Sol_140P2123Q0107.pdf

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation Number 140P2123Q0107 is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP) which constitutes the entire solicitation. This acquisition will be conducted pursuant to FAR Part 13. This solicitation document incorporates all mandatory commercial item provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-04, effective 2 June 2023. This is a small business set-aside.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541720, Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities and the related small business size standard is $28.0M.

The government anticipates award of one (1), firm-fixed price contract.

REQUIREMENT: Independently, and not as an agent of the government, the contractor shall provide all services including labor, materials, equipment, facilities, and travel necessary to perform planning and designing of wayside exhibits for Catoctin Mountain National Park in Thurmont, Maryland.

Due to space limitations, the complete commercial item specifications are contained in Solicitation Number 140P2123Q0107. Interested contractors should download this document. The National Park Service is not responsible for locating or securing any information that is not identified in the proposal.

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses and provisions are applicable to this announcement and are available at www.acquisition.gov.

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services and addendum; 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services and addendum; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services; 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management; 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim; and 52.245-1 Government Property.

Questions shall be sent via email to robert_adamson@nps.gov by 1:00 pm ED June 14, 2023. Questions submitted using any other method will not be entertained. The Point of Contact for this requirement is Robert Adamson, Contracting Officer. Offerors who contact anyone outside of the Office of Acquisition Management regarding this requirement, may automatically be excluded from competition.

All quote information shall be submitted for receipt no later than 5:00 pm ED, on June 21, 2023.

Offerors are hereby notified that if your quote is not received by the date/time and at the location specified in this announcement, that it will be considered late. The proposal shall be submitted electronically via email to robert_adamson@nps.gov with the subject line clearly identifying “Solicitation Number 140P2123Q0107 – LRIP-ALPO/JOFL.” Offers by telephone, transmitted via facsimile (fax), or submitted using any other method will not be accepted.

All contractors must be registered in www.SAM.gov to be considered eligible for award.

http://www.sam.gov/

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

PHF

Harpers Ferry WV 25425 IDC Building 67 Mather Place DOI, NPS, HFC - Acquisition Managem

0009060803 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

541720

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORPWA

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

06/21/2023 1700 ED

06/06/2023

3015020076Robert Adamson (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140P2123Q0107

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 65 0040617745OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

Harpers Ferry WV 25425 IDC Building, 67 Mather Place NPS, Harpers Ferry Center

15. DELIVER TO

Denver CO 80225 P.O.Box 25287 MS WCP

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$28

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

NPS, WASO - WCP Contracting

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

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UNIT PRICE

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UNIT

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QUANTITY

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SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

The contractor shall provide all services including labor, materials, equipment, and travel (except as otherwise specified in this contract) necessary to provide interpretive content research services for Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS (ALPO) and Johnstown Flood NMem (JOFL).

00010 HAFC_ALPO/JOFL_LRIP

Product/Service Code: B513 Continued ...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

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30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

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REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

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41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

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ITEM NO.

Product/Service Description: SPECIAL

STUDIES/ANALYSIS- FEASIBILITY (NON-CONSTRUCTION)

Delivery: 01/31/2024

Period of Performance: 06/30/2023 to 01/31/2024

00020 HAFC_ALPO/JOFL_LRIP - TRAVEL

Product/Service Code: B513

Product/Service Description: SPECIAL

STUDIES/ANALYSIS- FEASIBILITY (NON-CONSTRUCTION)

Delivery: 01/31/2024

Period of Performance: 06/30/2023 to 01/31/2024

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

65 2 of

Solicitation 140P2123Q0107

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCOPE 4

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 5

TASKS 8

DELIVERABLES 11

OPTIONS 17

DESTINATION 18

REVIEW AND APPROVALS 19

PAYMENT SCHEDULE 20

CLAUSES 21

PROVISIONS 32

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS 58

EVALUATION FACTOERS & CRITERIA 63

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

INTERPRETIVE CONTENT REPORT: ALLEGHENY PORTAGE RAILROAD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE &

JOHNSTOWN FLOOD NATIONAL MEMORIAL

1. Background and Purpose

The NPS team is currently developing a content report for its interpretive work. The content report will inform all current and future interpretive programming and media. After its baseline completion under this contract, this report will receive regular updates as new content and perspectives emerge.

A quality content report, when delivered to a designer or program director, will provide all necessary primary source material and style guidance for the development of new interpretive products and programs.

The purpose of this contract is to develop a baseline interpretive content report for both sites individually: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site (ALPO) and Johnstown Flood National Memorial (JOFL). While each site is unique, they share a common administration;

therefore, a single contract shall serve to develop reports for both sites.

1.1. Product summary

The report takes the form of an organized, tagged, and annotated bibliography paired with brief written scholarly discourse on appropriate content use.

Section 3 describes the tasks and process required to construct the products. The contractor will conduct most work independently, with discretion to decide the number, duration, and format of meetings. At least one on-site meeting is required.

Section 4 describes the following products and their requirements in detail The complete products consist of:

1.1.1. Primary source list

An annotated list of primary sources, organized and tagged by fundamental resources and interpretive themes.

The total number of sources must not exceed 360, collected across eighteen fundamental resources and values between the two NPS units. This equates to an average of twenty primary source citations per fundamental resource or value.

1.1.2. Scholarly narratives

One 500-word narrative per subject-matter expert (SME) on the contractor’s team, with cited sources and review by the other SMEs.

1.1.3. Thematic treatment report

A report—not exceeding one page per fundamental resource or value and two pages of general content—describes interpretive themes, appropriate interpretive treatment options, and avenues for additional primary source content. Between the two parks, there are eighteen fundamental resources and values.

1.2. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site (NHS) preserves the history and remnants of the Allegheny Portage Railroad and interprets the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal’s system of canals, railroads, and inclined planes and the impact these had on the early development of the nation.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is in southwestern Pennsylvania in Blair and Cambria counties. The park protects the cultural resources that comprise the Allegheny Portage Railroad and tells the story of its influence on the nation. The park consists of two separate units extending across 40 miles. The main park unit is at the summit of the original portage railroad, roughly 3 miles east of the town of Cresson and includes the visitor center, Lemon House, Incline 6 and Level 6, the Engine House 6 ruins and exhibit shelter, the Skew Arch Bridge, and the 6 to 10 Trail. The park’s Staple Bend Tunnel unit is approximately 16 miles southwest of the main unit and features the first railroad tunnel in the United States. ALPO also preserves a modest number of historic items in its collection. One 19th-century family had a central role in ownership and operation of the site, but the histories of dozens of laborers and travelers play a much bigger role. The site is registered on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Primary source documentation dates mostly to the middle of the 19th century. Primary source documentation on its directly associated laborers and travelers is scant, but supporting documentation for their social roles in general is abundant. Most of the park’s needed content is readily available but unorganized. Additional research is necessary to identify primary sources especially with regard to laborers, travelers, and Indigenous road engineering. The park also requires guidance on communicating the relevance of its esoteric engineering significance to the broader American public.

1.3. Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Johnstown Flood National Memorial (NMem) commemorates the tragic Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial is in Cambria County in southwestern Pennsylvania, about 10 miles northeast of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The 178-acre park preserves the remains of the South Fork Dam and portions of the former Lake Conemaugh bed, as well as historic structures associated with the Johnstown Flood. The resources are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretation of the park focuses on the precursors and aftermath of the failure of the South Fork Dam, which caused the flood on May 31, 1889. It also preserves a voluminous number of historic items in its collection.

The natural and cultural histories of the Memorial are well documented, with active research into victims’ lives continuing among volunteer historians. Primary source documentation dates mostly to the middle and end of the 19th century. A complete museum and historical society separate from the Memorial dedicate research and archiving to the site’s history. The Memorial, however, lacks a reference guide for organizing and finding relevant content for its own interpretive purposes.

2. General Requirements

The contractor shall provide all services including labor, materials, equipment, and travel (except as otherwise specified in this contract) necessary to provide interpretive content research services for the named NPS unit(s).

The contractor shall cooperate with the NPS to develop a comprehensive list of primary source materials and guidance in their use. The contractor shall record these findings in the form of an online Web Library on the platform Zotero and a brief written report that includes full citation.

Project work includes coordination, through the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), with park staff, partners, and stakeholders.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

2.1. Government-furnished data

Following 3.1 Post-award meeting, the government shall supply to the contractor the following internal NPS data:

• All park baseline documents not accessible via public means

• A list of all NPS archival and museum collections items associated with park resources

• Planning and design documents from any exhibits for which the government maintains records

2.2. Scheduling

The contractor shall schedule, coordinate, oversee, and manage work produced under this contract.

2.2.1. Schedule Coordination

The contractor shall coordinate and confirm the dates for all submittals, workshops, and meetings with the COR, including shipment and delivery.

2.3. Meetings, Travel, and Presentations

The contractor shall plan, organize, and facilitate all meetings, travel, and presentations in coordination with the COR. The contractor is generally responsible for deciding the timing, format, and location of meetings, given that at least one meeting occurs on site (see 3.4. On-site Workshop). Section 3 describes additional needs for meetings. The contractor shall create a written record of all meetings and workshops.

2.3.1. In-person meetings

The contractor shall provide all equipment they require while on travel and at the job site (for example, computers, projectors, cameras, etc.).

2.3.1.1. Government-Furnished Space

The government shall supply all space and furnishings necessary to host all non-public meetings required under this contract.

2.3.2. Videoconference and Teleconference

For telephone/video/web-based meetings and presentations, the contractor shall provide and manage the remote meeting application, provide instructions to all participants for joining, and shall host the meeting. The contractor shall use only applications approved for government use. The contractor shall not provide digital products for download from private FTP servers.

2.3.3. Workshops

The contractor shall:

(a) communicate with the COR, park and/or client to set the date, time, and meeting locations

(b) Coordinate travel and meeting locations and times

(c) Submit agenda to the COR for review and approval, two weeks before or as coordinated with the COR, prior to the activity.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

2.4. Archival research

The contractor shall be responsible for coordinating with and independently visiting any non-NPS archives, libraries, or repositories containing essential reference material only available in physical presence. Where accurate citation, location, and references for primary sources are obtainable remotely, the contractor need not make a physical visit.

An example may be a reference to an unspecific batch of original letters by a relevant historical figure, which no historian has ever analyzed or organized.

The contractor is responsible for any costs associated with accessing archives.

The contractor shall alert the COR to any research requiring a physical visit to an archive with a description of any additional hours and associated travel costs. Any physical visits requiring unplanned cost or travel are subject to the government exercising option 5.2.

2.5. Use of online platform Zotero

The contractor shall use the online platform Zotero for the Primary Source List.

https://www.zotero.org/

Specifically, the contractor is restricted to use of Zotero’s Web Library. The government cannot synchronize offline content with Zotero’s Web Library.

The contractor shall ensure the NPS has administrative ownership of the specific Web Library developed under this contract.

Initial Primary Source lists with sample primary sources are currently established at:

https://www.zotero.org/groups/4998202/alpo_primary_sources_for_interpretation/items https://www.zotero.org/groups/4998587/jofl_primary_sources_for_interpretation/items

2.6. Accessibility

All deliverables produced under this contract must meet or exceed legal accessibility requirements for publication in print and on the internet, including but not limited to sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the NPS Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/accessibility.htm) if applicable.

2.7. Facilitation

The contractor shall facilitate all meetings and workshops.

The contractor shall be responsible for facilitating meetings and workshops such that they gather all information and decisions required to produce the products under 4.

Deliverables.

The contractor shall be responsible for acquiring the required information and decisions during the meeting durations specified in this contract.

2.7.1. Expectations of Facilitation

(a) The contractor’s facilitator shall ensure that all participatory discussions create a welcoming environment where all invited parties have the opportunity to participate.

(b) No single voice or minority of voices shall be permitted to dominate discussion.

https://www.zotero.org/groups/4998202/alpo_primary_sources_for_interpretation/items https://www.zotero.org/groups/4998587/jofl_primary_sources_for_interpretation/items https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/accessibility.htm

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

(c) The contractor’s facilitator shall consult with the COR to deal with any substantiated report of aggression or intimidation among participants.

(d) The contractor’s facilitator shall employ a variety of techniques and group dynamics and not rely solely on group conversation. All contributions made in alternate settings shall always be returned to the general group for decision making.

(e) The contractor’s facilitator shall lead the discussion toward solutions that the NPS and its partners devise. The contractor’s facilitator shall avoid leading the discussion toward his or her own personal opinion.

(f) When communicating with park partners and stakeholders, the contractor’s facilitator shall not imply nor make commitments on the park’s behalf.

2.7.2. Agendas

The contractor shall supply an agenda for each facilitated meeting at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

2.8. Coordination

The contractor shall coordinate all submittals and review them for legibility, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements.

2.9. Revisions

In all submittals, the contractor shall flag or highlight any changes from previous versions. The contractor shall also indicate changes initiated by the contractor and not previously reviewed.

2.10. Prohibitions on Information Gathering

Collection of new information from the public, whether directly by the government or on behalf of the government, requires approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Collecting new information without approval may be a violation of the Paperwork Reduction Act, Privacy Act, and Federal Advisory Committee Act. Surveys, polls, focus groups, and similarly structured activities may constitute new information collection.

Public comment under the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) process may typically comply with applicable law and policy. If specified below, the government is responsible for collecting public comments, but the contractor may be required to analyze or summarize it.

Collection of previously published and publicly available information does not constitute new information and is permissible.

3. Tasks

The contractor shall provide all technical, professional, non-personal services, including all labor, materials, equipment, supplies, facilities, travel, management, and supervision necessary to provide the NPS with interpretive content research services.

Any exceptions to the contract’s specifications shall follow written consent by the COR.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

3.1. Post-award meeting

The contractor shall attend a post-award meeting in videoconference or teleconference.

The project manager and interpretive planner shall attend. The meeting shall last approximately one hour. The government shall choose and assemble all other participants.

3.1.1. Agenda

Required:

• project schedule

• contract deliverable dates

• finalize details for the on-site visit

The contractor shall produce the agenda with any additional items.

3.1.2. Post-award teleconference notes

The contractor shall provide notes from the post-award teleconference summarizing topics discussed, participants attending, and any action items identified, including who is responsible for completing the action items.

3.2. Initial Primary Source Research

The contractor shall research all available public and government-furnished sources necessary to create deliverable 4.2 Preliminary Primary Source List.

The contractor shall use and share with the government the online platform Zotero for the Primary Source List, restricted to its Web Library tool.

The contractor may share the list while under development with the government for the purpose of collaboration. The contractor may choose to schedule discussions to aid and guide the list’s development.

The contractor shall submit 4.2 Preliminary Primary Source List when exhaustive searching can no longer produce additional sources. The contractor is responsible for researching and adding sources to the list for completion of 4.7. Complete Primary Source List throughout the duration of the contract.

3.2.1. Government archives

All relevant government reports are published on its Integrated Resource Management Applications (IRMA). The contractor shall consult this source and cite relevant reports and primary sources per the guidance in 4.2.

https://irma.nps.gov/Portal/

Both parks maintain physical archives in Boyers, PA. The contractor shall consult with the COR to determine whether a physical visit to these archives is necessary, under the provisions of 5.2. In-person research.

3.2.2. Suggested archives

The government is aware of, but has not fully organized or analyzed, primary source content in the following archives. The contractor shall examine them and determine additional archives for further research.

https://irma.nps.gov/Portal/

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

Johnstown Area Heritage Association https://www.jaha.org/about-jaha/about/jahas-mission/

Cambria County Historical Society http://www.cambriacountyhistorical.com/

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Blair County Genealogy Society

Blair County Historical Society

B&O Railroad Museum

Pennsylvania Canal Society

Altoona Rail Roaders Memorial Museum

Portage Historical Society

Cresson Historical Society

Blairsville Historical Society

3.3. Subject-Matter Expert (SME) Coordination

The contractor shall coordinate its SMEs in the development of the narratives in deliverable 4.3 SME Narrative Outlines and 4.5 Complete SME Narratives.

The contractor shall deliver 4.3 SME Narrative Outlines at least two weeks prior to 3.4 On-site Workshop.

3.4. On-site Workshop

The contractor shall facilitate at least one workshop in or near the sites. The contractor shall propose appropriate personnel, format, and duration for attendance, but at least one SME shall attend in person. The government shall choose and assemble all other participants.

(a) The contractor shall produce the agenda.

(b) The agenda shall include at least one day of general orientation to park resources across both sites. The contractor may choose to visit the sites independently in advance to make better use of time with park staff.

(c) The contractor shall determine in advance how much time is required for examining on-site NPS libraries and exhibits. The contractor is not required to visit NPS archives not located directly at the sites.

(d) The agenda must address all information that the contractor can best gain in person to meet the requirements in section 4. Deliverables.

(e) The contractor shall present and verify the Preliminary Primary Source List (deliverable 4.2) to the current level of completion.

3.4.1. SME Presentations

The contractor’s SMEs shall present their findings to date, including their reactions to the park’s current state of interpretation. Those SMEs not physically present may participate via video conference.

https://www.jaha.org/about-jaha/about/jahas-mission/ https://www.jaha.org/about-jaha/about/jahas-mission/ http://www.cambriacountyhistorical.com/ https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

During a block of time specifically dedicated to the purpose, the contractor’s SMEs shall engage one another, park staff, and partners in discussion that will inform their individual narratives for deliverable 4.5 Complete SME Narratives.

3.4.2. Partner meetings

The contractor shall reserve time for meetings with the following partners in collaboration with the COR and planning team. If meeting with any partner is not possible while on site, the contractor shall reserve time for a conference call prior to completion of 3.6 Theme workshops.

• Friends of Johnstown Flood National Memorial

• Johnstown Area Historical Association

3.4.3. Reporting

The contractor shall take detailed notes and/or recordings during the workshop and supply them to the government as 4.4. On-site workshop report.

3.5. SME Narrative Review

The contractor shall coordinate, collect, and review SME narratives prior to delivery as

4.5 Complete SME Narratives. The contractor shall ensure SME narratives are complete per the terms of this contract.

3.6. Theme workshops

The contractor shall meet with NPS staff and partners to cooperatively develop the materials in deliverable 4.6. Thematic Treatment Report.

The meetings shall take place via any means available, to include video conference, teleconference, and asynchronous online collaboration (with stated timelines for completion). The contractor may choose to conduct some or all of this discussion during the on-site meeting in 3.4. On-Site Workshop. The contractor shall determine the duration and format for discussion.

3.7. Final Research

The contractor shall independently complete research that expands and informs the Primary Source List and SME Narratives according to the findings in 4.4 On-site Workshop Report.

4. Deliverables

The contractor shall submit the following deliverables in the given order. Any exceptions to these specifications shall follow written consent by the COR.

The contractor shall supply all deliverables in digital format via Zotero, email, or government-approved file transfer.

4.1. Post-award meeting notes and project schedule

Any format

4.2. Preliminary Primary Source List

The list names all, or a curated selection of, extant primary sources connected to the parks’ resources and values (both fundamental and other) as stated in their Foundation Documents (Attachment 1).

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

See Attachment 2 for examples of primary sources to include and exclude.

4.2.1. Limitation

The list may not exceed an average of twenty unique sources per resource or value.

Where the number of sources on a specific resource or value exceeds the total limit or any specific resource list becomes impractically large, the list may

• list repositories or collections (see 4.2.2.3.), or

• curate the sources, with advice from the contractors’ SMEs, to list only those with greatest potential for use in interpretive programs.

4.2.2. Inclusions

Primary sources are sources of information originating in direct connection to park resources. They are typically produced by people with direct knowledge.

4.2.2.1. Sources

The product’s scope of content consists strictly of primary source material

(a) owned by the NPS, or

(b) directly connected to NPS fundamental/other important resources and values, as defined in park Foundation Documents, or

(c) that describes relevant social and natural phenomena for which park-specific primary source material does not exist, or

(d) that reasonably resembles essential non-extant park resources where directly related content does not exist, such that it may serve as reference material for artistic representations.

4.2.2.2. Media Types

The product contains citations for all media types, including but not limited to:

(a) Written personal statements (letters, manuscripts, autobiographies, etc.)

(b) Prints and photographs

(c) Artistic products about park resources

(d) Audio and video recordings

(e) Oral histories

(f) Artisanal or engineered works created in or relating to the park

(g) Photographs of physical items in external museum collections when those items directly relate to park resources

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

(h) Scientific reports containing original data

(i) all NPS baseline resource reports with potential for use in interpretation must be named

(i) these include historic structures reports, cultural landscape reports, archeology reports, ethnographic reports, natural resource briefs, and more

(ii) the item’s annotation must contain a list of all relevant (per 4.2.) primary sources cited in the report, with page number references

(iii) archives or reports may not replace entries for individual sources when those entries are reasonable in number and scope (see 4.2.2.3.)

4.2.2.3. Repositories

When the number of sources exceeds the practical limit set in 4.2.1., the primary source list may name repositories or meta-analyses of voluminous primary sources such as an archive, a batch of scientific data, or NPS resource reports.

Not all individual sources within the repositories need to be named, except as described for NPS resource reports in 4.2.2.2.(i).

An annotation describes the volume and nature of the sources that the repository contains.

An annotation recommends curated specific items within the collection with strong potential for interpretation. Where, for example, a compilation of letters contains specific references to park resources, the Zotero citation’s notes shall state the appropriate page numbers.

4.2.2.4. Physical objects

The list must cite all primary sources from the park’s archive that conform to the above criteria for inclusion. Examples may include manuscripts, photographs, recordings, and other forms of documentation.

The list may not contain references to physical objects, but it should cite primary sources that describe physical objects in the park’s museum collection. This list may cite a historic furnishing report in the same manner as other reports in 4.2.2.2.(i).

4.2.3. Exclusions

The contractor shall cite all primary source material considered but rejected, with a brief indicator for the rejection. The contractor shall reject:

(a) Secondary sources: copies, replicas, analysis, or discourse, except as the sole original containers of primary source information.

(b) Material not directly related to NPS resources.

(c) Material with such restrictive use rights requirements or resource sensitivity that it, or a copy of it, can never be used in park interpretive programming or media.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

(d) Material of such low quality that it can never be used in park interpretive programming or media.

(e) Technical information, such as architectural drawings, that would ordinarily serve non-interpretive NPS projects

4.2.4. Format

Each individual primary source or repository must have an entry on Zotero with adequate fields completed for retrieval of the original content from its source, namely, when applicable:

(a) Item type

(b) Medium

(c) Title

(d) Author/Artist/Performer/Director/Cartographer

(e) Publication/Publisher/Label/Distributor

(f) Size or time length

(g) Volume or Series title

(h) Date

(i) URL

(j) Archive

(k) Location in archive, library catalog number, or NPS accession number

(l) Rights

Entries for visual and audio material must include thumbnail images in the notes and sample or original files as attachments. Thumbnails and samples must be the smallest size possible while still recognizable, so as not to exceed Zotero’s file storage limitation.

4.3. SME Narrative Outlines

SME Narrative Outlines briefly describe the intended content and organization of the final narratives in deliverable 4.5.

In the outline, SMEs state their intent to address their own specific areas of expertise on the park’s resources. The outlines consist of the intended topics and a sampling of sources that may inform the topics.

Editable text format (MS Word or equivalent)

The COR shall request no more than one revision for the purpose of improving subjective measures of quality, given that the product meets the terms of this contract.

4.4. On-site workshop report

The report describes

• the structure of the workshop

• the names and roles of the participants

• salient points of direction for development of deliverables 4.5, 4.6, and 4.7

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

The report includes an appendix of all unstructured (raw) notes from the workshop.

The report includes any recordings made during the workshop.

Editable text format (MS Word or equivalent), compressed format (mp3, mp4, or equivalent) for recordings

4.5. Complete SME Narratives

The final SME Narratives advise the government on appropriate tone, style, perspective, and general treatment of interpretation. The narratives shall not be comprehensive; each SME shall develop a unique evidence-based narrative from his/her specific expertise.

The narratives may advise the government on a variety of matters, such as appropriate use of collection items, naming of historical figures or geographic locations, sensitive language, balanced perspectives, appropriate interpretation of scientific data, nuance, political sensitivity, complex systems, and others.

Narratives must fully cite all evidence used to support claims and perspectives using the format in the Chicago Manual of Style. All evidence must be factual and independently verifiable. Personal perspective as a witness or lived experience is acceptable when described as such and clearly connected to park resources.

4.5.1. Format

SME narratives are limited to 500 words each of body text.

Editable text format (MS Word or equivalent)

4.5.2. Review

All SMEs on the project shall review each other’s narratives prior to submission.

The COR shall request no more than one revision for the purpose of improving subjective measures of quality, given that the product meets the terms of this contract.

4.6. Thematic Treatment Report

A brief report describes themes, essential questions, and general content topics appropriate to specific resources.

This report will inform the categorization and tagging of the Primary Source List in Deliverable 4.7.

4.6.1. Contents

The report accounts for all fundamental/other important resources and values named in the Foundation Document.

The report includes visual diagrams that suggest appropriate live programs and media to deliver the content, limited by the Supported Programming and strategies named in the Long-Range Interpretive Plan (Attachment 3).

The report lists NPS museum collection and archival items with strong interpretive connections for those items’ display in actuality or in replica. “Strong interpretive connection” is a subjective measure that requires additional discussion, edition, and final decision among the NPS team. Catalog numbers must accompany all listed items.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

At the discretion of the COR, the report may make recommendations for updates to the park’s Foundation Document based on the nature of primary source material and SME narratives.

The report identifies living members (without disclosure of personally identifiable information) of traditionally associated groups who are likely to provide their own interpretation of park resources.

The report recommends additional research that is likely to supply primary source interpretive content or guidance for future reference.

The report notes dead ends in the primary source record, where no further primary source material exists. The report recommends ancillary primary and secondary sources that may inform the creation of new art to supplement the topic(s).

4.6.2. Format

The report has a cover page and table of contents

The report must not exceed one page for each fundamental/other important resource and value. No more than two additional pages contain general content.

Additional pages list the identified museum collection items.

The report contains the final approved SME narratives.

Editable text format (MS Word or equivalent)

Pages to be standard letter-size.

4.6.3. Review

The COR shall request no more than one revision for the purpose of improving subjective measures of quality, given that the product meets the terms of this contract.

4.7. Complete Primary Source List

The complete list constitutes a revision and organization of the preliminary list (4.2.) with changes and additional sources (not to exceed the limit set in 4.2.1.) that fully account for

4.4. On-site Workshop Report, 4.5 Complete SME Narratives, and 4.6. Thematic Treatment Report for Specific Media and Programs.

4.7.1. Annotations

A brief annotation, recorded in the “notes” tab on Zotero, accompanies each list item. The annotation describes the source’s interpretive value. The annotation must not exceed 150 words and need not be written in complete sentences.

4.7.2. Organization

The list is organized by fundamental/other important resources and values.

The list is tagged by interpretive themes (abbreviated to no more than two words) and collection item references (with catalog numbers).

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

4.7.3. Review

The COR shall request no more than one revision for the purpose of improving subjective measures of quality, given that the product meets the terms of this contract.

5. Options

The government may exercise one or more of the following options.

5.1. Interviews with traditionally associated peoples for knowledge and guidance

The contractor shall interview representatives of traditionally associated peoples for personal guidance and knowledge necessary for a complete report. The contractor shall work with the government (COR) to agree whether and how many individuals to interview.

The contractor shall assume up to six interviews for this option.

5.1.1. Interviewees may supply

Recommendations for additional primary sources, to include living individuals

Guidance on appropriate treatment of primary source material and interpretation in general

5.1.2. Interviewees may not supply

Their personal knowledge as primary source material, except as a statement of personal competence and potential for further cooperation.

Oral history recordings are the domain of resource management and require adherence to strict and extensive guidelines. The contractor shall clarify with interviewees that any recordings are strictly for the purpose of informing interpretive products. The contractor shall avoid any appearance of recording personal life stories; the contractor shall redirect any such conversation back to discussion of primary source material or guidance.

The contractor shall alert the COR of the potential for gathering oral history from interviewees.

5.1.3. Traditionally associated groups for these parks are:

Descendants of Johnstown Flood victims

Indigenous peoples whose history includes the engineering of the original railroad paths at ALPO

5.1.4. Consent

The contractor shall obtain permission and guidance from the COR prior to contacting any representatives of traditionally associated peoples on behalf of the

NPS.

5.1.5. Avoid repetition

The contractor shall exhaust all available sources of information previously provided or published by or about traditionally associated peoples prior to contact. The contractor shall thus avoid requesting representatives to repeat knowledge or guidance that they have previously provided or published.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

5.1.6. Compensation

The contractor shall fairly compensate members of traditionally associated groups for their personal guidance and knowledge.

5.1.7. Products

The contractor shall record the interviews by any means agreeable to the interviewee, to include written notes, audio recordings, video recordings or other formats. The contractor shall submit the recordings to the COR with documentation of names and dates of the interviews.

5.2. In-person research at one or more physical archives

The contractor shall identify, per 2.4. Archival Research, physical archives that require physical presence for research. The contractor shall be responsible for expenses, to include access, travel, and additional hours. The contractor shall not exceed two days of physical presence in the archive(s).

The contractor shall travel to and research primary sources in one or more physical archives. Unless the archive belongs to the NPS, the contractor shall travel and work independently. Research at the archive need not be comprehensive, but it must be substantial enough to justify the additional expense.

The contractor shall submit a brief report to the COR that

• enumerates the new sources added to the primary source list,

• enumerates rejected sources,

• describes dead-ends, and

• describes any additional potential for research.

6. Destination

The contractor shall ensure that all submittals are delivered to the COR in accordance with the project schedule for review and approval. The contractor shall employ overnight delivery service unless otherwise specified by the COR.

All deliverables shall be shipped Free On Board (FOB) Destination, within Consignee’s premises, with all shipping and transportation costs prepaid. Deliverables must be shipped by either registered or certified mail to ensure that shipments can be traced, if lost.

6.1. Delivery of digital media

The contractor shall supply digital products via approved government file transfer or email whenever practical. The contractor shall not use private FTP servers.

6.2. Delivery Address for physical media

The contractor shall deliver larger digital files via encrypted portable physical storage to the COR at:

[name of COR] Harpers Ferry Center 67 Mather Place PO Box 50 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

7. Review and Approval

At any point in the process the COR may ask for the status of the contractor’s work in progress to document the level of development of the project.

7.1. Review and Approval

The COR shall notify the contractor, in writing, of approval or rejection of the work within 21 days. Any additions or corrections shall be completed within 21 calendar days.

In the event the government delays comments beyond the period specified, the contractor shall be entitled to a day-to-day extension in the completion date. The contractor shall receive all review comments from the COR and take appropriate action as stated below.

7.1.1. Approved Submittals

Ensure that all changes, revisions, or additions required by review comments are addressed and incorporated into future submittals.

7.1.2. Rejected Submittals

When submittals are rejected, the COR shall notify the contractor, in writing, identifying the reasons for rejection. The work must be correct and resubmitted within the time scheduled by the COR. Reasons for rejections may include:

7.1.2.1. Incomplete submittals

Approval of the submittal is delayed because required elements are missing. The contractor shall submit all missing elements. When all elements are received and accepted the COR shall review the complete submittal.

7.1.2.2. Unacceptable submittals

The submittal is rejected due to poor quality of work that does not meet established project goals. The contractor shall submit new material.

8. List of Attachments

Attachment 1 –Foundation Documents, PDF, 8 pages

Attachment 2 – Examples of primary source material for interpretive content, PDF, 4 pages

Attachment 3 – Draft Long-Range Interpretive Plans, PDF, 64 pages

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

9. Payment Schedule

Upon completion and acceptance of all work and receipt of a proper invoice, the contractor shall be paid a firm-fixed-price of $_______ in accordance with the following schedule:

4.1 Post-award meeting notes and project schedule

4.2 Preliminary Primary Source List

4.3 SME Narrative Outlines

4.4 On-site workshop report $ ***

4.5 Complete SME Narratives

4.6 Thematic Treatment report

4.7 Complete Primary Source List $ ***

***The contractor shall propose as part of their quote. All deliverables shall be reviewed and approved by the COR prior to payment.

TOTAL FIXED PRICE: $______________

TRAVEL COSTS (FFP) $______________

PROJECT TOTAL WITHOUT OPTIONS: $______________

OPTION 5.1 – INTERVIEWS 6 EA $_________ $______________

OPTION 5.2 – IN-PERSON ARCHIVAL RESEARCH $______________

PROJECT TOTAL WITH ALL OPTIONS EXERCISED $______________

*The Government may exercise one, both, or none of the options at its discretion during the performance of this contract*

10. Period of Performance

The NPS anticipates a period of performance period to be approx. 6 months from contract award.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior Interpretive Content Report: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site & Johnstown Flood National Memorial

CLAUSE SECTION

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

CLAUSE TITLE DATE

52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, Alt I Nov 2021 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications Dec 2014 52.204-23 Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services

Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities Nov 2021

52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

Nov 2021

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services

Dec 2022

52.217-7 Option for Increased…