SOW_Attachment-A_Wayside_Exhibit_Planning_Design_Fabrication_and_Installation_Specifications.pdf

Wayside Exhibit Planning, Design, Fabrication, and Installation Specifications

November 2023

National Park Serv ice | Harpers Ferry Center

Attachment A

Contents

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

1. WAYSIDE EXHIBIT

2. INTERPRETATION

3. OTHER RELEVANT DEFINITIONS

SECTION 2. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

1. UNIVERSAL DESIGN

2. TRAVEL, MEETINGS, AND PRESENTATIONS

3. WAYSIDE EXHIBIT LOCATION CRITERIA

4. RESEARCH AND CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

5. TEXT

6. MAPS

7. GRAPHIC IDENTITY

8. WAYSIDE EXHIBIT FILE NAMING

9. PRODUCTION COST ESTIMATES

10. CUSTOM AND TACTILE WAYSIDE EXHIBIT ELEMENTS

SECTION 3. PLANNING, DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND INSTALLATION

PROCESS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. PRE-PROPOSAL

3. WAYSIDE PROPOSAL

4. WAYSIDE DESIGN DRAFTS

5. PRE-PRODUCTION

6. PRODUCTION: GRAPHIC PANELS

7. PRODUCTION: WAYSIDE EXHIBIT BASES

8. INSTALLATION

9. CLOSEOUT

Section 1. Definitions

1. Wayside Exhibit

A wayside exhibit is located in an outdoor setting offering orientation and/or site-specific interpretation that provides a meaningful connection to the landscape being interpreted.

2. Interpretation

Exhibits with a stated purpose of interpretation shall meet or exceed principles, standards, best practices, and competencies as recommended by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).

The purpose statement for every interpretive exhibit shall justify, in one sentence, how it meets National Park Service (NPS) policies for interpretation.

Per NPS management policies, all interpretation shall be “grounded in (1) park resources, (2) themes related to the park’s legislative history and significance, and (3) park and service-wide mission goals. The intent will be to provide each visitor with an interpretive experience that is enjoyable and inspirational within the context of the park’s tangible resources and the meanings they represent. In addition, visitors should be made aware of the purposes and scope of the national park system.

“Interpretation will encourage dialogue and accept that visitors have their own individual points of view. Factual information presented will be current, accurate, based on current scholarship and science, and delivered to convey park meanings, with the understanding that audience members will draw their own conclusions.”

3. Other Relevant Definitions

ABAAS: Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards are the accessibility standards which pertain to the Federal sector. The ABA, or Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, requires access to facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds. (See also “Accessible,” “ADA,” and “Rehabilitation Act.”)

Accessible: In context with the requirements of this contract, accessible is defined as in compliance with accessibility standards as specified in the Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media. Federal laws, including the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS) and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, shall be followed. Universal Design and its seven principles shall be applied as a part of the NPS definition and requirements.

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This law prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of disability. It applies to state and local governments, and public accommodations operated by the private sector. While there are exceptions, it does not generally apply to media and exhibitions that are federally funded and installed in federal facilities. Therefore, the term “ADA” or “ADA compliant” should not be used when referring to accessibility compliance in federal government-owned and operated facilities. (See also “ABAAS” and “Rehabilitation Act.”)

Assets: An asset is defined as something used within the exhibit, i.e., image, art, tactile, etc.

Each asset shall have a unique number extension added to its corresponding exhibit number.

Examples include image in layout is numbered HAFE-WE-202206-001-01.tiff, tactile and other graphic elements in the wayside exhibit are sequentially numbered (HAFE-WE-202206- 001-02, HAFE-WE-202206-001-03, etc).

Audio Description (AD): Through words, AD describes visual content essential for understanding the content of a program. Audio description is used for a variety of media, including video, digital interactive programs, and exhibits. People who are blind or have low vision are the primary audience, but audio description can also be used by people who have print disabilities or auditory learning styles. AD is typically scripted and recorded by a professional. In some cases, AD text may be read by a screen reader and synthesized voice.

Specific delivery systems and techniques vary based on the media and venue. AD is also referred to as video description, verbal description, descriptive video and descriptive audio.

Bulletin Case: Enclosed upright weather-resistant wayside with a hinged door and clear front used for displaying and protecting changeable information.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): For federal government contracts, an authorized representative of the contracting officer responsible for monitoring the quality and performance of work performed under individual contracts.

FPO: For Position Only. Placement images in a graphic layout used for design and review purposes. FPO images are not suitable for final production purposes. They often convey an idea, feeling, or draft approach.

Geospatial Data: Mapping source data that includes location information related to the Earth. When combined with a unified map projection, geospatial software can assemble and align this data to create a map that can interact with location-aware tools and future geospatial data.

Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract: A contract established for the purpose of awarding multiple individual projects over an extended period of time. The IDIQ contract establishes basic parameters for the type of work to be done, hourly rates, mark-up, contractor capabilities, and performance standards. Task Orders are negotiated under the IDIQ contract for individual projects and include a detailed scope of work describing the project’s technical requirements and schedule.

Interpretive Writing: A writing approach that draws from technical, informational, scientific, historical, and cultural sources; it incorporates creative techniques and seeks to connect readers emotionally and intellectually to the meanings and significance of the resource(s).

IPTC Standards: The International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC), based in London, United Kingdom, is a consortium of the world's major news agencies, other news https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consortium https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/News_agencies providers and news industry vendors and acts as the global standards body of the news media. The IPTC defined a set of metadata properties that can be applied to images, part of a broader standard developed in the early 1990s and known as the IPTC Information Interchange Model (IIM). Embedded IIM image information is often referred to as an "IPTC header". This basic set of metadata fields is branded as IPTC Core, in 2008 a second set branded as IPTC Extension was developed. (source Wikipedia)

Life-cycle Costs: An estimate that identifies ongoing costs associated with operating and maintaining the wayside exhibit, including maintenance contracts and service-life and long-term replacement costs.

Kiosk: Multiple upright waysides assembled with three or more sides, sometimes with a roof.

Map Types

Orientation Maps: Maps of a park or region that typically show administrative boundaries, roads, trails, rivers, and terrain represented with shaded relief or a digitally created perspective view.

2D Planimetric Maps: Maps that have a straight down view of the area with a consistent scale from corner to corner.

3D Oblique Maps: These maps are sometimes called panoramas or birds-eye views, 3D oblique maps are digitally rendered aerial views depicting natural and/or cultural landscapes. They show three-dimensional landscape features, terrain, and/or buildings.

Some birds-eye view maps serve as geologic diagrams and natural science illustrations.

Image maps: Maps created from aerial photographs or satellite images.

Thematic maps: Base maps of parks and larger geographic regions overlaid with interpretive information.

Trailhead maps: Maps depicting hiking routes starting at specific location. Trailhead maps are typically orientated to match the viewers perspective and wayside direction.

Tactile Maps: Maps that are fabricated with tactile or three-dimensional layers including braille and other touchable elements. Created from a variety of solid materials, such as bronze or resin compounds, these models show a scaled representation of the landscape in layers or three-dimensional topography data.

Textures, labels, and lines can be added to the surface of the map. Tactile maps are designed to be touchable for purposes of accessibility, often including braille, raised relief, and other tactile elements.

Mock-ups: Typically refer to working models that are fabricated simply, quickly, and at minimal cost to test a concept. Mock-ups are full-scale representations for the purpose of reviewing and testing tactile elements that are undeveloped and need further evaluation.

Mock-ups are fabricated as specified in individual task orders.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_technical_standard_organisations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metadata https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPTC_Information_Interchange_Model https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPTC_Information_Interchange_Model

Low Profile: A wayside that is inclined (typically 30 to 45 degrees) to enable a reader to view past it to a park feature or landscape that is being interpreted by the wayside. Low profile wayside panels are often 36”x24”.

Plain Language: Communication that can be understood the first time by the general public. Use of active voice, short sentences, common words, and typically at the Flesch- Kincaid 8th grade level.

Pre-Production: This phase includes the preparation and delivery of the production-ready package from which wayside exhibits can be fabricated.

Pre-Proposal: The phase to gather the information that serves as the foundation for Proposal 1 and later phases. In this phase, the project team gains a clear understanding of the project’s history, the park’s resources, and the roles of other project team members and stakeholders.

Production: The build phase of work where technical drawings, specifications, and content details are used to complete fabrication.

Project Team: An interdisciplinary team that may be comprised park subject matter experts and leaders, regional staff, Washington Support Office staff, COR, contractor, park partners, and/or affiliated Tribes. The team members vary and are based on project needs.

Prototypes: More refined than mock-ups, and closer to the final product in material, fabrication, and operation. Prototypes are portions that have a particular need to be reviewed and tested prior to fabrication of more elements of the same design.

Punch List: A list of deficiencies to be corrected by the fabrication contractor before final acceptance of the wayside exhibits. The punch list is generated by the COR during a final walk-through inspection.

Purpose: Defines the interpretive goal of the wayside exhibit.

Rehabilitation Act: The 1973 Rehabilitation Act as amended prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities conducted by federal agencies or receiving federal financial assistance. It is one of the primary laws specifying accessibility requirements for NPS exhibitions. Section 504 of this law requires effective communication and accessibility for individuals with disabilities to programs and activities conducted or funded by Federal agencies. Section 508 of this law focuses on requirements for information and communication technology (ICT).

Site Analysis: Conducted as part of the Pre-Proposal, where each potential wayside location is analyzed, site photos are taken, reference materials are gathered, and discussions are documented for the preparation of the Trip Report and Wayside Proposal.

Subject: Identifies what is being interpreted, not the title of the exhibit.

Tactile Elements: Tactile elements provide critical access to the site’s significance for visitors with some disabilities, such as blindness, low vision, and some cognitive and learning disabilities. For visitors without disabilities, tactile elements add richness that two-dimensional wayside exhibits do not provide.

Title: One or more words that captures the interpretive message of the wayside exhibit.

Trailside: A wayside that is low to the ground and most often used as identification panels for plants or architectural features. Trailside panels are often 6” wide by 12” high.

Trip Report: The written documentation of the information covered during the site analysis and in the close-out meeting during the pre-proposal and forms the narrative for the upcoming wayside proposal.

Upright Wayside Exhibit: A wayside that stands or is hung vertically that typically provides orientation and interpretation to the landscape at trailheads, campgrounds, and other outdoor visitor contact points. Upright panels are often 36” wide and 48” tall.

Universal Design: The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without assistance, adaptation, or specialized design.

Wayside Design Drafts: A series of the actual graphic layouts with content integrated for each wayside panel.

Wayside Proposal: Provides the overall concept and direction for each wayside exhibit documenting everything from purpose to site conditions. The work here sets the foundation for moving forward into writing, design, and ultimately fabrication and installation. It is critical to present clear direction and requirements for each wayside, to understands goals, purpose, and what is to come later in the design phase. A well-structured and clear proposal will also determine if project is within schedule and budget, and other specific parameters.

Section 2. General Specifications

1. Universal Design

1.1 General Requirements

All wayside exhibits planned, designed, and fabricated for the National Park Service must meet or exceed requirements in all applicable law regarding accessibility. Laws include, but are not limited to:

• Architectural Barriers Act (ABAAS)

• Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended

• 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act

All wayside exhibits shall follow guidelines in the latest published version of the Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/accessibility.htm.

Written recommendations should clearly describe how the content and context of the proposed wayside exhibits will be accessible to individuals with visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive impairments.

Additional and specific requirements may be required in individual task orders.

1.2 Audio Description

Audio description (AD) voices the content of all wayside exhibit assets (text, images, models, hardware) and describes the related view (landscape features).

An AD script shall be written for every wayside exhibit. AD content shall describe each wayside element, maps, images/items within the wayside element, tactile elements, all text within the wayside element, and what the sighted visitor sees in the immediate setting and surrounding vistas related to subject being interpreted. Specific requirements shall be addressed in the task order.

1.3 Tactile Elements

Tactile elements use touch as way to convey meaning and understanding of important stories, connections, or context. They are a critical and often required way to communicate to those with disabilities.

Specific requirements shall be addressed in the task order.

1.4 Braille

For visitors with limited or no vision, braille text and labels give greater access to the site’s significance. Whenever tactile elements are present, braille text shall be included, along with raised letter labels when space permits. In cases where braille is recommended, braille labels and text should be integrated within the wayside layouts with other graphics and text. Specific requirements shall be addressed in the task order.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/accessibility.htm

Typesetting and fabrication of Braille shall follow current guidelines set forth in the “ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines” Chapter 7, Section 703, Signs.

All braille elements must be designed according to the Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media.

2. Travel, Meetings, and Presentations

2.1 Introduction

National parks are located throughout the United States and its territories. Most wayside exhibit planning and design projects require travel to national parks to conduct site visits, present submittals, and install wayside exhibits. Based on a particular project’s requirements, travel may also be required to other sites to research, conduct evaluations, and participate in meetings with subject matter experts, partners, and stakeholders.

2.2 General Requirements

A. Travel

1. Coordinate all travel with the COR.

2. The travel labor rate is one-half the hourly rate while in travel status to and from a site.

3. The contractor is responsible for all their own equipment required for work while on travel and at the job site (for example, measuring instruments, computers, projectors, ladders, lifts, dumpsters, etc.).

4. The contractor is responsible for all of their own transportation while on travel.

5. Adhere to government per diem requirements while on travel.

B. Meetings and Presentations

1. Develop agenda in coordination with COR.

2. Discuss with COR expectations for work to be presented.

3. Identify key participants for meeting.

4. Facilitate meetings, unless otherwise specified by the COR.

5. Document discussions and outcomes.

6. Conduct conference calls or virtual meetings as needed, unless specified otherwise in the individual task order.

7. For telephone/video/web-based meetings and presentations, provide and manage the remote meeting application, provide instructions to all participants for joining, and host the meeting.

3. Wayside Exhibit Location Criteria

3.1 Specific Requirements

A. Locations

All locations are to be approved by the COR, park, or regional/state compliance office, in accordance with the scope and the below specifications.

Considerations for location should include applicable law and policy, including but not limited to:

• ABAAS

• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106

• National Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Considerations should also include:

• Not impeding access to the resource, neither physical, visual, or auditory

• Making the least possible intrusion to the natural environment

• Avoiding creating an attractive nuisance, such as bottleneck crowds or wildlife disturbance.

• Avoiding groupings of multiple, small exhibits within a small area o Give priority to larger, double-sided, inline, or custom exhibits when content requires more space.

• Avoiding long-term damage to existing structures or ecosystems due to exhibit materials. See materials specifications for details.

B. Interpretive Exhibits

Exhibits shall be located and oriented strategically to connect the resource to the exhibit’s interpretive message. The reader shall be able to observe the resource in all seasons without moving away from the exhibit, except for rare occasions when the exhibit is preparing the reader for a dramatic reveal.

When an exhibit’s imagery depicts the scene where the exhibit is located, orient and fine-tune the exhibit’s location to match the view in the imagery.

C. Informational Exhibits

Exhibits shall be located and oriented strategically to enable safe access to the resource.

Where visitor safety is a dire concern, the exhibit may intrude on the natural environment for the sake of gaining necessary attention, within limits set by policy and law.

Ensure the exhibit is oriented such that any maps or models correspond to their actual orientation in the environment.

3.2 Physical Access

Analysis of wayside placement shall carefully consider visitors with mobility disabilities.

The precise location of the exhibit shall favor physical accessibility over interpretive value within the general bounds of the place-based wayside philosophy of placing the wayside within the sightlines of the relevant story associated with the landscape or feature within view.

Waysides placement shall favor locations for a front approach for a person using a wheelchair and shall require a front approach whenever a tactile element is present.

The contractor shall propose options to make a wayside physically accessible in the proposal phase. This is based on current site conditions. If a wayside cannot be made physically accessible, alternatives can be considered including duplicating content in an accessible location or noting content is available in other media.

Wayside placement shall carefully consider visitors who are blind or low vision.

Placement shall include cane detectability analysis to ensure that the wayside base selection is appropriate for cane detectability compliance and the general safety and access to the wayside by visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Specific requirements shall be addressed in the task order.

4. Research and Content Development

4.1 General Requirements

1. Conduct research for all content including text, graphics, maps, illustrations, braille, foreign language translation, tactile elements, and audio description.

2. Collect and document all potential resources/references for use in the creation of wayside exhibits. Primary resources are preferred.

3. Acquire use rights, high-resolution production files for existing graphics or commission new work.

4.2 Government Furnished Materials

The physical condition of all government-furnished materials must be confirmed upon receipt and the loanee is responsible for any damage that occurs while in their possession. Fees for damages or loss will be assessed on a per material basis and fall within the requirements set forth in the government-furnished property clause.

4.3 Resource List

The resource list documents and tracks content elements proposed throughout the wayside development process. It is refined and submitted as requested in task order.

For each proposed exhibit, the resource list shall have the following, including but not limited to:

1. Historical quotations, relevant site-specific descriptions of the story or subject matter to be presented on the exhibit

2. All potential graphics to be used on the exhibit (historic photos, color transparencies, digital photographs)

3. Art references for new original illustrations (historic photos, 1st person descriptions, uniforms, plant, and wildlife identifications)

4. Cartography references for new maps (GIS and other geo-referenced data)

5. Tactile references (original objects, reproductions, photographs)

6. Audio description references (scene identification – names, distances)

Existing resources from the NPS should be specifically noted in this list.

4.4 Graphics

Graphics shall be the primary method for conveying meaning, information, and intent of wayside exhibits. The primary goal of any wayside is to visually connect to the landscape. Graphics, like symbols, can speak across multiple languages and ages. In addition, graphics:

• provide additional context

• communicate large spans of time

• show multiple perspectives

• show something about the resource that is not readily visible

• improve visual access to the resource

• provide orientation, safety, and protection

• invoke reactions/connection identified in the wayside exhibit purpose

4.5 Graphic Manipulation

Graphics can be altered, combined, and or overlayed to enhance or clarify the purpose of the wayside exhibit, although the original intent of an image should never be altered. Any alterations must be approved by the COR. The restoration of historical photographs is acceptable. Removing or adding content in historical photographs to deceive or fake history is unacceptable unless is it obvious to the viewer or stated in text or graphic caption. In some instances, modifying a graphic including any blurring, masking, or enhancing of any kind is against the terms of the license. Source files shall remain unaltered as to have a comparison of changes with the production file.

4.6 Commissioned Graphics

Original illustrations, photographs, or other graphics shall be created according to the following specifications. Work commissioned under this contract is subject to ownership, licensing, and use rights covered in Intellectual Property Guidelines for Harpers Ferry Center Interpretive Media.

A. Research

Provide research services to identify, locate, gather, originate, and validate reference materials necessary to develop an accurate depiction of the subject matter.

B. Stages Develop thumbnail sketches, rough preliminary sketches, or draft digital rendering techniques that represent the visual direction and style in order to facilitate discussion about the project. Size for developmental materials and final artwork will be specified in each task order.

C. Subject Matter Render any number of subjects required for an individual job, or from job to job, that will include but are not limited to: archeology, architecture, anthropology, botany, climate, cultural history, diagrams, ecology, geology, mechanical, military history, period furnishings, and wildlife.

D. Scale Where possible works shall be created at actual size. This ensures the level of detail matches the scale of the viewer.

E. Style Render subject matter in black and white or full color clearly and precisely in a technique that will reproduce well at final production size. Maintain a consistent rendering technique throughout the illustration, or series of illustrations despite the variety of reference materials employed or subjects covered in that particular task order.

F. Finals All scans or born digital files shall be provided at a 1:1 scale. Provide a scan or reproducible quality archival 1:1 scan or 100% of the original reflective art suitable for large format reproduction. Scan at the largest available resolution of the scanner to obtain the highest optical representation of the work. Specific requirements maybe provided in the task order.

4.7 Metadata Information

Embed metadata using IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) metadata standards in every final production file and original source graphic including commissioned work. Embedding metadata is not required for reference or research graphics.

Include information for the following metadata categories. On the left is government categories and on the right is where to record those categories in standard IPTC categories.

METADATA IPTC Header

1. Creator Creator

2. Creator ID Creator Job Title

3. Description Description

4. Keyword Keyword

5. Copyright Owner Copyright Notice

6. Source and link Source

7. Credit Credit Line

8. License Terms Rights Usage Term

9. Media and Project Job Identifier

10. Alternative Text: Alt Text

11. Credit line Credit Line

Metadata will also need to indicate the following specific information for every panel:

1. Panel Identification Number (ex: GUIS-332)

2. Size (ex: 36x48)

3. Material (ex: HPL)

4. Date of Manufacture

4.8 Use Rights

Use rights shall be obtained for all licensed graphics used on the wayside exhibits, including documentation of those use rights, unless otherwise stated in the task order.

For custom licenses, obtain the follow rights:

One-time educational use in perpetuity for use on the wayside exhibit display with the ability to use the likeness of the wayside exhibit in other media to promote the wayside or meet accessibility requirements including 508 standards. This includes royalty free or subscription-based images like Adobe Stock, Getty, or iStock. The NPS has custom licenses with many stock graphic companies. Reach out to your COR for the most recent list.

Other terms must be approved by the COR and clearly documented in the use right documentation and license.

License agreement shall clearly indicate that the rights are being acquired on behalf of the National Park Service. Unless approved in advanced by the COR, license agreements may NOT contain any of the following:

1. Standard indemnification or hold harmless clauses which are typical in many license agreements.

2. Any clause which should subject the National Park Service to arbitration. Any such clause shall be removed in its entirety.

3. Any choice of law or choice of venue provisions which would subject the National Park Service to the laws or venue of a foreign country.

For additional information and guidance on graphic licensing for the government, see Intellectual Property Guidelines for Harpers Ferry Center Interpretive Media.

4.9 Credits

Due to the limited space on a wayside exhibit, do not include credits. In cases where copyright owner or licensee requires a credit and there is no image or graphic alternative, a credit can be displayed for just that image. This must be approved in advanced by the COR. In many cases, a credit is provided but not required.

5. Text

Wayside exhibit text provides the story to the graphic, promotes a significant and meaningful connection, and keeps visitors and resources safe. The NPS has developed the following writing standards and requirements.

5.1 Style Guide

All exhibits planned and designed shall be produced in accordance with the most recent HFC Editorial Style Guide. (see https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm)

5.2 Proofreading & Editing

All text shall be free of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and stylistic errors.

Check all dates, facts, and labels. Examine text elements for consistency in treatment.

Edit using HFC Editorial Style Guide (see https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm)

5.3 Writing Style

The writing style for wayside exhibits shall apply the principle of Plain Language as defined at www.plainlanguage.gov. Writers shall apply active voice in all exhibit text writing with exceptions only for unavoidable turns of phrase.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm http://www.plainlanguage.gov/

Writing shall not exceed eighth grade (academic) reading level, as defined by standard software tools for evaluating the reading level (i.e., Flesch-Kincaid Reading Level).

5.4 Hierarchy of text

Wayside exhibits shall establish a consistent hierarchy for the content and purpose of text in the exhibit. This hierarchy shall be reflected in the appearance of text in the wayside exhibit’s design. Designs shall define characteristics of each level in the hierarchy, such as length, style, etc. Examples of hierarchical levels are: titles, subtitles, body text, interpretive captions, identification captions, and text for interactives.

5.5 Sources

All information provided in wayside exhibit text shall be accurate and reflect the most recent scholarship.

Wayside exhibit text shall not be plagiarized nor violate intellectual property rights law.

Full drafts of text shall contain footnotes within any separately submitted text documents, citing references where necessary for fact checking purposes.

Conduct background research to be able to interpret the wayside exhibit topics in projects where government-provided references are not adequate to do the task thoroughly and with factual accuracy. Where appropriate, use quotes to support the story being told. Quotes must be accurate and referenced.

5.6 Length of text

Text shall be brief while achieving project goals.

Text on any individual outdoor interpretive panel shall not exceed average reading speed for 45 seconds per language.

Maximum line length shall be no more than 50 characters per line. Line length may increase up to 70 characters on occasion, when necessary, upon COR approval.

Any exceptions must be approved by the COR.

5.7 Quotations

All quotations must be attributed, verified, and the source documented in the footnotes. It shall be clear in graphic layouts what is a quotation.

5.8 Include Multiple Perspectives

Keep in mind that any text that is not in quotations is assumed to be coming from the NPS voice and not the author or speaker like in an article, magazine, or ranger program. Avoid writing that could be interpreted as opinion or present a personal or political viewpoint. Posing questions for consideration can be a great method to help the reader consider multiple perspectives. Using quotes from a variety of sources is another great way to provide a personal perspective and historical context.

5.9 Translations

All final translations between any languages shall be created by human translators. All other specifications and guidelines apply to translations.

A. Text for languages in addition to English shall be translated and displayed as follows:

1. Text at all levels of the hierarchy must be provided in each language, including title, captions, text for interactives, and map labels.

2. Text in all languages shall be equally accessible.

3. Text formatting shall be identical for every language.

a. For example: Two languages shall use the same letter size even when the length of text requires different size text blocks.

4. Text placement priority shall follow the identified audiences in order of population majority.

5. All content within a wayside exhibit group shall use the same languages.

Different groups may use different languages.

a. Example: A set of orientation panels in an area of the park with known populations of Vietnamese speakers may contain both Vietnamese and English; other areas of the park may only have English.

6. Additional requirements:

a. Avoid Word-for-Word Translations

Dynamic translation of key ideas is more important than following the word order of the original writing. Non-English wayside texts must engage visitors' interest effectively. Interpretive meanings and intent must survive translation and remain clear to both audiences.

b. International Standards, not Regional Dialects

Match the vocabularies and complexity heard on news broadcasts on cable television; or compare translated texts to encyclopedia websites in the target language to gauge wayside text complexity.

c. Provide Visual Parity

Keep in mind that many languages require more space in print than English. Develop bilingual wayside exhibit content so that no visitor is short-changed, regardless of what language they read best. Side-by-side text block placement avoids non-English readers feeling insulted, but other alternatives do exist.

d. Edit Translated Text

Proofread and correct spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation errors, following the rules of the target language. For Spanish wayside texts, follow the NPS Spanish Style Guide (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/national-park-service-style-guides.htm ) for detailed word choices, park-specific natural history and military vocabularies, and formatting decisions that have been used in many NPS interpretive media projects. For other languages, use the Chicago Manual of Style, Chapter 10, Foreign Languages for initial guidance on the differences in punctuation and capitalization rules.

Style guides for major non-English newspapers can also be found on the Internet for most languages used in NPS wayside exhibits.

6. Maps

Maps are a critically important graphic and communication tool in wayside exhibits. While the capabilities of digital maps continue to advance, wayside maps can focus users’ attention on the most important aspects of story, orientation, or experience at that specific location and generally at a much larger size.

The NPS has a rich history of cartographic standards and styles which is required by anyone creating maps for the NPS. The map standards provide a consistent language and visual experience across the entire park experience. Map standards are provided as a written document and as an Adobe Illustrator file with the line, symbol, and text styles included in the file.

New wayside maps and modifications to existing maps shall be created according to the NPS Wayside Exhibit Map Standards. Refer to the Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media for map accessibility guidelines.

6.1 Presenting Trail Access Data on Maps

Trailhead maps should include trail access data to allow visitors to make their own informed choices about which trails are right for them. This information allows the map to represent the trail conditions accurately and efficiently. Trail Access data requirements are managed by the US Access board and documented in the Outdoor Developed Areas standards manual. The five key requirements are:

1. Length of the trail or trail segment

2. Type of trail surface

3. Typical and minimum trail tread width

4. Typical and maximum trail grade

5. Typical and maximum trail cross slope

Trail Access inclusion requirements will be identified at the task order level. Data will be provided by the government, unless otherwise specified in the task order. The NPS has developed several examples of representing this data on maps data on maps.

Please refer to the NPS Trailhead Signage Guide. All trailhead signage must follow trailhead signage specifications in ABAAS.

A. Map Types

Types of wayside exhibit maps include, but are not limited to, orientation, image, thematic, safety/resource protection, and trailheads.

Depending on the map design, all maps above maybe displayed as 2D planimetric, 3D oblique maps, and tactile maps. Descriptions are provided in the Definitions Section.

7. Graphic Identity

A. General Requirements

Any standalone outdoor wayside exhibit on NPS property shall contain NPS graphic identity, unless other specified by the task order. For wayside exhibits installed on non- NPS property, please see the guidelines under “Shared Graphic Identity.”

B. Graphic Identity Suite

1. NPS arrowhead

2. Black band

3. Logos for NPS trails, heritage areas, and other programs

4. FLREA identifiers (U.S. Fee Area and “Your Fee Dollars At Work” logos)

5. Use of NPS Rawlinson and Frutiger font families

C. Small Parks and Administrative Units https://www.access-board.gov/files/aba/guides/outdoor-guide.pdf https://www.access-board.gov/files/aba/guides/outdoor-guide.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/upload/OutdoorDevAreaTrailHeadSignageGuideNPS20APR2017.docx

Where a smaller area of the park typically uses its own identifier (such as a legislated unit or park district) within a larger administrative unit, the primary identifier shall be determined by the park, COR, and/or the task order.

D. Shared Graphic Identity

There can and will be occurrences where partner organizations will have their graphic identity share space with NPS graphic identity. This should be handled at the task order level by the COR or the park, in coordination with the regional or national partnerships, communications, and/or branding offices.

If the NPS identity and black band is retained as part of the design, no other logo shall occupy any space within the black band.

8. Wayside Exhibit File Naming

All wayside exhibits and their components shall be organized and tracked according to their unique exhibit number. Wayside exhibits are defined as singular outdoor structures requiring a discrete and complete installation including all assets.

Each unique exhibit shall have its own unique number. All exhibit numbers start with the four-letter Park Acronym followed by a series of identifying numbers.

See the Wayside Exhibit File Naming and Folder Structure for more information.

9. Production Cost Estimates

9.1 Introduction

Individual task orders may specify a target production range cost or “design-to” range figure for the project. Production Cost Estimates are prepared based on the Wayside Proposal and refined at later stages of the project. They are based on industry standards and a reasonable allocation of project funding. The purpose is to ensure that the project, as designed, can be built within the available budget.

Individual task orders will specify what is to be included in the production cost estimate. Since budget formulations vary by project, the contractor consults with the COR if there are any questions about what is included in the design-to figure.

Generally, the design-to figure includes all costs for fabricating and shipping, and when specified in the individual task order, may include removing and installing wayside exhibit structures and elements. Depending on the project, estimates may also include media development costs such as image acquisition, original artwork, illustrations, cartography, photography, and 3D models.

The contractor may also be required to provide life-cycle cost estimates. The purpose of these estimates is to identify ongoing costs associated with maintaining and/or replacing the wayside exhibit.

9.2 General Requirements

All levels of production cost estimating adhere to the following criteria:

1. Provide the most accurate pricing information available for the current state of project development.

2. The Production Cost Estimates are equal to or less than the design-to cost and are realistic representation of the cost for producing the wayside exhibits as designed. Estimates are not arbitrarily priced to match the target budget, and do not include a contingency.

3. All design changes that increase the Production Cost Estimate above the target production budget, whether initiated by the contractor or requested by the government, are documented and appended to the Production Cost Estimate as alternate/additional items.

4. Production Cost Estimates are itemized by wayside exhibit and prepared in a computer file that can be translated or opened by the most current versions of Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel.

5. All cost data related to the project are considered proprietary information that will not be shared outside of the government. Federal regulations preclude outside firms from bidding on production of the project if they have received project-specific details in advance of other potential bidders.

9.3 Fabrication Cost Estimates

If required, individual task orders will identify what items need to be included in fabrication cost estimates. Some items may include:

1. Panels

2. Bases

3. Custom elements and ancillaries

4. Graphic procurement, not to include labor

5. Custom art, diagrams, photography, and other imagery

6. Cartography

7. Installation/Removal

8. Accessibility accommodation, i.e. audio description

9.4 Lifecycle Cost Estimates

Lifecycle cost estimates shall state the estimated lifespan of each exhibit.

The cost estimate shall state the expected repair and/or replacement cost over each exhibit’s lifespan. The cost estimate shall extrapolate each wayside exhibit’s cost through the point of expected complete replacement, to include two midway points.

Costs shall be adjusted for inflation. Example: Cost to replace at 30 years, $5,000;

total repair cost after 20 years, $500; total repair cost after 10 years, $200.

10. Custom and Tactile Wayside Exhibit Elements

10.1 Introduction

The use of custom and tactile elements is important to the effectiveness of interpretive wayside exhibits. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of an exhibit by providing dimensionality; contribute to increased accessibility for visitors with certain disabilities and invite visitors to physically engage with the wayside exhibit, which increases visitor interest.

10.2 Custom Elements

Custom elements refers to any wayside exhibit element that requires detailed subject matter, creative, technical, and/or artistic input to inform and direct its production by a creative or technical specialist. Custom element production requires creative and technical expertise as well as regular coordination and review by the COR.

Custom elements production may include the creation of original images and art, creation of electronic programs, creation of custom three-dimensional and scenic elements, design and creation of custom mounts for accessioned and non-accessioned objects, and all other specialized wayside exhibit elements listed in the Custom Elements Reference Package. The contractor shall develop a production plan that includes work-in-progress reviews for all custom elements and shall produce all elements in accordance with the Custom Elements Reference Package as specified in individual task orders.

Custom elements include, but are not limited to, original illustrations and artwork, photography, models, sculptures, models, reproductions, artifacts, life-sized figures, historic objects, maps and topographic models, and electronic programs.

10.3 General Requirements

When tactile elements are incorporated into wayside exhibits, accessibility and durability are primary considerations in the design of these elements. The wayside exhibit element must be relevant to the wayside purpose and enhance visitor understanding. Tactile elements are low maintenance except when the nature of the tactile is such that routine maintenance will be required and the requirement for such maintenance is included as part of the Wayside Proposal.

10.4 Specific Requirements

A. Durability

1. Design

Tactile elements endure more wear than typical wayside panels and bases.

When designing tactile elements, specify materials that are appropriate for the physical environment and for the particular use intended.

Specify durable, heavy-duty materials that can withstand hundreds of thousands of uses a year for years on end; always anticipate aggressive use of the tactile element.

Wayside exhibits are outside and exposed to sun, wind, and the weather, spray from nearby bodies of water, and so forth. It is the responsibility of the designer and the fabricator to inspect site conditions and take them into consideration when designing and fabricating a tactile model or interactive.

During the site visits, the designer and the fabricator consider and review the following:

a. Physical access to the entire wayside display: discuss and determine potential solutions to all, if any, barriers to access.

b. Temperature range of the location: it is important to determine how hot it will get to the touch.

c. Harshness of the environment: particularly if the exhibit is placed in a partially unprotected area. Other factors to take note of include factors requiring especially durable materials, such as a corrosive marine environment, especially harsh weather conditions, nearby blowing sand, etc.

d. Water Drainage: Tactile elements should be designed to allow water to drain off.

2. Fabrication

Best practices for fabrication of more durable tactile models include the following:

a. Cast model as one piece, or in as few pieces as possible, to reduce seams and increase structural integrity. Design and fabrication is such that visitors cannot flex, wiggle, or shift any element of the model unless intended as part of an interactive experience.

b. Reduce or eliminate applied, glued-on, screwed-on, small elements that can potentially be pulled off by visitors.

c. Where applicable, use color that runs throughout the tactile models to avoid visible chipping.

d. Heavy-duty sprayed-on clear protective coating should be applied as the final finish over painted finishes. Avoid finishes which are not fully sealed and which are not cleanable with a damp cloth. Finishes created from rough and loosely-bound together fragments of a material held together by glue tend to continuously shed this material, as they are constantly touched by visitors. It is also problematic for park maintenance crews to clean or maintain such finishes over time.

B. Accessibility

All tactile elements are required to meet accessibility requirements specified in Section 2, 1. Universal Design in this document, and the recommended approach to developing a tactile exhibit as described below.

1. Accessibility Guidelines for the development of tactile elements:

When exhibits are planned with accessibility in mind, tactile elements provide effective communication for a wide range of visitors. In particular, tactile elements convey key interpretive messages, information, and education for visitors who are blind or have low vision or learn more effectively through touch and exploration.

Tactile elements and anticipated outcomes relate to the purpose, core themes, and central messages within the exhibit. For example, if an exhibit’s core message is about the architecture of a historic house and the only tactile opportunities are to touch a few reproductions of decorative objects found within the house, it is doubtful that these tactile elements would convey the core messages and meanings of the exhibit. If this exhibit included a tactile floor plan and model of the house that visitors could touch in order to learn about the overall layout and architectural features of the house and are given audio navigation to guide them in their exploration, it is likely that these tactile elements will help to effectively communicate the core meanings and messages of the exhibit, particularly for visitors who are blind or have low vision.

2. Consider the following when designing tactile exhibit elements:

a. Tactile exhibit elements follow the guiding principles of Universal Design:

i. Useful for people with diverse abilities;

ii. Accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities;

iii. Simple and intuitive to use;

iv. Communicates perceptual information regardless of the ambient conditions or the users sensory abilities;

v. Has no moving parts that are hazardous to use;

vi. Can be used with a minimum…