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DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Interpretive Planning and Services

1. GENERAL

Purpose: The purpose of this requirement is to provide planning and development for interpretive products and services. The interpretive objectives of Forest Service's interpretive services program are (FSM 2390):

1. Forge intellectual and emotional connections between people and the nation’s forests and grasslands and community green spaces through meaningful interpretive opportunities.

2. Enhance resource management and ensure the long-term sustainability of landscapes and the conservation of natural and cultural resources.

3. Assist in managing visitor capacity and influencing on-site behavior such as reducing user conflicts, protection of the resource, and enabling visitors to make accurate risk assessments and take appropriate safety precautions.

4. Achieve strategic communication on a variety of resource issues and management practices through interpretive planning, using the best available science, contemporary media, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

5. Provide life-long learning and a variety of fully accessible opportunities for all age groups, on-site, off-site and virtually resulting in repeat visits, volunteerism, and increased understanding of nation’s heritage and conservation legacy.

6. Establish and provide for a variety of partnerships and opportunities for visitors to become citizen stewards and to contribute to the economic vitality and diversity of local and regional communities.

Statement of Work: The Contractor shall provide all services including labor, materials, equipment, travel, facilities, industry-standard software and communication methods, monitoring and evaluation, fabrication, installation and staff training, to provide project management, planning, design, production, within Region 4 of the USDA Forest Service or anywhere within the United States at the discretion of the contracting officer.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1 Contracting Officer (CO): The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government.

2.2 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The person designated to represent the Contracting Officer.

2.4 Contractor: The person whose bid is accepted by the Forest Service and who has gained the responsibility of performing the requirements of the contract.

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2.5 Competitive Range: Competitive range is a subjective determination of those offers that have the potential for being selected for award after consideration of all factors.

2.6 Electronic Media: Technologically delivered content.

2.7 Exhibit: An organized arrangement of text, graphics, and objects that communicate a message or theme. Outside exhibits are often called waysides and may include interpretive signs, kiosks, or other presentation methods developed for use in the outdoors.

2.8 Exhibit Design: The process of conceiving an exhibit or other media to convey a message identified by a specific interpretive goal.

2.9 Exhibit Development: The process by which exhibit designs becomes reality; i.e., fabrication or production.

2.10 Exhibit Plan: This plan captures the concept of the exhibit(s) and explains how the visitor will interact with /experience the spaces, media and messaging. It may include themes, goals, objectives, key messages, media recommendations, and conceptual renderings of individual exhibits, bubble diagrams, draft text, color schemes, font selection, and other design guidelines.

Information in this plan is very specific, providing the conceptual design for design development and fabrication.

2.11 Interpretive Plan: This document identifies the significant resources of a site and proposes strategies for meeting management mandates and creating meaningful visitor experiences and connections. At a minimum it includes themes, goals, objectives, key messages, storylines, and media recommendations. It may also include audience analysis, marketing and evaluation strategies.

2.12 Interpretive Planning: The decision-making process that blends management needs and resource considerations with visitor desires and determines the most effective way to communicate the message to targeted markets.

2.13 Media: The means, methods, devices, or instruments by which the interpretive message is presented to the public.

2.14 Graphic Design: The development of compositions (including both text and images) in an organized and visually appealing manner.

2.15 Interpretive Writing: Text that uses interpretive principles to connect readers to the resource, emotionally, intellectually, and behaviorally.

2.16 Digital Media: Media that provides on-demand access to content any time, anywhere, on any digital device, as well as interactive user feedback, creative participation and community formation around the media content.

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2.17 Publication: Printed media to include brochures, pamphlets, booklets, guides, and other hard copy materials.

2.18 Project Management: Project Management includes full-time coordination of all work, quality control, on-site meetings, reviews of drafts, interpretive planning and research, all phases of planning and design work, adherence to accessibility standards, production and installation, production of maintenance manuals, and all other work identified in a Task Order.

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Forest Service shall provide to the Contractor all necessary reports, plans, documents, and other information available only from the Forest Service, necessary for the performance of the contract requirements.

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide all services including labor, materials, equipment, travel, industry-standard software and communication methods, including but not limited to: web meetings, electronic websites of viewing and editing documents, video conference calling, monitoring and evaluation, adherence to accessibility standards, fabrication, installation, staff training, and facilities to provide project management, planning, design, production, meeting facilitation space to complete the work required as outlined in the tasks below and detailed in subsequent task orders.

5. AVAILABLE TASKS

Work under this contract will be guided by the general tasks and/or project definitions outlined below.

Task # 1 Site Visit:

1.1 Travel to the project site specified in a Task Order and meet with project participants to review the project requirements. Participants may include internal/external partners or other stakeholders. Meetings may be formal or informal.

1.2 Observe Site Conditions. Gain a general understanding of the Forest resources;

observe site conditions; assess project needs; identify and interview project resource specialists; determine visitor types, characteristics, and use patterns; and determine other facts useful for project development. Survey other area interpretive operations, and determine their relevance to the exhibit project.

1.3 Determine Objectives. Determine and document the interpretive themes and objectives from staff, partners, and/or other external stakeholders, along with relevant documents. Utilize preliminary planning documents such as the Forest Plan, Interpretive Prospectus or Interpretive Plan, and any other applicable documents in the determination of themes and objectives.

1.4 Inspect Exhibit Spaces. Inspect, measure, map, video, or otherwise document proposed exhibit spaces and mechanical/electronic systems, and obtain and verify the accuracy of any architectural drawings of the site. Determine compatibility with, and

AG-84M8-S-15-0018 Attachment #1 Page 4 of 11 access to, planned services or products. Record locations of all outlets, registers, switches, and other equipment that might affect exhibit design.

1.5 Review Building Plans. Review design and construction drawings for proposed visitor facilities to insure that all interpretive areas are appropriate for the conceptual and technical requirements of proposed exhibits, and prepare review comments on such drawings. Address all required accessibility standards.

1.6 Inspect and Protect Artifacts/Objects. Inspect any artifacts/objects that may be available to determine their suitability for inclusion in proposed exhibits. For each relevant object take a photographic image and record the catalog number, dimensions, description, and any other data that will be needed to assist the project team in selecting display objects. Plan for appropriate curation of artifacts/objects.

1.7 Inspect Graphics. Inspect graphics in Forest Service collections and other designated sources to determine their suitability for inclusion in planned projects; copy or photograph the graphics, and record information regarding subject, source, and content.

1.8 Write Trip Report. Draft a written trip report documenting principal decisions and agreements reached by the planning team; and revise that draft based on review and comment by the COR.

Task # 2 Project Plan and Management:

2.1 Develop Project Agreement Plan that defines the scope and roles and responsibilities of project team members.

2.2 Prepare Project Schedule. Prepare a schedule to meet deadlines or mileposts as proposed in the task order. The schedule should include timeframes for reviews of drafts and feedback.

2.3 Prepare Cost Estimates. Prepare a cost estimate for the all components of the project.

Task # 3 Interpretive Planning:

3.1 Prepare Interpretive Plans. Develop and write an interpretive plan including analysis, text development, graphics and source information. Major components of a plan include introduction/background, inventory of existing interpretation, visitor analysis/use patterns, interpretive themes, goals and objectives, media recommendations, cost estimates and design guidelines. The goal of the completed plan is to provide enough information - from themes, goals, and objectives to cost estimates, - so that the next phase of a project can proceed. Prepare for participation and sharing in public, partner, and agency meetings

Task # 4 Exhibit Planning, Design, Fabrication, and Installation:

4.1 Conduct General Research. Conduct general research to support exhibit planning and design work during the concept planning and design phase. Locate and identify graphics, artifacts and display objects. Contractor shall use the guidelines listed in Attachment 1

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4.2 Prepare Exhibit Graphic and Artifact Layout. Prepare Layouts. Research and write interpretive text, including both interpretive content and informational labels and captions. Prepare a layout page for each exhibit component in the project, including the security and protection of artifacts. Include the final dimensions and crop marks for graphics.

4.3 Exhibit Concept Design Plan. Based on comments received from the COR on the Site Visit Trip Report and using information generated through meetings and research, the Contractor shall develop an Exhibit Concept Design Plan. This plan will provide a visual and narrative description of the planned exhibits. The plan shall include interpretive goals, content and interpretive technique for each exhibit, exhibit sketches, perspective view drawings, elevation drawings, materials/finishes and typographic samples, a floor plan, a description of architectural modifications and may also include audiovisual treatments, graphic and artifact working lists. The document will be used to gain consensus before final design plans are produced. This package includes draft text and a floor plan. This plan will normally go through at least 3 review cycles with the government typically at the 30%, 60% and 90% review milestones. Specific requirements shall be specified in the Task Order.

4.4 Exhibit Digital Audiovisual, Computer and Multimedia Programs. Provide audiovisual treatments for all exhibit audiovisual, computer, and electronically controlled programs. These treatments will include an outline of the subject matter to be presented, a description of the sequence of events and options visitors will encounter, and a description of the materials, equipment, software and structures associated with the program. Insure that all specified items are easily obtainable.

4.5 Exhibit Graphics Package. Prepare Exhibit Graphics Package. Acquire all reproducible negatives, transparencies, slides, prints, or other image formats that will be used to reproduce graphics during the Production Phase of the project. Organize proposed graphics on a DVD with a hard copy pdf. describing the file organization and placement of each graphic. Exhibit Identification Numbers must be clearly displayed on each sheet which refers back to the layout for placement.

For each graphic in the Exhibit Graphics Package determine if it is necessary to acquire use rights. Acquire one-time use rights on behalf of the Government for all graphics which legally require such permission, and pay the fees required for such rights. Provide to the COR all documentation demonstrating that rights have been secured and include that documentation in the Exhibit Graphic Package. Integrate revised credit lines as necessary. Notify the COR promptly of any issues concerning use rights disputes or price negotiations problems. All finished products shall be provided free of copyright encumbrances.

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4.6 Exhibit Equipment Schedules. Develop Equipment Schedules/Cut Sheets. Provide an organized schedule of all equipment to be used in the exhibits such as lighting fixtures, audiovisual equipment, computers, mechanical devices, specialized fasteners, non-standard materials and other elements not covered elsewhere in the Final Package.

Provide sources and cut sheets for all items.

4.7 Final Exhibit Design Plan. Based on comments provided by the COR, prepare the Final Exhibit Design Plan which will be used as a production package. The Task Order will identify any deviations from the specifications. The Final Exhibit Design Plan may include final text, materials/finishes samples, audiovisual treatments, graphic layout drawings, exhibit structural drawings, a lighting plan, an electrical plan, typographic samples, and reference and style packages for original art, sculptures, models, and other display items. Final plan format will be designated in the Task Order.

Task #5 Exhibit Fabrication and Installation:

5.1 Project Management. Scheduling, coordinating, overseeing, and managing all fabrication and installation work produced and installed under this contract.

5.2 Fabrication and Installation. Fabrication of all exhibit elements to include: graphics (whatever the medium), stands, holders, cabinetry, panels, platforms, vitrines, mannequins, dioramas, or other exhibit elements as according to the plans developed in Final Exhibit Design Plan.

5.3 Electrical, Mechanical and Audiovisual. Purchase, fabricate, assemble, install into buildings and exhibit structures, and thoroughly test all electrical and mechanical devices;

this includes lighting. Purchase and install audiovisual equipment into the exhibit structures, including electrical components to provide and ensure fully operational audiovisual systems for each exhibit unit. All work must conform to code and standards of safety.

5.4 Artifacts. Preparation of artifact mounts for installation, including design, production, and installation.

5.5 Training. Training of personnel in the operation and maintenance of all exhibits and audiovisuals. Contractor will provide all manuals and user guides.

5.6 Final graphics and operations manual. Before final payment is authorized, the Contractor shall provide all graphic artwork to the COR in a format agreeable to both parties. In conjunction with training, a manual of exhibit operations and care will be provided to the Government.

Task # 6 Graphic Design: Develop layout and design for various print and electronic media including color(s), fonts, graphics, photographs and original illustrations. Design standards may be provided by the Government.

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Task # 7 Interpretive Writing: Develop interpretive text that provokes, relates and reveals the significance of the resource(s) to the reader in an engaging and emotional way. Utilize various methods including storytelling, focusing on tangibles, intangibles, cultural universals, and interpretive themes. Interpretive writing could include the development of interpretive program outlines.

Task #8 Multiple Languages: Provide translation services for languages other than English.

This task will be further identified in individual task orders

Task #9 Electronic media: (includes audiovisuals, social, and digital media): Development of interactive electronic media that engages the user visually, emotionally and intellectually. Media is inclusive of, but not limited to, videos, podcasts, website development, social media, smart applications for smart phones, or other contemporary electronic media. All 508 accessibility standards shall apply.

Task #10 Publication Planning and Design: Development of print media from concept to delivery to a printer. Identify audience, goals, objectives, key messages, text development, graphic layout and design including but not limited to acquisition of photographs, fonts, and development of original illustrations. Prepare electronic package in accordance to the printer’s specifications, press check for quality control and distribution. All accessibility standards shall apply.

Task #11 Interpretive Training: Development and presentation (if needed) of comprehensive interpretive training to forest and partner staff as identified in the task order.

6. WARRANTIES

All exhibit components developed under this contract shall be warranted by the Contractor for a period of at least 1 year from all operational and visual defects, in addition to all manufacturer warranties. Additional warranties may apply based on the individual product or service (defined in the specific task order.)

7. GUIDANCE & RESOURCES

Below is a list of applicable regulations and publications that the Contractor shall use to perform the duties required under this contract. Other standards, policies, or guidance may be required and provided as applicable to the interpretive product or service.

Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines (ABA AG), 2010 (updated). Available at: http://www.access-board.gov/index.php

Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility/

National Park Service Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for Interpretive Media http://www.nps.gov/hfc/accessibility/accessibilityGuideVersion2.1.pdf

USDA Forest Service Built Environment Image Guide http://www.access-board.gov/index.php http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility/ http://www.nps.gov/hfc/accessibility/accessibilityGuideVersion2.1.pdf

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USDA Forest Service Center for Design and Interpretation website www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/workingtogether/?cid=stelprdb5165926

USDA Visual Information Standards www.usda.gov/documents/Visual_Standards_04.pdf

Forest Service Social Media Guide www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=USDA_STR

Forest Service direction on audiovisuals Forest Service Manual 1640

Section 508 compliance http://www.section508.gov/ http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/beig/ http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/workingtogether/?cid=stelprdb5165926 http://www.usda.gov/documents/Visual_Standards_04.pdf http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=USDA_STR http://www.section508.gov/

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SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

1 Task Order Proposal Requirements As the need exists for performance under the terms of this contract, the Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of an existing requirement and provide the Contractor with a Task Order Request. Additional specifications will be provided with the Task Order Request, as the Government deems necessary. Task Orders may be transmitted to the Contractor via mail, e-mail, or facsimile.

(a) Upon the receipt of a Task Order Request form from the Government, the Contractor shall respond as specified in the Individual Task Order Proposal Request period as may be mutually agreed upon, prepare a Task Order Proposal containing the following documents and information:

1) Copy of the initial Task Order Request form with notation as to any items changed through negotiation (this will become the description of Work defining the quality and scope of work)

2) Task Order Price Proposal

3) Task Order Work Schedule

(b) Each Task Order Price Proposal shall be prepared using the Schedule of Items. The Task Order Price Proposal shall include all costs. The Contractor’s Task Order Price Proposal shall be prepared in sufficient detail to allow the Contracting Officer to conduct a thorough review and evaluation. Single total and lump-sum cost estimates will not be accepted. Major, significant components of work shall be identified in the Proposal. The Task Order Price Proposal shall be assembled into specific salient features of the work with each item assigned a unique line number and sufficient comment to clearly portray the specific work associated with that line item.

(c) Non-pre-priced work to be included in a Task Order must be proposed by the Contractor in a format acceptable to the Government.

(d) Upon receipt of the Contractor’s Task Order Price Proposal, the Government will review the proposal for completeness. The Government will negotiate with the Contractor when the proposed quality or level of work varies from what the Government desires. After agreement is reached, the Contracting Officer will issue a Task Order for performance of work.

2 Award of Task Orders A Task Order is the contractual instrument issued by the authorized and warranted Contracting Officer to the Contractor to order work. The Task Order is issued upon agreement between the Government and the Contractor on the scope of work, performance time, and the fixed price for the work. T h e contractor is bound to accept Task Orders within the contract scope and ordering limitations defined in the ordering clauses.

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Attachment 1

INTERPRETIVE EXHIBIT DESIGN GUIDELINES

These guidelines shall be followed during the design process:

1. Self-explanatory operation – Interpretive exhibits shall not be dependent on the use of personnel for their effectiveness. Rather, they should use a self-explanatory, visitor-actuated means of presentation.

2. Ease of Maintenance – exhibits shall feature ease of maintenance with necessary repairs accomplished by field personnel or expertise that is locally available. The design shall avoid use of one-of-a-kind audio-visual components and shall instead specify off-the-shelf equipment. All exhibits shall have easy access for the maintenance and exhibit updating. Exhibit components must be able to withstand environmental extremes in wind, temperature, humidity, and direct sunlight.

3. Flexibility – Provisions shall be made for flexibility in interpretive treatment. Changing use patterns in the decades ahead may necessitate updating the interpretive program.

4. Design Longevity – Interpretive media shall utilize basic good design criteria, avoiding faddish design, typography, illustration styles, or graphics that may appear outdated within a short time. Visual appearances should be handled in such a way as to provide for a life span of a minimum of ten years following installation.

5. Design – The design theme for all products, signing, and literature formats shall be uniform and consistent. All such materials and media shall relate to one another visually and graphically.

Interior exhibits shall harmonize with the architecture of the museum building and exterior surroundings as well. Exterior exhibits shall harmonize in all aspects with their surrounding habitat.

6. Visual Interest – Exhibits shall, wherever possible, be designed in such a way as to avoid the “flat panel” effect, utilizing dimension, color, lighting, and other means to convey and communicate their message.

7. Real Objects – wherever possible, actual “objects” shall be used to lend authenticity to the visitor experience and heighten communication of concepts. Use of historical artifacts, natural objects, and actual items of equipment can often provide a simple yet inexpensive and relatively maintenance free way to provide visitor interest and provide visual impact to the exhibits.

Combined with the effective use of mechanical, interactive and audio-visual devices such objects can be powerful and effective communication media.

8. Visitor Participation – Exhibits should emphasize creative and innovative hands-on (participatory) exhibit design wherever possible. Interpretive media shall, within the limitations imposed by budgets, maintenance considerations, or visitor numbers, invite participation and

AG-84M8-S-15-0018 Attachment #1 Page 11 of 11 involvement, making the visitor a participant in the interpretive experience rather than merely an observer.

9. Principles of Interpretation – Exhibits shall be designed with Cable & Beck’s “Principles of Interpretation” in mind. Information presented in exhibits and media shall be concise, simple and straightforward. Simplicity of concept and in means of communication shall guide all design and layout decisions. No attempt shall be made to overwhelm visitors with a “book on a wall” approach. Casual visitors shall be able to understand the concepts being communicated without having to read text or look at every element. At the same time, the subject matter shall be covered in sufficient depth to satisfy the visitor who has more than a casual interest.

10. Themes and Storylines - All themes and storyline elements shall support the Interpretive Objectives identified. It is left up to the Contractor to design how the themes will be presented based on their talents and expertise and the guidelines presented in this contract.

11. Interpretive/Exhibit Text Writing – All label copy for exhibits shall be written with interpretive principles in mind. Interpretive labels contribute to the overall visitor experience in a positive, enlightening, provocative and meaningful way. Along with graphics/images, interpretive labels invite participation by the reader and serves to guide, question, inform or provoke. They are not exhaustive lists of facts. They answer the question: What’s in it for me?

(adapted from “Exhibit Labels: An Interpretive Approach” by Beverly Serrell, Alta Mira Press)

12. Accessibility – All exhibit design/product development shall comply with principles of accessibility. Access for viewing and interactive use shall be insured for a variety of visitors with disabilities including, but not limited to, the visually and hearing impaired and those utilizing a wheelchair. All exhibitory (including hands-on exhibits) shall be accessible to persons with disabilities, i.e., video productions shall be captioned; audio programs shall have assistance devices, and be physically accessible. Multilingual text may be required.

13. Visitor Safety – Exhibits and all associated exhibit elements must strive to eliminate potential injury hazards, such as narrow access ways, sharp exposed corners, etc.