A1. NMMC Painting&Paper Conservation_PWS_082426.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WORKS OF ART AND FRAMES

IN THE COLLECTION OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS (NMMC)

1.0 Background

The National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) has a collection of fine art that represents over two (2) centuries of both eye-witness accounts and artistic interpretations of the visual history of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The 13,000+ piece collection includes works by nationally and internationally recognized artists. Most of the collection includes works on paper and stretched canvas. Some works are painted on wood, metal, masonite, and other substrates. The paintings and art works on paper in the collection range in age from the mid-19th century to the present day. The Art Collection’s rationale has as its primary focus in fine art that documents the creation and history of the Continental Marines and USMC and continues to grow, adding several hundred works per year. As part of the mission statement, the NMMC is tasked with collections stewardship responsibilities to provide professional expertise for all museum artifacts and works of art within the collection located throughout all Marine Corps facilities.

The NMMC curators continually identify fine art that requires either full conservation and/or stabilization treatment, as needed, to ensure they are managed and maintained in perpetuity.

Most of the conservation projects shall either support museum exhibition or the preservation of works in storage that are in either unstable condition or require conservation for their long-term care.

2.0 Scope

This requirement is for professional conservation services for fourteen (14) paintings, twenty-three (23) art works on paper, and frames in the permanent collection of the NMMC in accordance with the Performance Requirements listed below. This will comprise of assessments, conservation treatments to include cleaning, in-painting, and varnishing, stabilization for long-term storage and display, relining of paintings, relaxing creases, removal of mold spores, repair tears, removal of tape and its residue, removal of old backing boards to stabilize works, and cleaning and repairing an antique frames as identified, photography, and a final treatment report for each work of art and frame. The paintings and art works on paper will be located at the NMMC Museum Support Facility (MSF). All questions that arise during the treatment process that are not covered in this PWS, or other documentation attached to this contract, shall be directed to the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) and/or the appropriate subject matter expert (SME) for review and approval.

3.0 Performance Requirements

3.1 Tasks: The Contractor shall provide all materials, equipment, and supplies necessary to fully carry out the following Performance Requirements. Upon completion of the Performance Requirements for all works of art and frames requiring services, the Contractor shall notify the NMMC for final inspection and acceptance. Where a painting is on the borderline of needing to be relined, the Contractor shall reline the painting for long term preservation and exhibit.

3.1.1 Intake meeting and site visit to NMMC Museum Support Facility (MSF): The contractor shall be available for an intake meeting within five (5) days of the contact award and to review the works of art in Attachment 1 & 2. Both tasks may be completed during a single visit. The meeting and site visit will be coordinated directly with the TPOC and take place at the NMMC MSF.

3.1.2 Conservation Assessments: The Contractor shall provide conservation assessments with potential options, as applicable, for conservation and stabilization of fourteen (14) paintings, twenty-three (23) works of art on paper, and frames.

3.1.2.1 Conservation assessments shall be reviewed and approved by the TPOC prior to any conservation treatment(s).

3.1.2.2 Conservation assessments and/or stabilization of paintings may include, but are not limited to, proposals for the following procedures:

3.1.2.2.1 Surface cleaning

3.1.2.2.2 Removal of old, failing, or improperly done conservation treatments

3.1.2.2.3 Relining the canvas

3.1.2.2.4 Re-keying the tension of the canvas in its stretcher bars

3.1.2.2.5 New varnish as required.

3.1.2.3 Conservation assessments and/or stabilization of works of art works on paper may include, but are not limited to, proposals for the following procedures:

3.1.2.3.1 Surface cleaning

3.1.2.3.2 Relaxing creases

3.1.2.3.3 Removal of mold spores

3.1.2.3.4 Repair tears

3.1.2.3.5 Removal of tape and its residue

3.1.2.3.6 Stabilization

3.1.2.3.7 Removal from backing boards

3.1.2.4 Conservation assessments of paintings and works of art on paper shall include inspection, analysis and evaluation of each painting, work of art on paper, and/or frame to determine conservation and preservation needs, recommend intervention techniques, as well as provide treatment solution(s).

3.1.2.5 Conservation assessments will be reviewed, discussed, and approved by TPOC and/or SME within five (5) working days after the assessment is received from the Contractor.

3.1.2.6 Conservation will not begin until approval is provided to the Contractor by the TPOC, where applicable.

3.1.2.7 The conservation assessment for each individual work of art detailing the condition shall include the following information:

3.1.2.7.1 Accession number, title, and artist where applicable

3.1.2.7.2 Measurements

3.1.2.7.3 Description and condition

3.1.2.7.4 Recommended conservation treatment(s)

3.1.2.7.5 Length of time for work to be completed.

3.1.2.8 The assessment shall follow the standards as determined by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC).

3.1.2.9 The Contractor shall maintain contact by phone, mail, email, or in person with the TPOC to resolve difficulties or make decisions or revisions to the Conservation Assessment, as necessary. The Contractor is advised that only the TPOC can authorize changes and/or modifications to the agreed upon Conservation Assessment.

3.1.3 Conservation Treatment

3.1.3.1 The Contractor shall conserve the fourteen (14) paintings according to the conservation assessment and treatment proposals as approved by the TPOC.

3.1.3.2 The Contractor may be required to perform a variety of the following conservation processes for various types of materials depending on the condition of the paintings to be conserved and/or stabilized. All processes included in this list and others that may arise shall be approved by the TPOC and/or SME prior to beginning conservation treatments:

3.1.3.2.1 Remove previous treatments and old varnish layers where applicable, per the direction of the TPOC and/or subject matter expert.

3.1.3.2.2 Stabilize and/or consolidate flaking or unstable paints; clean and stabilize the work of art, when necessary, per the direction and approval of the TPOC and/or subject matter expert.

3.1.3.2.3 In-paint areas of loss.

3.1.3.2.4 Surface cleaning, obverse, and reverse.

3.1.3.2.5 Repair of physical damage such as rips and punctures.

3.1.3.2.6 Repair and stabilization of damage due to environmental issues, such as mold, water, and fire damage.

3.1.3.2.7 Structural repairs of panels.

3.1.3.2.8 Retouching varnish.

3.1.3.2.9 Re-varnishing paintings.

3.1.3.2.10 Re-bonding paint to substrate (e.g., lining).

3.1.3.2.11 Repair of tenting, crackling, etc.

3.1.3.2.12 Adjusting stretcher bars and, if necessary, re-stretching canvases.

3.1.3.2.13 Custom work not listed above; this will involve any issues that may be found during the assessment at the conservator’s studio that does not fit the list from (i) through (xii).

3.1.3.2.14 Consultation services, including but not limited to, suggestions for conservation treatment, conservation planning, restoration, preservation, and project sequencing.

3.1.3.3 The Contractor shall have the ability to clean and stabilize period frames and restore any missing parts of the frame.

3.1.3.3.1 The Contractor may subcontract to appropriate conservators for conservation treatment on frames that may require specialized treatment outside the capabilities of the contractor (i.e.: repairs to antique, gilded frames).

3.1.3.4 All conservation treatments shall be reversible in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) standards for the treatment of paintings.

3.1.4 Final Treatment Report

3.1.4.1 Final written conservation treatment reports are to be submitted for each of the fourteen

(14) paintings receiving conservation treatment providing the following details:

3.1.4.1.1 Accession number, title, and artist where applicable

3.1.4.1.2 Medium and support

3.1.4.1.3 Dimensions/measurements

3.1.4.1.4 Description and condition

3.1.4.1.5 Conservation treatment applied detailing the steps taken to achieve the completed results, and new condition of the painting including any previous repairs or restorations discovered during the treatment process.

3.1.4.1.6 Photo documentation of before, during, and after treatment detailing the condition and process of completed conservation.

3.1.4.2 Works of art and frames shall be photographed front and back with detailed photographs of areas of damage or instability, to include previous treatments, repairs and construction techniques prior to conservation.

3.1.4.2.1 The photographs will be included within the body of the treatment report and provided as separate images.

3.1.4.3 Conservation treatment reports will follow the guidelines as established by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC).

4.0 Applicable Information and/or Documents

4.1 Government Technical Point of Contact (TPOC): to be provided upon contract award

4.1.1. The TPOC shall provide background material information on each work of art as is practicable.

4.1.2. The TPOC may be assisted by multiple subject matter experts. The subject matter experts shall provide technical guidance and clarification in the absence of the TPOC.

4.1.3. The TPOC and/or subject matter experts shall review and approve all work. All work that does not meet the TPOC’s approval shall be rejected and reworked according to the TPOC and/or subject matter expert direction.

4.1.4. The TPOC shall have ten (10) working days to respond to the Contractor requests for information, proposals, or queries, by either phone or email.

4.1.5. The TPOC may visit the Contractor’s conservation facility no less than two (2) times over the course of the contract. Each visit shall be coordinated with the Contractor.

4.1.6. The TPOC shall host initial progress meetings, generally in person or via telephone/teleconference call. Schedule, frequency, and duration are to be determined.

4.1.7. The final inspection and acceptance shall take place upon completion of conservation treatment on the agreed upon paintings and accepted by the TPOC according to the accepted conservation treatment.

4.2 Period of Performance: All tasks shall be completed within 12 months of contract award. The assessments for the twenty-three (23) works on paper shall be performed within a four-month period after the date of award. The assessment and treatment for the fourteen (14) paintings shall be performed within ten (10) months after the vendor receives the paintings with the exception of the painting The Assault on Derna by Charles Waterhouse, acrylic on Masonite, accession number 2012.1026.458 which shall be completed and returned to the MSF within four (4) months of receiving the painting.

4.3 Place of Performance

4.3.1 Works of art and frames may be assessed onsite at the National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC), NMMC Museum Support Facility (MSF), or other associated agencies within the National Capital Region as directed by the TPOC.

National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) 1775 Semper Fidelis Way Triangle, VA 22172-1949

NMMC Museum Support Facility (MSF) 17001 Interstate Dr. Ste. 130 Dumfries, VA 22026-2121

4.3.2 The Contractor shall perform all conservation treatment required at their conservation facility.

4.3.2.1 The conservation facility where paintings and frames are to be treated is required to meet the safety, ethics, and security standards set by the (AIC).

4.3.3 The Contractor must be able to provide safe and secure transportation and/or in some cases fine art transportation/shipping for all works of art and frames that are transportable to and from the NMMC Museum Support Facility in Dumfries, VA to their conservation facility. The Contractor shall comply with all shipping and hauling requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the USMC, and all other associated authorities. All deliveries shall be coordinated with the TPOC.

4.3.4 The Contractor shall be responsible for their transportation to and from the NMMC MSF unless otherwise agreed upon with the TPOC.

4.3.5 The Contractor must be able to receive works of art and frames and have a secure location in which they can be received safely and free of environmental hazards.

4.4 List of Deliverables and Performance Information

Deliverable

Name Description Frequency Method of

Delivery

Intake meeting and site visit (See PWS 3.1.1)

Meeting at MSF to review the works of art receiving services under this contract

Within 5 days of contract award

Site visit at NMMC MSF

Conservation Assessment (See 3.1.2)

Inspection, analysis, and evaluation of each work of art and frame to determine conservation needs and recommend conservation and treatment solutions

Within 10 working days of receiving Paintings

Provide one (1) printed copy to TPOC. Send one

(1) electronic copy via email to TPOC as a Word or PDF file.

Conservation Assessment for The Assault on Derna

Inspection, analysis, and evaluation of this painting to determine conservation needs and recommend conservation and treatment solutions

Within 10 days of receiving the painting

Provide one (1) printed copy to TPOC. Send one

(1) electronic copy via email to TPOC as a Word or PDF file.

Conservation Treatment (See 3.1.3)

Specific conservation work required for each of the fourteen

(14) paintings

Varies depending on work of art and frame. See Section

4.2. Period of

Performance

Email written treatment reports to TPOC as a Word or PDF file. Provide treatment photographic images and reports to the TPOC on an external thumb drive or via Dropbox.

Conservation Treatment for The Assault on Derna

Specific conservation work required for this painting as approved in the Conservation Assessment

No later than four (4) months after receipt of the painting

Email written treatment report to TPOC as a Word or PDF file. Provide treatment photographic images and reports to the TPOC on an external thumb drive or via Dropbox.

Final Treatment Report (See 3.1.4)

Conservation treatment applied detailing new condition, include photos of work of art and frame before, during and after treatment.

Report is due upon return of conserved works of art to

NMMC

One (1) printed copy to TPOC upon return of conserved work of art.

Send one (1) electronic copy via email to TPOC as a PDF file.

4.5 Government Property: The works of art and frames requiring services under this contract are considered

Government property. The Government shall provide the works of art and frames for review and examination for the Contractor to prepare conservation assessments. Once the assessment has been approved by the TPOC, treatment of the works of art and frames can begin. Upon transfer and return of the works of art and frames to and from the NMMC, work of art and frame transfer documentation is required for NMMC records and accountability.

4.6 Delivery Address: All works of art and frames and any any/all deliverables shall be delivered to the following location in coordination with the TPOC:

NMMC Museum Support Facility (MSF) 17001 Interstate Drive, Ste. 130 Dumfries, VA 22026

4.7 Hours of Operation: The Contractor must be available to work during normal working hours in coordination with the TPOC, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on U.S. Federal Holidays. Visit Federal Holidays (opm.gov) to view the applicable listing of U.S. Federal Holidays.

4.8 Contractor Personnel / Qualifications

4.8.1 The Contractor shall adhere to the professional standards set forth in the American Institute for

Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.

Contractor shall acknowledge membership in the AIC at the level of a Professional Associate.

4.8.2 The Contractor shall have been in practice as a professional conservator for a minimum of ten (10) years. The Contractor shall provide a resume of all staff intended to work on this requirement showing the requisite experience.

4.8.3 The Contractor shall have an advanced degree of a Master of Arts or Science from an accredited university and/or extensive study in the conservation of artworks.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url=Overview

4.8.3.1 Extensive study includes an apprenticeship with a master conservator, a year-long internship with a master conservator, or a graduate certificate in conservation from an accredited university with an established conservation program.

4.8.4 In their quote, the Contractor shall demonstrate that they have recent and relevant experience performing projects similar to the services requested herein.

4.9 Travel: The Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract type. The Contractor is responsible for all travel/per diem related expenses required to perform this contract. Any anticipated travel costs in the performance of this contract shall be included as part of the quoted rate(s). Any travel matters associated with the performance of this contract are the sole responsibility of the Contractor. The Government shall not have any financial responsibility other than paying for the FFP on each line item.

4.10 Security Requirements: The Contractor must possess a current valid state driver’s license and/or form of government approved official identification containing a personal photograph. The identification is required for security purposes to access Government facilities.

4.11 Specifications

4.11.1 The Contractor shall provide proof of insurance coverage to ensure the works of art are protected while in the conservator’s care, as determined by the TPOC.

4.11.2 The Contractor’s conservation facilities shall provide the appropriate climate and humidity controls in place providing a stable environment for Museum property meeting the following requirements: 50-60% relative humidity and 68–72-degree Fahrenheit with plus or minus 5% fluctuation.

4.12 List of Attachments

Attachment 1 – Works on Paper to be Assessed Attachment 2 – Paintings to receive Conservation Assessment and Treatment