NIHLM2016690_SOW_and_Tech_Eval_Criteria.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Title: In-House Conservation Technician-Construction

Background:

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), one of the three national libraries in the United States, is the world’s largest research library in a single scientific and professional field. NLM’s primary mission, as mandated by the Congress, is to serve the health professions. To support this mission, the Library comprehensively collects materials in biomedical subjects.

The NLM’s History of Medicine Division (HMD) maintains a pre-eminent collection of the world’s published medical literature, including books, journal volumes, pamphlets, and theses, printed from the 15th through the early 20th century; manuscripts ranging in date from the 11th century to the present; fine prints, and other graphic materials from the 15th century to the present; and historical audiovisuals up through 1970. The collection consists of more than 600,000 printed works, 4,000 linear feet of modern manuscripts, 3,000 historical audiovisuals, and 60,000 historical prints and photographs.

Objectives:

The focus of the procurement is to acquire a Conservation Technician working on-site at the National Library of Medicine for the History of Medicine Division. The technician will work on collections from the Rare Books and Early Manuscripts and the Images and Archives Sections and exhibition preparation for the Exhibitions Program.

Services to be Performed by Contractor:

1. General Requirements:

The Conservation Technician will carry out repairs to bound collections and paper objects, design and construct housings and exhibit supports, keep records of treatments, and provide collection maintenance to the collections. The technician may also participate in training sessions on book and paper conservation with NLM staff. The bench work will be performed in NLM’s Conservation Lab. On an as needed basis, after a water or fire emergency affecting rare collections, the technician will aid HMD staff in salvage and recovery of damaged objects.

2. Specific Requirements:

Usually work will be performed during at least two weeks of every month. The hours will be on a regular schedule, to be arranged by the project officer, with some room for flexibility. All work shall be performed out in accordance with acceptable principles of rare book conservation and in adherence to American Institute for Conservation (AIC) “Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice (available at http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/aic/pubs/ethics.html.

Duties:

Working under the supervision of the Conservation Librarian in History of Medicine Division, the Conservation Technician shall:

Perform treatment and rehousing on the historic collection of bound and flat paper objects including:

1. Performing repairs to bound volumes and flat paper objects.

2. Constructing boxes, portfolios, and other housings using appropriate conservation materials and structures.

3. Preparing volumes for digital scanning.

4. Constructing exhibition mounts.

5. Performing regular maintenance of the collection, such as cleaning shelved books.

6. Applying NLM property stamp and bookplates to volumes.

7. Preparing treatment worksheets including keeping statistical records of repairs.

8. Assisting HMD staff in salvage and recovery of damaged objects after an emergency.

Government Responsibilities:

The government shall provide workspace, telephone, supplies, NIH ID card and parking permit. NLM shall also provide a detailed orientation.

Reporting Requirements and Deliverables:

Within five working days after the end of each month, the contractor will submit an electronic monthly report to the project officer including the number of hours worked, type of work performed, and statistics for construction of rehousings and the number of volumes and/or leaves on which work was performed.

The vendor will supply an electronic monthly statistics, report, and invoice specifying billable hours, and estimating the amount of time left in the purchase order. The vendor will meet face-to-face with the project officer to provide status reports.

All completed repaired items and constructed rehousings will be reviewed by the Conservation Librarian. If any repairs or rehousings are not done correctly, the Conservation Librarian will make suggestions for correcting the mistake on the contractor’s own time.

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Qualifications of Contactor:

The work shall be performed by a single Conservation Technician working at NLM. Proposers shall submit detailed information regarding their training, academic background, experience, and availability. Documentation shall include a detailed resume, describing the proposer’s education, training, experience, achievements, and personal references including one reference from a conservator. Evidence of apprenticeship training from a qualified conservator is required. A site visit may be planned to review a portfolio of the proposer’s current work. The portfolio should include examples of exhibit mounts, protective housings, and repairs to bound books and manuscripts. The number of hours that the offeror can supply will be indicated.

Criteria for Selection:

Proposed technician shall demonstrate the following qualifications: Points

· Successful past performance on a similar effort, ability to work with others, and meet tight deadlines as verified by references. 30

· Quality of at least 5 years of combined training and experience in book repair. 30

· Demonstrated knowledge of techniques employed in the repair of bound items and manuscripts as verified by examples in portfolio. 40

Total Maximum Points 100