B08_SOW.pdf

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum Custom Exhibit Cabinetry & Trail Sign Replacement - Wayside Project

Scope of Work

I. Introduction

The project will cover the development, fabrication, and installation of a series of 23 outdoor specialized Interpretive and Directional Trail Signs. The signs in each series will need to be designed to match materials and graphic elements of the existing wayfinding and interpretive signs currently installed throughout the refuge trails. (See Appendix: Project Sign List with Locations)

In addition to the trail signs this project includes the development, fabrication, and installation of Custom Cabinetry and Carpentry Projects inside the refuge Visitor Center that will match the look and feel of the existing exhibits.

Interpretive and Directional Trail Signs

The development, graphic design, fabrication, and installation of the 23 trailside waysides included in this project has 6 components:

1. 6 freestanding, 24 x 36 custom waysides with associated framing. These 6 new signs primary purpose is for visitor orientation. The designs created will need to utilize graphic elements of the existing “You are Here” orientation/map series currently in place on the refuge trails. (See Wayside Reference 1)

2. 6 freestanding, 24 x 36 custom waysides with associated framing. These 6 new signs primary purpose is for place-based interpretation. Each of these interpretive signs will be thematically unique but designed to match the existing graphic elements of other interpretive signage found on the refuge. (See Wayside Existing Reference 2)

3. 4 interpretive panel replacements 24 x 36 that use the existing standard framing.

These 4 panels will replace the damaged or weathered panels at existing locations, utilizing the industry standard metal frames that are still in fine condition and already installed. Each of these interpretive signs will be thematically unique but designed to match the existing graphic elements of other interpretive signage found on the refuge.

4. 2 smaller 12x12 wayfinding/map signs will be designed build and installed on ¼ inch

Corten steel mounts with a cement footing. These new signs primary purpose is for visitor orientation. The signs will need to be designed to match both the materials and the graphics of the existing series of this type currently in place on the refuge trails. (See Steel 12x12 Mount and Design Specs, 12x12 Sign and Mount Reference)

5. 3 New 45 x 45 Inch Interpretive Panel Replacements that will be mounted on an existing outdoor kiosk. This is for the signs only. (See Info Kiosk Replacement Location)

6. 2 New Large 80 x 60 Inch Interpretive Panel Replacements Using Existing Structures.

This is for the signs only. These larger signs will replace the existing dated signs posted at the two main trailheads and post Refuge Regulations & Permitted Activities information.

All the interpretive panels as part of this project will be designed to cover relevant information and interpretive topics related to their location such as, but not limited to:

-Bird Identification -Pollinators -Native Plants and Wildlife -Migration -Historical Land Use -Management Activities -Wildlife -Refuge History -Phenology -Community Trail Use -Management Activities and Wildlife -Responsible Trail Use

Custom Cabinetry and Carpentry Projects

The indoor custom cabinetry and carpentry inside the Visitor Center will improve storage capacity for education materials in commonly used public use areas and replace/repair existing exhibit components. There are 4 primary elements to this project:

1. Design, Fabrication, and Installation of Custom Storage Cabinetry behind Front Desk Inside the Visitor Center the front desk greeting area currently lacks storage. There is a wall with one window behind the welcome desk in the visitor center. This project would design, built, and install storage cabinets to match or complement the look, feel and materials used in the existing desk area.

• This storage should be designed to provide room for commonly used materials including binoculars, fishing poles, backpacks, volunteer materials and education supply totes. Cabinetry must ensure ample space, security and easy access that utilizes the space effectively.

• These storage cabinets will be built against a wall, utilizing the space around an existing window in the visitor center. (See Window Storage Cabinet Sketch Draft, Storage Build Area)

2. Small Table/Front Desk Extension, Fabrication, and Installation Inside the Visitor Center there is 3 ft open space between the front desk and the wall. This project would design, build, and install a small table/desk extension to fill this space matching/complementing the look, feel and materials used in the existing desk area.

• This small access table/desk extension will need to be designed to include some storage underneath. The table top should have intentional space for displaying flyers and programs. The table should be sized to fill the entire space between the existing wall to the desk. (See Storage and Desk Extension Sketch Draft Vertical)

3. Angled Writing Tabletop Fabrication, and Installation The existing exhibits feature curved railings with embedded interpretive information. This project would design and fabricate an angled writing platform that would securely attach to one of these curved exhibit railings. The custom writing desk attachment would be designed to frame and securely hold an 18 x 24 sheet of paper that visitor and volunteers would use to track wildlife sighting. The design of this paper insert is not part of this projects. This railing attachment would need to be fabricated using materials that complement the existing exhibit design. The display should not have a case over the writing surface This will allow visitors to write on the paper within the display. (See Writing Desk Installation Area Photo Below)

4. Sculpture Platform Cover Inside the Visitor Center there is a custom statue of bird that is made of common plastics.

The statue was originally designed with a platform that covered the metal mounting base on the floor. The original platform was damaged and removed. This project will rebuild a platform around the base of the statue to artistically cover the mounting bracket on the floor. The Sculpture Platform Cover should be fabricated using durable materials that complement the existing exhibit design. (See Sculpture Platform Photo Below)

II. Background This new signage will increase visitor understanding, awareness, and appreciation of the natural resources and the public use activities at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge as well as promote visitor safety and resource protection.

The interior Visitor Center projects will enhance the visitor experience and repair damaged and non-functional exhibits.

A. Overview of the Refuge The visitor center is the central hub for people to orient themselves to the offerings for public use at the site. The front desk area, where these will be installed, is the principle space for visitor/staff/volunteer interaction. The cabinetry and desk is needed to store supplies that are essential to the visitor experience. The cabinets will be used to house volunteer supplies, fishing pole racks, scopes, binoculars, and other trail gear. The additional table extending from the existing desk area will be used to house supplies and materials for children to explore the exhibit area. The writing desk mount and sculpture base will improve the look and feel of the space, matching existing interior design elements.

The refuge trails cover over 10 miles and the waysides that are part of this project help to improve the experience for visitors for both education and safety.

III. Project Description/ Statement of Work to be Performed

A. Overview For the purposes of this contract “exhibit” is defined as including, but not limited to, any of the following or combination thereof: dioramas, interpretive panels, audio/visual programs and equipment, graphics, photomurals, background paintings, multi-media programs and equipment, sound systems, photographs, building upgrades (ie floors, carpets, doors, lighting), interior and exterior signs, maps, and sales display fixtures.

B. The primary elements to this project include:

The development, fabrication, and installation of a series of 23 outdoor specialized

Interpretive and Directional Trail Signs. The signs for this project will need to be made using durable and lasting materials.

Indoor custom cabinetry and carpentry inside the Visitor Center replacing/repair existing exhibit components.

C. Project Requirements

• Materials and signage shall be of museum quality, as defined by American

Association of Museum certification requirements.

• The exhibits/signs shall be sensitive to the needs of the physically, sight, and hearing impaired, and must meet Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

• Color, and design should be consistent with existing graphic identity.

• Exhibit materials shall be extremely durable, easy to clean, and easy to maintain in order to withstand heavy visitor use.

• Exhibits and signs should be easily serviced by refuge maintenance staff, allowing them to make repairs and access when necessary. Component parts of each exhibit shall be easily replaceable, rather than having to replace the entire exhibit.

• All images, text, color, materials, and fabrication must be approved by the Service prior to installation.

• All storage areas must be designed to be secure.

C. Work to be performed by the Service:

• Provide photos and artwork where possible to keep design costs down.

• Refuge staff will have final approval over color, materials, and design.

• Provide overall review in a timely manner, not to exceed two weeks after submission.

• The Service will exclusively own all rights associated with, and everything produced as part of this contract or any immediate stage of production, design, or planning for this contract.

D. Work to be provided by the contractor:

• The furniture is to be designed by the contractor in accordance with the standard design criteria set forth by the Region 5 Standard Exhibits Handbook, previously provided to the company.

• After final approval of the designs, fabrication of the project will begin. The refuge staff with inspect before installation. The contractor is expected to repair completely, correctly, and satisfactorily any damage identified by refuge staff prior to installation. Installation is to be provided by the contactor.

• Contractor will coordinate with the Point of Contact to get approval at all stages of design and fabrication as outlined below, coordinate scheduling and complete other aspects of work based on a timeline to be provided by the contractor at the time of submission of the bid.

• The contractor shall maintain insurance to cover loss of any material, completed components or other items at the Contractor’s place of manufacture.

• Contractors are responsible for installation of exhibits, and any damages that are incurred to the exhibits or building during the installation process. They are also responsible for rectifying those damages to the USFWS Project Leader’s satisfaction, should they occur.

• Contractors are responsible for site clean-up and safety at the end of each work day.

• Contractors will provide a warranty for exhibits/exhibit items.

IV. Points of Contact

● Contract Specialist

Appendix: Project Sign List with Locations

12 New Standard 24 x 36 Waysides with New Frames 6 New Map-based Waysides- 24 x 36 custom waysides with associated framing.

1. Little Boardwalk/Haul Rd junction near existing trash bins

2. Wildlife Observation Blind (Secret Bird Blind)- on Haul Rd across Frog Pond entrance

3. Turkey Foot Trail/ Tinicum Trail junction at end of first trail.

4. Tinicum Trail/ Darby Creek Trail junction at iconic skyline view (near new bathrooms)

5. Tinicum Trail/Darby Creek Trail junction (westside) at existing trash can by the bridge on Darby

Creek Trail

6. Turkey Foot Trail at top of 3 trail split

6 New Interpretive Wayside- 24 x 36 custom waysides with associated framing.

1. Observation Tower Subject: James Carrol Refuge History

2. New pump Area Subject: Refuge Management

3. Big Boardwalk punchouts Replacing the 4 existing panels/frames that have been damaged-

-Bird Identification/Wildlife -Migration/Phenology -Historical Land Use/ Refuge History -Management Activities

4 New Standard 24x36 Interpretive Panel Replacements Using Existing Frames, (Signs Only)

1. Eastwick Trailhead Subject= orientation/community trail

2. Eagle’s Nest Viewing Area

3. Tear Drop

4. Pollinator Garden

2 New 80 x 60 Inch Interpretive Panel Replacements Using Existing Structures, 2 Large Refuge Regulations & Permitted Activities signs for installation at Boat Launch and 420 Trail Head Entrance replacing current sign.

3 New 45 x 45 Inch Interpretive Panel Replacements Using Existing Structures, Interpretive Panel Replacements on outdoor Information Kiosks

1. Refuge History and Community trail

2. Management Activities and Wildlife

3. Responsible Trail Use

2 New 12 x 12 Inch Orientation Waysides with Custom Corten Steel Mounts

1. Woodland Trail trailhead by 420 parking lot

2. Woodland Trail on boardwalk over pipeline