A04_SOW_Conservation_Treatment.pdf

PROVIDE CONSERVATION TREATMENT FOR MUSEUM OBJECTS STATEMENT OF WORK

PROVIDE CONSERVATION TREATMENT FOR

HISTORIC FURNIHSINGS

STATEMENT OF WORK

CANE RIVER CREOLE NHP

PMIS 314548B

PEPC 112185

APRIL 2025

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

INTERIOR REGION 2 –

SOUTH ATLANTIC GULF REGION

CANE RIVER CREOLE NHP

CULTURAL RESOURCE PROGRAM

PROVIDE CONSERVATION TREATMENT FOR HISTORIC FURNIHSINGS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. BACKGROUND

2. OBJECTIVES

3. SCOPE

4. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

5. TASKS

6. DELIVERY

7. NPS PROVISIONS

8. SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

9. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

10. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

11. ATTACHMENTS

A. MUSEUM CATALOG RECORDS

B. MUSEUM OBJECT AND EXHIBIT IMAGES

C. MAP OF DELIVERY LOCATION SITES

1. BACKGROUND

The museum collection of Cane River Creole National Historical Park (CARI) includes 19th century historic furnishings on exhibit and in storage which require conservation treatment to maintain a good or restored condition. The Cane River region is home to a unique culture, the Creoles – merging the traditions of Native American, French, Spanish, and African cultures in Louisiana.

Generations of the same families of owners and workers, enslaved and tenant, lived on these lands for over 200 years. The park tells their stories and preserves the historic structures and cultural landscapes of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations, two of the most intact cotton plantations in the United States. The park’s Curation Facility, located in Natchitoches, LA, is the repository where much of the museum collection is stored and managed. The park’s Visitor Center, located adjacently at the Texas & Pacific Railway Depot, is a rehabilitated historic structure with strong significance in the African American community of Natchitoches. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/cari.

2. OBJECTIVES

CARI seeks professional services to provide conservation treatment for 15 historic furnishings and museum objects originally recovered from the Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation units of the park, both National Historic Landmarks. Proposals are requested from accredited conservation treatment vendors with current satisfactory federal contractor statuses. Tasks involve conservation treatment and a final report. The condition of these objects is evaluated as Fair. The Contractor shall provide treatment at an off-site facility to enhance the condition of each object to Good. The Contractor is responsible for physical handling, transportation and delivery of all objects.

3. SCOPE

CARI requests Contractor proposals which indicate proposed conservation treatment techniques and cost estimates involving two Tasks. Task 1 of this contract involves conservation treatment of 17 historic furnishings and museum objects constructed primarily of wooden materials, including objects’ transportation. Task 2 involves development of the final Treatment Report. Refer to the attachments section for data regarding the objects which require treatment.

The services of a professionally accredited Contractor with a documented record of satisfactory Government performance to complete this project is required. The Contractor must possess experience related to conservation treatment of historic furnishings and should maintain membership in or accreditation by a professional conservation organization. The Contractor shall maintain open communications and provide at least three status reports to the COR during the project. The Contractor shall document the work in its entirety via photographic images and notes and include data in the Treatment Report.

CARI seeks proposals that can protect the objects for a period of at least five years to ensure preservation and maximum benefit to the Government. Proposals must indicate the means of transportation and relocation for the objects, planned conservation treatment techniques, and any proposed subcontracts. Proposals shall be submitted at the time of quotation submittal.

4. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall evaluate the survey data and recommendations to develop a proposal for submittal, including narratives and a detailed cost estimate to fulfill the requirement. An optional site visit opportunity for prospective bidders will be offered on two occasions. Proposals will be evaluated based on DOI-NPS technical evaluation criteria. An opportunity for the Contractor to pose questions and clarification requests for the NPS shall be provided. Prior to award, the COR and selected Contractor shall consider omission of some objects and may negotiate terms of the SOW per treatment techniques and mount specifications to limit services per budget available.

The proposal shall include sections for Treatment, Transportation, Installation, and Safety. The proposal shall describe all work necessary to thoroughly clean, vacuum, repair, control oxidation, restore paint finishes, apply protective coatings, replace missing parts and features, return basic functionality, and/or install archival-quality mounts or supports. Other details should include planned methods of removal from exhibit and storage locations to safely protect objects and facilities, transportation particulars per type of vehicles and/or trailers, number of staff required, etc. Regarding most objects referenced herein, emphasis should be on stabilization to achieve Good museum object condition, and not a full restoration per se. Damage and modifications to objects incurred historically via wear and tear use, including repairs, toned losses, replacement of features, etc. is considered historic character. Preservation of such features is in keeping with interpretation of historic use of park resources over a continuum of time, from the antebellum period to the end of the plantation era.

Conservation treatment shall include at a minimum photographic documentation before and after, preservation of historic materials to the greatest extent possible, limited in-kind replacement of features, thorough cleaning, sensitive handling and relocation, and other treatments as specified to achieve a good or restored condition description for each museum object. Treatment shall comply with professional conservation best practices and the recommendations herein. The COR may provide additional guidance regarding treatment of specific objects as requested.

Proposed treatments must consider the fragile nature of objects, potential for missing component parts, and the possible discovery of non-apparent damaged features. Replacement in-kind of materials may be necessary in some instances, though repairing and preserving existing material is preferred. The proposed treatment must protect the object for a period of at least five years as part of cyclic treatments. Applied surface treatments and finishes must be protected using microcrystalline wax or other approved coating.

The cost estimate shall include the total sum cost for Tasks 1 and 2. Deliverables. The estimate must reference each Task Number to indicate the sum proposed cost and a line-item breakdown of the Contractor’s estimated costs per item. Points to be addressed include hourly rates, transportation, supplies for treatments and mounts, approximate time frame to complete treatment of each object and deliver the finished products to CARI, and submittal of final report.

The Proposal shall include:

Treatment Plan: The Contractor shall submit a plan, based on data provided, to indicate proposed processes, techniques, recommendations for NPS consideration, and extent of treatment for each object. The narrative should address SOW directions listed in the table of section 5. Tasks, and discuss facilities planned for use, tools, equipment, and chemical products, prior related experience, alternate treatment recommendations for NPS consideration, and other pertinent points. The Contractor may propose up to three phases or periods of project activity for invoicing of Task 1 during the period of performance.

Transportation Plan: The Contractor shall submit a plan to indicate proposed methods of packing and transportation of all products from CARI sites to the Contractor’s facility, and back to CARI sites. The narrative shall detail the vehicles, number of staff, trailers, dollies, carts, powered lifting equipment, packing materials, and routes to be used. At least three Contractor staff will be required to physically handle and relocate the large, sensitive furnishings from the museum exhibit space, down a staircase, and onto trailers and vehicles. The narrative should discuss mitigating steps taken to avoid damage to features of the cultural landscape, historic structures, exhibit settings, and/or museum objects. The Contractor shall include proposed timeframes for on-site pickup and de-installations, reinstallations, and final delivery. Maps and floor plans of the facilities are included as attachments. Note facility details:

Curation Facility: 720 6th Street | Natchitoches, LA 71457 The Curation Facility is a warehouse facility used for management and storage of museum collections from three national parks in Louisiana. A total of 7 museum objects will be removed from storage within. The federal facility, a controlled space, is protected by a gated fence and maintains two receiving areas, including a loading ramp with dock on the southeast side, as well as a covered exterior loading zone on the north side. The Contractor may utilize dollies, carts, pallet jacks, etc. to relocate objects for loading.

Oakland Plantation Main House: 4386 Highway 494 | Natchez, LA 71456 The Main House c. 1821 is a National Historic Landmark structure with historically furnished interior museum exhibits. A total of 8 museum objects will be removed from exhibit inside and relocated out through the French Doorway located on the south side of the structure, across the wooden decking of the Gallery, and down the adjacent brick staircase. Objects must be carried a distance of at least 50 feet by hand across the wooden decking of the Gallery, and down approx. 10 steps of the brick staircase. The staircase landing’s surface is covered by a rubberized trail mat surface pinned to the ground. Vehicle access to the structure is via the Maintenance entrance located on the southwest corner of the site on Highway 494 near the Seed House (maintenance facility). Follow the gravel road leading north to the south side of the Main House where a gate is located. The vehicle may drive through this gate, and drive north across the unpaved landscape to the south staircase and accessible lift landing area. The Contractor is responsible to ensure the gate is opened and closed for their vehicle access. Following treatment and acceptance, the Contractor shall follow the same process for relocating objects back to the Main House exhibit for installation.

Installation Plan: The Contractor shall submit a plan to indicate proposed methods of replacing objects in storage and on exhibit, as well as recommendations to create archival-quality storage and exhibit mounts. Installation of objects on exhibit will involve mounting and leveling for object protection and visitor safety. The foundation of the 200-year-old French Creole Cottage has shifted over time, and floor surfaces upon which objects are currently installed are no longer level.

Moreover, the features of some furnishings have warped or become loose and unstable, causing these to lean or tilt in a precarious and potentially unsafe manner. The Contractor shall utilize a leveling tool and shims of archival materials to ensure a level standing position for object exhibition. Leveling may also be accomplished using mount materials as practical. Mounts shall be designed by the Contractor using commercially acquired archival materials. When installed, new exhibit mounts should be concealed to the extent possible to avoid observation by visitors. Mounts for objects in storage status should be constructed as small as possible, for ease of handling, durability for removal from shelves, and in a manner that does not detract from viewing.

Safety Plan: The awardee shall provide a written safety plan for review by the COR prior to the onset of work. The plan shall include standard DOI-NPS points as well as the Contractor’s strategies for preventing injuries, reporting emergencies, and other relevant methods to ensure safety. The Contractor is expected to comply with all OSHA and DOI regulations, including use of personal protective equipment, utilizing transport dollies and/or powered lifts, and limitations on unassisted lifting of heavy loads. The objects were used and recovered from within the Oakland Plantation Main House, with data suggesting no harmful contaminants are present.

5. TASKS

Task 1: Provide Conservation Treatment of __ Historic Furnishings and Museum Objects

# OBJECT CATALOG SOW LOCATION

1 Dresser 22767 Remove from exhibition. Clean, restore functionality of mirror frame and drawer features, wax. Mirror Frame: Clean, repair failed and loose joins, securely reattach detached glass mirror to frame interior, reattach loose and split frame backing, securely reattach mirror frame to brackets and adjust knob features, wax. Drawer 1: Reset base, tighten knob handles, and repair to fully close shut. Frame: Reattach base molding feature, repair splits and failed joins, tone veneer losses and modern damage. Reinstall using shims to mount and securely level for exhibition.

OH 202 E. Wall, near French Doorway

2 Mirror 22733 Remove from exhibition. Clean, reattach loose backing, loose joins, tone modern losses, wax. Install new, rated stainless steel wire hangers.

Reinstall with wire hangers to historic wall anchor mounts and set at a similar angle for exhibition.

OH 206 S. Wall, above Mantel

3 Coat Tree 22830 Remove from exhibition. Clean, reattach detached Mirror to frame interior, reattach loose backing, repair loose joins, tone modern losses, level, wax. Install shims to level and securely mount object to prevent tipping forward on exhibition.

Reinstall on exhibit.

OH 206 E. Wall, right of windows

4 Settée 41225 Remove from exhibition. Clean, repair damaged/detached features, repair loose joins, wax for protection per outdoor exhibition. Install new shims

OH N. Gallery to level on wooden decking surface.

Reinstall on exhibit.

5 Cupboard-Pantry 22869 Remove from exhibition. Clean, repair damaged/loose hinges and reset doors at top and bottom levels to fully close shut, repair loose joins, wax.

Install shims to level and securely mount object to prevent tipping forward on exhibition. Reinstall on exhibit.

OH 212 W. Wall

6 Frame 22712 Remove from exhibition. Clean, treat brass alloy materials, repair damaged/loose features, repair easel to maintain vertical position, wax.

Reinstall on exhibit.

OH 206 S. Wall, atop Mantel

7 Stand 36615 Remove from exhibition. Clean, repair/reattach loose tabletop feature, reattach loose vine features (2-3) to legs, repair loose leg attachments, wax. Reinstall on exhibit.

OH 205 W. Floor

8 Armoire 22765 Remove from exhibition. Clean, repair loose joins, reset doors to fully close shut, wax. Install a new mount system to level and securely support object atop historic wooden block mounts for exhibition, without warping, bowing, or incurring stress on framing and delicate feet features.

Reinstall on exhibit.

OH 202 N. Wall

9 Table 22855 Clean, repair damaged/loose features, repair loose joins, wax.

CF 110 R 72 S 1

10 Mortar 50172 Clean, treat oxidation, repair detached foot features, wax. Install archival storage mount to minimize stress on feet features.

CF 110 Row 15 Floor

11 Turnstile 30903 Clean, reattach detached features, install in-kind replacement features if necessary, repair loose joins, wax.

Install archival storage mount to support object in level vertical standing position.

CF 110 SW Floor

12 Table 36-93 Clean, repair damaged/loose features, repair loose joins, wax.

Install archival storage mount to support object in level vertical standing position.

CF 110 SC 5 Atop

13 Table 31023 Clean, repair damaged/loose features, repair loose joins, wax.

CF 110 JSC 6-7

Atop

14 Sofa 221-1 Clean, treat upholstery, repair damaged/loose features, repair loose joins, reattach loose veneer, tone recent losses, wax. Retain dolly wheels.

CF 110 W. Floor

15 Bird Cage 93-4 Clean, treat oxidation, repair loose features, wax.

CF 110 W. Wall

Task 2: Produce Final Report of Conservation Treatment The Contractor shall prepare a final treatment report to detail the work completed for each museum object treated. The report will reference catalog data and will include photographic documentation before and after, narratives describing conservation techniques, chemicals used, component parts removed, features restored, discoveries made, recommendations for cyclic maintenance, storage and exhibit mounts, and other data to serve as a record of treatment. The Contractor shall further provide detailed image documentation of embossed marks, inscriptions, painted and applied writing, and graffiti on equipment including makers’ marks, manufacturer’s info., patent dates, names, etc. and include in the report.

Treatment Report drafts shall be submitted via email as .doc file formats. The final, approved Treatment Report shall be submitted in the form of printed copies (3) and combined .pdf electronic format on removable disk drive (2). Submittal of the printed final reports shall be printed on both sides, bound, and inclusive of all project data including image contact sheets. The electronic final report copy shall be formatted for submittal within a single combined .pdf file. Image files in .jpg or .tif format shall be arranged in folders labeled by catalog number.

6. DELIVERY

The following delivery schedule is based on the current FY25 award schedule and estimates for Contractor work and is subject to change.

Deliverables: 15 Museum objects in good condition Delivery Times: 08/2025 – 08/2026 Delivery Locations: Oakland Plantation Main House – Curation Facility Supporting Documentation: Catalog records, images, conservation surveys, prior awards.

Deliverables Schedule:

Submittal – Milestone Target Dates – Duration

Format – Products

Post Award Orientation/Project Kickoff Meeting July 2025 Teleconference Relocate Objects for Treatment, Phase 1 August 2025 CARI – Contractor Facility Relocate Objects for Treatment, Phase 2 November 2025 CARI – Contractor Facility Relocate Objects for Treatment, Phase 3 February 2026 CARI – Contractor Facility Invoice 1 August 2025 Email – IPP – FBMS Invoice 2 November 2025 Email – IPP – FBMS Invoice 3 February 2026 Email – IPP – FBMS Project Status Meeting 1 October 2025 Teleconference Delivery Objects, Phase 1 November 2025 Contractor Facility – CARI Delivery Objects, Phase 2 February 2026 Contractor Facility – CARI

Delivery Objects, Phase 3 May 2026 Contractor Facility – CARI Project Status Meeting 2 January 2026 Teleconference Project Status Meeting 3 April 2026 Teleconference Submittal Treatment Report Draft May 2026 Email Review Treatment Report June 2026 Teleconference Accept Treatment Report June 2026 Email Invoice 4 June 2026 Email – IPP – FBMS Project Closeout Meeting July 2026 Teleconference

7. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION

No Government-Furnished Property, Material, or Equipment shall be provided for this requirement.

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, expertise, and supervision to complete the tasks as indicated. Government-Furnished Information (GFI) in the form of museum catalog records, images of museum objects, and site maps have been provided in the attachments section. Additional documentation or descriptive data may be made available upon request.

8. SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

The objects intended for conservation treatment are located at two different DOI-NPS-CARI federal facilities with controlled access, including the Oakland Plantation Main House (exhibit) and the Curation Facility (storage). The Contractor and COR shall confer to determine the appropriate dates and times for access to these controlled spaces.

Removal from and installation of objects at the Oakland Plantation Main House exhibit will be planned on Mondays and/or Tuesdays to avoid disruptions to visitor services. Access to the Curation Facility is available Monday through Friday per schedule. The Contractor shall be escorted by a NPS staff member designated by the COR at all times while on NPS-CARI premises.

9. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Oakland Plantation Main House 4386 Highway 494 | Natchez, LA 71456

Curation Facility 720 6th Street | Natchitoches, LA 71457

10. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All work of this project shall take place within a period of 120 days from the Contract Notice to Proceed date. The anticipated Period of Performance is July 2025 – July 2026.

11. ATTACHMENTS

A. Museum Catalog Records B. Museum Object and Exhibit Images C. Map of Delivery Location Sites