A04_SOW_Montezuma_Interpretive_Sign_(Updated).pdf

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Interpretive Panels Design and Fabrication

Scope of Work

I JN ATlONAL

WILDUFE

REFUGE SYSTEM

Introduction

The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, refuge) is developing two series of interpretive panels (Project 1 and Project 2) to be located at various areas around the refuge. These panels will convey information about refuge orientation, management and unique features.

Refuge Background

Establishment of the Refuge by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) in 1938 was the first step of many to restore the area back to its historic expanse of marshes. Once drained as a result of dam and canal construction, area wildlife virtually went the way of the water-gone.

But, with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a series of constructed dikes began to hold water and wildlife returned.

Today, Montezuma NWR continues to work toward restoring the historic Montezuma Marshes.

As part of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex-a partnership between the Service, the New

York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, the Nature

Conservancy, private landowners, and other special interest groups-the Refuge acquires land through deed or easement and restores it to provide critical habitat to migratory birds and other wildlife. Waterfowl numbers peak in April and November. Bald eagles, shorebirds, sandhill cranes, and warblers bring visitors by the tens of thousands each year, in search of their favorite bird or a bird to add to their life list.

The refuge offers a variety of opportunities to our visitors. Wildlife observation and photography are the main visitor activities, along with participating in interpretive programs and special events. Waterfowl, white-tailed deer, and other types of hunting, as well as fishing, are also available. The refuge has eight established wildlife viewing areas, a Wildlife Drive auto tour route and six miles of walking trails. Annual visitation reaches more than 200,000 visitors, coming from the local area, many of the United States, and several other countries including

Canada, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and Israel.

Project 1 Description

This project requires the design and fabrication of thirteen new wayside interpretive panels

(panels) at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, located in Seneca Falls, New York. Service staff is currently working on copy and basic graphic design drafts of the panels. The Contractor will be responsible for gathering photos, final graphic design, and fabrication of the panels. The anticipated completion date for the entire project is November 2026.

Project 2 Description

This project requires the design and fabrication of four new wayside interpretive panels

(panels) at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, located in Seneca Falls, New York. Service

• After decisions are made about graphic design and image needs, the Contractor will submit proofs of each panel to the Service as they are completed. A minimum of two drafts of each panel's text and graphic layout, prior to a final version, must be provided by the Contractor to the COR for review by Service staff. All proofs should be submitted to the Service by October 2026.

• The Service will review each proof and return it with comments/edits/approval to fabricate to the Contractor within two weeks of receiving it.

• A final 8"x 10" color laminate sample for color matching and image resolution will be provided by the Contractor to the Service for approval before production.

• After final approval of all proofs by the Service, the Contractor will fabricate all panels and deliver them along with mounting materials to the Service.

• All submissions (proofs and final products) will be delivered to the Point of Contact noted below by November 15, 2026.

Status Reports for Both Projects

The Contractor shall provide a monthly status report to the COR that includes the status of the project, issues that affect the schedule and budget, and an updated schedule based on the information at hand.

Quality Control for Both Projects

The Contractor shall provide quality control to ensure that all elements of project work meet the requirements of the contract and that all modifications are implemented. The Contractor's

Project Manager shall provide routine inspections of in-house and subcontracted work to ensure it meets contract specifications and shall oversee the quality of work produced and implemented at all phases of the project. Any work found not acceptable or compliant with the specifications shall be corrected prior to inspection or review by the COR.

Government-Furnished Property for Both Projects

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 COR 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 COR 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 COR all government-furnished property.