GEWA_Collections_Scope_1.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

for

MUSEUM SERVICES

AT GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHPLACE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Interior Region 1-History and Preservation Assistance Department of the Interior-National Park Service

June 2025

I. INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

George Washington Birthplace National Monument was established by an act of the United States Congress on January 23, 1930, to preserve the birth site of the nation's most celebrated founding father.

This project requires knowledge in the organization and curation of archival materials as well as skills in assessing 18th century furniture and furnishings. The incumbent must have demonstrated experience in both of these areas to be considered for this project.

Task 1 consists of accessioning and cataloging archival documents produced by and for the park from 1970 to present, not to exceed 8 standard sized boxes, 10 oversized maps, photographs, and negatives. This task will result in a summary document, updates to the existing data either through the parks MCMS system or another database platform to be approved by the park, an updated finding aid (if time allows). Many of documents in this study can be added to existing accessions.

Task 2 involves an assessment of a portion of the museum collections, not to exceed 200 objects. This task will result in an illustrated document itemizing each object with measurements (inches and feet) and condition, an associated database (platform to be approved by the park), as well as digital photographs labeled by the object’s catalog number.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The information developed for this project is the property of the U.S. Government and will be kept in strict confidence.

IIa. TASK 1 SCOPE To ensure the long-term preservation, intellectual control, and accessibility of archival documents accessioning, cataloging, processing, and physical rehousing of the collection is required to continue to be in compliance with established archival standards and best practices.

During the 95 years since the creation of George Washington Birthplace National monument there has been over 70 linear feet, and 1000 oversized items created by and for the site during the course of conducting business for the Federal Government. While the bulk of this material has been entered into the museum records, over the last 20 years additional documents have been located that need to be formally accessioned into the park records.

This project is to accession, catalog, process, rehouse, and update the existing finding aid created by the park. This project will make accessible the National Park Service Resource Management Records (not to exceed 8 standard sized boxes and no more than 10 oversized items, photographs, and negatives) created by, and for, the National Park Service from the 1970s to the present, including:

- Superintendent’s Files

- Cultural Resources and Museum Management Records

- GEWA Cultural Resources Research Reports Collection

- photographs and reformatted polyester negatives

Accessioning

• Assign unique accession numbers (if needed) following the institution's accessioning policy.

• Record accession information into the collections management system (CMS) or accession log.

Organization

• Organize and group materials by content.

• Weed duplicates or unrelated items as appropriate (with documentation).

• Remove damaging fasteners and replace with archivally-stable fasteners

Arranging

• Develop and implement a processing plan (e.g., minimal, intermediate, or full-level processing).

• Arrange materials to reflect original order or, if unavailable, establish a logical order based on provenance and content.

Rehousing

• Rehouse documents in acid-free folders and boxes following archival preservation guidelines.

• Label folders and boxes clearly and consistently.

• Update finding aid with box contents and location data.

Catalog

• Create catalog records in the park approved database.

• Update existing finding, if time allows, to aid with descriptive elements such as content notes, biographical or historical notes, and container lists.

IIb. TASK 2 SCOPE This task consists of an assessment and inventory of a portion of the park’s museum collection, not to exceed 200 objects. This type of study ensures accurate documentation, improves collection management, and identifies objects in need of conservation. This task will result in an illustrated document itemizing each object with measurements (inches and feet) and condition, an associated database (platform to be approved by the park), as well as digital photographs labeled by the object’s catalog number.

IIIa. Deliverables-Task 1

• Completed accession records for all materials (excluding duplicates)

• Updated and/or new catalog records within MCMS or in a spreadsheet depending on access at the time of award.

• A processed and arranged collection added to existing finding aid.

• Rehoused materials stored in labeled, archival-quality containers.

• A final report summarizing project outcomes and recommendations for future work.

IIIb. Deliverables-Task 2

• Compile a final summary report

• Condition summary

• Database of objects with linked photographs

• Digital photographs labeled by existing catalog number

• Conservation recommendations

IV. Project Schedule and Submission of Deliverables

The NPS will provide comments on all submittals within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the submission.

DELIVERY ITEM DATE

Start-up teleconference with Recipient and park staff.

Within 1 month of award.

Start-up meeting, site visit, and document gathering.

Within 2 months of the start-up teleconference.

Draft summary report including accession and catalog data and updated finding aid.

Within 6 months of start-up meeting and site work

Final summary reports including accession and catalog data for both tasks and updated finding

Within 2 months after NPS comments on deliverables are addressed returned.

VI. Assumptions

1) The recipient will coordinate with the Chief of Cultural Resource Management as necessary to complete the work as and when required. Coordination may include participating in conference calls and product review meetings.

2) All work must be conducted in the park. The park can provide housing to the incumbent.

3) All work will be technically and legally defensible. The National Park Service Museum Handbook will be utilized.

4) The park will supply all archival materials for this project.

5) It is anticipated that no more than 310 person hours is required for this project with one PI-level and one technician level staff members performing the work.

6) It is understood that Section 9 of the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (as amended) prohibits the release of information concerning the nature or location of archeological properties unless specifically authorized by the Federal Land Manager.

Unauthorized release may result in penalties described in Section 7 of that Act. Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act also applies. Documentation of restricted information will adhere to National Register of Historic Places guidelines. If possible, sensitive archeological information as defined in the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (as amended) and that may reveal locational date by will be organized so that it can be easily redacted.

7) Research files, photographs, and other material produced as a result of this project will be delivered to the Chief of Cultural Resource Management and become the property of GEWA upon completion of the contract or upon its previous termination. The recipient shall not retain any original or copies of materials related to this project.

8) There are no GIS deliverables as part of this project.

9) Quality control efforts will ensure that all draft and final deliverables are completed documents, as specified, that have been reviewed for academic excellence, professional and copy quality, and technical accuracy.

10) All applicable OSHA safety standards will be followed. The park will prepare a safety plan for this work.