M00264-19-Q-0017_Questions_1-5.docx

M00264-19-Q-0017 Questions 1-5

Question 1) Would it be possible for the conservation assessment and treatment work to be completed on site, at the storage facility, rather than transporting the objects?

Answer 1) No, it is not possible. The Government does not have the space to set up a conservation lab/facility, even on a semi-permanent basis. Some extenuating circumstances may dictate that the Government finds a temporary space for conservation of artifacts that are either too fragile to be transported or are too large, but at this time there are no artifacts on the current list that fall into either of those categories.

Question 2) Is it a non-starter if I don't have a climate controlled studio? Knowing the other private conservators in the area, I would be extremely surprised if you find anyone with a climate controlled studio much less three of us. There are certainly regional centers such as Williamstown and the Midwest Art Conservation Center that have large labs that likely have climate control, but these are not nearby.

Answer 2) It is a non-starter if the conservator cannot maintain the temperature and humidity standards stipulated in the Performance Work Statement. The Government does not expect small business owners to have “state-of-the-art” environmental monitoring systems, but the Government does expect them to have reasonable environmental controls and a reliable HVAC system that will guarantee a suitable environment for the artifacts while they are in the conservator’s care. The conservator’s lab/facility should comply with American Institute for Conservation (AIC) ethics standards on artifact safety and preservation.

Question 3) I am having trouble understanding the scope of the work. I understand that it is an IDIQ, but is this going to be so much work that it is full time, or is it something much smaller? I see the example of the task you give, but do you expect these to be monthly? Bimonthly? Quarterly? Semi-annually? What if I have too many other projects to do a certain task when it is assigned? Can I decline?

Answer 3) The Government is seeking a multiple-award IDIQ to allow the conservation work to be spread out both amongst conservators and over time. The attached list of 33 artifacts represents the first two to three (2-3) years of required conservation projects. The Government expects there may be some “pop-up” requirements as the museum collects new acquisitions that may require treatment or new displays are planned with artifacts that are not currently on the attached list. Task Orders with similar numbers of artifacts to the sample provided will be issued at reasonable intervals throughout the period of performance. The idea of a multiple-award IDIQ would allow for conservators to bid on each Task Order at their convenience depending on their workload. Task Orders will have individual periods of performance depending on number of artifacts included in the Task Order.

Question 4) Do the mount-makers I would subcontract with to make the display mounts need to come to the meeting?

Answer 4) We have no requirement on who is required or allowed to attend the site visit. If the primes want to invite subcontractors with them that is completely up to the conservators that are attending the site visit.

Question 5) Can my references be non-government museums (such as Fallingwater, Hillwood, etc.?).

Answer 5) Yes.