohamed Sadok Bey, the dimensions are 226.7 cm × 137.2 cm (89¼ in × 54 in). The exact weight is not currently available, as it is not recorded in the museum's documentation.

It should be around 40-50kg

11. Question no. 11: May we submit more than one design and budget option? Our final costs will vary significantly depending on printing methods, materials, and the level of digital interactivity required, so we would like to present tiered options if permissible.

Answer no. 11: Yes. Offerors may submit multiple technical and price proposals presenting different design concepts, materials, production methods, and levels of digital interactivity. Each proposal shall clearly identify the proposed approach and include a corresponding technical and price proposal that meets the requirements of the solicitation.

12. Question no. 12: Could you please clarify the exact period of performance for the main exhibition at the Manouba Museum? Additionally, what is the period of performance for the traveling exhibit, and how many towns is it scheduled to visit?

Answer No. 12: The exhibition at the Tunisian National Military Museum is anticipated to be open from September through December 2026. Following the exhibition at the Museum, the U.S. Embassy may display the exhibition at additional venues. Therefore, the exhibition shall be designed to facilitate dismantling, transportation, storage, and reinstallation at future venues.

13. Question No. 13: Could you please provide any conservation or environmental requirements for the paintings that will be exhibited? For example, are there specific requirements regarding temperature, humidity, lighting, or minimum viewing distances?

Answer No. 13: The exhibition design shall incorporate an appropriate humidity-control system or other suitable environmental measures to help protect the exhibited artworks. In addition, the Contractor shall follow generally accepted museum conservation and exhibition practices to ensure the safe display and preservation of all artworks throughout the exhibition period. A minimum viewing distance of approximately 50 centimeters from the artworks shall be maintained through the exhibition layout and visitor management measures

14. Question No. 14: Will the paintings already be displayed with a protective barrier or glazing (such as glass or acrylic), or should our exhibition design include measures to prevent visitors from touching the artworks?

Answer No. 14: The National Military Museum will provide the appropriate stanchions and barrier ropes to establish a visitor perimeter around the artworks. Offerors are therefore not required to include additional protective barriers in their exhibition design.

15. Question no. 15: The museum includes several recessed wall display niches containing permanent exhibits and vitrines. Would it be acceptable for our temporary exhibition to partially conceal or cover some of these recessed display areas to maintain the visual coherence of the exhibition stands, provided that no permanent modifications are made to the space?

Answer No. 15: No. The temporary exhibition shall not cover or otherwise interfere with the Museum's existing display vitrines. As specified in the Statement of Work, all exhibition panels, display walls, and other exhibition elements shall be freestanding and self-supporting, without attachment to or reliance on the Museum's existing walls, display cases, or permanent structures. The exhibition design shall respect the existing Museum environment while maintaining a cohesive and visually engaging visitor experience