Exhibit RFP Q and A - updated 20260318.pdf

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

March 18, 2026 Update for Museum Exhibit RFP

Enclosed:

• Notice of Deadline Extension & Schedule Change

• Questions and Answers

• Addendum

Updated on: 3/18/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED - Proposals are now due Monday, March 23, 2026, no later than 4:30pm PT.

SCHEDULE CHANGE - CTSI reserves the right to modify the below schedule.

Part V, RFP Schedule Change:

• Deadline to submit questions to sharlas@ctsi.nsn.us is Friday, March 13, 2026 at 4:30pm PT.

• Addendum update will be posted on our website on March 18 with the new questions and answers: https://ctsi.nsn.us/request-for-proposals/.

• RFP written submission due on March 23, 2026, no later than 4:30pm PT.

• RFP presentation meetings (Finalists only) on April 28, 2026.

• Notify intent to award by May 18, 2026.

• Contract Awarded, all Offerors notified June 5, 2026.

• Project kick-off July 1, 2026.

mailto:sharlas@ctsi.nsn.us https://ctsi.nsn.us/request-for-proposals/

ADDENDUM 1:

RFP Questions and Answers Deadline to submit questions to sharlas@ctsi.nsn.us is Friday, March 13, 2026, no later than 4:30pm PT.

Addendum update will be posted on March 18th with the new questions and answers.

CTSI posts all RFPs on our website: https://ctsi.nsn.us/request-for-proposals/

Contact?

Sharla Strong is the point of contact for this RFP. Please email questions to sharlas@ctsi.nsn.us. Please do not contact anyone else at CTSI regarding this RFP.

The RFP cover page states: Companies may not communicate with any CTSI staff or related third-parties regarding this RFP other than the CTSI contact. Doing so may result in immediate rejection of that Offeror from the process.

Intent to Participate?

Does my earlier email fulfil the intent to participate request or would you prefer that I send a more formal response?

No need to send a letter, I will consider this [email] your confirmation of your intent to participate.

Eligibility?

Will international bids be considered?

International firms are welcome to apply.

Are there minority requirements for bidders?

I am not sure what you mean by minority requirements. CTSI is a tribal government and we have an Indian-preference policy (see Evaluation Factors in the RFP) and we only award points if the lead proposing firm is 51% or greater in Indian ownership. Our policy does not award points for subcontractors.

Is there any state or local requirements for bidders (Ex: bidders have to be located in the general region) CTSI requires contractors to monitor and maintain compliance with all applicable laws, including state licensing requirements, as part of the final contract.

Deadline for Questions?

Is there a deadline to submit questions regarding the RFP?

Is there a deadline for questions regarding the CTSI Museum Exhibit?

Is there a deadline for submitting questions?

There is no deadline for questions. UPDATED SINCE QUESTION WAS ASKED: As per the Addendum and deadline extension posted on 3/6/2026, CTSI established the deadline to submit questions as 3/13/2026.

Will all questions and answers be provided to all interested parties?

No, I am answering questions as they arise. UPDATED SINCE QUESTION WAS ASKED: As per the Addendum and deadline extension posted on 3/6/2026, CTSI is providing all Questions and Answers on 3/18/2026.

Will all questions and answers be distributed to all firms that express interest?

No, I am answering questions as they arise. I will be sending out a list of FAQs soon.

UPDATED SINCE QUESTION WAS ASKED: As per the Addendum and deadline extension posted on 3/6/2026, CTSI is providing all Questions and Answers on 3/18/2026.

Are there any RFI deadlines or other requirements that need to be done prior to bid?

posted on 3/6/2026, CTSI is providing all Questions and Answers on 3/18/2026.

How to submit proposal?

Received notification from Oregonbuys about the RFP. Is submission through the state website or to you directly?

Please send your proposal materials to me [Sharla Strong] via email or to the addresses listed on the front page of the RFP.

Please confirm proposals only need to be submitted as PDF via email, not hard-copy via courier.

Yes, PDF via email is good.

The RFP indicates that proposals may be submitted via email or by mail/courier. Could you please confirm whether electronic submission alone is sufficient, or if a hard copy submission is also required?

Email, mail or courier are all acceptable ways to submit your proposal. Please do not contact anyone at CTSI regarding this RFP besides Sharla Strong.

FAQ Answer:

See the cover page of the RFP for email or addresses to submit your proposals.

Deadline extension for proposals?

Is there any option to grant an extension to the proposal due date?

posted on 3/6/2026, Proposals are now due Monday, March 23, 2026, no later than 4:30pm PT.

Recognizing the timeframes stated in the RFP, we did want to ask if any consideration could be given to extending the final deadline past Monday March 9th?

UPDATED SINCE QUESTION WAS ASKED: As per the Addendum and deadline extension posted on 3/6/2026, Proposals are now due Monday, March 23, 2026, no later than 4:30pm

PT.

I know the RFP was due back on March 9th, so just wanted to see if you’re still reviewing submissions that may not have been fully completed at that time?

The deadline was extended to Monday, March 23rd.

Site visit?

Coincidentally, I'll be in Salem next week so would love to come visit you in Siletz. Are you free on Monday afternoon (Feb 2) or Tuesday morning (Feb 3)?

Thank you so much for your interest and I truly appreciate your offer to meet with us.

Unfortunately, our tribal government’s procurement policy does not allow us to do more than answer questions until we are through our procurement process. Please send me any questions via email. Safe travels and enjoy your time in Oregon.

Will you permit site visits as part of the pre-discovery / Q&A process?

We will do a site visit once the contract has been awarded.

Presentations?

Can you please confirm whether those firms selected to interview on the 6th will do so in-person or virtually?

In-person is optional, we expect most will elect to do virtual. Only 2 finalists will be selected to present.

Page limit?

Does this layout of proposal sections apply to the Design RFP, as well? Are we able to place these sections (Resumes, Disclosures, Litigation, Proof of Indian Preference) of our submittal for the Exhibit Design, Fabrication, and Installation RFP into our ‘Appendix’ as well?

It sounds like this question is for the Exhibit RFP (not the A/E RFP). No page limit is in the Exhibit RFP. We prefer around 50 pages.

No page limit is in the RFP. We prefer around 50 pages.

Target opening date? Construction? Schedule?

When is the anticipated building/exhibit completion schedule? We would prefer to have a minimum of a month after building turnover for completion of the exhibit installation.

We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are able to get through the design process.

The construction will certainly need to be complete prior to exhibit installation. I believe for preservation purposes, it is recommended that exhibit installation be completed and cure for at least a month, before collection objects are placed too.

Do you have a desired or required completion schedule? In lieu of that, I would consider "normal" completion time based on the stage you're currently at to be in the neighborhood of 3 to 4 years. Does that sound reasonable to you?

We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are able to get through the design process. We do not have set dates, but would like bidders to suggest a timeline/schedule based on their past experience.

Is there a target opening date for the Museum?

able to get through the design process.

Construction & A/E Schedule

• What is the A/E design schedule (SD, DD, CD milestones)?

• What is the construction schedule, including substantial completion?

• What is CTSI's target museum opening date? Your design, procurement, fabrication, and install timelines depend on this.

We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are able to get through the design process for both the building and the exhibits.

You should be clear in your proposal that your suggested timeline/schedule is estimated based on your past experience.

Is there a target opening date/period for the museum?

designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are able to get through the design process. CTSI would like firms to suggest a timeline/schedule based on their past experience.

What are the target completion dates for the design phase and exhibit installation?

We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are

Can you share a project schedule including A&E development, construction and Fabrication/Installation?

CTSI would like each firm to submit a timeline/schedule based on their past experience.

The RFP includes a project kickoff date of June 1. Is that date flexible?

Somewhat, we are excited to get started. Please include your preferred start date in your proposal.

PG. 13, Section 3, Firm Profile, would you like the "time to complete" to include design kickoff to installation, or design only?

We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are

Do you have an overall project schedule (including an opening date) towards which the team is working?

designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are

Is there a target date for the opening of the museum?

designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are

Can CTSI provide additional clarity on the anticipated timeline for Phase 2, and whether the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 is automatic or contingent on further approval?

We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are

When is the anticipated opening date of the museum?

designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are able to get through the design process. CTSI would like firms to suggest a timeline/schedule based on their past experience.

For purposes of clarification, our time line/schedule is inclusive for all interpretative phases beginning with design to final installation of exhibits?

Yes, you can estimate the amount of time based on your past experience. Keep in mind that we are a tribal government and this is our first museum, so we will need facilitation through the design process.

When is building construction anticipated to be substantially complete? What is the target date for the museum's public opening?

We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are

Is there a timeframe for project opening, or project milestone dates, that you would like bidders to consider?

We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are able to get through the design process. CTSI would like firms to suggest a timeline/schedule based on their past experience.

We are not limited to the below anticipated check points, but below is a guide:

• Interpretive Master Plan

• Concept Design

• Schematic Design

• Design Development

• Final Design

Where are we in the design process?

CTSI is currently soliciting bids for the Museum Architecture & Engineering RFP and the Exhibit RFP. We will design the building for the museum at the same time that we will design the exhibits.

Has CTSI worked with any museum design consultants on this project so far?

No

Where is the A/E firm currently in the building design process?

The A/E RFP closes on March 9th, same as the Exhibit RFP. So both will be designed simultaneously.

On page 19 of the RFP, it is noted that CTSI will hire the Exhibit Design Firm directly. We have worked with an Owner hired designer on a previous project, so do not expect that to be an issue. However, given the importance of the Exhibit Designer and coordination between the Exhibit Designer and the Architectural Team to overall project success, we are wondering if CTSI has already made a selection and, if so, if you could share that with us? If not, do you already have someone in mind or would you be open to discussion about possible candidates or a recommendation? Please let us know; any insight is helpful in anticipating how we might optimize this key working relationship.

CTSI is currently soliciting bids for an A/E RFP and an Exhibit RFP. Each will be evaluated separately. You are welcome to describe how your collaborations have worked well for you in the past.

Do you have any architectural and site plans of the proposed building you could share?

We will be designing the building at the same time as the exhibits.

Have you selected the architectural/engineering team?

No, we currently have an open RFP for architecture and engineering design for the museum building.

How do you envisage the A&E and exhibit teams working together?

The collaboration will go both ways. For example, the exhibit design will inform the A/E in terms of electrical needs, weight, items that may be suspended, etc. The HVAC will need to be planned to reduce risk to collections on exhibit. We plan to have joint meetings where elements can be discussed.

Where are you in the process of designing the new building?

CTSI is currently soliciting bids for the museum Architecture & Engineering RFP and the Exhibit RFP. We are going to be designing the building for the museum at the same time that we are designing the exhibits.

What is the current status of the architectural portion of the project?

designing the exhibits. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are

Has a schematic floor plan been developed for the Plankhouse, Permanent Exhibit Gallery, Temporary/Special Exhibit Gallery, Lobby/Gift Shop and Cultural Education areas?

CTSI is currently soliciting bids for the Museum Architecture & Engineering RFP and the design the exhibits.

The RFP identifies specific exhibit areas as the design scope. Does CTSI anticipate the Phase I designer having input on the full building visitor experience — including lobby flow, entry sequence, wayfinding, transitional spaces, and the overall arc of the visit — or is design responsibility strictly limited to the exhibit areas identified in the RFP? We ask because a visitor-centered approach often requires design decisions that extend beyond the gallery walls, and we want to understand where our authority begins and ends.

CTSI is currently soliciting bids for the Museum Architecture & Engineering RFP and the design the exhibits, so there will be coordination between both.

Will CTSI make architectural drawings, floor plans, or construction documents available to respondents prior to the proposal deadline? If so, how can these be accessed?

No floor plans have been developed yet.

Has CTSI conducted any prior audience research, feasibility studies, community engagement processes, or conceptual exhibit planning that should inform the interpretive master plan? If so, are those documents available to the selected firm at project outset?

No broader community engagement is included in the RFP. We will share more information with the selected firm.

Contracts? Budget? Appendix A? Curator?

We understand that you are seeing exhibit design, fabrication, and installation services for this project. Once a winning team is selected, would you be open to having two separate contracts: one contract for design and one contract for fabrication?

We will consider 2 contracts. A priority for this project is that we have cohesion between the design and the fabricated/installed product, so that preservation of our artifacts is carefully planned and executed by all contractors and sub-contractors.

Would it be possible to provide your budget for this project? The exterior exhibits/signage in particular is very difficult to quantify and provide an accurate cost. If you aren't able to provide your overall budget, can you provide an allowance for the exterior exhibits/signage?

We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that information with examples and associated costs.

Is the project funded?

Yes

Is the project fully funded?

Our CTSI tribal government procurement policy does not allow us to share budget details during the RFP process.

What is the total budget?

Our CTSI tribal government procurement policy does not allow us to suggest a budget.

Since the project has not yet been designed it is very difficult to provide a fixed lump sum for fabrication. Would you accept a range of typical costs/sf? If not, on what basis should all bidders provide a fixed lump sum that will enable you to evaluate the cost proposals?

If you could provide a typical range of cost, that would be helpful. You are welcome to provide examples and associated costs. We are open to 2 different contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install.

Is there a budget range that can be given for this project? Or a price per square foot?

We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. We are interested to know of additional or

What is CTSI’s target or allocated budget for:

• Exhibit design

• Fabrication

• Installation

• AV/media development

• Casework and mounts Without this, pricing “stipulated sums” is high‑risk and assumptions must be explicit.

We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf.

We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that information with examples and associated costs.

Proposal Expectations, Assumptions & Format

Given the complexity of the project, you must determine:

• Whether CTSI expects alternates or options in pricing

• Whether travel should be assumed as reimbursable or included

• How CTSI wants subcontractors represented (full disclosure is required) We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf.

Travel is assumed be included in the bid (not reimbursed).

Please provide list of what goods/services will be provided by subcontractors.

Is there an anticipated overall budget range for Phase One (Design) and Phase Two (Fabrication & Installation)?

Our CTSI tribal government procurement policy does not allow us to suggest a budget. We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. We are interested to know of additional or

Has the full exhibit budget been secured, or is funding phased?

Are there grant or funding restrictions tied to certain components of the project?

Same answer as above.

Is there an anticipated annual maintenance budget for exhibit upkeep?

We are not able to discuss budgets during the procurement process.

Will you consider a fabrication/installation budget, instead of a firm fixed cost, because the interior exhibit square footage is not locked in and the outdoor exhibits/signage are undefined?

Our CTSI tribal government procurement policy does not allow us to suggest a budget. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that information with examples and associated costs.

Do you have an exhibit budget target?

Has a "not-to-exceed" budget been established for the design and fabrication of the exhibits? If so, can this be shared to make sure the proposed price aligns with your financial expectations?

Our CTSI tribal government procurement policy does not allow us to suggest a budget. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. We are interested to know of

Is fundraising required to complete this project? If so, is there an anticipated timeline for that process?

Appendix A of the Exhibit Design RFP references a Curator role. Could CTSI provide additional clarification regarding expectations for this position (e.g., are there specific qualifications, educational background, credentials CTSI has in mind?)

Appendix A is for the submitting firm to provide a list of their design team. Please provide the positions/titles that you propose for your team. CTSI currently does not have a Curator position, but we have 2 Cultural Resources staff with experience working with our collections. Our staff will be handling artifacts. Tribe has cultural resources staff who caretake our collections and will be helping with cultural information, photos, etc. We also have a Language department who will help with our language displays.

Can consultants also be suppliers (this could relate to AV design, production and integration and possibly lighting)?

The RFP requests that you explain what is handled by your firm in-house and what is subcontracted to other vendors.

PG. 7, Project Phases: The RFP breaks up the proposal and pricing into two phases, design and fabrication. Will the awarded firm be contracted for both phases immediately, or will the fabrication phase be rebid separately after design is completed?

Our goal is to have cohesion between the design and the performance of the installed exhibits, especially in regard to our artifact preservation goals. We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We prefer for one company being the lead for the whole project (due to our procurement process).

PG. 14, Section 5 asks for "firm fixed price" for exhibit fabrication and installation. Before having completed the design, we typically assign square footage costs to a project. Is that level of detail sufficient?

We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. We are interested to know of additional or

Do you have a budget allocated for this project?

Our CTSI tribal government procurement policy does not allow us to suggest a budget. We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. We are interested to know of additional or

Do you have funding in place, or will the first phase of Master Planning work need to be used for further fundraising?

Is funding for this project in place? For the whole project, including implementation? For the Exhibit Design and AE Design Phases?

Appendix A lists a Curator as a role on the Exhibit Design Team; is this a role you are specifically looking for the Exhibit Design Team to fill, in addition to CTSI’s own staff and other content specialists on our team?

Appendix A is for the submitting firm to provide a list of their design team. Please provide the positions/titles that you propose for your team. CTSI currently does not have a Curator position, but we have 2 Cultural Resources staff with experience working with our collections. Our staff will be handling artifacts. Tribe has cultural resources staff who

Could you clarify whether CTSI intends to award a single contract covering both Phase 1 (Design) and Phase 2 (Fabrication/Installation), or if these phases may be contracted separately?

Does CTSI have a preference for engaging a single integrated design/build team or is CTSI receiving proposals from design firms independent of fabrication?

We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install.

Our goal is to have cohesion between the design and the performance of the installed exhibits, especially in regard to our artifact preservation goals. Again, we are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. We prefer for one company being the lead for the whole project (due to our procurement process).

Based upon your feedback to [Redacted], we assume should include range pricing for Phase 2 fabrication/installation in the initial submission.

We would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. We are interested to know of

How will proposals from design‑only firms be evaluated relative to those from firms offering both design and fabrication capabilities? Will fabrication capacity carry significant weight in the scoring process?

Our preference is to do this RFP process one time and to be able to move from Design to Fabrication/Install.

The fee schedule identifies a Curator line item. Could CTSI clarify whether the Curator is expected to:

• Lead artifact selection and interpretive development?

• Serve as cultural liaison with the Culture Department?

• Develop object rotation schedules and preservation planning?

• Oversee label writing and narrative accuracy?

Appendix A is for the submitting firm to provide a list of their design team. Please provide the positions/titles that you propose for your team. CTSI currently does not have a Curator position, but we have 2 Cultural Resources staff with experience working with our collections. Our staff will be handling artifacts. Tribe has cultural resources staff who

Will a bidders list, budget and project schedule be provided prior to the proposal deadline?

Our CTSI tribal government procurement policy does not allow us to suggest a budget. We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that information with examples and associated costs.

The museum building and the museum exhibits will be designed concurrently. The construction will commence, depending on how quickly we are able to get through the design process. CTSI would like firms to suggest a timeline/schedule based on their past experience.

Should we allot time in the proposed schedule for fundraising efforts conducted by the client group?

Are all facets (including building design/construction, exhibit design and fabrication) of the project fully funded?

Our CTSI tribal government procurement policy does not allow us to share budget details during the RFP process.

We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. For Fabrication/Install, we would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf.

The pricing is not quite clear. Appendix A is asking for hourly rates but then you are asking for fixed pricing. Are you looking for firm fixed pricing for Phase I and Phase II? If you are looking for fixed pricing, it can be really difficult to estimate Phase II pricing until Phase I is complete. Would you be open to a firm fixed price for Phase I and Phase II pricing to be contingent upon the outcomes of the design process? For example, I don’t know how many movies we will produce until we complete the design process and innumerate and storyboard the films.

Appendix A is for the submitting firm to provide a list of their design team/subcontractor rates. We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide.

Feel free to provide that information with examples and associated costs.

For Phase 1 Exhibit Design, we are requesting a “stipulated sum” (firm fixed price) amount, itemized by design stage (listed in Part IV). We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install.

For Fabrication/Install, we would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf.

In Section 5 - Contracted Scope of Work and Pricing it is asked that bidders provide a “proposed schedule for completing the Exhibit Master Plan, including design stages, and milestones.” Can you confirm whether this refers to the schedule for completing the Interpretive Masterplan, or, the entire exhibition Design process leading up to fabrication?

Please see Project Phases, which starts on Page 7 of the RFP. We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. For Fabrication/Install, we would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. CTSI would like firms to suggest a

Is there an overall project budget that can be shared?

Regarding Appendix A: Fee Proposal, we’re asked to provide fees solely for Phase I of the project. I wanted to ensure that that’s correct, and confirm that the proposal should include only Phase I design fees at this stage.

If that is the case, could you potentially clarify how CTSI anticipates funding (or procurement for funding) for Phase II: Fabrication and Installation? Should our response include a preliminary budget estimate for Phase II for planning purposes?

Appendix A is for Phase One only and for the submitting firm to provide a list of their design team. Please provide the positions that you propose for your team.

We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. For Fabrication/Install, we would like to see your typical range of cost as price/sf. Include full disclosure and breakout information for all sub-contractors for which the Offeror is not self-performing. We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that information with examples and associated costs.

Project Lead?

Is there an expectation that project teams are designer led/prime?

• Would you consider an arrangement where the exhibit design firm would be the prime contractor for the exhibit design with fabricator providing design assist (to include cost verification) during Phase 1, then transition to a second contract in Phase 2 with the fabricator for the fabrication phase, where the design firm provides fabrication monitoring and final graphic design/production files, etc.?

• Or that in the case of a design firm partnering with a fabrication firm, that each serve direct to owner?

Our goal is to have cohesion between the design and the performance of the installed exhibits, especially in regard to our artifact preservation goals. We are open to doing 2

Scope?

Does CTSI have experience developing a project of this size?

We have a Health Clinic that is slightly larger than this building that was completed in 2010. We are currently building a 65,000 SF Recreation Center. We also have a large tribal administration building in Siletz and the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City. This is our first museum.

Scope Boundaries: What CTSI Provides vs. What You Provide

You need clarity on:

• Who handles artifact selection

• Who provides interpretive text (initial drafts vs. full development)

• Who provides and approves translations

• Who procures loaned artifacts

• Ownership and licensing of media

Tribal museums often have distributed responsibilities unless clarified early.

The exhibit firm will provide initial drafts and CTSI will provide feedback, edits. Our Language Program will provide translations. CTSI will be procuring loans, if needed. CTSI will be the sole owner of any media created.

How large are the temporary and art galleries?

TBD, I am estimating around 800 SF each. We want to get data on the typical size of traveling exhibits.

Are we expected to design the first exhibitions in these spaces?

PG. 7, Exhibit Area Specs: Can you clarify your expectations for which spaces the exhibit design firm is responsible for? Typically a gift shop, lobby, front desk, education rooms, cafe seating, etc. are designed/planned by architectural partners.

We may integrate exhibits in these spaces. For example, some exhibit companies may be able to do the giftshop cases, or a large hanging elements in the lobby. We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that information with examples and associated costs.

Pg. 7: Phase One references an Interpretive Master Plan. Typically this plan is undertaken as a separate process from exhibit design, as it focuses on institution-wide goals and programs. It is also most valuable when completed in advance of exhibit design and can take 4-6 6 months to complete. Is your expectation that the master plan be completed as part of this scope of work?

Yes, we prefer to work with one contractor who can guide us through the whole project.

Appendix B: The Exhibit Description Summary does not include the Front Courtyard or the Outdoor Cultural Area. Is your expectation that these spaces are part of the exhibit designer's scope of work?

The Architecture & Engineering firm will be able to do much of the landscape architecture, but we want to make sure that elements of the museum are cohesive. Again, we are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. It is possible that some elements are only within the design scope, if firms are unable to do outdoor exhibits/signage, etc. Please inform us of your capabilities/boundaries in your proposal.

Should our proposal, specifically our Cost Proposal, include the design and implementation of the first exhibits in the Changing Gallery and Art Gallery?

The RFP describes the anticipated exhibits as “immersive.” As this term can have a wide range of meanings, could you please provide more detail regarding your expectations for immersive exhibits?

We are asking for a design firm to provide that facilitation for our team. The most “immersive” exhibit would be if we do a pre-contact village recreation, but that will only be in the Ancestral section. We may do a small area regarding boarding schools in the Colonization section. I know we will want some hands-on interactives, touch screens and we have historical audio recordings.

The RFP notes the possibility of expanding scope based on a firm’s offerings.

Are there particular additional services CTSI is interested in having proposers identify?

We don’t have anything specific in mind. We want to allow firms to provide their own roadmap/process for how they approach projects. This is our first museum, so there may be elements we did not think to put in the RFP.

Is there a focus the museum would like to focus on? Culture, history, arts, education, Yes to all, mostly history and culture.

Is it expected that the team also provides content development and scripting services as part of the project?

We are a tribal government and this is our first museum, so we will need guidance through the design process. We are interested to know about unique offerings that firms can provide, so firms are welcome to provide examples and associated costs.

The RFP references the gift shop and lobby as areas requiring design. Are custom millwork, casework, shelving, and display fixtures for the gift shop and lobby reception within the exhibit designer's Phase I scope?

We may integrate exhibits in these spaces. For example, some exhibit companies may be able to do the giftshop cases, or a large hanging elements in the lobby. We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that

The outdoor cultural area is listed as TBD. Is this component within the scope of this contract, or will it be procured separately or in a subsequent phase? If in scope, what programming or square footage is anticipated?

Not all exhibit firms design/fabricate outdoor exhibits, so this is TBD. We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that

The Funders Wall is noted with a TBD location. Is design of this element included in the exhibit designer's scope, or will it be handled separately?

We are interested to know of additional or unique offerings that firms can provide. Feel free to provide that information with examples and associated costs.

Can CTSI provide the net square footage of each space in scope: the main gallery, lobby, cultural education room, gift shop, and any other areas the designer is expected to address? This is particularly important for respondents preparing fee proposals based on square footage.

You can see our predicted square footage in Part IV.

Can you provide additional information on the proposed content development process for the project, and, how you envision the roll of the selected exhibition designer?

We are a tribal government and this is our first museum, so we will need guidance through the design process. We are interested to know about unique offerings that firms can provide, so firms are welcome to provide examples and associated costs. Based on the firm’s offerings, we may elect to expand the scope of work described in Part IV of the RFP.

Can you confirm that scriptwriting will be part of the selected team’s scope of work?

Please include all parts of the design process that will be needed for exhibit design.

Should the bidders consider the entire 16,400+ Square Feet listed as in-scope?

Yes. Please let us know what parts of the proposal are within/outside your ability to deliver.

Examples:

• Not all exhibit firms design/fabricate outdoor exhibits

• Some exhibit companies may be able to do the giftshop cases, or large hanging elements in the lobby.

History and Culture?

Is there anywhere open to the public that shares CTSI stories or collection so I could do some independent research?

The best place to find resources and information on our history and culture is on our website: https://ctsi.nsn.us/

Curriculum?

The selected firm is expected to use our curriculum as a guide in developing content. The Education & Cultural programs director will have content authority and approval responsibility. This position will follow all CTSI internal approval processes.

Artifacts?

Artifact List & Conservation Requirements https://ctsi.nsn.us/

• When will a complete artifact list (dimensions, materials, fragility, mount needs) be provided?

• Will CTSI supply conservation notes and object‑handling requirements?

This is essential for casework engineering, mount design, environmental plans, and pricing.

As a part of the design process, our staff will select objects and be the primary staff handling objects. We will provide a tour of our collections to the selected firm once we are under contract.

What percentage of artifacts are anticipated to rotate seasonally versus remain permanently displayed?

Another good question. We have a large basketry collection, so I know we would like to rotate baskets for sure. Regalia will be rotated. Maybe some photography. If you asked one person on the committee, they would want only signage to be permanent. So we need guidance and professional consultation on this.

Do you have a dimensioned and illustrated objects database?

We have a spreadsheet that was exported from a database. We have photographs of items in our collection.

If there are artifacts, approximately how many ?

This will be determined in the design process.

What artifacts, archival photographs, oral histories, and cultural materials does CTSI currently have available for display? Is there an existing collections inventory or database? Are any materials anticipated to be on loan from other institutions?

See Part II of the RFP. We have a collections spreadsheet exported from a database.

Collaborations? Partnering for Design/Fabrication?

Our goal is to have cohesion between the design and the performance of the installed exhibits, especially in regard to our artifact preservation goals. We are open to doing 2

The following firms have come together to collaborate on this proposal to provide services for your significant project: ...

It sounds like you are planning to collaborate on the proposal. We are open to doing 2 contracts, one for Design and one for Fabrication/Install. I wanted to let you know that we prefer for one company to be the lead for the whole project (due to our procurement process).

Licensing?

Is an Oregon contractor's license required?

Part III: Minimum Qualifications & Requirements (of CTSI A-E Museum Design RFP) states that “Professional Engineers or Architects registered and in good standing in Oregon will be responsible for any construction design, and that all service providers retained for their professional expertise must be certified, licensed, or registered, as appropriate, in the State of Oregon for their specialty.”

Could you please clarify whether the RFP requires all proposed key personnel, regardless of discipline, to hold Oregon licensure at the time of proposal submission, or if this requirement applies only to those individuals performing work that legally requires Oregon licensure (e.g., professionals responsible for stamped design documents)?

The RFP requires that offerors have proven experience in the State of Oregon and that service providers on the project be certified, licensed, or registered, as appropriate, in the State of Oregon for their specialty. For your proposal, Section 8, we want any and all proof to licensure.

Are you open to working with a team that is not local to you?

Yes. I am not sure if this is a licensing question, but CTSI requires contractors to monitor and maintain compliance with all applicable laws, including state licensing requirements, as part of the final contract.

Are there any business licenses required to work with the organization

Please advise if the interior architecture component of the RFP would require the respondents to deal with relevant certifications and permitting or if that would be done by you’re A/E contractor?

Both our A/E RFP and Exhibit RFP are posted on our website along with Addenda:

https://ctsi.nsn.us/request-for-proposals/.

CTSI Project Team?

What roles are currently filled within CTSI related to this project? Eg. Project manager, curator, archivist, educator, historian, archeologist, knowledge keepers, Elders, etc.

The Project Manager and Director will be the primary contacts. The Tribe has cultural resources staff who caretake our collections and will be helping with cultural information, photos, etc. We also have a Language department who will help with our language displays. Please do not contact any other CTSI staff [Sharla Strong is the contact for this

RFP].

Who will be involved from the CTSI’s side in working with the design team to curate the exhibitions, provide resources for research, narrative development, etc.?

The Education & Cultural programs director will have content authority and approval responsibility. This position will follow all CTSI internal approval processes. The Tribe has cultural resources staff who caretake our collections and will be helping with cultural information, photos, etc. We also have a Language department who will help with our language displays.

Do you have curators with collections/preservation expertise on staff?

No, we have people with experience working with collections, but not expertise.

If we are honored to be your partner, who will we communicate with (i.e., Siletz Tribal Council, Siletz Tribal Arts & Heritage Society)? And, how many exhibit team members will be involved?

The Education & Cultural programs director will have content authority and approval responsibility. This position will follow all CTSI internal approval processes. No broader community engagement is included in the RFP. Please do not contact anyone at CTSI besides myself, as I am the point of contact for this RFP. The Tribe has 2 cultural resources staff who caretake our collections and will be helping with cultural information, photos, etc. We also have a Language department who will help with our language displays.

Who on the CTSI Team will the Exhibit Design Team coordinate their work with? How is the CTSI project team structured?

The Education & Cultural programs director will have content authority and approval responsibility. This position will follow all CTSI internal approval processes. The Tribe has cultural resources staff who caretake our collections and will be helping with cultural

Does CTSI’s Cultural Resources Department include a Curator or someone with specific knowledge of your artifact collection?

CTSI does not have a Curator position, but we have 2 Cultural Resources staff with experience working with our collections.

Does the organization have a curator or historian who will work with the exhibit designer or is the exhibit designer to provide historians, curators, and artifact handlers.

CTSI currently does not have a Curator position, but we have 2 Cultural Resources staff with experience working with our collections. Our staff will be handling artifacts. Tribe has cultural resources staff who caretake our collections and will be helping with cultural

Do you have curatorial or subject matter expertise on your team? Or Indigenous advisors we should work with?

The Education & Cultural programs director will have content authority and approval responsibility. This position will follow all CTSI internal approval processes. The Tribe has cultural resources staff who caretake our collections and will be helping with cultural

Museum Staffing?

How many staff members are anticipated to operate and maintain the exhibits?

We are currently in the process of creating our organizational chart/positions for this facility. We will have more information on this as we get farther along in the design process. At present we anticipate having front desk attendants, maintenance/facilities staff, a manager and an exhibit curator.

Could you expand on the duties and scope of the curator and content developer?

We do not currently have a curator on staff. The Museum project staff will help guide all aspects of the museum exhibits.

Community Engagement?

Community & Tribal Engagement Expectations

• Will there be community engagement sessions, and how many?

• Are Elders, culture bearers, youth, or advisory committees expected to participate?

• What are the protocols for engagement (honoraria, facilitation, cultural etiquette)?

This has major impacts on staffing, scheduling, and budget.

No broader community engagement is included in the RFP. Please do not contact anyone at CTSI besides myself, as I am the point of contact for this RFP.

Are there plans for stakeholder engagement and workshops (beyond the immediate client group) in regards to developing content and design?

The Education & Cultural programs director will have content authority and approval responsibility. This position will follow all CTSI internal approval processes. No broader community engagement is included in the RFP. Please do not contact anyone at CTSI besides myself, as I am the point of contact for this RFP.

Does CTSI have a target number of in-person meetings each exhibition design respondent should budget for (e.g., Community Engagement, Design Workshops, Elder Councils, Town Hall Style Community Update

Presentations, or CTSI Leadership Briefings) throughout exhibition design process?

No broader community engagement is included in the RFP. Please provide your recommended number of in-person meetings.

To what extent does the CTSI envision the larger community to be involved in the exhibition design process?

No broader community engagement is included in the RFP.

Target Audience?

Please could you provide information on your target audience?

Tribal families, school groups, tourists

Decision-making Authority?

Which department of CTSI will be responsible for this project?

Please do not contact anyone at CTSI besides me. I [Sharla Strong] am the Project Manager for the whole project from the building to the exhibits to the grand opening of the museum.

The primary people who will be working on this project are in the Education & Cultural Programs.

Content Governance & Approval Authority

• Who is CTSI’s Content Lead?

• Is there a single point of approval, or multiple (Culture Department, Council, etc.)?

• How many review cycles and what approval steps are expected?

This directly affects schedule, writing, research, and media scripting.

The Education & Cultural programs director will have content authority and approval responsibility. This position will follow all CTSI internal approval processes.

We are not limited to the below anticipated check points, but here is a guide:

• Interpretive Master Plan

• Concept Design

• Schematic Design

What is the content approval structure (Culture Department, Tribal Council, etc.) and how often are formal review checkpoints anticipated?

The Education & Cultural Programs Director is overseeing this project. This position answers to our CEO. We are not limited to the below anticipated check points, but here is a guide:

• Interpretive Master Plan

• Concept Design

• Schematic Design

Can you explain what role the Tribal Council will have in reviewing the exhibit design? Will they be participating in the project kickoff and subsequent design meetings?

The Education & Cultural Programs Director is overseeing this project. This position answers to our CEO. We are not limited to the below anticipated check points, but here is a guide:

• Interpretive Master Plan

• Concept Design

• Schematic Design

How will interpretive authority be structured between the Culture Department, Tribal Council, elders, and the selected exhibit team? Is there a formal review protocol for narrative approval at each design milestone?

The Education & Cultural programs director will have content authority and approval responsibility. This position will follow all CTSI internal approval processes. No broader community engagement is included in the RFP. Please do not contact anyone at CTSI besides myself, as I am the point of contact for this RFP. We are not limited to the below anticipated check points, but below is a guide:

• Interpretive Master Plan

• Concept Design

• Schematic…