SOW_with_alternates.docx

US Fish and Wildlife Service Long Island NWR Complex Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Interpretive Exhibit Design with alternates of, Fabrication, and Installation Task Order Statement of Work (SOW) Project Background

In 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) opened the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters and Visitor Center in Shirley, New York. The Visitor Center houses an expansive exhibit hall, which showcases all ten refuge units situated across Long Island. Dioramas depict pine barrens, riverine, coastal and grasslands habitats; an interactive mural wall introduces visitors to management practices and unique wildlife; an immersive night room guides visitors through a simulated bird survey and exit messaging encourages visitors to integrate sustainable practices into their everyday life.

In recent years, the majority of the exhibits supported by electronic components have fallen into disrepair. The exhibits currently offline include the aforementioned night room, Ecological Footprint, the Voices for the Future video and the Green Building solar interface. Electronic components that supported these exhibits are largely outdated. In lieu of replacing the outdated components in situ, Service staff prefer to overhaul the defunct exhibits with fresh, updated content.

Foot traffic into the Visitor Center is approximately 12,000 visitors annually. The highest visitation occurs during the spring and fall months, when both the humidity and the insect populations are minimal. Frequent visitors include birders, families with young children, wildlife and plant enthusiasts, school and scout groups, and those who appreciate engaging in nature and relaxation. Visitor interests are diverse and include walking, hiking, nature photography, wildlife observation, hunting, and fishing.

The purpose of this Scope of Work is to design, fabricate, and install interpretive exhibits that would replace the aforementioned electronic exhibits with fabrication and installation as alternate possible services in accordance with the national Interpretive Media IDIQ contract. All work completed under this contract must be done in coordination with any general contractors involved in this project and must be closely coordinated with any remodel or new construction schedules and constraints.

For the purpose of this statement of work, “exhibit” is defined as including, but not limited to, any of the following or combinations: dioramas, cabinetry; interpretive panels; audio/visual programs and equipment; interactives; graphics; models; photomurals; background paintings and murals; floor treatments; ceiling treatments; storage; multi-media programs and equipment; interactive mechanicals; sound systems; photographs; illustrations; interior and exterior signs; and exhibit lighting fixtures.

General Requirements of the Project The primary purpose of the task order statement of work is to focus on the three primary phases of the contract, the the design, fabrication, and installation of interpretive media exhibits to replace the currently defunct electronic exhibit media at the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. The exhibits shall be made as accessible (ADA compliant) as possible and in accordance with the IDIQ contract guidelines.

The new exhibits should reflect the approximate dimensions of the defunct electronic exhibits: the night room (215 sq. ft.); the cabinet-housed Voices for the Future video (31 sq. ft.); and the wall- mounted exhibits Ecological Footprint (12 sq. ft.) and Green Building solar interface (9 sq. ft.).

Project Purpose, and Overall Messages and Themes

The focus will be to inspire visitors to at the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex to support refuge management practices and make personal sustainable choices. Ultimately, the exhibits will educate visitors on why these Long Island refuge lands and waters are special places worth conserving for wildlife and people locally, as well as to the larger National Wildlife Refuge System nationally; what Complex staff and volunteers do to actively conserve this area’s habitats; what wildlife calls these refuges home; and encourage responsible stewardship, wildlife conservation and exploration. Additionally, visitors can learn about the state-of-the-art energy conservation and sustainability features of this facility, and learn how these features are helping to conserve and protect our environment.

The night room should continue to immerse visitors in an experience that could be expanded to explore the cultural history of the property (to include indigenous use and the Wertheim legacy), biological monitoring activities and/or virtual tours of closed refuge units.

The Voices for the Future video could shall be replaced by an interactive touch screen that could explores additional refuge content not addressed elsewhere in the exhibit hall, to include geologic history, indigenous communities, landscape use over time, and/or coastal resilience restoration projects. Comment by Beauregard, Christine: The SOW describes the requirement. Is the replacement of this video a requirement or not? If it is, the wording is “will be replaced…”

The green interpretive exhibits (Ecological Footprint and Green Building) couldwill focus on “take home” messaging that encourages visitors to integrate sustainable practices into their everyday lives.

The Contractor, while working with the Service staff, shall use the Interpretive Experience Plan to determine visitor flow, the order of the information contained in the exhibit hall and other visitor areas, and the appropriate emphasis of various themes and messages. Comment by Beauregard, Christine: Please email this document to me so that I can include it in the solicitation

BASE - Planning and Design- Work to be Performed by the IDIQ Contractor

Overall Design Guidelines

· The Service’s Interpretive Experience Plan (IEP) contains the themes, goals, and objectives for the visitor experience at the Visitor Center as well as exhibit components, flow, organization, and ideas on how to convey the exhibit concepts. The IEP is to be used as the guiding document for focusing design discussion, exhibit organization, and development. It was written in a way to give clear thematic direction while leaving the creative and fabrication elements to the Exhibit Contractor in consultation with Service staff.

· Because the majority of visitors will spend only a short amount of time at each exhibit, exhibits must communicate designated messages easily and clearly with a minimum amount of text. Descriptive headlines and subheads shall be used to help visitors skim for items of interest. Furthermore, the exhibits must have maximum visual impact. Visuals, including graphics and illustrations, will be attractive and easily understood.

· The overall appearance of the exhibits should is not to be so trendy as to be that it is quickly outdated in style. Timelessness and quality are key to the exhibit designs.

· Updated interpretive elements and furnishings will be coordinated and designed to complement existing exhibits and the architectural style of the building, contributing to a "signature look" for the facility.

· All exhibits and materials shall be designed to withstand constant touching and visitor interaction, and thus, still look good and remain functional for a minimum of 10 years. Materials and exhibits must be easy to clean and maintain. Designed for reasonable replacement costs and maintenance shall be minimal. There shall be no exposed silk- screened or vinyl lettering on any exhibit surface. Careful consideration must be given to design, structural materials, paints, adhesives, and laminates so that they do not pose health or safety risks to visitors or employees.

· Incorporate universal design concepts for accessibility in the design of the exhibits. Design drawings of all exhibits at final design shall include:

· Exact size and location of each exhibit.

· Materials and PMS colors to be used.

· Locations of specimens, final text, graphics, illustrations, and photographs. Illustrations shall be in final form.

· Clear representation of the sizes and styles of the typefaces to be used.

· Framing and/or mounting details

· The Exhibit Contractor shall consult with and propose to the Service energy efficient lighting and electrical elements, verifying the proper location for track lighting for spot or floodlights, the need for additional lighting, as necessary, and stub outs. Also, the IDIQ Contractor shall consult with and propose to the Service and any associated General Building Contractors contractors or subcontractors the requirement for data lines, electrical lines, etc… and their locations. Comment by Beauregard, Christine: Please state somewhere which other contractors are available to this contractor and/or whether they will need to hire their own subcontractors such as electricians, IT, etc.

· The Exhibit Contractor is responsible for providing for all required subcontractors.

· The designs shall comply with the above-mentioned guidelines and all applicable local, state, and federal building codes. The most stringent safety factors shall be used in the design of all products.

Coordinate and facilitate the initial pre-design workshop schedule and all subsequent exhibit design review meetings with the Service, and write up the meeting notes summarizing the discussions and accomplishments from each meeting, including the decision and action items, for Service review within one week after the meeting.

Project Schedule The Contractor shall produce a detailed, complete project schedule listing all required submittals and their review times. The project schedule shall include design phases and timelines, production schedule, shop inspections, site visits, installation activities, and closeout submittals.

The Contractor shall submit a current preliminary project schedule to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for review and approval ten (10) working days prior to the post award meeting. The Contractor shall update the approved schedule and resubmit to the COR five (5) working days prior to every project status meeting for the life of the project. Comment by Beauregard, Christine: I added the word “current” because I expect this project schedule to be submitted as part of the final bid. The COR will revise it with the contractor after award as you mention here.

Status Reports The Contractor shall provide a monthly status report to the COR Project Manager that includes the status of the project, issues that affect the schedule and budget, and an updated suggested schedule based on the information at hand. Comment by Beauregard, Christine: An updated schedule approved by the COR can only be incorporated into the contract through modification. Although we all know this, it can’t be ambiguous in writing

Submittal Requirements

Design Review All design submittals shall be completed in accordance with this Statement of Work and national IDIQ contract. The government will review 100% of every design submittal (10%, 35%, 65%, and 95%) for compliance with the Statement of Work and the Interpretive Media IDIQ Contract. One compiled set of Service review comments shall be provided to the Contractor after at the end of each review. Comment by Beauregard, Christine: Depending on bid amounts, this is an area that could possibly be reduced from 4 to 3 submittals to save money. Entirely up to you The Contractor shall coordinate all submittals and review them for legibility, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with IDIQ contract terms and task order requirements conditions. Forward all submittals to the COR for review and approval. Receive all reviewed submittals and take appropriate action according to the approval or rejection by the COR, as follows:

· Approved Submittals – The Contractor shall ensure that all changes, revisions, or additions required by review comments are addressed and incorporated into future submittals.

· Rejected Submittals - When submittals are rejected, the COR will notify the Contractor, in writing, identifying the reasons for rejection. The Contractor shall ensure that the submittal is completed and/or revised as required and resubmitted within the time scheduled by the COR. Reasons for rejection include:

· Incomplete Submittals – Approval of the submittal is delayed because required elements are missing. The Contractor shall submit all missing elements.

· Unacceptable Submittals – The submittal is rejected due to poor quality of work or work that does not otherwise meet the established project requirements. The Contractor shall submit new submittal.

Pre-Design Meeting

· In Pre-design, the IDIQ Contractor shall gain a clear understanding of the project’s history, the Service’s resources, and the roles of other project team members and stakeholders. Work in this phase focuses on preparing a solid foundation for all work that follows, ensuring that the project is logically structured, and its goals are understood and realistically attainable within the budget, schedule, and other specified parameters.

· The Service will provide the Interpretive Experience Plan for the Long Island Complex Visitor Center at or before the Pre-Design Meeting. The Interpretive Experience Plan will provide the overall interpretive themes and messages, and supplemental information and references needed for the IDIQ Contractor to initiate the development of the interpretive themes, messages, topics, and text.

10% Design Submittal Requirements

1. The 10% submittal shall show development of the information gained from the Visitor Center Interpretive Experience Plan and design meeting/site visit. This submittal shall begin to document coordination between the interpretive designer and other disciplines. Any items that cannot be adequately described by words shall be shown in sketch form. Details or photographs may be used. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Service.

2. Interpretive A. Drawings for interpretive elements will show and describe media prescription/formats (i.e., diorama, computer interactive, graphic panel) including type and level of technology or materials proposed.

B. Provide the Research Plan C. Complement the existing exhibit storyline, integrating themes and visitor objectives.

D. For interpretive elements, describe how media formats and technology relate to the storyline and to the visitor, including accessibility.

E. Describe the plan and schedule for research and interpretive text development.

35% Design Submittal Requirements

1. Include all necessary information as required to enable approval of 35% design. This submittal shall consist of text and drawings with sufficient detail to establish scope and layout for all exhibits, including samples, outline specifications, and a detailed estimate of fabrication cost. Any items which cannot be adequately described by words shall be shown in sketch form. Details or photographs may be used.

2. Provide annotated 10% design Service review comments on action taken or comments.

3. Specifications - Include specifications as required to clearly communicate level of detail.

4. Interpretive- Improve upon the 10% submittal, the Contractor shall show further refinement of the interpretive program using narrative, sketches, plans, drawings, elevations, and study models.

A. Drawings:

i. Elevations/perspective drawings: submit elevations and perspective drawings showing proposed treatments for individual interpretive elements and their relationships with the site, architecture, and visitor use.

ii. Layouts: provide graphic layouts to show the relationships and design intent of text and visuals for all graphic panels, the brochure, signs, and any other visuals requiring text, production-ready art, or photographs.

iii. Rough pencil or other sketches of all proposed artwork including that for murals and art on graphic panels, brochure, interpretive panels, and any other places where art or graphics shall be used.

B. Study models: submit study models proving the effectiveness of exhibit special effects, exhibits, or situations that are new creative approaches.

C. Description of materials and methods of fabrication: provide a description of all interpretive elements addressing how each type of object, technology, or system shall be constructed, whole or in part (i.e., computers - purchased "off the shelf" and Energy Star compliant, painted diorama - commissioned photo plus artist, etc.).

D. Special components list: provide a listing of objects, artifacts, specialized equipment, photographs, or other items detailing:

i. Name/identification of item

ii. Where item can be procured

iii. If replication is necessary/possible.

E. Scripts: Provide first draft of scripts for all interpretive elements. Scripts shall include all necessary information including text and sound effects descriptions, and show authentication review by specialists and experts. Describe how the text relates back to the storyline. Text shall be edited to fit in the allocated design space. Draft text should readily communicate reading level and style for the following minimum elements:

i. All exhibits, including audio-visual and software programs;

ii. Orientation and information;

iii. Draft text, sound effects, and shot list for any exhibit AV productions.

F. Preserved animals (if required in design)

i. (1). Name/identification of animal

ii. (2). Where/how animal can be procured – include permit requirements

iii. (3). Specialized equipment required for animals & where available G. Curatorial requirements including preparation, special maintenance, security, lighting, lighting exposure, preservation, presentation, mounting, and pollutants:

i. (1). For exhibitry

ii. (2). For objects, artifacts, photographs, artwork, graphics H. Preliminary lighting plan for interpretive elements and areas, including discussion of how daylight hours will affect visitor behavior and use, as well as physical effects on exhibitry, including but not limited to specimens, photographs, panels, and video display screens.

65% Design Submittal Requirements

1. Include all necessary information as required to enable approval 65% design. The submittal shall incorporate the applicable 35% design review comments and include detailed floor and site plans, sections, elevations, draft specifications, and fabrication cost estimate.

2. Provide annotated 35% design Service review comments on action taken or comments by exhibit contractor.

3. Specifications- Include specifications as required to clearly communicate level of detail and perform accurate cost estimates.

4. Interpretive- Improve upon the 35% submittal, show further development of the interpretive program using narrative, plans, drawings, and elevations.

A. Drawings:

i. (1). Interior floor plan: with greater detail than the 35% submittal, provide a floor plan showing integration of interpretive elements with other disciplines, including but not limited to lighting. Floor plans must be drawn at scale of 1/4"=1'-0".

ii. Elevations: revised, with revisions and greater detail as necessary.

iii. Fabrication details: as necessary, to detail instructions for areas requiring special treatment, atypical items, or components.

iv. Layouts: comprehensive layouts for all graphic panels or other visuals, individually per panel and exhibit unit, to include text, visuals, computerization, software, audio-visual, objects, or whatever other item is to be included on or in the panel, unit, kiosk, sign, brochure, etc. Layouts are to be revised from the 35% submittal, with greater detail as necessary.

v. Lighting plan for interpretive elements and exhibit areas.

vi. Provide changes to sketches for all proposed artwork.

B. Materials: listing of interpretive materials, finishes, and color schedules, accompanied by color chips, material samples, and catalog cuts for all interpretive elements.

C. Special components listing: with greater detail than 35% submittal, and nearly complete, show selection of special components, objects, artifacts, photographs, artwork, graphics.

i. Name/identification of item

ii. Where item can be procured

iii. If replication is necessary/possible D. Scripts: provide second drafts of all text, to include additions, deletions, or adjustments following authentication by experts. Text shall be very nearly in final form and fit in the design space or time.

E. Additionaldetails for curatorial requirements of exhibitry and special components.

F. Additional details for preserved and/or taxidermied animals.

G. Draft Operation & Maintenance manual.

H. Checklist: Identify interpretive design considerations to each of the other disciplines (as noted in 10% submittal).

95% Design Submittal Requirements - Final Documents Review A. Final drawings shall incorporate 65% design review comments and include floor plans, elevations and sections and details at scales to properly show all details. Floor plans must be drawn at scale of 1/4"=1'-0". Provide graphic scales on each drawing for each scale. Provide annotated 65% design review comments to show action taken. Indicate compliance with all previous project guidance, reviews, design criteria, and indicate total coordination of all design disciplines. All drawings shall satisfactorily reflect the coordination with the Service and any General Building Contractor for all design disciplines to avoid conflicts in concept, space utilization, and fabrication.

B. Specifications- Final specifications shall detail complete production requirements, including any special processes.

C. Interpretive- Building upon the 65% submittal, provide final fabricate documents for the interpretive program using narrative, plans, drawings, and elevations.

a. Drawings

i. Final plans and elevations

ii. Final fabricate drawings & details

iii. Production-ready art with production specifications for all interpretive elements, including production art, graphics, and text.

iv. Special artwork sketches.

b. Revised finish materials.

c. Special components listing: final listing for obtained/replicated/produced items for fabrication and installation.

d. Computer software, simulations, interactive digital and audio-visual programs: storyline, treatment, and production specifications.

e. Specifications for all necessary equipment, controllers, power systems, and equipment racks.

f. Provide the Bibliography.

g. Provide the draft Operation & Maintenance manual.

ALTERNATE - Fabrication Fabrication shall be completed in accordance with this Statement of Work and the completed and approved design documents. Government fabrication inspections at the IDIQ Contractor’s place of business may be required at the 35%, 65%, and 95% phases.

The Contractor shall:

· Fabricate the exhibits, as designed by the Contractor and approved by the Service.

· All taxidermy work and preparation/preservation of plants and other natural items are the responsibility of the Contractor. Ultimately, securing hides, antlers, skins, plants, stone, etc… is the responsibility of the IDIQ Contractor. The Service will assist the IDIQ Contractor in trying to locate the needed specimens such as wildlife specimens or skins either in the Service’s collection, other government collection, or in private collection, but it is not the responsibility of the Service to provide all specimens.

· Schedule Service reviews/checkpoints to be performed virtually, or if unable to facilitate a remote option, at the Contractor’s site or other fabrication (subcontractor’s) locations for Service inspection of the exhibit progress and quality at the 35%, 65%, and 95% stages of fabrication.

· When in-person visits by the Service to the fabrication shops are not possible, provide photographs as work is completed so that the Service can verify that the work is being completed and to the quality specified.

Items Provided by the Service

· Scientific references for wildlife, habitat, and/or landscape illustrations, as needed.

· Existing public domain US Fish and Wildlife Service photographs, for possible use in the project.

· Detailed information regarding Service artifacts that should be considered for use in the exhibits (e.g., sizes and substrates, photos, information regarding the significance of the artifact, etc.)

· Existing electronic map files and/or references for map development.

· Will provide, when available, natural specimens needed for dioramas and other such exhibits, in their natural state.

Fabrication Guidelines Overall

· Exhibits shall be shop fabricated with the intention for delivery to the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitor Center, in Shirley, New York.

· All exhibits shall include leveling devices, if necessary, to account for discrepancies in the ceiling or floor.

· The Contractor shall use as little combustible material as is possible in the fabrication of the exhibits. Work shall conform to all applicable fire and building codes and requirements.

· Where equipment is installed which requires special protection (such as automatic CO2), the Contractor shall provide such protection. In exhibits that have a projection booth or house computer components and projection systems, or similar small potential hazards, CO2 or systems meeting fire code shall be approved by Building General Contractor and furnished by the Exhibit Contractor.

· The Contractor shall provide, fabricate, and install all lighting and electrical items in accordance with all applicable provisions of the current National Electrical Code and all local codes and requirements. All electrical hardware and equipment shall bey U.L. tested and approved by the Services Engineering Division. Comment by Beauregard, Christine: Please be clear elsewhere above that the electrical contractor is the responsibility of the contractor

· Power supply for the exhibits shall be 120 volts A.C.

ALTERNATE - Installation

Installation Guidelines The Contractor shall furnish all materials and labor to transport the exhibit components to the site, and shall unload and install the exhibits and those items considered basic support structures required for the exhibits (i.e., cabinetry and wall structures for dioramas). Work under this section includes all materials, carpentry, cabinetry, metalwork, woodwork, acrylic work, glazing, and application of finishes. Applicable FAR clauses under 52.223 apply. All work areas shall be orderly and swept clean or vacuumed before the end of the workday.

The Contractor shall:

· Install the exhibits on-site at the visitor center. The installation and completion of the exhibits shall be projected and scheduled. The CO or COR or Project Manager will be present during the installation to review progress and work, and to discuss solutions to any installation problems that may occur.

· Provide As-Built drawings for actual installed exhibit floor layout.

· Return to the Service all materials used as reference and/or to create the artwork for the interpretive panels and exhibits. All original artwork becomes the property of the Service at project completion. All photographs and other reference material shall also be returned to the Service or the original owner.

· The Exhibit Contractor shall provide their cleaning equipment and materials such as rags, paper towels, cleansers, vacuum cleaners, brooms, trash bags and containers, and other equipment for cleaning the exhibit and work areas. The Contractor is responsible for removal of all waste materials generated during the installation from the facility and shall arrange for proper disposal of this material.

· In accordance with FAR Clause 52.237-2, the Contractor shall be responsible for repairing any damage incurred within the building or their work areas.

· Provide a detailed operations and maintenance manuals and related training for the exhibits to the management staff of the visitor center.

Installation Schedule

The Contractor shall coordinate and confirm dates with the COR or Project Manager for shipment, delivery, storage, and installation of the interpretive mediafinal product at the Service’s site.

Quality Control The Contractor shall provide quality control to ensure that all elements of project work meet the requirements of the task order specifications of the contract and that all modifications are implemented. The IDIQ Contractor’s Project Manager/Superintendent shall provide routine inspections of in-house and subcontracted work to ensure it meets task order contract specifications and shall oversee the quality of work produced and implemented at all phases of the project. Any work found not acceptable or compliant with the specifications shall be corrected prior to inspection or review by the COR.

Government-Furnished Property If government-furnished material is provided during the course of the project, the Contractor shall receive, inspect, and inventory all government-furnished materials and ensure that this material is forwarded to the appropriate unit or person within the Contractor’s organization for use in the project. The Project Manager Contractor shall notify the Project ManagerCOR via email within seven (7) days after receipt if government-furnished materials are not satisfactory for their intended purpose. The Project Manager Contractor shall notify the Project ManagerCOR via email as soon as possible, but no later than three

(3) business days, if government- furnished materials are lost or damaged while in the Contractor’s possession. The Contractor shall be responsible for the security and protection of government- furnished property or materials in connection with this task order contract. Following acceptance of all work by the government, the Contractor shall return to the COR all government-furnished property.

Attached: As part of the Task Order contract Appendix, see the Interpretive Experience Plan.

End of Statement of Work