SOW_Exhibit_MI_DRIWR.pdf

140FS226Q0123 Interpretive Exhibit Page 1 of 5 Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

1. Description / Specifications / Statement of Work

1.1 General

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Region 3, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge requires contractor services to design, fabricate, and install a permanent interpretive exhibit at the John Dingell Visitor Center, located at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton, Michigan. The exhibit will address the transformation of refuge lands over the past 25 years, emphasizing local community engagement, stewardship, partnerships, and conservation actions that supported the refuge’s evolution.

This work includes consultation, conceptual design, refinement, production, fabrication, delivery, and installation. Work must meet all relevant U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service interpretive and visual-identity standards and accessibility requirements consistent with Service interpretive media practices referenced in federal interpretive media guidance (see Performance Work Statement).

Installation must be completed no later than November 1, 2026.

1.2 Project Background and Objectives

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge has undergone extensive transformation from former commercial and industrial land to restored wildlife habitat. The purpose of this exhibit is to:

• Communicate a 25-year story of transformation

• Highlight the role of local communities, partners, volunteers, and supporting organizations

• Present archival “before and after” imagery showing ecological and structural changes

• Provide interpretation consistent with National Wildlife Refuge System standards

The exhibit will be installed as a wall-mounted treatment (wallpaper-like application) with limited allowable mounted elements (e.g., framed photos, interpretive plaques).

1.3 Scope of Work

1.3.1 Concept Development and Design

The Contractor shall:

• Develop a comprehensive design concept conveying the role of local community engagement in the refuge's transformation.

• Incorporate archival photographs, historical documentation, and staff-approved text.

140FS226Q0123 Interpretive Exhibit Page 2 of 5

• Produce design deliverables including:

– Concept sketches

– Draft text and graphic layouts

– Color proofs

– Full-scale or digital mock-ups for review

• Ensure all designs comply with Service interpretive and graphic standards, similar to those referenced in USFWS interpretive media guidance.

• Ensure designs meet ADA and Architectural Barriers Act accessibility requirements.

1.3.2 Consultation Requirements

The Contractor shall:

• Conduct a minimum of three (3) scheduled review meetings with refuge staff.

• Engage community representatives or partners as directed by the refuge.

• Incorporate iterative revisions after each review, documenting all modifications.

• Obtain final written approval from the refuge prior to fabrication.

1.3.3 Fabrication

The Contractor shall:

• Produce large-format wall-mounted exhibit materials suitable for durable indoor installation.

• Fabricate any approved 3D or mounted elements using museum-quality hardware and finishes.

• Ensure high-fidelity color, consistency, and material durability appropriate for high-traffic public spaces.

1.3.4 Delivery and Installation

The Contractor shall:

• Conduct a site verification visit (virtual or in-person) prior to installation.

• Coordinate installation to minimize interference with refuge visitor operations.

• Complete installation no later than November 1, 2026.

• Supply all labor, tools, lifts, adhesives, mounting hardware, and protective equipment required.

• Leave the site clean, safe, and fully ready for visitor use.

This becomes a new subsection under 1.3 Scope of Work, consistent with your document’s hierarchy and phrasing.

1.3.5 Optional CLIN – Refuge Kiosk Exhibit Panel and Location Banner Updates and Fabrication

140FS226Q0123 Interpretive Exhibit Page 3 of 5

The Contractor shall provide services to design, update, manufacture, and deliver outdoor-rated exhibit panels and location banners for installation at nine (9) refuge kiosk locations. Work shall include content development, graphic design, fabrication, and preparation for mounting to existing vertical wooden kiosk structures.

The Contractor shall perform the following:

• Content Development

– Develop updated kiosk exhibit information including interpretive messaging, refuge location-specific maps, area rules and regulations, refuge contact information, and a printed QR code linking to brochures available on the refuge website. (This will can be reproducing existing panel information, or creation of new without reference material.)

– Coordinate all content with refuge staff to ensure accuracy, alignment with Service branding standards, and compliance with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service interpretive and visual identity requirements.

• Design & Layout

– Produce design concepts, cartographic elements, text, and graphic layouts for all interpretive, informational panels and location banners.

– Provide concept drafts, color proofs, and revised layouts after each review cycle.

• Fabrication of Metal Exhibit Panels

– Manufacture durable metal exhibit panels suitable for long-term outdoor use.

– Panels shall be weather-resistant, UV-resistant, and appropriate for exposure to sunlight, temperature variation, and moisture.

– Fabricated panel sizes shall range from 1 ft × 2 ft up to 3 ft × 3 ft.

• Fabrication of Location Banners

– Produce outdoor-durable location banners measuring 1 ft high and up to 5 ft wide, depending on kiosk requirements.

– Banners must be constructed of weather-resistant materials suitable for permanent or semi-permanent outdoor display.

– Work shall include full graphic design, layout, and print production.

• Quality & Durability Requirements

– All panel and banner materials must maintain high color fidelity and be resistant to fading, weathering, and UV exposure for long-term outdoor application.

• Delivery

– Deliver all fabricated panels and banners to a refuge-designated location.

– All materials must be packaged to prevent damage during transport.

140FS226Q0123 Interpretive Exhibit Page 4 of 5

• Installation (Optional Add-On)

– If requested by the Government, the Contractor shall provide installation services, including all required mounting hardware, fasteners, tools, and labor.

– Installation shall ensure secure attachment to existing vertical wooden kiosk structures.

1.4 Period of Performance

The period of performance will begin on the date of contract award and conclude following successful installation and acceptance. All work must be fully completed before November 1, 2026.

1.5 Government-Furnished Information (GFI)

The Service will provide the Contractor with:

• Brand and design standards

• Visitor center wall measurements and building drawings

• Contact information for designated community partners

1.6 Contractor Qualifications

The Contractor must demonstrate:

• Professional experience in interpretive exhibit design, including both graphic design and interpretive text development consistent with National Wildlife Refuge System interpretation.

• Experience fabricating and installing large-scale wall-mounted exhibits for federal or public conservation facilities.

• Knowledge of standards referenced in existing Service interpretive and signage documents, such as those found in Service design and interpretive media guidance.

• Ability to manage iterative reviews and coordinate with federal staff and community stakeholders.

1.7 Performance Standards

• All interpretive content shall be factually accurate, visitor-appropriate, and aligned with refuge messaging.

• All graphic elements must reflect Service branding guidelines.

• Materials must be suitable for long-term use (minimum 10 years indoors).

• The contractor must adhere to consultation timelines and the required installation deadline.

1.8 Acceptance Criteria

140FS226Q0123 Interpretive Exhibit Page 5 of 5

Final acceptance will occur when:

• All deliverables described in Section 1.3-1.3.4 are submitted and approved (and if funded those in 1.3.5)

• Fabrication and installation are completed according to specifications

• Refuge staff conduct a final walkthrough and provide written acceptance