A04_PWS_National_BPA_Interpretive_Panel_and_Wayside_Graphic_Design.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)

Interpretive Panel and Wayside Design and Fabrication Performance Work Statement

A. BACKGROUND

The purpose and intent of this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is to establish contracts by task orders to provide interpretive media, including graphic design and fabrication for indoor and outdoor interpretive panels, trail waysides, and kiosks for all field stations and offices in the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

The contract is designed to respond to the needs of USFWS field stations and offices for new small interpretive media projects as well as rehabilitation, redesign, and additions to existing interpretive signs and panels. Potential projects include, but are not limited to, trailhead kiosks, overlooks, and trail waysides. In addition, some work may occur in locations not owned by the USFWS, but in which there is a partnership or agreement to place interpretive media. The interpretive media, based on the refuge-specific interpretive themes, will be used to establish quality, engaging, and accessible audience-centered experiences that demonstrate the natural, cultural, managerial, and conservation values and priorities of the USFWS lands, facilities, management programs, and associated plants and wildlife.

For the purpose of the contract, interpretive media is defined as a product that uses text, graphics, objects, design, and other media elements to help the audience make intellectual and emotional connections to the resource. In terms of accessibility, all interpretive media produced for this contract will comply with the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards and meet the description (below) in the “Accessibility and Universal Design” section below. Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.

Types of interpretive media are further defined below in Sections B and C.

When developing new interpretive panels and signs, the contractor will be required to work with Service staff in panel and structure planning and design. Graphic design and production may include, but is not limited to, travel to meet with field and/or regional staff; conduct subject matter research; develop interpretive text or other interpretive products; develop work schedules and prepare cost estimates; purchase photos; provide illustrations; and fabricate and ship the panels, signs, and supporting structures to the Service site. Fabrication will likely be included in the graphic panel contract.

B. SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor will furnish all services and labor to design, produce, fabricate, and transport the interpretive panels, signs, and support structures to the USFWS site.

The contractor will employ the latest and most suitable technology in the fabrication and production of all interpretive panels and signs and their support structures. Work in close collaboration with USFWS employees identified in the task order to ensure interpretive materials are conceived, designed, and developed to be accurate and appropriate for the intended use. Interpretive materials are for targeted audiences and deal with a wide variety of subjects. As part of a small team consisting of the contractor, field station/office, and regional office staff, the contractor will develop a conceptual overall thematic structure for interpretive materials and contribute suggestions regarding illustrations, diagrams, and maps.

Accuracy of information is highly important. Illustrations will accurately depict habitats, landforms, and wildlife. In selecting an illustration style, biological accuracy is the most important aspect, but aesthetics and appeal are also highly important. When photographs are used, the images chosen will accurately represent the site where the product will be installed.

All original illustrations, murals, photos, images, audio, video, graphic layouts, and any other work associated with the project will be the exclusive property of the USFWS, even if they are stored at the contractor's facility to simplify the production of duplicate items. Final files of all interpretive media shall be furnished in the native file format to the USFWS.

The contractor(s) or approved subcontractor(s) must be able to develop and furnish:

1. Planning documents, including:

a. Design, to include concept design (10% phase), design development (35%, 65%, & 95% phases), and final design - unless otherwise specified in Task/Delivery Order.

b. Illustrated and written reports

2. Job cost and budget estimates.

3. Original illustrations in various styles for a variety of media, especially focused on wildlife and wildlife habitats; USFWS owns originals, OR USFWS maintains rights only (Discretion of the USFWS).

4. Photo search, procurement of photos that are in the final interpretive media product, or custom photo shoot. In addition, provide photo source and credit information.

5. Copywriting including:

a. Original research

b. Interpretive Text writing

c. Editing

6. Photo processing

7. Graphic design of interpretive panels.

8. Fabrication of interpretive panels and signs, in various substrates, per USFWS task order requirements.

9. Offsite fabrication of mounting systems, including, but not limited to, kiosks, wayside panels, and signs associated with trails, interpretive kiosks, and waysides.

10. Producing the above mounting items in kit form for USFWS assembly and installation on site.

11. On-site delivery of interpretive panels, signs, and other materials.

C. DESIGN OF INTERPRETIVE MEDIA

General Design Guidance

1. Because most visitors will spend only a short amount of time with each product, interpretive media must communicate easily and clearly with a minimum amount of text. Headlines, descriptive subheads, and captions should be used to help visitors skim for items of interest. Furthermore, the interpretive media must have maximum visual impact. Visuals should be attractive and easily understood.

2. The overall look of the interpretive media should not be trendy, so as to be quickly outdated in style.

3. All graphics used within the interpretive media must have an attributed source and credit information that follows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Graphic Standards.

4. All interpretive media and framing/mounting systems shall be coordinated and designed to complement each other, existing media (where appropriate), and the landscape of the installation site.

5. The Contractor shall consult the Government, as necessary, regarding interpretive media and materials, draft reviews, and methods for installation.

6. The Government will approve the design look of the interpretive media and framing/mounting system, the fabrications material, the framing/mounting system design and materials, and the installation methods.

7. All interpretive media and framing/mounting systems will be designed to withstand constant weathering and visitor interaction and be in good condition for a minimum of 10 years.

8. All interpretive media material must have ultra-violet radiation and graffiti resistance, be resistant to water condensation, and be vandal resistant.

9. All interpretive media that will be located outside must be exterior-grade material.

10. Both the fabrication materials and framing/mounting systems must be easy to care for and clean.

11. Design drawings of interpretive panels at final design shall include:

a. Exact size of each panel

b. Framing/mounting system details

c. Location of final text, illustrations, and photographs

d. Sizes and styles of the typefaces clearly represented

e. Materials and colors to be used

12. Consult with the USFWS regarding the use of other languages (including dialects) alongside English in the development of the panels. If other languages are to be incorporated into the panels, provide the appropriate dialect of the language, translation, and incorporate the translated text into the panels, as appropriate.

Accessibility and Universal Design

All interpretive media products planned, designed, and fabricated shall follow the latest published version of Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media. These Guidelines are a combination of best practices, USFWS and Department of the Interior directives, and Federal laws. Federal laws include the Architectural Barriers Act, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended, and the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. If a conflict between any of the rules, laws, or guidelines exists, the most stringent applies.

Universal design principles and accessibility requirements for visitors with specific disabilities shall be addressed in the interpretive media. The consultant’s advice shall comply with the references listed below. Typical areas of consultation include, but are not limited to:

1. Typography

2. Reach ranges (heights and reach distances for panels and other elements)

3. Protruding objects, including roofs and overhead objects

4. Use of color, contrast, and font sizes

5. Use of tactile elements such as models, maps, raised images, and other tactile elements

Design and Production of Indoor and Outdoor Signs/Panels and Structures

Requirements include, but are not limited to:

1. Interpretive writing, including natural history copywriting and editing

2. Silk screen imaging

3. Original illustrations and artwork

4. Digital imaging and printing

5. Photo imaging

6. Interpretive panels of various substrates and colors including, but not limited to:

a. Aluminum

b. Fiberglass embedment

c. Porcelain enamel metal

d. Plexiglas

e. Museum mount panels (wood frame, plastic laminate)

f. MDO plywood

g. Metal etched

h. Fiberglass reinforced plastic

i. High-pressure laminate

j. Wood routed

k. Plastic routed

l. Wood sandblasted

m. Wall graphics (i.e., wall wraps)

Interpretive Writing

For the purpose of this contract, interpretive writing is defined as writing (e.g., brochures, rack cards, orientation guides, etc.) that convey meanings effectively using interpretive techniques and organizational structure. Good interpretive writing provides memorable images and ideas that facilitate connections between audiences and resource meanings. Interpretive writing draws from technical, informational, scientific, historical, and cultural sources and incorporates creative techniques intended to connect readers emotionally and intellectually to the meanings and significance of the resource(s) being interpreted. These connections can occur before, during, after, or instead of an actual visit. The development of clear interpretive writing is critical to public comprehension of agency and refuge issues, themes, and values.

To achieve quality interpretive writing, the contractor must be able to write effectively for various audiences and media. The contractor should have knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, methods, and techniques inherent in writing and editing for a professional interpretive program. This includes mastery of the English language; the ability to write and edit clearly and convincingly for both the lay and targeted audiences; the ability to write to fit an established layout; a sound understanding of the full editorial process, from writing to proofreading; and critical thinking and diagnostic skills to evaluate, comprehend, and convey complex and potentially controversial interpretive material effectively. The contractor must understand the basic concepts of tangible and intangible and universals related to interpretation and interpretive writing.

The interpretive writer should also possess the ability to research, analyze, distill, explain, and present information in a variety of fields with a broad and non-specialized approach. (This may require studying related literature, interviewing experts, or observing activities, processes, or demonstrations.)

In some instances, the contractor will be required to provide interpretive media in languages other than English. For those products, the contractor shall provide accurate translations as directed by the USFWS of the interpretive material in the language specified.

Interpretive writing products should have the following elements:

1. Develop and employ a thematic hierarchy.

2. Develop interpretive themes, including tangibles, intangibles, and universal concepts.

3. Demonstrate a cohesive development of ideas, not just a chronological narrative or list of facts.

4. Connect tangible resources to universal concepts to facilitate intellectual and emotional connections with the reader.

5. Writing products, themes, and content should be specific to the site when at all possible.

6. Integrate interpretive writing with visual elements.

D. FABRICATION OF INTERPRETIVE MEDIA

All fabricated interpretive media that is enclosed in any way must have access panels to allow for proper cleaning and maintenance.

Wood and Wood-like products

1. Finished woodwork shall be free from machine and tool marks, abrasions, raised grain, or other surface defects on surfaces exposed to view in the finished work. Exposed wood surfaces shall be uniform in color and grain.

2. Finished wall work and panels shall be properly framed and installed, closely fitted, and accurately set to the required lines and levels as shown in any working plans or drawings and rigidly secured in place. Miters or other joints shall be planed and sanded. All work shall be left free from warps, twists, open joints, or other defects.

3. All wood shall be fire retardant and treated at a minimum to a U.L. flame spread and Fire Rating Classification of 25.

4. All visible edges of any particle board used shall be filled, sanded, and finished.

Metals

1. All metal surfaces shall be free from defects such as oxidation, flake burns, pitting, etc.

2. All metal parts and sections used shall be free from defects impairing strength, durability, or appearance and shall be fit for their intended purpose.

3. All steel surfaces shall be clean and free from mill scale, flake rust, burrs, oxidation, pitting, etc., and shall be formed to size and shaped, with sharp profiles, lines, and angles.

4. All matching and milling operations shall leave clean, true lines and surfaces.

5. When applying coatings to metal, manufacturer recommendations shall be followed

(number of coats, preparation, etc.)

Plastics

1. All plastic laminate surfaces shall be free of scratches, cracks, chips, stains, and other surface or edge imperfections.

2. Joints on vertical surfaces shall be tight, straight, and flush.

Hardware

1. All fastening devices for all work shall be provided and installed as required for complete, secure, and rigid casework construction. Hardware/fastening devices shall be hidden from the viewer whenever possible.

2. Hardware for all casework shall be designed and finished to conform to any hardware existing in the building.

3. In exterior and designated interior spaces, upon request, hardware shall be tamper and theft-resistant.

E. PACKAGING/SHIPPING OF INTERPRETIVE MEDIA

1. The contractor shall package and ship all interpretive media products in a manner that protects the media from damage during transit and installation at the project site.

2. The contractor shall provide a manual for the operation, care, and maintenance of all media and components.

F. PROJECT SCHEDULES & COORDINATION

1. The Contractor will meet with the appointed COR (Contracting Officer Representative) at the work site or via conference call at project start-up to obtain an overview of the site and to review the task order.

2. At this time, a project schedule will be developed using information specified in the task order. For smaller projects, an initial conference call followed by periodic review and progress reports through the design and fabrication stages may be sufficient. For more complex and larger projects, a more formal progress and payment schedule may be developed in consultation with the contractor.

3. Each project will have identified points of contact. On the USFWS side, this will include the contracting officer (CO), COR, project lead, field station lead, and other USFWS staff, if appropriate. On the contractor side, this will include the contractor’s representative and the contractor’s project manager. The USFWS points of contact will be identified in each task order. The contractor's points of contact will be identified in the project proposal.

4. The contractor shall prepare and distribute a trip report or meeting minutes of all telephone conversations, site visits, in-person meetings, or other discussions related to the project to the COR or USFWS project lead. The USFWS project lead will be responsible for distributing to the designated USFWS Team. After review by the USFWS, the USFWS project lead will provide the contractor with the comments, and the notes will be corrected, if necessary, by the contractor and redistributed to the same group named above.

5. Design Submittals will occur (if appropriate to the size, scope, and complexity of the project), at a minimum, at the 10%, 35%, 65%, and 95% phases of the design. The contractor shall submit design drawings for the interpretive panels and support structures and the Government will require two to three calendar weeks for review of these documents dependent upon project complexity. Upon receipt of 100% documents, USFWS reserves the right to review shop drawings and production proofs for accuracy (spelling, typographical errors, digital artifacts, etc.). USFWS review does not relieve the contractor of responsibility to ensure accuracy in final products.

6. Fabrication Submittals will occur (if appropriate to the size, scope, and complexity of the project), at a minimum, at the 35% and 65% phases of the fabrication. The USFWS review may involve an on-site shop visit at any or all of the phases.

G. WARRANTY

All products produced and/or provided under this contract will be warranted for a minimum of one calendar year from the date of acceptance for all parts and labor unless otherwise specified.

If the product itself carries a higher warranty, that warranty will apply.

H. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

If government-furnished material is provided during the course of the project, the contractor shall receive, inspect, and inventory all government-furnished materials and ensure that this material is forwarded to the appropriate unit or person within the contractor’s organization for use in the project. The Project Manager shall notify the project lead via email within seven (7) days after receipt if government-furnished materials are not satisfactory for their intended purpose. The Project Manager shall notify the project lead via email as soon as possible, but no later than three (3) business days, if government-furnished materials are lost or damaged while in the contractor’s possession. The contractor shall be responsible for the security and protection of government-furnished property or materials in connection with this task order. Following acceptance of all work by the government, the contractor shall return to the project lead all government-furnished property.

The Government will furnish, as appropriate, required data, materials, and access to project information necessary to perform the services required.