315500_SOW_FY_23.docx

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park The Journey of William Carney Sr. and Jr.

Scope of Work: Virtual Interactive Web/Mobile Program

1. Introduction:

a. 1.1 Overview:

i. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (NEBE) is seeking a design team to create an interactive virtual program to help illustrate the story and life of William Carney Sr. and William Carney Jr. and the journey from Norfolk, Virginia to New Bedford, Massachusetts by use of the Underground Railroad. The objective of this project is to develop an interactive virtual program for the National Park Service website that explores the historical significance of the Underground Railroad and highlights the contributions of William Carney Sr. and William Carney Jr. This program will provide an engaging and educational experience for users, allowing them to learn about the Underground Railroad and the Carney family's involvement in the abolitionist movement, in addition the program will show how formerly enslaved people through the Carney family experience, came to New Bedford. This interactive virtual program will be targeted to children, grades 4-12, history enthusiasts, teachers, Underground Railroad historians and enthusiasts, and generally the American public.

b. 1.2 Purpose:

i. This program is being created to help tell the story of William Carney Sr and William Carney Jr and their connection with the Underground Railroad, life in New Bedford, 54th Regiment, and more. The park would like the story to reach a wide variety of audiences but with a focus on community, education, and diversity. We hope this story will help educate locals and visitors in a virtual way and help them see the connection to the bravery of these two men to escape the system of slavery in the United States.

c. 1.3 History Background:

i. See Appendix A

d. 1.4 Project Team:

i. Contracting Officer (CO):

1. Name

ii. Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

1. Janine Da Silva – Program Manager, Visitor Experience & Resource Stewardship (janine_da_Silva@nps.gov)

iii. Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR):

1. Cara Pearson – Visual Information Specialist (cara_pearson@nps.gov)

iv. Park Ranger

1. Rufai Shardow (rufail_shardow@nps.gov)

2. Program Description:

a. 2.1 Program Goals:

i. The goal of this project is to develop an interactive virtual program for the National Park Service website/mobile app that explores the historical significance of the Underground Railroad and highlights the story of William Carney Sr. and William Carney Jr.

b. 2.2 Target Audience:

i. The park would like the story to reach a wide variety of audiences within the local community, educational system, and general public. We hope this story will help educate locals and visitors in a way to help them see the connection to the bravery of these two men to escape the system of slavery in the United States.

c. 2.3 Program Structure:

i. The story begins in Norfolk, Virginia with William Carney Sr, his wife, and 5 children: the oldest being William Carney Jr., and ending in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

ii. The timeline could begin when William Carney Jr was born in 1840.

iii. Narrative would be focusing on the historical journey through the Underground Railroad and the 54th Regiment for the Carney family and discussing the personal growth of finding freedom and making a difference for themselves.

iv. Important timelines to include:

1. 1840 William Carney Jr was born

2. 1857 William Carney Sr left his family to find freedom in New Bedford.

3. 1857 William Carney Sr was documented being in Philadelphia, PA.

4. William Carney Sr method of travel is unknown. He could’ve traveled by land or by water.

5. 1862 William Carney Jr confiscated himself from Virginia to New Bedford.

a. Confiscated meaning an enslaved person taking control of their own fate or asserting their autonomy within the oppressive system of slavery.

6. 1863 William Carney Jr enlists in 54th MA Regiment and fights at Fort Wagner – earned Medal of Honor for his actions in battle

7. The Carney family has descendants in New Bedford today

3. Content Development:

a. 3.1 Research and Narrative:

i. Conduct thorough research on the story of William Carney Sr.'s journey from Virginia to New Bedford via the Underground Railroad. Develop a compelling narrative that highlights the challenges, triumphs, and historical significance of the journey. Additionally, research and incorporate the story of William Carney Jr.'s life in New Bedford, his involvement in the 54th Regiment during the Civil War, and his family's journey to New Bedford from Virginia in 1862.

b. 3.2 Storytelling Elements:

i. The park would like to ask the contractor with help in identifying the best engaging storytelling elements such as multimedia (images, videos, audio), interactive features, maps, and timelines to enhance the user experience.

c. 3.3 Historical Accuracy:

i. Ensure that all information presented in the program is historically accurate and well-researched. Collaborate with the parks subject matter experts to verify the accuracy of the content. Please also see Appendix A.

4. Virtual Platform and Technology:

a. 4.1 Platform Selection:

i. The park would like help from the contractor in selecting the best design idea that can effectively deliver the interactive web program, considering factors such as accessibility, user interface, and technical requirements.

b. 4.2 Interactive Features:

i. Identify and integrate interactive features into the virtual program, such as clickable elements, quizzes, virtual tours, and audio or video clips.

c. 4.3 User Experience:

i. Prioritize user experience by making the program easy to navigate, engaging, and accessible to a diverse audience.

d. 4.4 Technical Requirements:

i. Define the necessary technical specifications and infrastructure required to host the virtual program and ensure seamless performance.

5. Accessibility Considerations:

a. 5.1 Legal Compliance:

i. Ensure that the virtual program adheres to relevant accessibility laws and regulations.

ii. Ensure the program meets 508 accessibility National Park Service standards, including screen reader compatibility, audio description, transcript, closed captioning and adherence to accessibility guidelines.

b. 5.2 Accessibility Audit:

i. Conduct an accessibility audit of the virtual program to identify areas of improvement and ensure that it is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

c. 5.3 Accommodations:

i. Implement accommodations such as closed captioning, transcripts, alt text for images, and accessible navigation to make the program inclusive and accessible for all users.

d. 5.4 Accessibility National Park Service Requirements:

i. The contractor shall create closed captioning for the final deliverable. Final caption scripts and sound effects descriptions shall be reviewed and approved by the COR. Captions shall be upper and lower case, in a readable sans serif block font, subject to COR approval.

ii. The contractor shall create audio description (AD) for the visually impaired for the English version of the video.

iii. All scripts and edits for the English version of the video required under this contract shall be paced to accommodate a secondary AD narration track. The script shall incorporate natural pauses where no primary narration or dialogue is spoken to accommodate audio description.

iv. The deliverable as a whole and all its components shall be accessible and usable by persons with disabilities. At minimum, compliance with most current version of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended shall be met. (See https://www.section508.gov/.)

v. In addition, the NPS strives to meet level AAA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. but acknowledges that not all products can achieve this level. (See http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG/.) The contractor shall list the proposed deliverables and the WCAG level which they believe can be met for each deliverable. As more is understood about the deliverable, the achievable level may be impacted either positively or negatively. Any changes shall be discussed with the government for approval. The contractor will be required to deliver a plan to detail how they will test for accessibility and how they intend to meet WCAG levels for each deliverable."

6. Design and Visual Elements:

a. 6.1 Visual Design:

i. Create a visually appealing and engaging design that aligns with the historical context of the story and the branding guidelines of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

b. 6.2 Multimedia Assets:

i. Source or create high-quality multimedia assets, including images, videos, audio clips, and illustrations that effectively support the narrative and enhance user engagement.

c. 6.3 User Interface:

i. Design an intuitive user interface that facilitates easy navigation and interaction with the program's content and interactive elements while remaining 508 compliant.

7. Design Requirements:

a. 7.1 Visual Storytelling:

i. Develop a visually engaging and immersive experience to effectively convey the story of William Carney Sr and Jr and the rest of the Carney family.

b. 7.2 Accessibility Standards:

i. Ensure the program meets 508 accessibility standards, including screen reader compatibility and adherence to accessibility guidelines.

c. 7.3 NPS Web/Mobile Friendly:

i. Design the program to be compatible with NPS web and mobile platforms for seamless access across devices.

d. 7.4 Interactive Features:

i. Implement interactive elements such as clickable features that provide additional information and enhance user engagement.

e. 7.5 Image Usage & Acquisition:

i. Utilize historic and current images, if available, to enhance the visual storytelling experience.

ii. The contactor will be responsible for providing all images and video and securing the rights for those images and video. The park will assist in the research, and location of historical images and current digital content that may exist within the park and various park partners.

f. 7.6 Video Integration & Aquisition:

i. Explore the possibility of including short videos, if necessary, to enhance the storytelling and provide additional context.

ii. The contractor shall obtain all rights and permissions from the owners/holders of restricted copyrighted materials for use in the videos under this contract. The contractor shall submit an inventory of all copyright agreements for any audiovisuals used in the final production. Copies of all license agreements and release forms shall be included with the inventory. All license agreements and release forms must be approved by the COR prior to use.

g. 7.7 Text:

i. Contractor is responsible for the drafting of all text. Staff of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park will assist the contractor with edits and revisions along with text needed in closed captioning.

h. 7.8 Audio Narration:

i. Contractor is responsible for securing voice talent for Audio Narration.

i. 7.9 Musical Score:

i. No original musical score is required. Contractor will work with the park to identify and secure existing music and sound effects for a video if needed.

j. 7.10 Content Management System (CMS) Requirements:

i. The contractor will work with the project COR to ensure compatibility with the National Park Service’s Content Management System (park website) and other media devices.

ii. The virtual program shall have the ability to be delivered via park website and be compatible with cellular mobile devices including tablets and smartphones. The tours shall be hosted and served by government web servers. Phone and email support for the data shall last for a period of one year after the final deliverable has been reviewed and approved.

iii. The virtual program shall operate on mobile devices including tablets, smartphones, and laptops. The interface shall be compatible with a mobile touch interface and an internet browser interface including a mouse and keyboard controls.

k. 7.11 Cross-Park Connections:

i. Incorporate links or connections to other relevant parks or resources to provide additional context and encourage exploration.

8. Testing and Quality Assurance:

a. 8.1 User Testing:

i. Conduct user testing sessions to gather feedback on the program's usability, interactivity, and overall user experience. Incorporate user feedback to improve the program.

b. 8.2 Quality Assurance:

i. Perform thorough quality assurance testing to identify and resolve any technical issues, ensure cross-browser and mobile compatibility, and optimize performance.

9. Launch and Promotion:

a. 9.1 Program Launch:

i. Develop a launch plan and timeline for the virtual program, including any necessary promotional activities.

b. 9.2 Promotion and Outreach:

i. Collaborate with the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park team to promote the virtual program through various channels, such as social media, newsletters, website features, and partnerships with relevant organizations or educational institutions.

10. Monitoring and Evaluation:

a. 10.1 Metrics and Analytics:

i. Define metrics and analytics to measure the success and impact of the virtual interactive web program, such as website traffic, user engagement, and visitor feedback.

b. 10.2 Evaluation Plan:

i. Develop an evaluation plan to assess the program's effectiveness in meeting its goals and objectives. Incorporate feedback mechanisms, surveys, or assessments to gather user feedback and make data-driven improvements.

11. Timeline For Completion:

a. All work, including review and approval, shall be completed on or before 09/14/2024. The proposed project schedule with deliverable time frames is:

b.

12. Review & Approval:

a. The COR will notify the contractor, in writing, of approval or rejection of work within 15 days. Any additions or corrections shall be completed with 15 calendar days. In the event of government delays beyond the period specified, the contractor shall be entitled to a day-today extension in the completion date.

13. Travel, Meetings, & Presentations:

i. Travel:

1. Not required for this project but may be necessary if determined by contractor.

ii. Teams/Zoom Meetings:

1. The contractor shall participate in virtual meetings to present a deliverable or discuss government response to a deliverable.

2. The contractor shall take notes for each meeting and submit meetings notes to the COR within 5 working days after the meeting.

14. Budget:

a. Present a comprehensive budget that includes costs associated with content development, design, platform selection, multimedia assets, testing, and promotion.

15. Risk Management:

a. Identify potential risks and challenges related to the development and implementation of the virtual program and outline strategies to mitigate them.

16. Warranty:

a. The contractor shall guarantee the workmanship against defects in work and material for a minimum of one year. The warranty period shall commence with final acceptance of work. This shall include all labor and parts at no additional cost to the government.

b. If during this warranty period, defective workmanship, materials, or equipment are identified by the government, the contractor will be notified, in writing, as to liability and responsibility for corrective action at no cost to the government.

c. Action may include but is not limited to:

i. Placing all work into satisfactory condition;

ii. Making good all damages to equipment, the site, the building, or contents thereof, that have resulted from such unsatisfactory work; and

iii. Making good any work, materials, or equipment that are disturbed in fulfilling the guarantee including any work, materials, or equipment that may have been guaranteed under another contract.

d. Should the contractor fail to proceed with work in accordance with the guarantee within seven calendar days from the notice of corrective action(s), the government will have such work performed at the expense of the contractor.

e. In no event will the government be responsible for any extension or delays in the scheduled deliverables or periods of performance under this contract as a result of the contractor’s obligations to correct defects, nor shall there be any adjustment of the delivery schedule or period of performance as a result of the correction of defects unless provided by a supplemental agreement with adequate consideration.

f. If the government returns any work to the contractor for correction or replacement under this contract, the contractor shall be liable for transportation charges up to an amount equal to the cost of transportation by the usual commercial method of shipment from the place of delivery specified in the contract (irrespective of the F.O.B. point or the point of acceptance) to the contractor’s plant and return to the place of delivery specified in the contract. The contractor shall also bear the responsibility for the work while in transit.

g. The contractor shall be liable for the reasonable costs, including travel of personnel, and disassembly and reassembly of larger items when it is necessary to remove the work to be inspected and returned for correction or replacement.

17. Copyright:

a. The National Park Service (NPS) has a responsibility to protect the copyright of its original works and to respect the copyrights of others. Copyright law provides legal protection to authors and creators of original works, including literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works, among others. The NPS ensures that all its employees and contractors understand copyright laws and policies to avoid infringing on copyrighted material. Additionally, the NPS carefully considers the use of copyrighted material in its own works and seeks permission from copyright owners or properly licenses the use of copyrighted material when necessary. By complying with copyright laws, the NPS can ensure that its own works are protected and that the rights of other creators and copyright owners are respected.

18. Deliverables & Destination Point:

a. The contractor shall submit all final products in final form and raw format.

b. All government-furnished property and or material shall be returned to the park upon completion of the work, the contractor shall send the submittals to the following destinations:

i. Hard Copy project deliverables shall be sent FOB to the following address:

1. National Park Service

2. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

3. 33 William Street

4. New Bedford, MA 02740

5. Attention: The Journey of William Carney Sr. & Jr.

a. Janine Da Silva

6. Digital project deliverables shall be emailed, or shared via an FTP site, to the project COR.

19. Payment Schedule:

a. Upon completion and acceptance of all work, the contractor shall be paid a firm-fixed price in accordance with the following schedule:

i. Upon completion and acceptance of First Draft: Twenty-five percent of the total contract price.

ii. Upon completion and acceptance of final cut: Twenty-five percent of the total contract price.

iii. Upon completion and acceptance of All Final Deliverables: Fifty percent of the total contract price.

20. Conclusion:

a. Summarize the scope of work and reiterate the commitment to delivering a high-quality virtual interactive web program that educates and engages visitors with the story of William Carney Sr. and Jr.

b. The contractor shall provide all services including labor, equipment, materials, and facilities necessary to conceptualize, design, produce, test, and launch the program.

21. Appendices:

a. Appendix A:

i. Designated in 1996, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (NEBE) encompasses 34 acres spread across 13 city blocks, including the New Bedford Historic District, a national historic landmark district designated in 1966. The park is interwoven into the urban fabric of the city of New Bedford. Within the park boundary there are more than 70 historic resources, the majority of which include historic structures that contribute to the park’s historic context and are held in private ownership. The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, a national historic landmark, is also considered to be within the boundary of the park and, when in port, is docked at State Pier on the waterfront. In addition, the National Park Service is authorized to assist in the interpretation and preservation of a number of specific sites named in the enabling legislation that are outside the physical boundary of the park but are considered to be part of the park. These sites include the southwest corner of State Pier, Waterfront Park to the south of State Pier, the Wharfinger Building (Waterfront Visitor Center), Bourne Counting House, and Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum. Today you can visit the park to explore the visitor center and the historic downtown district of the city.

ii. One of the park’s highlighted stories is related to the Underground Railroad. Formerly enslaved men and women used the Underground Railroad, a network of people and places, to escape from the forced labor camps, known as plantations, in the south. Formerly enslaved men had skills that were useful on whaling voyages, and formerly enslaved women found work in the city as laundresses and domestic workers. In 1840, it is thought that 300-700 formerly enslaved people lived in New Bedford, having used the Underground Railroad to get to the area.

iii. Renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass used to Underground Railroad to get to New Bedford in 1838. At the age of 20, he escaped from slavery, with the assistance of his fiancée Anna Murray, and, two weeks later, the two of them arrived in New Bedford. It was a place known to harbor formerly enslaved people and he could be safer from capture and re-enslavement, even though he was not entirely safe until his freedom was purchased in 1846. His first days were spent at the house of Nathan and Polly Johnson on 7th Street. It was in this house that he accepted the recommendation of Nathan Johnson to change his surname to Douglass. He and his family lived in New Bedford for about five years.

iv. Other Underground Railroad travelers ended their journeys in New Bedford. This can be difficult, since the strength of the network was its secrecy. William Still, an African American conductor in Philadelphia, collected stories of the formerly enslaved in his office at the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee. This project examines the life of William H. Carney, a documented Underground Railroad rider who left Virginia and found refuge in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Mr. Carney is identified in the book, The Underground Railroad, by William Still. His family joined him in New Bedford about 1862. His son, William H. Carney Jr. enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment in March 1863 and earned a Medal of Honor for his bravery at Fort Wagner in South Carolina.

v. William Carney left the Virginia around Norfolk in 1857 and arrived in Philadelphia with Andrew Allen. He left his wife and children, not knowing if he would see them again. We do not know how Mr. Carney came to choose New Bedford, but he was reunited with his family in 1862 and buried in New Bedford in 1885.