B08_Solicitation_Attachment_1_SOW.docx

NPS CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS

SIGN CATALOG FOR GATEWAYS PLACES

I. BACKGROUND

The Chesapeake Gateways Network is a system of diverse natural, cultural, historical, and recreational places that together form a cohesive gateway to exploring the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS) under the authority of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998, the network consists of national parks and partner locations, each with its own identity but contributing to a collective narrative.

II. PURPOSE

This contract will result in the development of a Sign Catalog that ensures Chesapeake Gateways Places and programmatic partners share a recognizable and unified visual identity across a broad range of signage types. These include, but are not limited to, entrance signs, wayfinding systems, and two distinct categories of wayside panels. The standards will promote legibility, accessibility, branding consistency, and cost-efficiency, while also allowing the flexibility necessary to accommodate the diverse needs of individual sites and partner organizations.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, facilities, and travel necessary to complete planning and design services for Tasks 1 through 4 as outlined below. The final deliverables shall be informed by:

· Visitor Information System: Panel Templates for Pedestrian Signage; Updated July 2024

· Identity Sign Templates (ID Sign Grids)

· NPS-approved Chesapeake Gateways Branding Standards (May 2025)

· Wayside Guide

· Visitor Information Sign System: VIS and Wayside Hardware Specification Manual; Revision 5 March 15, 2023

· Accessibility and ABA compliance standards

Special attention shall be given to the Chesapeake Gateways Wordmark and Branding Standards, which supersede standard NPS branding in this context. The contractor must consult and incorporate the full suite of approved color palettes, logo lockups, type treatments, and wordmark-eyebrow configurations outlined in the May 2025 CHBA Brand Standards document.

V. TASKS

Task 1: Kickoff Meeting -

· Conduct a virtual kickoff meeting with NPS Chesapeake staff and partner representatives to define project goals, branding expectations, and scope details.

· View representative samples of Chesapeake Gateways Places and Programmatic Partners to assess existing signage conditions.

Deliverables:

· Kickoff summary and project schedule

Task 2: Sign Planning and Visual Framework

· Conduct a collaborative design session to determine sign categories, hierarchy, and brand usage.

· Develop a Visual Sign Type Menu including various sign types and co-branded signs.

· All designs must reflect Chesapeake Gateways' branding.

Deliverables:

· Visual Sign Type Menu

· Sign Message Schedule

Task 3: Design Catalog and Fabrication Templates

· Create a comprehensive Chesapeake Gateways Sign Design Standards Catalog.

· Include guidance for signage clutter reduction, message hierarchy, materials selection, and accessibility.

· Develop vector-based sign templates using Adobe Illustrator.

Deliverables:

· Draft Final Sign Design Catalog (PDF)

· Sign Templates (AI files and PDFs)

Task 4: Final Documentation and Delivery

· Package all deliverables in a digital archive.

· Conduct a final review and presentation meeting with NPS Chesapeake Gateways staff.

Deliverables:

· Final Documentation Package

· Presentation Meeting

VI. DESIGN AND ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

A. Typography: Frutiger (Bold) and NPS Rawlinson (Bold); no Light or Italic styles.

B. Contrast: Minimum 70% contrast between text and background.

C. Color: Only use NPS and Chesapeake Gateways-approved colors.

D. Materials: No laminated paper or short-life materials unless explicitly approved.

E. Corners: 3/8" radius rounded edges required.

F. UV Protection: All signs must include UV-resistant coating and a matte finish.

G. Co-branding: Signage must allow for inclusion of partner logos/identifiers.

VII. TIME FOR COMPLETION

All work, including review and approval, shall be completed on or before December 31, 2025.

VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL

The COR will notify the contractor, in writing, of approval or rejection of the work within 21 days. Any additions or corrections shall be completed within 21 calendar days. In the event the government delays comments beyond the period specified, the contractor shall be entitled to a day-to-day extension in the completion date.

IX. POINT OF CONTACT

Prior to delivery of the Final Sign Catalog, the contractor shall contact the COR to advise of exact dates and arrangements made for delivery.

X. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payments shall be made upon acceptance of invoice for the following deliverables:

*** - Contractor shall propose as part of their proposal, in whole dollar amounts

XI. ATTACHMENTS - The following items are attached and incorporated into this order:

A. Visitor Information System: Panel Templates for Pedestrian Signage; Updated July 2024 B. Identity Sign Templates (ID Sign Grids) C. NPS-approved Chesapeake Gateways Branding Standards (May 2025) D. Wayside Guide E. Visitor Information Sign System: VIS and Wayside Hardware Specification Manual; Revision 5 March 15, 2023