1.9.10_VdO_Exhibit_Specification_Guidelines_Final.pdf

SCOPE OF EXHIBITS

These general specifications pertain to the areas of the project noted as Reception and Information (100sf), Book and Friends Nature Store (250 sf), and Exhibit plus Lobby (1300 sf).

Also included is an estimated number of outdoor interpretive signage/exhibits.

The Reception and Information area is intended to greet and orient visitors, provide space for brochures, maps and other publications, and includes counter space, storage for limited numbers of publications, and a computer work station for the greeters. There should be space for two staff at the desk.

The Book and Friends Nature Store includes cash register/computer access and check out, display and storage for sales items (typically shirts, books, other educational materials) and should include all display furnishings with lockable storage.

The Exhibit plus Lobby will contain orientation materials (potentially video monitor, wall mounted maps or other orientation material) in the lobby area, while still allowing circulation of visitors.

The Exhibit area will contain a variety of interpretive and educational displays and exhibits, both wall mounted and free standing. Content and specific types of exhibits are not specified at this time to allow the exhibit contractor the most freedom to propose innovative ways to communicate to the public. Listening stations, video and supplemental lighting are potentially included in this area.

Outdoor exhibits/signs will include orientation/wayfinding signs, potentially interactive exhibits and interpretive signage/displays. Based on the proposed concept plan, it is anticipated that the area around the building may contain 4-6 such installations.

GENERAL INFORMATIONFOR EXHIBITS

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 contractor will be required to work with Service staff, architectural and/or engineering firm, and construction firm staff in facility 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; 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 writer should have knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, methods and techniques inherent in writing-editing for a professional interpretive program.

All interpretive literature and voice shall be completed in both English and Spanish. (This includes mastery of the English and Spanish languages; 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 writer 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.

Fabricated exhibits should 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 contractor will furnish all materials and labor to design, purchase, fabricate, finish, transport to site, necessary permits 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 Statement 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. 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. The contractor will work in close collaboration with the refuge to assure that interpretive materials are conceived, designed, and developed and are accurate and appropriate for the intended use. 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.

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.

EXHIBIT DESIGN

Contractor must provide proof of the ability to furnish specifically the following services and products (listed in no order of priority or importance):

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

j. Plastic routed

k. Wood sandblasted

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

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).

FABRICATION OF EXHIBITS

General

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

1. All fastening devices for all work shall be provided and installed as required for complete, secure and rigid case work construction. Hardware/fastening devices shall be hidden from viewer whenever possible.

2. Hardware for all casework shall be designed and finished to conform to any hardware existing in the building.

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

1. The Contractor shall provide, fabricate, and install all lighting and electrical items in accordance with all applicable provisions of current National Electrical Code and all local codes and requirements. All electrical hardware and equipment shall be U.L.

tested and approved.

2. Power supply for exhibits shall be 120 volts A.C. The use of solar power for outdoor exhibits is strongly encouraged.

Computers

1. All touch screen and interactive computers/DVD systems will include one hard drive 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 multi-media programs will include the use of digital technology at the direction of the Government.

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.

WARRANTY

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.

EXHIBIT DESIGNER/FABRICATOR FIRMS

Exhibit Designer/Fabricator Firms that have produced quality installations in the past, and who are considered capable of performing to a high standard on this project, are listed below.

However, acceptable firms are not limited to those on this list:

Vendor Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Number P

Alchemy of Design 7556 NE Stanton Street Portland, Oregon 97213 503-381-2676 A Formations, Inc. 621 SE 202 nd Avenue Portland, Oregon 97233 503-665-7110 B

Ivie Intepretive 5404 SE Insley Street Portland, Oregon 97206-5533 503-774-0694 J Rosene Creative Services 149 Cagle Branch Road Jasper, Georgia 30143 770-737-5059 R

Gecko Group, Inc. 211 West Chestnut Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-430-0305 K Split Rock Studios 2071 Gateway Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55112 651-631-2211, x 714 C

Spaces to Experience LLC 3510 3 Mile Road, NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 866-417-7223

Taylor Studios, Inc. 1320 Harmon Drive Rantoul, Illinois 61866-3352 217-893-4874 D

Dixon Studios, Inc. 912 S. Park Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85719 520-628-3699

Pacific Studio 5311 Shilshole Avenue, NW Seattle, WA 98107 206-783-5226 K

Color Ad, Inc. 7200 Gary Road Manassas, VA 20109 703-631-7849 K Lyons/Zaremba 2 Faneuil Hall Market Place Boston, MA 02109 617-248-0970 http://www.formationsinc.com/ http://www.rosenecreative.com/ http://www.splitrockstudios.com/ http://www.spacestoexperiences.com/ http://www.taylorstudios.com/ http://www.dixonstudios.com/ http://www.pacificstudio.com/