A04-PWS-NHOTIC_Museum_Exhibit.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Updating and Upgrading Services for Native American Exhibit at National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

1. GENERAL SCOPE.

1.1. The contractor will provide professional services to upgrade and refresh the existing Native American Gallery and Native American components in Introductory Diorama and Trade Diorama at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (NHOTIC). Professional Services shall include:

1.1.1. Content research.

1.1.2. Exhibit script.

1.1.3. Exhibit design.

1.1.4. Component fabrication and installation.

1.1.5. Assist BLM with tribal consultation needs, as directed by the BLM.

1.2. The exhibit update will be installed in existing gallery space, approximately 250 square feet over three exhibit gallery spaces. See Appendix A for diagram of gallery spaces and photos.

1.3. The NHOTIC is located five miles east of Baker City, Oregon at 22267 Oregon Highway 86, Baker City, OR 97814. The facility is open and staffed year-round. Staffing includes both professional permanent and seasonal temporary staff and volunteers.

1.4. The NHOTIC is a recreation and cultural site associated with the historic Oregon Trail and history of westward expansion and early settlement, early exploration, gold mining, Native American history related to the Oregon Trail migration, and natural history. The site receives annual visitation of around 15,000 people a year.

1.5. The purpose of this project is to provide research and content resulting in an exhibit script including accompanying images, infographics, and video. The contractor shall update the existing exhibit by designing panels and mounting on existing exhibit infrastructure. The contractor shall fabricate and install the new exhibit components in the preexisting footprint either with contractor’s inhouse staff or subcontractor.

2. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS. The Contractor shall provide the following services:

2.1. A site visit to meet with curatorial, interpretive, and exhibit staff on the scope and direction of the project.

2.2. The contractor shall develop new exhibit panels for the three following gallery spaces (see Appendix A):

2.2.1. Introductory Diorama – One to two panels exploring Native American presence in Oregon before westward expansion. Updated panels shall be mounted into the existing diorama. See Appendix B for mounting requirements.

2.2.2. Trade Diorama – One to three panels exploring the complex trade relationship between Native Americans and settlers. Updated panels shall be mounted into the existing diorama or floor-based mount. See Appendix B for mounting requirements.

2.2.3. Native American Gallery – Explore Native American history in three parts: consequences of contact for Native Americans during the Oregon trail period (1835-1875), long term effects of contact (1875- 1950), and resurgence of Native American lifeways and traditions today (1950 to present). Number of panels will be left up to contractor based on design; NHOTIC staff anticipates 9- 12 panels.

2.2.3.1. Through consultation between NHOTIC staff, contractor, and tribal partners, the contractor shall propose appropriate content to include in the exhibit based on the previously mentioned topic areas. The narrative produced will tell the story from the Native American perspective.

Tribal consultation will be coordinated by NHOTIC staff. The contractor will assist the NHOTIC staff with consultation, as directed.

2.2.3.2. The contractor shall maintain a record of correspondence and contact with outside researchers and tribes to be included with the final documentation package to the NHOTIC.

2.2.3.3. Review Process - The contractor shall meet with NHOTIC staff for quarterly reviews.

Contractor shall provide digital copies of all documents in Microsoft Office compatible format, CAD file, and/or PDF minimum of ten business days prior to scheduled meeting. The following must be approved at each stage of the process before progressing to the next stage:

2.2.3.3.1. Exhibit outline

2.2.3.3.2. Exhibit script

2.2.3.3.3. Exhibit design

2.2.3.3.4. Fabrication

2.2.3.3.5. Installation

2.2.3.3.6. Final approval and punch list

2.2.3.4. The contractor shall produce an exhibit outline based on the previously determined topics and content.

2.2.3.5. The contractor shall provide a written document of research, ensuring that all relevant academic citations and a complete bibliography are included.

2.2.3.6. The contractor shall research and compile an inventory of suggested images, video, and graphics to use in the exhibit, with appropriate citations, copyright approvals, and source information.

2.2.3.7. The contractor shall create a dynamic timeline of significant Native American historical events from the Native American perspective to replace the existing timeline panel in its current footprint.

2.2.3.8. The contractor shall incorporate 5 to 10 relevant objects in display cases. The contractor utilizes existing NHOTIC collections, identify potential objects for loan – NHOTIC will develop loan agreement, or purchases replicas on the open market. Exhibit cases and mounts for artifacts and replicas shall conform to industry standards and US Government standards as outlined in National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center: Standard Exhibit Planning, Design, and Fabrication Specifications 2019. See Section 18 Object Preservation and Protection.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/upload/NPS-Exhibit-Planning-Design- and-Fabrication- Specifications-2019.pdf http://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/upload/NPS-Exhibit-Planning-Design-

2.2.3.9. The contractor shall produce an exhibit script based on research of the previously determined topics and content.

2.2.3.10. The contractor shall develop a cohesive exhibit update design, utilizing best practices and materials to match museum aesthetic, fabricate, and install final exhibit and/or subcontract these services. Panel material preference is Digital High Pressure Laminate Panels to match existing thickness of surrounding panels. The contractor shall provide an electronic copy of final design schematics. Exhibit design and materials shall conform to industry standards and US Government standards as outlined in National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center: Standard Exhibit Planning, Design, and Fabrication Specifications 2019. See Section 6 Accessibility;

Section 14 Materials, Colors, and Finishes; Section 15 Two-Dimensional Exhibit Graphics;

and Section 27 Quality Standards and Safety for Fabrication.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/upload/NPS-Exhibit- Planning-Design-and-Fabrication- Specifications-2019.pdf.

2.3. The contractor shall possess the following skills and abilities:

2.3.1. Graduate level training and degree in history, archaeology, anthropology or a related field and academic experience relevant to the subject matter.

2.3.2. Previous experience working with museums and historic sites on research and exhibit design projects.

2.3.3. Experience developing or preparing written materials, graphics schedules, budget management, and plans for museum exhibits.

2.3.4. Experience developing exhibit design, fabrication, and installation and/or experience in subcontracting for these services.

3. Period of performance: project must be completed by December 31, 2024.

4. Contractor Provided: All services, supplies, materials, and travel accommodations and related travel expenses related to completing the required tasks.

5. Government Provided:

5.1. Copies of existing documents related to NHOTIC Native American exhibit and grant award.

5.2. Monitored access to museum collection records.

5.3. Monitored access to controlled museum collection storage areas at the NHOTIC.

5.4. Access to exhibit areas at the NHOTIC.

5.5. On site workspace and monitored access to office areas as needed to complete work while on site.

5.6. Relevant list of artifacts with images will be provided by NHOTIC.

6. Criteria: Provide design portfolio of three (3) to five (5) comparable projects developed by the people being proposed as key personnel assigned to the project. Please submit a proposal outlining the methods and timeline for completing this project.

http://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/upload/NPS-Exhibit-

Appendix A.

Highlighted colored areas for upgrades

Introductory Diorama i.

Trade Encampment ii

Native American Gallery iii

Appendix B

Current panel mounting styles for diorama.