RFI_Posting_-_Fresco_Restoration_-_Statement_of_Work__(01_21_2026)_1.pdf

Arlington House Fresco Project

Statement of Work 01/21/2026

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the scope, objectives, deliverables, responsibilities, and terms associated with Arlington House Fresco Project on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS), George

Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP). Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, is a National Park

Service site situated within Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). This project entails conservation efforts that include stabilization, cleaning, inpainting, and/or reproduction of several frescos located at Arlington

House site in Fort Myer, Virginia.

Part I

A. Introduction

South Enslaved Quarters

Three (3) historic fresco panels on the exterior façades of South Enslaved Quarters have been damaged due to continued exposure to the elements and need conservation treatment. To stabilize these remaining frescoes requires the services of a professional paintings or fine arts conservator. The historic panels will be removed safely to complete stabilization and then preserved as part of the museum collection. The Contractor shall reproduce the three (3) historic panels, and the reproductions shall be installed in place of the original works.

North Enslaved Quarters

Three (3) blank panels of the North Enslaved Quarters will be safely removed, and the Contractor shall reproduce frescos based on frescos identified in the South Enslaved Quarters. The Contractor shall reinstall panels with reproduced frescos.

Arlington House - Hunting Hall

One historic original fresco located on the West Wall in the Hunting Hall of Arlington House has sustained water damage. This project addresses damaged areas that require removal and/or remediation followed by an in-painting of any losses to the surface finish. Areas of destabilization along previously compensated cracks need to be reconsolidated, primarily the West and North Wall. All three frescos and a non-ornamental wall require surface cleaning to address mild soiling and surface dust.

Fresco Location Number of Frescos Task Description

South Enslaved Quarters 3 Stabilization

3 Reproduction

North Enslaved Quarters 3 Reproduction

Arlington House Hunting Hall 4 Stabilization

1 Restoration

All conservation efforts shall follow internationally recognized principles, including:

• Minimal intervention

Only what is necessary to stabilize, and preserve is done.

• Reversibility (when possible)

Materials and methods used should be reversible or non-invasive.

• Compatibility

New materials (e.g., lime-based mortars) must be chemically and physically compatible with original plaster.

• Documentation

Every intervention is thoroughly recorded for future conservators.

• Respect for original materials and intent

B. Background

Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, sits on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C., with a spectacular view of the Potomac River and the D.C. monuments and memorials. Located within Arlington

National Cemetery, it is accessible from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area via the Metro. Public

Parking is available at the Arlington Cemetery Visitor Center. The site receives over 500,000 visitors a year.

Arlington House is uniquely associated with the families of Washington, Custis, and Lee, as well as many of the more prominent families of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. It was built by George

Washington Parke Custis, grandson of Martha Washington by her first marriage to Daniel Parke Custis.

After his father died, young Custis was raised by his grandmother and her second husband, George

Washington, at Mount Vernon. Custis began building Arlington House in 1802 and completed it in 1818.

It became a “treasury” of Washington heirlooms and there are still original Washington and Robert E. Lee objects on exhibit. Robert E. Lee married Mary Anna Randolph Custis in June 1831. It is at Arlington House, where he resigned his commission from the U.S. Military in April 1861, joining the Virginia Militia and later the Confederate Army.

Arlington House also tells the stories of the enslaved servants who lived and worked on the 1,100-acre plantation estate. Their labor ensured the construction of the mansion and the accompanying historic enslave quarters. The stories of key figures such as Selina Gray and Maria Syphax are integral to the history of the site before during and after the American Civil War.

The stories of the people and the events, the house and outbuildings, and the many original objects on exhibit, including artwork, furniture, ceramics, glassware, silver, and textile, require the highest standards of maintenance, preservation, protection, and staffing to enable the site to accommodate the thousands of current visitors and to provide for future generations of visitors.

This project is critical, and key components will need to be completed to ensure the ongoing historic preservation of these important features of the Arlington House and Enslaved Quarters following a two-year closure of the site after an extensive rehabilitation project.

C. Scope

General

The contractor shall provide all labor, material, equipment and means of transportation to fully carry out the following project work identified at the South Enslaved Quarters, North Enslaved Quarters, and

Hunting Hall.

South Enslaved Quarters

Objective: The objective of this Order is to acquire professional conservator contractor services to provide structural stabilization of three frescos located at the South Enslaved Quarters.

The project scope encompasses bringing in a professional conservator who is familiar with fresco restoration to stabilize three (3) historic, patriotic frescoes on the exterior façade of the South Enslaved

Quarters. The three exterior panels include depictions of various animals such as horses and spread eagles.

These exterior frescoes appear to be stucco panels that have been painted secco style, but additional testing may be needed. The restoration report from 1931 (Attachment E) implies that they were originally done by Custis and that a young artist redid the outdoor panels in 1931; however, there was no official confirmation of that project being completed.

The South Enslaved Quarters’ panels still hold remnants of the previous re-creation which will need to be taken into consideration. The fresco panels may have been previously restored in the mid-20th century, and the remaining paint is very friable.

This project requires that the paint on the South Enslaved Quarters panels be stabilized. Prior to stabilization, the contractor will safely remove the panels without damaging extant finishes or surrounding plaster. The panels may be taken off-site to a conservation lab for stabilization. Small samples of paint should be taken for materials analysis to inform colors for future efforts of panel facsimile recreation.

Stabilization of the three fresco panels shall use historic images and data provided from previous assessments and the park’s historic structures report.

Objective: The objective of this Order is to acquire professional services to provide fresco reproductions of three frescos located at the South Enslaved Quarters.

After safe removal of the exterior panels, the conservator shall recreate the three (3) fresco panels based on the South Enslaved Quarters using historic images and data provided from previous assessments and the park’s historic structures report. The imagery from the panels should be studied thoroughly to recreate the frescoes on new panel inserts for the South Slave Quarters. Small samples of paint should be taken for materials analysis to inform colors for panel recreation. All materials used to recreate the panels shall demonstrate durability under expected UV exposure and natural weathering conditions.

North Enslaved Quarters

Objective: The objective of this Order is to acquire professional services to provide fresco reproductions of three frescos located in the South Enslaved Quarters for display in the North Enslaved Quarters.

After the Contractor safely removes the three (3) exterior panels of the North Enslaved Quarters, the conservator shall reproduce the frescos from the South Slave Quarters onto these blank panels. Small samples of paint should be taken for materials analysis to inform colors for panel recreation. All materials used to recreate the panels shall demonstrate durability under expected UV exposure and natural weathering conditions.

Arlington House Hunting Hall

Objective: The objective of this contract is to acquire professional conservator contractor services to stabilize (3) frescos and (1) non-ornamental wall and restore one (1) damaged fresco in Hunting Hall.

The project includes the restoration of one (1) damaged fresco originally painted by the owner of the

Arlington Estate, G.W.P. Custis, located on the interior of the South Wall in the Hunting Hall.

The damaged interior fresco is one of three that were recently restored in 2013. These frescoes depict various pastoral hunting and nature scenes and were originally painted in the 1840s. The fresco in need of repair is a hunting scene depicting hounds running down a stag. The interior fresco is traditional plaster with secco application with later inpainting campaigns. Recent water infiltration has caused blanching of the original design, disruption of the inpainting layers, and areas of micro-destabilization of the thin finish surface of the plaster.

This project addresses the sustained water damage. The damaged areas shall be removed or remediated followed by an in-painting of any losses to the surface finish. The treatment will involve cleaning stains from the plaster surfaces and stabilizing any loose material or finishes.

Part II: Technical Requirements

1. General

1.1. The Contractor shall provide the services of a qualified art conservator.

1.2. The Contractor will employ an appropriate team of qualified personnel (conservators, technicians, etc.) to work on-site or at a laboratory facility, as needed. All members of the

Contractor’s conservation team must be NPS pre-approved prior conducting work.

1.3. The Contractor shall provide all management, qualified personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, shipping, tools, materials and other resources necessary to perform the standards for the conservation of the identified frescos.

1.4. The selected vendor will provide the needed loading/unloading equipment such as dollies, carts, hand trucks and lifts and will be responsible for the storage of their equipment when not in use.

1.5. Any fresco removed to an off-site location, shall be kept safe and protected from exposure to dust, debris, detritus, vandalism, and damaging environmental conditions.

1.6. Work shall align with the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

(AIC) Code of Ethics (AIC Code of Ethics).

https://www.culturalheritage.org/conservation-at-work/uphold-professional-standards/code?utm_source=chatgpt.com

1.7. The Contractor shall maintain contact by phone, email, or in person with the COR/TPOC to resolve difficulties or make decisions or revisions to the Conservation Plan, as necessary. The

Contractor is advised that only the COR/TPOC can authorize changes and/or modifications to the agreed upon Conservation Plan.

1.8. Contractor shall research each fresco using government-provided primary sources and reports alongside any external resources.

1.9. Prior to implementation, the Contractor shall raise and discuss all concerns or issues with the

COR. The parties will address these matters, and any necessary adjustments shall be reflected in the final work plan.

1.10. The vendor will provide proof of insurance covering the company and its employees against neglect, accident, theft and damages to the historic structure.

2. Staffing

2.1. The Contractor’s staff shall possess all necessary licenses and certifications to perform the tasks specified in the SOW.

2.2. Contractor shall be a Professional Associate or Fellow of the American Institute for

Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works or hold equivalent membership in a similar conservation organization.

2.3. The Contractor’s Conservator shall have a minimum of 10 years of experience in art conservation and a master’s degree in Art Conservation.

2.4. The Contractor’s Materials Analyst shall have a minimum of 5 years of experience in art conservation and a master’s in a Physical or Chemical Science.

2.5. The Contractor’s Professional Artist shall have a minimum of 5 years of experience in art conservation.

3. Conservation Treatments

3.1. The final state of each fresco should be stabilized to as near as its original appearance as possible.

3.2. Stabilize and/or consolidate flaking or unstable paints; clean and stabilize the work of art, when necessary, per the direction and approval of the TPOC and/or subject matter expert.

3.3. In-paint areas of loss. Only areas of actual loss or damage should be inpainted. Do not paint over original material. Inpainting should be perceptible under close inspection, but harmonize visually from normal viewing distance.

3.4. Restoration materials (plaster, pigments) match the original in composition, color, and texture.

Only damaged or lost areas are restored; the original artwork is preserved wherever possible.

3.5. Repair and stabilization of damage due to environmental issues, such water and mold.

3.6. Restored areas are distinguishable under close inspection but harmonize with the original from a normal viewing distance.

3.7. Prior to stabilization of historic panels, collect any paint samples necessary from original panels.

3.8. South Enslaved Quarters: Safely removal of the exterior panels. Complete mockup of stabilization work on a 2”x 2” section of an exterior panel for review by NPS staff. Stabilize and clean extant finishes where needed.

3.9. Hunting Hall: Complete mockup of any cleaning and stabilization work on a 6”x 6” section of the fresco for review by NPS staff. Stabilize and clean where needed.

3.10. All conservation treatments shall be reversible in accordance with the American Institute for

Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC).

4. Initial Condition Assessment and Treatment Plan (due at time of Quote)

4.1. Following the Site Visit, Quoters shall furnish with their Quote an initial condition assessment and stabilization / restoration treatment plan for the fresco in Hunting Hall.

4.2. Following the Site Visit, Quoters shall furnish with their Quote an initial condition assessment and stabilization / reproduction treatment plan for the frescos in South Enslaved Quarters.

4.3. Following the Site Visit, Quoters shall furnish with their Quote an initial reproduction treatment plan for the frescos in North Enslaved Quarters.

4.4. At a minimum the Initial Condition Assessment and Treatment Plan shall contain:

1) Condition Assessment

2) Diagnosis and Analysis of Deterioration

3) Treatment Methods

4) Materials and Techniques

5) Timeline

6) Roles and Responsibilities

5. Final Condition Assessment and Treatment Plan (after Award)

5.1. Any amendments to Initial Conditions Assessment and Treatment Plans are completed and approved by the TPOC in writing prior to implementation.

5.2. After award, the Contractor shall furnish a final condition assessment and stabilization / restoration plan for the fresco in Hunting Hall.

5.3. After award, the Contractor shall furnish a final condition assessment and stabilization / reproduction plan for the frescos in South Enslaved Quarters.

5.4. After award, the Contractor shall furnish a final reproduction plan for the frescos in North

Enslaved Quarters.

6. Schedule

6.1. The Contractor’s Conservator will work directly with the park to schedule any on-site work and will submit a workplan and schedule.

6.2. Conservation work on building exteriors will only be conducted during periods of good weather.

6.3. All work performed at Arlington House and its historic outbuildings shall occur Monday - Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM Eastern with the presence of the NPS COR, TPOC or designated representative, unless otherwise agreed.

6.4. Weekend and late or early hours of work must be agreed upon prior to scheduling and will be at the discretion of NPS staff.

7. Safety and Compliance Considerations

7.1. Site setup and deinstallation shall follow all security, safety, and resource protection protocols.

7.2. The Contractor will supply all specialized equipment and supplies, including scaffolding, and will submit a scaffold plan and ensure OSHA safety standards are met.

7.3. The Contractor will provide scaffolding and other staging equipment and have personnel or subcontractors certified in the install of construction support equipment.

7.4. All work must be performed in a safe and professional manner. Work areas must be kept neat and tidy.

7.5. Grounds, floors, and walls of historic structures must be protected against undue impact and abrasion.

7.6. Ground protection (Plywood etc.) will need to be applied prior to the transport of heavy equipment across the grounds of the site and all wheeled equipment should be coated with rubber.

7.7. No smoking is allowed inside Arlington House and its outbuildings except for in designated areas.

7.8. Smoking is not allowed within 50 feet of any building access (including windows and doors) within Arlington National Cemetery.

7.9. The Contractor will adhere to all security and access policies and procedures stipulated by the

NPS at Arlington House and Arlington National Cemetery.

8. Final Documentation and Reporting

8.1. The Conservator will produce a draft and final Conservation Treatment Report with narrative and photographic documentation recording all aspects of treatment and analysis of condition to validate treatment selection.

8.2. Conservation treatment reports will follow the guidelines as established by the AIC.

8.3. Final written conservation treatment reports shall be submitted for each fresco receiving conservation treatment and provide the following details at minimum.

1) Project Summary

• Reason for treatment, goals, dates, and personnel involved

2) Brief Historical/Technical Background

• Key facts about materials, technique, and any known past restorations.

3) Condition Overview (Before Treatment)

4) Documentation (Before Treatment)

• Essential photographs (overall and details), Condition map, any relevant analytical findings summarized, etc.

7) Treatment Plan

• Clear statement of proposed methods, rationale, and approval.

8) Treatment Performed

• Concise, step-by-step record

9) Documentation (During & After Treatment)

• Key photos showing progress and final condition; updated visuals.

10) Materials Used

• List all materials/products, concentrations, and suppliers.

11) Results & Recommendations

• Summary of outcomes, remaining vulnerabilities, and maintenance or monitoring instructions.

12) Appendices

• Photo plates, maps, test results, and any supporting documentation.

A. Deliverables

Deliverable Description/ Requirement Due Date Format Acceptance Criteria

Project Kickoff Meeting

Formal meeting held at the beginning of a project to establish a shared understanding among all participants and to set the foundation for successful execution.

Within 10 days of Award

In-Person

• All key participants attended.

• Participants confirm a shared understanding of project purpose, boundaries, and deliverables.

• All logistical and safety considerations are reviewed.

• Action items are documented, assigned, and acknowledged.

• Communication plans are approved and distributed.

South Enslaved Quarters

Final Condition Assessment and Treatment Plan

Technical document that outlines the fresco’s current detailed condition, identifies risks, and provides a systematic strategy/plan for stabilizing and preserving the artwork.

Before work begins

PDF Document delivered by email to TPOC / COR.

• Provides sufficient detail to guide safe and effective stabilization.

• Information must be factual, verifiable, and supported by evidence.

• Plan must be realistically executable and technically sound.

• All safety and logistical considerations are addressed and actionable.

Stabilization - Mockup

2”x2” section of an exterior panel for review by NPS staff

Before implementation of full conservation effort n/a

• Mockup covers all relevant variables to validate the planned procedure.

• Mockup demonstrates that the treatment is effective and will achieve intended results.

• Treatment is compatible with original materials and safe to apply.

Reproduction - Mockup

One (1) panel reproduced for review by NPS staff

Before implementation of full reproduction effort n/a

• Panel outcome covers all relevant variables to validate the planned procedure.

• Panel outcome demonstrates that the treatment is effective and will achieve intended results.

• Treatment is compatible with original materials and safe to apply.

Stabilized Original Panels

Stabilized frescos are exhibit display ready.

2-month prior to PoP end date n/a

• The fresco is structurally secure, visually coherent, and environmentally resilient.

• Treatment is reversible and does not alter the original appearance beyond stabilization needs.

Panel Reproductions

Frescos are reproduced on panels an safely installed on South Enslaved Quarters

2-month prior to PoP end date n/a

• Reproduction must faithfully reflect the original’s dimensions, layout, and visual structure.

• Materials and techniques conform to the approved plan and ethical guidelines.

• Reproduction passes all internal and external quality reviews.

• Reproduction must be structurally sound and professionally executed.

• Materials meet UV/weathering durability requirements; visually consistent with mock-up

Draft Conservation Treatment Report

Formal report that systematically records the examination, analysis, interventions, and outcomes associated with the conservation and restoration of a fresco.

Within 4-weeks of Completion of Treatment

WORD Document delivered by email to TPOC/COR.

• Sufficient detail to fully describe the treatment process.

• All information must be factually accurate and capable of being independently verified.

• Another qualified conservator should be able to understand and replicate the treatment from the report.

• Report reflect best-practice ethical conservation principles.

• Visual documentation must fully support the written report and clearly illustrate changes.

Final Conservation Treatment Report

Final formal report that systematically records the examination, analysis, interventions, and outcomes associated with the conservation and restoration of a fresco.

Within 4-weeks of receiving NPS comments

PDF Document delivered by email to TPOC / COR.

• All NPS comments are adequately addressed

• Meets professional-level documentation standards suitable for long-term institutional archives.

North Enslaved Quarters

Reproduction - Detailed Plan

Structured technical document that outlines how an accurate replica of a fresco will be created for display

Before work begins

PDF Document delivered by email to TPOC / COR.

• The plan must meet the stated objectives.

• All technical data must be accurate, verifiable, and aligned with conservation best practices.

• Provides sufficient detail to guide production without ambiguity

Panel Reproductions

Frescos are reproduced on panels an safely installed on North Enslaved Quarters

2-month prior to PoP end date n/a

• Reproduction must faithfully reflect the original’s dimensions, layout, and visual structure.

• Materials and techniques conform to the approved plan and ethical guidelines.

• Reproduction passes all internal and external quality reviews.

• Reproduction must be structurally sound and professionally executed.

• Materials meet UV/weathering durability requirements; visually consistent with mock-up

Arlington House Hunting Hall

Final Condition Assessment and Treatment Plan

Technical document that outlines the fresco’s current detailed condition, identifies risks, and provides a systematic strategy/plan for cleaning , stabilizing, and restoring the artwork.

Before work begins

PDF Document delivered by email to TPOC / COR.

• Provides sufficient detail to guide safe and effective stabilization.

• Information must be factual, verifiable, and supported by evidence.

• Plan must be realistically executable and technically sound.

• All safety and logistical considerations are addressed and actionable.

Cleaning, Stabilization, and Restoration - Mockup

6”x6” section of the fresco for review by NPS staff

Before implementation of full conservation effort n/a

• Mockup covers all relevant variables to validate the planned procedure.

• Mockup demonstrates that the treatment is effective and will achieve intended results.

• Treatment is compatible with original materials and safe to apply.

Hunting Hall Fresco Stabilization and Restoration

Stabilization and Restoration of Hunting Hall

Fresco

2-month prior to PoP end date n/a

• The fresco is structurally secure, visually coherent, and environmentally resilient.

• Restored areas are distinguishable under close inspection but harmonize with the original from a normal viewing distance.

• Treatment is reversible and does not alter the original appearance beyond stabilization needs.

Draft Conservation Treatment Report

Draft formal report that systematically records the examination, analysis, interventions, and outcomes associated with the conservation and restoration of a fresco.

Within 4-weeks of Completion of Treatment

WORD Document delivered by email to TPOC/COR.

• Sufficient detail to fully describe the treatment process.

• All information must be factually accurate and capable of being independently verified.

• Another qualified conservator should be able to understand and replicate the treatment from the report.

• Report reflect best-practice ethical conservation principles.

• Visual documentation must fully support the written report and clearly illustrate changes.

Final Conservation Treatment Report

Final formal report that systematically records the examination, analysis, interventions, and outcomes associated with the conservation and restoration of a fresco.

Within 4-weeks of receiving NPS comments

PDF Document delivered by email to TPOC / COR.

• All NPS comments are adequately addressed

• Meets professional-level documentation standards suitable for long-term institutional archives.

Part III

A. Security

Contractors accessing Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, a National Park Service site situated within Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) for awarded contracts will be subject to screening by Department of the Army, Surgeon General (DASG)/ANC security prior to site entry.

Please see Attachment F for more information regarding security and access procedures for

Arlington House and Arlington National Cemetery.

B. Work Schedule

Contact the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to coordinate the work with the park, providing at least two weeks’ notice before work commences.

All work performed at Arlington House and its historic outbuildings shall occur Monday - Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM Eastern with the presence of the NPS COR, TPOC or designated representative, unless otherwise agreed.

C. Place of Performance

Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial 321 Sherman Drive Fort Myer, VA 22211 Operating Hours: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm (public hours – 9:30am – 4:30pm) Website: www.nps.gov/arho Phone Number: 703-235-1530

Arlington National Cemetery 1 Memorial Avenue Fort Myer, VA 22211 Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location Notes:

The project is located within Arlington National Cemetery. There is no loading dock at this location and there is limited access for larger vehicles.

D. Period of Performance

The period of performance shall be a total of 12 months, beginning upon date of contract award.

April 1, 2026 to March 30, 2027

E. Insurance

The selected vendor will be responsible for any damages as a result of the project. The vendor will provide proof of insurance covering the company and its employees against neglect, fire, accident, theft and damage.

National Park Service Address:

700 George Washington Memorial Parkway

Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial c/o Turkey Run Park; McLean, Virginia 22101-1717

Minimum Acceptable Insurance Coverage shall include:

Commercial General Liability Insurance (NEED VALUES)

Property Damage Insurance (NEED VALUES)

Professional Errors and Omissions (NEED VALUES)

Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability as required by law.

F. Government Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)

Government Technical Point of Contact (TPOC): TPOC contact information to be provided at time of contract award.

The TPOC shall provide background material information on each painting as is practicable.

The TPOC and/or subject matter experts shall review and approve all work. All work that does not meet the TPOC’s approval shall be rejected and reworked according to the TPOC and/or subject matter expert direction.

The TPOC shall have ten (10) working days to respond to the Contractor requests for information, proposals, or queries, by either phone or email.

The TPOC may visit the Contractor’s conservation facility over the course of the Order. Any visit shall be coordinated with the Contractor.

The TPOC shall host initial progress meetings, generally in person or via telephone/teleconference call.

Schedule, frequency, and duration are to be determined.

The final inspection and acceptance shall take place upon completion of conservation treatment on the agreed upon frescos and accepted by the TPOC and COR according to the accepted conservation treatment.

G. Supporting Documents

Attachment A ARHO Drawings This document identifies the target locations on the site plan where the National Park Service requires that restoration work be completed.

Attachment B Photos This document includes images of the target areas.

Attachment C Joint Base Myer-Henderson

Hall Installation Access Request Form

Background Check

Attachment D 2013 Arlington House Fresco

Restoration Treatment Report

This report documents previous stabilization and conservation efforts of the west wall and stair landing of

Arlington House

Attachment E Historic Structures Report

(HSR).

These are excerpts on the panels from the North and South

Enslaved Quarters

Attachment F Security and

Access Procedures Outlines security and access procedures for Arlington

House.