NMHM Exhibits Fabrication SOW v4.0 July 2026.docx

Department of Defense Defense Health Agency Performance Work Statement

Exhibits Fabrication

Research and Engineering Directorate

National Museum of Health and Medicine

Solicitation Number:

Version: 4.0 Date: 22 April 2026

Table of Contents

Background The National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM) is a tri-service museum, which serves the public and the military and civilian medical communities by collecting, inventorying, caretaking, and interpreting artifacts of significance to the history of medicine, with particular emphasis on the military. The NMHM’s unique mission requires artifacts of significant educational value to be presented in a manner that maximizes this value while ensuring their safety and preservation for the future.

Purpose The purpose of this contract is to establish support services for the Exhibits Department, National Museum of Health and Medicine, for production of moderate sized exhibitions, new museum cases and furniture, refurbishment and additions to existing exhibitions, traveling and loaned exhibitions, transportation and storage of exhibition structures and elements.

The Contractor shall provide professional services including all labor, materials, equipment, tools, travel, facilities (except as otherwise specified herein), and perform all necessary services for the following exhibition related work:

· Coordination of the work through a Project Manager for all technical and administrative requirements under this contract.

· Preparation of status reports.

· Consultation with NMHM exhibition designers and other consultants during the development and production process

· Travel to NMHM as needed to inspect the site, take measurements, discuss, assess and develop the work, and prepare estimates for individual Task Orders.

· Development of cost estimates, specifications, and schedules.

· Development of value engineering recommendations.

· Development and preparation of detail and shop drawings for review and approval prior to fabrication and as-build drawings.

· Providing technical, maintenance, and installation manuals as needed.

· Fabrication of all cabinetry/casework relating to fabrication of exhibitions from simple interior case fittings such as pedestals and panels, to total production of furnishings for exhibitions and traveling exhibitions.

· Fabrication of interactive units that might require prototyping, and might include electrical/computer components, audiovisual equipment, and fiberoptics.

· Silk-screening capabilities and general graphic production including large-scale digital output, matting and framing, photomural mounting, electronic production of graphics and text labels, traditional typesetting.

· Mount making, art handling, and artifact installation and deinstallation.

· Installation of lighting equipment including fiberoptics.

· Transportation, installation, finishing and cleaning of all fabricated units, signage, banners, furnishings, audiovisual and electronic elements, and other non-original exhibition assets.

· Management, insurance, shipment, installation, and support of traveling exhibitions.

· Dismantling of exhibitions, packing, labeling, transporting to NMHM storage as directed.

· Availability on an as needed basis for maintenance, repair, installation, and deinstallation of components that may/may not have been originally the Contractor’s responsibility. If components in question were originally purchased or fabricated by the Contractor and fail due to manufacturer error or fabrication errors, the Contractor shall replace the purchased element with a new piece, or repair or refurbish or refabricate the faulty fabricated element as needed without additional cost to NMHM for the duration of the manufacturer’s warranty for purchased components and twenty-four (24) months after completion and acceptance of work for Contractor fabricated components.

· Submittal of a closeout package for each task order which shall include all NMHM supplied materials exhibition items; all Contractor produced materials, and as built drawings as required; touch-up kit; detailed manuals as required; list of all equipment and serial numbers, and all manufacturers’ warranty cards, instructions, manuals, etc. for purchased elements.

Definitions

· NMHM: National Museum of Health and Medicine

· Contractor: The successful offeror to which the contract is awarded

· Contracting Officer (CO): Primary contracting official representing NMHM during the execution of this contract.

· Project Officer (PO): Primary Exhibits Department staff person representing NMHM during the execution of this contract.

· Registrar: Primary NMHM staff person responsible for all exhibition artifacts.

· Exhibition Personnel: Individuals with responsibility for developing and producing exhibitions on behalf of NMHM.

· Exhibition structures: Includes but not limited to, any one of the following or combination thereof: display structures, walls, wall cases, pedestal cases, vitrines, exhibition panels, platforms, temporary barrier walls, portable display systems, information or security desks, cabinets and equipment for visitor activated audiovisual and computer programs, mechanical interactives, glass or Plexiglas barriers, screen printed labels and graphics, digital production of labels and graphics, photographs, photo murals, display transparencies, etched or sandblasted metal, glass, or acrylic, plastic or glass plaques, full size models and prototypes, dimensional maps and displays, dioramas, artifact mounts, interior signage, sales display fixtures, interior and exterior banners, and exhibition furniture.

· Dimensions: Unless otherwise noted, all dimensions are called out in feet and inches. Dimensions shall be indicated in the following order: xx height, xx width, xx depth/diameter. All dimensions require in-field verification by the Contractor to insure proper fit and placement.

· Exhibition asset: All non-structural items in an exhibition including artifacts, reproductions, duplicates, or props, interactive displays, and audiovisual and computer presentations.

· Collections: Any exhibition asset that is original, including anatomical specimens, manuscripts and documents, photographs, maps, posters, drawings, paintings, sculpture and other artworks, books and other bound materials, and any other item that might be found in a museum or archival collection.

· Reproduction, duplicate, or prop: any exhibition asset that is not an artifact/specimen. These items should be handled with care.

· Statement of Work (SOW): As included in the Task Order, the SOW is a comprehensive description of discrete services that are required by NMHM over a particular period of time. In the event that written specifications do not conform to the drawings, clarification will be made through discussions between the Contractor and the Project Officer.

Task Orders All work performed under this contract will be directed by NMHM through the issuance of Task Orders. In no event will NMHM be responsible for any work performed by the Contractor that is not undertaken pursuant to a duly executed Task Order signed by the Contracting Officer. NMHM will furnish, as appropriate, required data, materials, and access to project information necessary to perform the planning and production of work as required.

Authorized Users NMHM’s Exhibition Program staff may utilize the services under this contract by issuing task orders through the Project Officer. NMHM staff including Exhibit Specialists and Exhibit Technicians will actively participate in conjunction with the Project Officer for the completion of tasks.

Special Working Conditions Protection of Government Property/Archival Materials All collections to be exhibited contain a high intrinsic value and are of continuing historical interest. Original materials are extremely fragile owing to age and deterioration. For this reason only museum experienced Mountmakers, Matting and Framing Specialists, and Art Handlers will be allowed to measure, handle, and install original materials. Government property includes NMHM owned materials and all exhibition materials borrowed from non-NMHM sources.

All original materials shall be stored at NMHM prior to and during the installation process. The exhibition artifacts will be made accessible to the Contractor as required for measuring and inspection prior to and during the installation phase under the supervision of the Registrar.

Hours of Operation Unless otherwise arranged for, all work shall be done during normal business hours between 7:00 am and 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. If the Contractor must work during non-business hours, the Project Officer shall be notified 5 days in advance. NMHM buildings are secured and all after-hour work must be approved in advance and the names of the individuals submitted to the Project Officer so security can be notified and the access to the building authorized. Access shall be denied if advance notification is not provided. All noise-generating work shall be performed after the normal working hours. All odor generating work such as painting shall be performed after normal working hours and the Project Officer needs to be notified to assess the impact. If necessary, as deemed by the Project Officer, the contractor shall install exhaust fans to minimize the impact on the occupants.

Periods of Performance 30 September 2026 – 29 September 2027 30 September 2027 – 29 September 2028 30 September 2028 – 29 September 2029 30 September 2029 – 29 September 2030 30 September 2030 – 29 September 2031

Security The NMHM building is a federal building subject to regulations set by DOD. The Contractor’s and subcontractor’s employees working at NMHM will be required to gain access to Fort Detrick, Forest Glen. Entry to the Museum shall be made through rear entry and/or loading dock door, and all personnel signed in with NMHM receptionist. Visitor passes must be worn at all times. If working hours are set up for periods when receptionist is not on duty, sign-in will be through NMHM Exhibits, Collections, or Security personnel, per prior arrangement.

Deliveries Materials shall be received and handled by the Contractor’s personnel. Access to the building for on and off loading of all material shall be by way of the loading dock at the rear of Building 2500 on Fort Detrick, Forest Glen. Deliveries shall be made during normal business hours. All large deliveries shall be coordinated with and approved by the Project Officer. A minimum of 3 day advance notice is required.

Safety The contractor assumes full and sole responsibility for and shall comply with all laws, regulations ordinances, and governmental orders pertaining to employee worksite safety in the performance of this contract. The contractor shall be responsible for employing appropriate safety measures and taking all other actions reasonably necessary to protect the life, health, and safety of the public and to protect adjacent and NMHM-owned property in connection with the performance of the scope of work.

The contractor shall be solely and completely responsible for the safety of all workers, NMHM employees, public and NMHM property in performance of the scope of work. This requirement shall apply at all times while work is being performed under this contract.

Chemical Safety Requirements MSDS sheets for all chemicals used by the contractor shall be submitted during the shop drawings review. Chemicals shall not be brought to NMHM prior to approval of the MSDS sheets. Low VOC material must be used to the greatest extent possible.

Fire-Safety Construction Requirements The Fort Detrick, Forest Glen Fire Marshal shall be consulted as necessary based on size of the project, during the design phase and grant approval prior to the final stage and or installation to ensure occupancy safety. A complete fire protection review and inspection shall be performed before installation work is accepted. The museum ceiling will provide all fire suppression and fire alarm. Construction must not obstruct fire sprinklers or interfere with operation of fire alarm system. If, due to presence of dust, the smoke detectors are to be de-activated, notify the Project Officer.

Availability of Contractor Personnel to Government Representative The Contractor’s Project Manager shall be available to speak with the Project Officer or Contracting Officer during business hours. The Contractor’s Supervisory Exhibit Specialist (Installation) shall be available to speak with the Project Officer at the job site at all times during the installation phase.

Government Observation Government personnel may observe Contractor operations at NMHM exhibition installation site at any time during normal business hours without advance notice. The Project Officer or the Contracting Officer may visit the Contractor’s site given 24-hour notification.

Ownership of Products All products, including original files and drawings produced under this contract are the property of the NMHM. The Contractor shall not use or distribute any duplicates produced for NMHM. If computer aided drawings (CAD) are produced all original and backup disks used in the development and production of drawings are the property of NMHM. The use by NMHM of any and all products including original files and drawings produced under this contract shall not be restricted in any manner.

Comportment Contract personnel will be working in public areas at all times during the installation process and shall conduct themselves accordingly. Contractor personnel may not play radios, eat, drink, or smoke in any gallery or public area of NMHM except where designated.

Daily Clean-Up All work areas shall be orderly and swept clean or vacuumed before quitting for the day. The Contractor shall provide all equipment and materials to maintain a clean work area. The Contractor is responsible for removal of all rubbish, discarded exhibition material, exhibition furniture, and waste materials generated during the demolition of prior exhibitions from NMHM, and properly disposed of these materials prior to the installation of any part of a new exhibition. All debris must be removed by way of the rear door or the loading dock.

Regulations and codes All work shall be performed in conformance with all local, state, and federal codes, rules and regulations, the latest adopted jurisdictional codes, and of the authority having jurisdiction.

Government Furnished Property and Services Site The exhibition site (ie: the building, its contents, and equipment) will be inspected jointly by the Project Officer and the Contractor to verify the existing conditions of the work site prior to installation of any exhibition elements. Any damage to the building, its equipment, or its contents that occurs during the contract period, unless noted as existing during the inspection, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor, at no cost to the government, must repair this damage to its original pre-contract condition. NMHM shall determine the adequacy and cost of the repairs.

The Contractor shall provide adequate protection for adjacent parts of the building, its contents, and occupants wherever work under this contract is being performed. This includes dust protection where required and protective coverings for floors, interior surfaces, and furnishings adjacent to the work area. The Contractor shall keep all routes and site areas free and clean at all times of any dirt, debris, or other material resulting from operations. The Contractor shall provide dollies, carts, etc, equipped with rubber wheels to transport materials from the loading dock to the site.

Utilities NMHM will provide utilities (water, heat, air conditioning, telephone, electricity, and bathroom facilities) from existing sources. These utilities may only be used in connection with the performance of this contract.

Exhibition assets NMHM will provide access to all original exhibition assets to the Contractor. All original artifacts shall remain in NMHM facilities. All exhibition reproductions shall be returned to the Project Officer as scheduled in the design specifications or at the conclusion of the task order.

Contractor Furnished Items Materials The Contractor shall furnish all materials including hardware and fixtures necessary to fabricate the exhibitions. Individual task orders shall reflect all material costs incurred in the performance of the task. NMHM will not be responsible for materials lost or stolen.

Equipment and Tools The Contractor shall furnish all equipment and tools necessary to perform the contract. All Contractor-supplied equipment shall meet approved safety requirements. Electrical equipment must operate using existing electrical circuits.

All equipment used on site should have bumpers and guards to prevent marking or scratching of building surfaces. All rolling equipment shall have rubber wheels. The Contractor shall provide secure lock boxes for on-site storage of tools and equipment. NMHM will not be responsible for lost or stolen tools or equipment.

Transportation The Contractor shall provide transportation to and from the fabrication site for all materials, equipment and personnel.

Responsibility When the Contractor is identified as having responsibility for something (ie: materials, on site conditions, deliverables, etc.), while in the Contractor’s trust, custody, and care (at the Contractor’s shop, in transit, while being handled, installed, in custody of one of the Contractor’s sub contractors, etc.), the Contractor is financially responsible for fixing any damage, delays, inaccuracies, mistakes, replacements, repairs, etc. or any course of action demeaned necessary by the Project Officer to remedy the situation.

Key Personnel The Contractor shall provide all personnel necessary to complete the requirements of the contract. Included in the requirements are estimators, project managers, all fabrication, graphic production, and installation technicians, company administrative support staff, and an onsite installation supervisor who will work directly with the onsite installation personnel including NMHM staff, consultants, and the Contractor’s staff in implementing the work requirements. For each Task Order the Contractor shall appoint a Project Manager and designate an onsite Supervisory Exhibits Specialist. The same person may be responsible for the tasks required in both positions.

The Contractor shall meet the following minimum requirements for key personnel:

· Cost Estimator: At least 5 years experience budgeting and estimating exhibition fabrication projects up to $2,000,000.

· Project Manager: At least 5 to 10 years of museum exhibition fabrication experience monitoring the progress of the work from initial meetings, shop fabrication through installation phases. Responsible for administrating contract procedures, maintaining lines of communication between the shop and client, hiring and supervising sub-contractors, coordinating site installation work while always ensuring that the work is performed to the contract specifications, on schedule and within budget and in a professional manner.

· Supervisory Exhibit Specialist (Installation): The Supervisory Exhibit Specialist (Installation) shall be appointed to each installation team. The Supervisory Exhibit Specialist (Installation) shall have a minimum experience in fabricating museum exhibitions: 3 years supervisory experience and 5 years experience in all of the following areas: museum exhibition fabrication, handling, and installation of original artifacts, and museum artifacts.

· Mountmaker: Minimum of 5 years museum experience handling original artifacts and creating custom cradles and mounts which might include metal, Plexiglas, or specialized materials for original artifacts and museum artifacts. The Mountmaker shall have experience and knowledge of conservation and museum standards for handling, mounting, and bracketing 2-D and 3-D artifacts. Must have detailed knowledge of archival materials and techniques. The Mountmaker shall be accustomed to working closely with registrarial staff, conservation, curatorial, and other exhibition personnel in a museum environment.

· Matting and Framing Specialist: Minimum of 5 years museum experience creating custom mats and frames for a variety of original archival and museum materials including manuscripts, documents, maps, pamphlets, brochures, prints, photographs, and artistic media. The Matting and Framing Specialist shall have experience and knowledge of conservation and museum standards for handling and mounting works on paper, matting, framing, and installation techniques. Must have detailed knowledge of archival materials and techniques. The Matting and Framing Specialist shall be accustomed to working closely with registrarial staff, conservation, curatorial, and other exhibition personnel in a museum environment.

Project Management Work consists of managing projects designated through Task Orders in accordance with the requirements and specifications issued under this statement of work including serving as contact person for the Project Officer, consulting with Museum staff and others involved with the project, scheduling and tracking of projects to insure quality control, providing reports, drawings, or other submissions as required.

The Project Manager shall be the primary point of contact between the Contractor and NMHM Project Officer. Communication between NMHM and the Contractor’s staff shall be channeled through the Project Manager to minimize errors or delays in the project. During the exhibition installation, the Project Manager or the Supervisory Exhibits Specialist shall be on site at all times. While the Project Manager is not on site the Supervisory Exhibits Specialist shall function with the same authority as the Project Manager to ensure continuity and adherence to project schedules and requirements.

The Project Manager shall be available to the Project Officer to:

· Monitor requirements of this contract and of each design specification with regular scheduled visits to the site

· Negotiate and settle disputes

· Insure scheduled completion of items according to individual design specifications

· Be on site within twenty-four (24) hours of the Project Officer’s or Contract Officer’s request.

Computers and Software The Contractor shall be able to work with all electronic files submitted by NMHM. The digital files returned with the closeout package will include production files and representations compatible with NMHM’s software.

Administration of Contract:

Project Manager is responsible for monitoring the overall task. Duties include reviewing the status reports, advising NMHM personnel who use the contract, and assisting in the resolution of problems.

Individual Task Orders Upon receipt of a task order, the Project Manager shall perform the following work:

· Contact the Project Officer to review the statement of work, verify delivery of government-supplied material, and completion date.

· Travel to NMHM to inspect and measure the site, determine work requirements, and gather information.

· Prepare and submit a work schedule to the Project Officer for approval.

· Receive all government-furnished deliverables and inspect the material. Inform the Project Officer when use of the material would result in an unsatisfactory product.

· Coordinate all Contractor submittals as required and review them for legibility, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements. Forward all submittals to the Project Officer for review and approval. Promptly inform the Project Officer when reviews and approvals are not returned as schedule so that target deadlines are not missed.

· Receive all reviewed submittals and take appropriate action according to the approval or disapproval by the Project Officer.

· Approved submittals: Ensure that all changes, revisions, or additions are noted and that in house design specifications and instructions are updated and forwarded to the unit/individual producing the work.

· Disapproved submittals: When submittals are disapproved, the Project Officer will return one copy of the submittal to the Project Manager with reasons for rejection. The Project Manager shall resubmit, identifying changes as soon as possible so as not to compromise the schedule.

· Track work progress to ensure that the project is completed according to schedule. Coordinate and confirm dates of shipment/delivery, or installation of work at the exhibition site with the Project Officer

· Inspect deliverables and completed work for accuracy, completeness and quality assurance prior to shipment or final inspection to determine that work meets the quality standard in the SOW, design specifications, and contract specifications. Ensure that all elements of the project are complete and ready for final inspection by the Project Officer.

· Delivery/Installation: Ensure that the work is delivered or installed as scheduled. In the event that the Project Officer reports problems during or after shipment, delivery, or installation, immediately determines the nature of the reported problem or production error and provide a written proposal for resolution and ensures that approved corrections or repairs are made in a satisfactory manner and within the time scheduled by the Project Officer.

· Make regularly scheduled visits to the installation site to monitor compliance with regulations set forth in this contract and requirements of each individual design specification.

· Compile, prepare, and forward a closeout package to the Project Officer.

Meetings Post Award Conference Before start of a project or fabrication, the Project Officer will arrange a meeting with the Contractor. The post award conference shall be incorporated with or shall be in addition to the Contractor’s site visit.

The meeting will include the following:

· General project review

· Review of plans and exhibition package

· Review of Government supplied reference and source material

· Review of project schedule

· Turnover of applicable project material including drawings, reference and resource material, and other related material

Progress Meetings/Inspections The Project Officer will schedule progress meetings as needed to coincide with project work inspections at the Contractor’s facility.

The meetings will cover the following:

· Review work in progress

· Identification of problem areas

· Review of schedule

· Planned progress during succeeding work period

· Inspection of work-in-progress and completed work

· Maintenance of quality and work standards

· Other business related to work

Pre Installation Meeting The Project Officer will meet with the Project Manager, the installation team, and others of the Contractor’s staff to discuss the following:

· Inspection of exhibition set up

· Review of exhibition conditions at site

· Installation schedule including sequence in which work will be completed, designation of the Supervisory Exhibits Specialist

· Projected work schedules including working days and hours

· Discussion of other installation related details

Close Out Meeting The Project Officer will meet with the Project Manager for a walkthrough of the installation or final product to discuss the following:

· Confirm that the product meets the specifications of the Task Order and Contract.

· Determine scope and schedule of any required corrections

· Review close out package

Fabrication Standards Exhibition Structures Work Included All materials and labor to purchase, fabricate, finish, transport to site, install, and de-install those items considered exhibition structures such as walls, wall cases, pedestals and vitrines, platforms, panels, and mechanical devices, etc., which constitute the basic structural elements of an interpretive exhibition for the Project Officer. Work under this section includes all materials, carpentry, cabinetry, metal work, acrylic work, glazing, and applications of finishes and any other work identified in design specifications. The Contractor may be required to store some items.

All exhibition components shall be finished and dry to the touch no less than two weeks prior to installation.

Work Not Included All other work as noted on drawings or in design specifications as “NIC” or “By Others.”

Quality Assurance Contractor will adhere to the standards identified in The Architectural Woodwork Standards, Edition 1, 2009 unless a design specification indicates a different standard.

The Contractor will adhere to the conservation standards identified in the National Park Service Exhibit Conservation Guidelines publication by the same name unless a design specification indicates a different standard.

All manufacturers printed recommendations for materials, coatings, adhesives, etc, are part of this specification.

The Contractor shall only use specified materials that are free of defects that could impair the quality of workmanship. Only materials that have been specified in design specifications or in writing may be used unless the Project Officer specifically authorizes changes. The Contractor shall verify all site dimensions prior to beginning fabrication.

The Contractor is responsible for the rigidity and stability of exhibitions, including all walls, cases, and wall panels as shown in design specifications. All work must be plumb, level, and straight. All seams shall be tight so as not to require cosmetic touch-ups or unnecessary caulking. All exposed edges of panels, plaques, photo and cutouts shall be fitted and sanded absolutely smooth. Photos, panels, and wall-hung cases shall hang straight; seams where panels meet shall be uniform. Discolored, damaged, or unfinished surfaces exposed shall be replaced or finished in order to make contiguous work visually uniform and harmonious.

Conservation requirements All materials used in case interiors or in close proximity to artifacts shall be non-damaging to artifacts and conservationally sound. The Contractor will be required to submit product data and samples for any material not specifically called out in a design specification that is going to be used in case interiors or in close proximity to artifacts for review and approval for use by the Registrar prior to fabricating the cases. The Contractor shall provide all materials such as fasteners, screws, adhesives, bolts, washers, nuts, and staples.

Prior to application the Contractor shall submit product information and/or Product Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to the Project Officer and the Exhibition Designer for the following items: paints and finishing materials; adhesives; fire-retardant pressure-impregnated lumber, plywood, and particle board. When lumber or hardboard is indicated, the Contractor shall provide materials complying with applicable standards for Class A rating and interior finish rating.

Additionally, the Contractor shall provide to the Registrar product information for any cleaning agents, paint removers, or adhesive removers to be used on site.

Electrical/Mechanical Work Included Purchase, fabricate, assemble, install into exhibition structures, and thoroughly test all operating or visitor activated electrical and mechanical, or combination, devices as shown on the design specifications.

Furnish and install into exhibition structures any electrical components necessary to provide fully operational audiovisual systems such as conduit, switches, buttons, etc., as specified in the design specifications for each exhibition unit.

Furnish and install interior case lighting, as specified in the design specifications.

Repair, replace or upgrade existing electrical and mechanical devices, as specified in each individual design specifications, such as conduit, switches, buttons, interior case lighting, ventilation fans, thermostats, etc.

Work Not Included Power source and wiring outside exhibition structures. Work noted on design specifications and design specifications as determined by Exhibition Designer and approved by Project Officer as “NIC” or “By Others.”

Quality Assurance The National Electrical Code is the required standard for all electrical work (available from the National Fire Protection Association http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70&cookie%5Ftest=1). Installation of electrical/mechanical components will be in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications.

Circuits must be clearly and neatly labeled with special operating and maintenance instructions mounted on descriptive panels within each applicable exhibition unit. Circuits, labels and instructions shall be easily accessible from installed exhibition units.

Assure serviceability for each and every piece of equipment. Provide cutouts, access panels, etc. as specified in the design specifications to facilitate maintenance. Neatly finish all such work. Avoid alterations to exposed surfaces, but when necessary, finish them in a workmanlike manner consistent in detail with other finished surfaces.

Testing All electrical/mechanical components of exhibitions shall be fully tested by the Contractor and operational in the Contractor’s shop prior to delivery to the exhibition site and subject to verification by the Project Officer during final inspection. The Contractor shall cooperate and coordinate with NMHM staff and technical consultants as required to test equipment prior to delivery and installation that is not purchased by the Contractor.

Audiovisual and Computers General Contractor shall provide all audiovisual, computer or interactive equipment necessary to implement a designed element for an exhibition as specified in the design specifications.

NMHM may provide audiovisual equipment, computers, and other hardware. Each design specification will identify all Government-furnished property. In situations where audiovisual and computer cables must pass through enclosed spaces and must be installed in the Contractor’s shop during fabrication, the Contractor shall provide and install such cables according to specifications outlined in each design specification. The Contractor will work with NMHM staff and consultants to provide for seamless coordination in testing and installing all computer and audiovisual equipment.

Work Included Furnish and install into exhibition structures any audiovisual components necessary to provide fully operational audiovisual systems such as DVD players, controllers, monitors, touch screens, joy sticks, keyboards, trackballs, etc, as specified in the design specifications.

Coordinate with NMHM staff and consultants with the programming and testing of audiovisual and computer equipment.

Repair, replace or upgrade any audiovisual or computer component purchased and installed by the Contractor within the manufacturer’s warranty period, within 7 days of notification by the Project Officer.

Work Not Included Work noted on drawings and design specifications as determined by Exhibition Designer and approved by Project Officer as “NIC” or “By Others.”

Quality Assurance The Contractor shall follow best industry practices at all times. All manufacturers’ printed recommendations for equipment, programming, etc., are a part of this specification. Standards for other trades are included as part of this document.

Testing All Contractor-provided audiovisual and computer components of exhibitions shall be fully tested by the Contractor and operational in the Contractor’s shop prior to delivery to the exhibition site and subject to verification by the Project Officer or Exhibition Designer during final inspection. The Contractor will coordinate with NMHM staff or technical consultants providing other audiovisual and computer equipment as required during testing.

Graphics Product Handling All Government furnished source materials shall be returned to the Project Officer unaltered and undamaged. The Contractor shall provide protection from loss and physical damage at all times. The Contractor shall make back ups of all electronic files during production. The Contractor will keep on the premises final electronic files for all artwork for the duration of an exhibition and return a copy of final electronic files to the Project Officer. When an exhibition closes, the Contractor will transfer all back up files to the Project Officer.

Provide all photographic processing for digital and traditional source materials including but not limited to black + white and color film processing and printing, digital files, line negatives, enlargements, inter-negatives, direct prints from transparencies, contact sheets, slide duplication, printing, retouching, color corrections, and mounting to exhibition structures as specified in the design specification, graphics treatment listing, or as required to replace existing exhibition photographs.

Review of Material Upon receipt of the graphic package, the Contractor shall review all graphic, photographic, and text materials prior to production.

· Text: All label identification numbers shall be checked against the design specifications to insure that they correspond properly with photographs and artifacts as specified in the graphics package and that all labels are accounted for.

· Photo graphics/Photographs: All identification numbers shall be checked against the design specifications to insure that they correspond properly with the labels as specified. The Contractor shall verify that the proposed cropping, orientation, and dimensions will fit within the layout as designed.

· Screen Ink/Digital Output: The Contractor shall test the durability of each brand of screen ink on the exact substrate that will be used as a printing surface in the exhibition. The most durable combination of ink and substrate shall be submitted to the Project Officer and Exhibition Designer for approval prior to the start of screen-printing. The ink and substrate shall be identified by brand name on the sample. The Contractor will follow the same standards with digital output. The Contractor shall test the durability of the output and its adherence to the substrate. The Contractor will submit labeled samples to the Project Officer and Exhibition Designer for approval prior to the final output of the job.

· Any error, omission, or incorrect identification shall be brought to the attention of the Project Officer and Exhibition Designer for correction.

Quality Assurance Provide proper professional care and handling of source materials both digital and traditional. All source materials shall be returned to the Project Officer or the Registrar unaltered and undamaged in their original print sleeve or mount. The Contractor shall provide protection from loss and physical damage at all times. No retouching or other alteration on NMHM supplied digital files, prints or negatives is permitted unless stated in the design specification or approved by the Project Officer or the Registrar. Final products should color match source material or design specifications. All mounts shall be done according to design specifications and manufacturer’s instructions clean, smooth and straight with no blemishes. Graphics should not fade, discolor or otherwise deteriorate over the expected life of the exhibition. All graphics shall exhibit Perfect register, exact measurement, and proper color match, opaque and crisp images—without ghosting ragged or soft edges. All borders shall be consistent width throughout panels. Weight of graphic images, text, or other images shall be consistent throughout the exhibition. Type shall contain high resolution, be sharply focused, clean, crisp, opaque, and free from ragged or soft edges regardless of character size.

Handling Artifacts: General Design specifications will include a checklist, which will identify the type of artifacts in the exhibition and NMHM’s requirements for mounting each artifact. Mounts include book cradles, wire frame mounts, Plexiglas mounts, mats and frames, and any support system used to protect and support an artifact while on exhibit. The design specifications will note any items to be mounted and/or installed by NMHM personnel or other contractors. The Project Officer or the Registrar will coordinate all schedules for work with original artifacts.

Work Included Preliminary work for the creation of custom fitted mounts, including travel to NMHM facility to meet with project personnel, inspect and measure artifacts, and devise mounting, matting, and framing systems as required in the design specifications under supervision of the Museum registrar. Detail drawings of proposed artifact mounts for review and approval of Project Officer or Museum registrar may be required.

Handling of original artifacts during pre-installation and installation.

Handling includes:

· Removing artifacts from storage containers (folders, boxes, crates, etc.) and returning to it unless items installed under the supervision of the Museum registrar.

· Transporting artifacts between exhibition preparation area and gallery within the supervision of the Museum registrar.

· Creating artifact mounts. Contractor shall supply all materials and labor to devise, fabricate, finish, and transport to site all items considered exhibition mounts under the supervision of the Museum registrar.

· Installation of artifacts in exhibition mounts, in exhibition galleries under the supervision of the Museum registrar.

· Preparation and submission of a completion package which includes: preparation of as-built mount drawings, instructions on mounting particular artifacts, maintenance instructions, and providing specialized tools, paints, or other materials for use with the mounts, as may be required in the design specifications.

· Repair or replacement of existing mounts or frames under supervision of the Museum registrar.

· Contractor may provide conservation services for artifacts as required.

Work Not Included The Contractor shall not be responsible for accessioning of artifacts or any curatorial work.

The Contractor shall not be responsible for preparation of condition reports, packing lists, receipts, and other documentation for original artifacts.

Quality Assurance Contractor shall perform mounting of artifacts in accordance with NMHM instructions and shall apply the standards set forth within these specifications and as specified in each design specification. The contractor shall follow conditions for handling artifacts and framed items outlined in The National Park Service Museum Handbook, Part 1, Chapter 6, and as instructed by the Museum registrar.

Transportation In moving any artifact or group of artifacts, avoid travel shock to the artifact or artifacts; clean hands before handling artifacts and between handling of artifacts, even if gloves are worn; avoid wearing jewelry which may scratch items; use more than one person in moving an awkward or heavy artifact; use both hands when carrying all artifacts, and lift by secure elements of the artifact. Unless otherwise directed, lint free, clean cotton gloves shall be worn when handling artifacts to prevent reactive damage from contact with skin acids.

Damage In the event an artifact or exhibition asset is damaged while in the care of the Contractor, the Contractor shall notify the Museum registrar immediately. The Contractor shall never discard any packing or padding material until it has been thoroughly searched by the Museum registrar especially if breakage of the unpacked artifacts is known to have occurred. All lender tags or other identifying labels shall be left with or attached to items for identification.

Handling Artifacts: Submittals/Drawings Submittals: all submittal drawings, samples, colors, material lists shall be approved by the Museum registrar prior to fabrication of the mounts.

Handling Artifacts: Mounting, Matting and Framing:

Materials That May Not Be Used Gases emitted from the following materials will accelerate the deterioration of artifacts found within the artifact’s immediate environment: wood pulp paper products, unsealed wood, bleached wood, wool, Sulphur dyes, vulcanized rubber, protein based glues, polysulphide adhesives, polyvinyl acetate emulsified resins, polystyrene (e.g. fome cor) cellulose acetate resins, drying oil products, oil paints, PVA latex based paints, paints/varnishes with ester type solvents, polyvinyl alcohol, lead based paints, products containing formaldehyde, cellulose nitrate, polyurethane resins, polyurethane foam products, and polyvinyl chloride.

Mount Design and Fabrication General guidelines for the design and fabrication of artifact mounts and book cradles include but are not limited to the following:

· Mounts shall be created to provide adequate support to prevent physical stress or unbalanced weight distribution to the artifact and to support artifacts over as great an area as possible.

· No mount shall be specified for permanent attachment to any exhibition asset; each item shall be easily removed from its mount. The fastening system shall be based on a mechanical design; use no adhesives or sticky substances. Original items shall not be altered, drilled, trimmed, tacked, nailed, screwed down or glued down, secured with museum wax, silicone rubber or tape. The Contractor shall never fabricate a mount that requires force to place an exhibition asset.

· Original clamps, hooks, strings, and strapping already attached to the item shall not be used for support.

· All mount cradles, etc. shall be approved by Museum registrar prior to fabrication and installation.

· All mounted artifacts shall be handled by the mount only—never the artifact. Handle each artifact separately and with great care. Provide proper and even support for artifacts when handling them.

Book Cradle Design and Fabrication In general, NMHM will mount books from its collection. Occasionally, the Contractor will be required to mount a special or unusual book from NMHM’s collection. The Contractor will mount books borrowed from other sources. Book cradles shall be fabricated using materials specified by NMHM that fully support the artifacts. Edges shall be eased, sanded and polished to remove sharp corners, burrs, and nicks. Cradles shall be fully customized for each artifact and shall support the binding, spine, and text block. Acrylic cradles must be made precise without scoring to achieve bends or curves. Text block support shall be installed to prevent strain while books are being exhibited. Museum registrar will specify angle of incline.

Matting and Framing Design and Fabrication Artifacts that may require matting and framing include but are not limited to manuscripts, documents, maps, drawings, paintings, posters, and photographs. (Reference: PRS # 2)

Contractor shall take measurements; prepare standard window mats, sink mats, double sided mats, simple mat board backs; mount artifacts into mats, frames, or other mounting systems; install security hardware, clean frames and glazing; install framed into exhibitions; and disassemble frames and mounts as required in the design specification. Original artifacts shall be measured at NMHM. Mats shall be cut off site whenever practical, and mounting fitting done at NMHM. With the permission of the Project Officer or the Museum registrar and proper documentation, under special circumstances, some originals and non-original exhibition assets may be taken to the Contractor’s shop for matting and framing under the supervision of the Museum registrar. During these episodes, these originals and non-originals are the responsibility of the Contractor.

· Matting standards: All mats and windows shall be cut square and even unless specified otherwise. All windows shall be free of overcuts and visible tears. All mat surfaces that are exposed or in direct contact with artifacts shall be clean and free of any imperfections such as fingerprints, cuts, dents, scratches, and pencil or other marks. All beveled edges shall be cut even and true with no visible imperfections. Backboards and face boards should be of the same color and size. The beveled edges of windows, which may be in direct contact with an artifact, must be lightly burnished from the mat’s backside before the artifact is attached to the mat.

· Frames: Frames shall be cut straight and true with no perceptible blemishes showing, miters shall be glued or mechanically drawn tight and perfectly square. Molding will be specified in the design specification.

· Handling: Mounted artifacts: Handle mounted works only by the mount; never touch the artifact itself. Keep mounts flat, face up.

· Unmounted artifacts: Line sheets by the upper corners so that they hang free without buckling. For carrying, lay unmounted sheets on clean, rigid support. Keep works flat, face up. Lay works only on a clean, absolutely level surface.