Attachment_1,_PWS.docx

Attachment 1 USFWS Region 2 Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract for Interpretive Exhibits/Services Performance Work Statement March 21, 2017

A. BACKGROUND

The purpose and intent of this contract is to provide interpretive exhibits/displays as defined below, interpretive writing which can include but is not limited to new interpretive exhibit text, signage text, printed materials (brochures, fact sheets, etc.) and website content and services for the Regional Office and all field stations in Southwest Region 2 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This region encompasses the four states of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Services cover proposed projects within USFWS Region 2, although this contract can be used by field offices and refuges from outside this region. The contract is designed to respond to the needs of this region for new exhibits and rehabilitation of, redesign of, as well as additions to, existing exhibits. Work sites include, but are not limited to, visitor centers, field offices, contact stations, and outdoor kiosks, outreach exhibits, and interpretive panels and other structures. Some work may occur in other locations not owned by the Fish and Wildlife Service, but in which there is a partnership or agreement to place interpretive media. The interpretive products will be used to demonstrate the natural, cultural and managerial values of the Fish and Wildlife Service lands, facilities, management programs and associated plants and wildlife.

The contract will provide the Regional Office and all field stations assistance in rehabilitating or replacing old and outdated exhibits or producing new displays. When working with new exhibits, the contractor will be required to work with Service staff and architectural and/or engineering firm staff in exhibit planning and design. Fabrication and installation of exhibits associated with new facility construction may need to occur concurrently while other aspects of the building construction are in progress. The work may include, but is not limited to, travel to meet with field or regional staff; conduct site inspections and assess rehabilitation of existing exhibits; design, fabricate and install exhibits; conduct subject matter research; provide interpretive text; purchase photos or illustrations; develop work schedules, and prepare cost estimates.

For the purpose of this contract "exhibit" is defined as, but not limited to, any one of the following or combinations thereof: dioramas and associated cabinetry, interpretive panels, interactive computer, audio/visual programs and equipment, graphics including illustrations, photos, murals, background paintings, multi-media programs and equipment, 3D maps, models, animatronics and other audio mechanicals, sound systems, photographs, taxidermy, ancillary interpretive publications, interior and exterior signs, and sales display fixtures.

For the purpose of this contract “interpretive writing” is defined as according to the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), but not limited to, any one of the following or combinations thereof: informational (general recreation, orientation, or visitor guide), cultural/historical and natural history interpretive writing products.

The interpretive writing contractor should have knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, methods and techniques inherent in writing-editing for a professional interpretive program. (This includes mastery of the English language; ability to write and edit clearly and convincingly for the lay audience, targeted audiences; ability to write to fit an established layout; a sound understanding of the full editorial process, from writing to proofreading; and critical thinking and diagnostic skills to evaluate, comprehend, and convey complex and potentially controversial interpretive material effectively.)

The interpretive writing contractor should also possess the ability to research, analyze, distill, explain, and present information in a variety of fields, with a broad and non-specialized approach. (This may require studying the related literature, interviewing experts, or observing activities, processes or demonstrations.) The interpretive writing contractor shall be National Association of Interpretation (NAI) or Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands (Eppley) Certified Interpretive Writer.

Contractors are encouraged to fabricate exhibits that comply with Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibit Design and the Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media, Version 2.1. All exhibits must meet standards set forth in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines, July 2004.

The offeror who will be awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantities Contract as a result of this solicitation must be able to supply all products and services listed above. The products may be originally developed by the contractor, or may be developed from Government-furnished designs, specifications, materials, work orders, outlines, etc., at the option of the Government.

B. SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor will furnish all materials and labor and necessary permits to design, purchase, fabricate, finish, transport to site, and install those items considered basic support structures required for the exhibit (i.e., cabinetry and wall structures for dioramas), except as otherwise specified, to perform the Scope of Work as outlined and within local, state and federal building codes. Work under this section includes all materials (including computer specifications), carpentry, cabinetry, metal work, acrylic work, glazing and application of finishes. Contractor may be required to perform moderate room/building remodeling as part of exhibit design. This may include removal or construction of interior walls and associated lighting and electrical work. The contactor will employ the latest and most suitable technology in the fabrication and installation of all exhibits. The contractor will be responsible for developing, producing, and delivering interpretive products for refuge visitors, as well as web-based products. The contractor will work in close collaboration with refuges to assure that interpretive materials are conceived, designed, and developed and are accurate and appropriate for the intended use. The contractor may jointly plan, research, write to fit layouts, and edit text for interpretive materials for National Wildlife Refuge System units, partners, and other clients. Interpretive materials are for targeted audiences and deal with a wide variety of subjects. As part of a small team consisting of the contractor, refuge and regional office staff, the contractor will develop conceptual overall thematic structure for interpretive materials and contribute suggestions regarding illustrations, diagrams, and maps.

The work site is to be kept clean of debris and trash from each day's work activities.

The contractor shall provide cleaning equipment and materials such as rags, paper towels, cleansers, vacuum cleaners, brooms, trash bags and containers, and other equipment for cleaning exhibit and work areas. The contractor is responsible for removal from the work site of all waste materials generated during the installation and shall make arrangements for proper disposal of this material.

Anything damaged or defaced within the building or work area (interior or exterior) due to contractor's error during any installation shall be restored to the original condition at the contractor’s own expense.

The contractor may use subcontractors to perform any part of the work, but the contactor must identify each subcontractor before commencing work and be approved by the Government. The contractor shall submit references describing the proposed subcontractor’s experience and ability to construct the exhibit element in question and a sample of work as well as provide a letter of commitment from the subcontractor for the project. If a change in a subcontractor is necessary during the contract, then the process described above should be followed and the subcontractor must be approved by the Government.

All original illustrations, murals, photos, images, audio, video, graphic layouts and any other work associated with the project will be the exclusive property of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, even though they may be stored at the contractor's facility to simplify the production of duplicate items.

C. EXHIBIT DESIGN

Scope of Work Services and Products:

Design and Production of Exhibits

1. Conceptual and schematic designs and plans (including computer generated)

2. Interpretive writing, including natural history copywriting and editing. Writer must be NAI certified interpretive writer.

3. Original illustrations

4. Murals

5. Photos

6. Photomurals

7. Electronics including the latest technology

8. General Construction

9. Dioramas

10. Specimen mounting, molding and casting (no freeze dried specimens permitted) and models

11. Plant preservation, molding and casting

12. Ground work sculpting

13. Other three dimensional exhibits

14. Exhibit and display cabinetry and casework

15. Computer generated graphics, including graphic motion-imagery and audio

16. Interpretive brochures

17. Aquarium exhibits (include filtration, electrical, lighting, etc.)

Design and Production of Indoor and Outdoor Signs and Structures

1. Interpretive writing, including natural history copywriting and editing

2. Silk screen imaging

3. Original illustrations and artwork

4. Digital imaging and printing

5. Photo imaging

6. Computer generated signs and graphics

7. Interpretive panels of various substrates and colors including, but not limited to:

a. Aluminum

b. Fiberglass embedment porcelain enamel metal

c. Plexiglas

d. Museum mount panels (wood frame, plastic laminate)

e. MDO plywood

f. Metal etched

g. Panelam

h. High pressure laminate

i. Wood routed

8. Outdoor exhibit cases and shelters (i.e., kiosks and wayside exhibits). May include electrical components and MUST MEET NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE [NEC] AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE LOCAL CODES.

Design and Production of Audio and/or Visual Systems The Contactor will employ the latest and most suitable technology for all audio and/or visual systems. May include, but is not limited to:

1. Video

2. Audio/Video presentations

3. Computer generated graphics, including graphic motion-imagery, audio and gaming technologies

4. Digital media

5. High-definition film

6. Object theater presentations

7. Digital Audio

8. Computer-generated presentations

9. Multi-media presentations, systems and programming

10. Interactive computer systems

D. INTERPRETIVE WRITING

Interpretive writing products should have the following elements:

1. Develop a thematic hierarchy,

2. Develop interpretive themes,

3. Demonstrate a cohesive development of ideas, not just a chronological narrative or list of facts.

4. Connect tangible resources to universal concepts to facilitate intellectual and emotional connections with the reader,

5. Integrate interpretive writing with visual elements,

6. May be required to write to a fixed space and established layout,

7. Utilize editorial and style standards of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Certified NAI standards and Government Printing Office Standards.

Interpretive writing products may include, but are not limited to:

1. Interpretive brochures, flyers, guides (design not included),

2. Interpretive panels, orientation signs (design not included),

3. Exhibit text,

4. Narratives (scripts) for audio-visual exhibits,

5. Content for webpages (no website work is included),

6. Storyboarding for video (no videography included).

E. FABRICATION OF EXHIBITS

General

1. All exhibits shall be shop fabricated and delivered to the site.

2. All exhibits shall be fabricated with leveling devices, if necessary, to account for discrepancies in the ceiling and floor.

3. The contractor shall use as few combustible materials as possible in the construction of the exhibits. All main partition walls of exhibits must be of noncombustible materials or fire retardant materials.

4. Where equipment is installed which requires special protection the contractor shall provide such protection. In exhibits which have a projection booth or house computer components and projection systems, or similar small potential hazards, CO2 or other approved fire extinguishers or system meeting fire code shall be furnished by the contractor.

5. Exhibits will incorporate "green" building materials, products and design when possible. This includes the use of green materials in the design and fabrication of exhibits, using recycled and recyclable materials. Use of environmentally friendly paints, solvents and adhesives is strongly encouraged.

6. Prior to delivery, the exhibits shall be stored at contractor's shop in a well ventilated space and where not exposed to extreme changes in temperature and humidity. Exhibits shall be stored away from pests, vermin, mold and dirt.

Wood and Wood-like products

1. Finished woodwork shall be free from machine and tool marks, abrasions, raised grain, or other surface defects on surfaces exposed to view in the finished work. Exposed wood surfaces shall be uniform in color and grain.

2. Finished wall work and panels shall be properly framed and installed, closely fitted, and accurately set to the required lines and levels as shown in any working plans or drawings, and rigidly secured in place. Miters or other joints shall be planed and sanded. All work shall be left free from warps, twists, open joints, or other defects.

3. All wood shall be fire retardant and treated at a minimum to a U.L. flame spread and Fire Rating Classification of 25.

4. Wood supporting or contacting all exhibits, mill work, finished carpentry, and custom woodwork shall be a type and dryness that will not alter the finish of the exhibits.

5. All visible edges of any particle board used shall be filled, sanded, and finished.

Metals

1. All metal surfaces shall be free from defects such as oxidation, flake burns, pitting, etc.

2. All metal parts and sections used shall be free from defects impairing strength, durability, or appearance and shall be fit for their intended purpose.

3. All steel surfaces shall be clean and free from mill scale, flake rust, burrs, oxidation, pitting, etc. and shall be formed to size and shaped, with sharp profiles, lines, and angles.

All matching and milling operations shall leave clean, true lines and surfaces.

4. All steel shall be painted with one coat of metal primer prior to receiving any final finish coat of paint.

Plastics

1. All plastic laminate surfaces shall be free of scratches, cracks, chips, stains, and other surface or edge imperfections, and joints on vertical surfaces shall be tight, straight, and flush.

Hardware

Painting

1. All exhibits shall be painted, lacquered, finished, etc. in the contractor's shop and shall be free from defects in appearance. Paint and other finishing materials shall be of good quality and fit for its intended purpose.

2. Fire classification of all paints shall be in conformance with all applicable local fire codes and requirements.

3. When painting has commenced, the complete paint operation, including priming and finished coats, shall be completed without prolonged delays. Sufficient time shall elapse between successive coats to permit them to dry properly for recoating, and this period shall be modified as necessary to suit adverse conditions. Paint shall be considered dry for recoating when it feels firm, does not smudge or feel sticky under moderate pressure of the finger, and application of another coat of paint does not cause such firm irregularities as lifting or loss of adhesion of the undercoat. All coats of all painted surfaces shall be unscarred and completely integral at the time of application of succeeding coats.

4. At the time of application of each successive coat, undercoat shall be cleaned of dust, grease, or foreign matter by means of air blast, solvents cleaning, or other suitable means. Cement and mortar deposits on painted steel surfaces, not satisfactorily removed by ordinary cleaning methods, shall be brush-off last cleaned and completely repainted as required by the Government. Undercoats of high gloss shall, if necessary for establishment of good adhesion, be scruff sanded, solvent wiped, or otherwise treated prior to application of a succeeding coat.

5. The actual surface area covered per gallon of paint shall not exceed the spreading rates prescribed by the manufacturer for specific paints. Where no spreading rate is specified, the paint shall be applied in a quality manner.

Electric

Computers

1. All touch screen and interactive computers/DVD systems will include one hard drive/DVD player and a copy of all software. Each computer device will be freestanding and will not be networked unless specifically specified.

2. Touch screen monitors/televisions will have the following minimum specifications: advanced analog capacitive touch technology, resolution of I 024 touch points in calibrated area, 3ms contact requirement, 8-15 millisecond response time, 0.25mm dot pitch, solid state sensor, all glass overcoat, optical bonding, EMI backshield, less than +/- 1% error over the entire screen, minimum 3 year manufacturers parts/labor warranty, minimum 2 year manufacturer's CRT warranty, and minimum latest technology offered processor.

Audio Visual and Multi-Media

1. All new audio-visual and multi-media programs will be produced using a minimum of Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) or better technology, subject to the approval of the Government.

2. The Government will retain a duplication master DVD or better technology of all audio-visual and multi-media programs. The Government will be furnished with two copies of each program.

3. DVD players and associated equipment will be of industrial or commercial grade.

4. All components of audio-visual and multi-media programs will be included in the design and cost estimates, including but not limited to: video projection equipment, sound equipment, amplifiers, speakers, screens, etc.

5. All projects involving the updating and upgrading of existing audio-video and multimedia programs will include the use of digital technology at the direction of the Government.

F. INSTALLATION

1. Installation of the exhibits will comply with the all OSHA and Local Safety Codes.

2. The Contractor shall provide a manual for the operation, care and maintenance of all exhibits and components.

3. Note previous guidance regarding worksite condition and damage.

G. DELIVERABLES

1. Initial thematic outline of the interpretive product for approval.

2. First draft of the interpretive product for comment.

3. Second draft of product, incorporating comments.

4. Final interpretive product hard copy and digitally.

H. PROJECT SCHEDULES & COORDINATION

1. The Contractor will meet with the appointed COR (Contracting Officer Representative) at the work site or via conference call at project start-up to obtain an overview of the site and to review the task order.

2. At this time a project schedule will be developed. For smaller projects an initial conference call followed by periodic review and progress reports through the design and fabrication stages will be sufficient. For more complex and larger projects, a more formal progress and payment schedule will be developed in consultation with the contractor.

3. Each project will have the following points of contact: Work site representative, Regional Office representative, contractor representative. These contacts will be identified at the beginning of each task order.

I. WARRANTY

1. All products produced and/or provided under this contract will be warranted for a minimum of one calendar year from the date of acceptance for all parts and labor unless otherwise specified.