Statement_of_Work.docx

NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS INTERPRETIVE CENTER

EXHIBIT DESIGN, PRODUCTION, AND INSTALLATION

United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management National Historic Trails Interpretive Center 1501 North Poplar Casper, Wyoming 82601

BACKGROUND

In the mid-1800s, the Oregon Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail, California Trail, and Pony Express Trail travelled through present-day Casper, Wyoming. Today, each of these trails is designated by Congress as a National Historic Trail.

In the early 1990s, a group of trail preservation advocates began a public initiative to construct a facility to educate present and future generations about America’s westward migrations. Their efforts grew to engage the City of Casper and the Wyoming State Legislature, Governor, and Congressional delegation. In October 1998, the Bureau of Land Management was authorized by Congress (P.L. 105-290) to construct and operate the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC, or Trails Center), it opened its doors to the public on August 9, 2002.

The Trails Center is open to the public free of charge year-around, with peak visitation occurring during summer and fall months. Since 2002, visitors from all fifty states and more than sixty foreign nations have visited. Elementary and middle school children comprise more than 4,000 visitors per year, while total annual visitation varies from 30,000 to over 40,000 persons per year.

1.1. EXHIBIT THEMATIC FRAMEWORK

Between 1840 and 1890, America’s westward expansion unfolded rapidly, as twelve states were added west of the Mississippi River. Native American cultures and tribes were challenged by the impacts wrought by a steady influx of emigrants, fortune seekers, soldiers, and refugees.

In 1860-61, construction of the transcontinental telegraph system brought a heightened military presence to the trails. The Sand Creek Massacre on November 29, 1864, an atrocity carried out by Colorado territorial militia on a peaceful camp of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians, heightened tensions even more. During the early summer of 1865, an alliance of Cheyenne, Southern Arapaho, Oglala Lakota, and Blackfeet Indians converged in present-day central Wyoming with the intent to drive emigrants, settlers, and soldiers alike out of the North Platte River country. Their initial effort would target Platte Bridge Station, which was positioned along the telegraph and trails, at the location of present-day Casper, Wyoming.

Before dawn on July 26, 1865, a force of several hundred Native American warriors established positions near Platte Bridge Station. In an encounter later known as the Battle of Platte Bridge, the warriors ambushed a 20-man patrol led by Lieutenant Caspar Collins. Collins and four men of his command were killed, the remainder retreated with the aid of other troops.

Less than four hours later, a 20-man resupply train under Sergeant Amos Custard of the Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry appeared on a ridgeline four miles west of Platte Bridge Station. Headed east to Platte Bridge after having delivered supplies to Sweetwater Station fifty miles farther west on the previous day, they were quickly detected by the warriors. Within minutes the cavalrymen were engaged in a fight to the death, later called the Battle of Red Buttes.

In September 2018, the Bureau of Land Management completed a land acquisition process after years in preparation, wherein it received title to 640 acres of land immediately adjacent to and west of the City of Casper boundary. Known as the Rim Rock property, the former cattle ranch is believed to be the site of the Battle of Red Buttes. In 1865, the remains of Sergeant Custard and all but three of his men were buried in a common grave and are believed to be on or very near the BLM property.

The Bureau of Land Management seeks to acquire a well-researched and professionally produced museum exhibit to interpret the significance of the Battles of Platte Bridge and Red Buttes and their place in the larger context of Native American and United States history. The exhibit is envisioned as educating and interpreting for the viewer these events in a thought-provoking manner, while illuminating the history with artifact replicas, a short film and 2 and 3-D interactive exhibits. The perspectives of all historical actors and as many diverse contexts as possible should be represented.

1.2. EXHIBIT THEMES AND SUB-THEMES

The following broad interpretive themes shall serve as the basis for the Contractor’s research, conceptual definitions, and content development of the subject exhibit:

1.2.1. Mid-1800s overland migrations in the Trans-Mississippi West had complex and diverse impacts on people and transformed ways of life.

1.2.2. In the 1860s Plains Indian peoples, including Arapaho, Blackfeet, Cheyenne, Crow, and Lakota, struggled for freedom, security, and sovereignty.

1.2.3. In the 1860s the United States Army was assigned to build fortifications and outposts, such as Platte Bridge Station, and defend and protect the mail route, overland emigration, and the transcontinental telegraph line.

1.2.4. The Battles of Platte Bridge Station and Red Buttes challenged the ingenuity and resolve of every participant in a fight for survival.

1.2.5. The Bureau of Land Management interprets and manages the diverse and rich cultural heritage of its public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

This contract shall be for the design, production, and installation of a new interpretive exhibit and audio/visual digital film with all original content for public viewing at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. The Contractor shall provide all services including in-depth subject matter research, technical and creative design expertise, labor, materials, facilities, and travel necessary to then conceive, design, detail, fabricate, transport to the site, and install all exhibit components in accordance with specifications detailed herein and attachments hereto.

All work under this contract shall be performed in accordance with the terms herein (including all appendices). Upon contract award, the Bureau of Land Management shall furnish to the Contractor relevant topical historic reference materials based upon BLM research, and a basic contact list of subject matter experts to initiate the Contractor’s process of consultation and interviewing. Access to the subject historic battle locations is controlled. The BLM shall provide Contractor access to the subject historic landscape and associated site(s) by prior arrangement through the Government following contract award, to assist in performance of subject matter research and to provide an opportunity to consult with local subject matter experts.

Performance under this contract shall include:

(1) An initial site visit to view, measure, photograph, define and document spatial dimensions, visitor movement patterns, and exhibit audiovisual equipment needs; to document accessibility considerations, and to view and document lighting and display hardware characteristics of the designated exhibit display location within the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center; and to visit the site of the Battle of Platte Bridge, the site of the Battle of Red Buttes, and other historic sites of relevance in central Wyoming. The site visit shall be documented in a Trip Report;

(2) Contacting and interviewing stakeholders and subject matter experts, to create video and audio-recorded conversations that will enhance exhibit content and provide a connection for viewers to the present day, by engaging descendants of the subject battle participants and historians that are conversant with the period and specific aspects of the story of the battles;

(3) Creation, submission, revision as necessary, and approval by the BLM Contracting Officer of a preliminary Project Performance Schedule and an original Exhibit Concept Plan and Exhibit Concept Drawings; proposed exhibit text drafts, proposed graphics and captions; media type, texture, and color samples of proposed fabrication materials; and proposed story board, script, and revised rough cuts for an exhibit audiovisual production;

(3) Creation, submission, revision as necessary, and approval by the BLM Contracting Officer of an Exhibit Production Plan that includes final renditions and a production timeline of all exhibit media and audiovisual production components to be produced and installed. The Exhibit Production Plan shall include Exhibit Production Drawings to identify each component with a consistent numeric code, and which detail the dimensions and material characteristics of each component to ensure their accurate construction and replacement in a manner that replicates the original component;

(4). Production, shipping, and installation of the approved complete exhibit on-site at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center by the installation date specified in the Contractor’s BLM-approved Project Work Schedule; testing and demonstration of the Audio Description System for the subject exhibit and final approved closed-captioned audiovisual production at the time of exhibit installation; and submission of an Exhibit Maintenance Manual and Exhibit Maintenance Kit;

(6). A time-specific warranty that provides for exhibit component durability and correction of defects at the Contractor’s expense; and for replacement of materials or exhibit component(s) or their content if such correction or replacement is necessary due to an error or omission on the part of the Contractor.

2.1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The Bureau of Land Management anticipates a period of performance ending May 15, 2022, in accordance with the following:

Submittal Review and Approval: The Government shall notify the Contractor in writing of approval or rejection of all submittals within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt. Additions or corrections required of the Contractor for each submittal shall be completed within fifteen (15) calendar days following notification of the Contractor by the Government of such additions or corrections.

Primary Exhibit Installation shall be completed on or before April 4, 2022.

Final Installation including Audio Description System shall be installed, complete, and functioning on or before Monday, April 25, 2022.

2.2. PROJECT WORK SCHEDULE:

Within fourteen (14) days following completion of the initial site visit, the Contractor shall produce a detailed, complete Project Work Schedule listing all deliverables required herein by date of initial submittal and their assigned review and response times by the BLM. The Project Work Schedule shall include milestones and significant dates including but not limited to a date for completion of all deliverables and their sub-components; the exhibit installation site visit date, a description of all installation activities to be performed during the installation site visit, and the contract closeout submittals date.

The Contractor shall schedule, coordinate, oversee, and manage work conceived, produced, revised, and installed under this contract; track work progress to ensure the project is completed according to the Project Work Schedule and the Exhibit Production Plan (draft schematic layout of exhibits); and coordinate and confirm dates for all submittals and meetings with the Government.

The Contractor shall provide Monthly Status Reports to the Government for discussion and approval that include: a description of progress since the previous report on any outstanding issues and items completed; the current status of the project in relationship to the Project Work Schedule; and issues that will or that may affect the schedule and budget going forward.

As work progresses, the Contractor shall update the approved Project Work Schedule and resubmit the schedule to the Government every month for the life of the project. Any unresolved issue(s) or delay in the performance of the contract shall be remedied by the Contractor prior to the following monthly status report, or by an alternative date established by the Government.

The Contractor shall coordinate and confirm dates with the Government for shipment, delivery, and installation of the completed exhibit at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.

2.3. CONTRACT SUBMITTAL / DELIVERABLES:

The subject Contract includes deliverables to be rendered under a submittal review process that will allow the BLM to collaborate with the Contractor and accurately monitor performance and progress toward the desired result in a permanently documented manner. Submittal review procedures will provide for transparency and open communication of issues, concerns, and any detail questions that may arise, on a continuous basis leading up to acceptance of all deliverables in their final approved form.

The following are deliverables under this contract:

2.3.1. Initial Site Visit and Trip Report, and Project Work Schedule;

2.3.2. Exhibit Concept Plan and Exhibit Concept Drawings, and Material Samples;

2.3.3. Exhibit Production Plan and Drawings;

2.3.4. Audiovisual Production Plan and High-Definition Video Production; to include draft and final exhibit and Audiovisual Production Audio Descriptions and associated electronic hardware;

2.3.5. Crating, Shipping, and Installation of complete exhibit including structures and cases; to include correction of punch list items at the time of exhibit installation;

2.3.6. Installation, testing, and demonstration of the fully functional Audio Description System;

2.3.7. Exhibit Maintenance Manual and Exhibit Maintenance Kit;

2.3.8. Exhibit Warranty In Writing against defects in workmanship, content, and materials.

2.4. POST-AWARD (PRE-WORK) CONFERENCE CALL:

Within seven (7) days of Contract award, the Contractor shall participate in a project initiation video conference call to review contract requirements and procedures with the BLM Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and the BLM Project Coordinator.

The Contractor shall submit a written preliminary Project Performance Schedule to the Government for review and approval within seven (7) working days following the initial post award (pre-work) video conference call.

The required initial site visit shall be scheduled and conducted by the Contractor in coordination with the Government to occur within thirty (30) days of the contract Start Work Date as specified by the BLM Contracting Officer.

2.4.1. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT CONTACTS

The BLM Project Coordinator (Dennis) will serve as the primary contact for day-to-day communications with the Contractor along with the Contract Officer or Contract Officer’s Representative. All communications from the Contractor shall be copied to the Contract Officer or Contract Officer’s Representative. All technical and procedural questions related to the Contract and its provisions, and submission of all required documentation, conceptual drawings, proposed type and graphics, media samples, all script drafts, recordings, and draft and completed audiovisual production and transcription files, and submission of invoices for work performed, shall be directed by the Contractor to the BLM-designated Contract Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative.

2.4.2. Contractor POINT OF CONTACT

The Contractor’s Project Manager (PM) shall be designated by name and be present at the project initiation video conference call and shall serve as the primary point of contact between the BLM Contracting Officer, COR, Project Coordinator, and the Contractor. The Contractor’s PM shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to the subject contract, and shall perform the following work:

Be available to receive or respond to telephone calls and e-mail messages during normal hours of operation, being 08:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time) to address contractual issues;

Establish office procedures to ensure that messages are relayed to the Project Manager for response within 24 hours of receipt when the PM is out of the office, or due to time zone differences;

Respond to emergency messages from the Government on the same day they are received. All non-urgent messages from the Government shall be responded to within no more than two business days.

2.5. SUBMITTALS:

At any point during the contract performance period the Government may require report submittals describing the Contractor’s work-in-progress, to document the status and level of conceptual planning and production for the project; to ensure compliance with various relevant timeline specifications; and to review hardware, materials, electronic equipment, finishes, media colors, graphics, and audiovisual production elements proposed for use by the Contractor in the exhibit planning and production stages.

The Contractor shall coordinate all submittals and review them for legibility, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the Project Performance Schedule and the Exhibit Production Plan and shall forward all submittals to the Government for review and approval.

The Contractor shall receive all reviewed submittals and take appropriate action according to their approval or rejection by the Government, as follows:

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

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

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

b. Unacceptable Submittals – The submittal is rejected due to poor quality of work or work that does not otherwise meet the established project goals, or due to the use of an unsafe or inappropriate product or material. The Contractor shall submit new material for review and approval by the Government based upon the Government’s written evaluation of the rejected submittal.

2.6. SUBMITTAL TRANSMITTAL COVER PAGE:

The Contractor shall include a transmittal cover page in the form of a printed letter, pdf document, e-mail, or fax cover sheet along with all samples, proofs, prints, reports, digital files, digital images, and multimedia files, sent from the Contractor to the Government. This requirement applies to all copies sent to the Government or other recipients. The transmittal shall include the following minimum information:

· "From" (Contractor's name and contact information)

· "To" (COR's name and contact information)

· Date submittal was shipped

· Project name and location

· Itemized list of contents

· Submittals shall be complete on face-value

· List of all copied recipients who received the same submittal.

2.7. 10% COMPLETION BENCHMARK:

The Contractor shall schedule and conduct an initial site visit to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming by prior arrangement and in coordination with the Government, to occur within thirty (30) days of the contract Start Work Date as specified by the BLM Contracting Officer. Within fourteen (14) days following completion of the Contractor’s site visit, the Contractor shall submit a Trip Report to the Government.

INITIAL SITE VISIT, TRIP REPORT, AND PROJECT WORK SCHEDULE

The Trip Report shall identify all participants in the site visit and their role in the exhibit planning and production process under the subject contract and shall document the conduct of the site visit, including locations visited, persons contacted or interviewed during the site visit, information gathered at the Trails Center regarding the exhibit display location, and any issues or questions to be addressed by the Government that result from the Contractor’s observations while on-site.

It is the Contractor’s responsibility to arrive equipped to conduct the site visit prepared to take measurements of site features, create high-definition photographs of site details, and conduct audiovisual recordings of interviews, landscapes, and sites of significance to the exhibit’s interpretive themes, in support of the Exhibit Concept Plan and Exhibit Concept Drawings that will follow.

2.8. 35% COMPLETION BENCHMARK:

All items identified in the 35% Completion Benchmark shall be completed on or before Monday, November 8, 2021.

EXHIBIT CONCEPT PLAN AND EXHIBIT CONCEPT DRAWINGS, AND MATERIAL SAMPLES

The Contractor shall render and submit for review and approval by the Government a descriptive Exhibit Concept Plan accompanied by Exhibit Concept Drawings. The plan and drawings shall describe and illustrate effective treatment of the subject matter that reflects professional exhibit composition, defines appropriate thematic content, and incorporates ease of flow for visitors. The Exhibit Concept Plan shall include a description of the required audiovisual component and define its presentation role in its predetermined location within the exhibit display space at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. The Exhibit Concept Plan shall detail media types, define all proposed component dimensions, and describe materials, colors, textures, and finishes for all exhibit components that the Contractor proposes for use in exhibit production.

The Exhibit Concept Plan shall incorporate comprehensive consideration of the durability and stability of proposed exhibit production materials, to preclude manifestation of any latent defects including warping, twisting, discoloration, swelling, or any other form of inherent tendency toward failure or disintegration of materials. All exhibit production materials, including substrates, laminates and adhesives proposed for use by the Contractor shall be identified by their trade name and manufacturer location and contact information within the Exhibit Concept Plan.

The Contractor shall submit samples of all materials including samples of related colors, textures, and surface finish treatments proposed for use in exhibit production as an element of the Exhibit Concept Plan submittal and its revisions, if applicable upon review by the Government. The Exhibit Concept Drawings as submitted shall reflect the Contractor’s proposed exhibit color scheme for all material surfaces visible to the public. The exhibit’s visual appearance and workmanship shall in no manner compete with or obscure its educational, interpretive, or informational messages.

The Contractor shall submit care, cleaning, and maintenance instruction for all materials proposed.

During the initial site visit the Contractor shall measure and document the existing architectural space designated for display of the subject exhibit. An accurate floor plan drawing resulting from the Contractor’s measurements of the display space shall be rendered by the Contractor and incorporated into all submittals of the Exhibit Concept Plan and consistently used as a scaled guide when developing Exhibit Concept Drawings, so that proposed component locations within the assigned space can be easily identified using a component numbering system.

The Contractor shall assess current exhibit lighting in the subject exhibit display area during the required initial site visit to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center and draft an Exhibit Lighting Plan for submittal as an element of the Exhibit Concept Plan to propose improved lighting fixtures, lamps, and switches utilizing the existing track in the display area, that will optimize the visual and interpretive qualities and effectiveness of the exhibit upon installation. All proposed lighting shall be subject to approval by the Government.

The Contractor shall submit proposed equipment specifications for Government review and approval to ensure timely acquisition, installation, and testing of closed audio description technology components, including software and hardware for all fixed exhibit elements and the audiovisual production in accordance with standards detailed at the Department of the Interior Section 508 web site linked herein. This submittal shall be included in the Exhibit Concept Plan so the Contractor can proceed with acquisition of approved components without delay.

The Exhibit Concept Plan and Exhibit Concept Drawings shall be printed and submitted for review by the Government at 11” x 17” page size. The Exhibit Concept Plan and Exhibit Concept Drawings shall be submitted as two (2) complete sets of high-definition color prints on 11” x 17” bond paper in three-ring binders, and as electronic files in pdf format within a single digital folder. All Exhibit Concept Drawings shall include a legend that displays the drawing creator’s name(s); date the drawing was produced; project name; and modification or revision issue date, and revision number if applicable.

EXHIBIT PRODUCTION PLAN AND DRAWINGS

The Contractor shall produce a comprehensive Exhibit Production Plan that includes Exhibit Production Drawings to facilitate production of approved exhibit components and final finished exhibit installation. The Exhibit Production Plan shall be a refinement of the process of review and revision of the Exhibit Concept Plan. The Exhibit Production Plan shall include detailed descriptions of all Government approved exhibit content specialty submissions and samples, including those for maps, models, tactile models, all electronic programs and equipment, artifacts, and other custom elements.

Graphic proofs and graphic production samples shall be included in the Exhibit Production Plan for all graphics approved for use in exhibit production.

All Exhibit Production Drawings shall be prepared at a standard architectural scale appropriate to the information being communicated on the drawing and shall include an accurate graphical scale indicator. All Exhibit Production Drawings shall include a legend that displays the drawing creator’s name(s), date that the drawing was produced, project name, and modification or revision issue date, and revision number if applicable.

Exhibit Production Drawings shall be consistently labelled and updated as necessary within the overall Exhibit Production Plan at every stage of review and revision, to ensure accuracy in identifying individual exhibit components. All labeling and numbering of components shall conform to a consistent numeric identification system that is easy to read, understand, and reference when viewing the drawings and their associated component key.

Upon production of all exhibit components the numbering system identifying each individual component in the BLM-approved Exhibit Production Drawings shall be permanently displayed on the back of each component to ensure its accurate identification for replacement purposes.

All materials, paint colors, texture coatings, fabrics, wood, plastics, composite materials, and finishes proposed by the Contractor for use under the approved Exhibit Production Plan shall be selected to produce a safe, professional visual presentation that enhances the effectiveness of exhibit content, durability, and sustainability. Material samples of at least two (2) inches square shall be submitted to the Government for all substrate materials and surface treatments, coatings, adhesives, and laminates that are identified by the Contractor in the approved Exhibit Production Plan. All material samples shall be identified with their submittal by manufacturer name and contact information for the manufacturer, product trade name, color name and any product identification number assigned by the manufacturer. Material Safety Data Sheets shall accompany all materials, coatings, and adhesive submittals indicating their fire-resistant qualities and any safety warnings associated with the use of the approved materials, coatings, or adhesives.

All wall-mounted exhibit components and their materials proposed and produced under this Contract shall be designed and produced to be displayed while suspended entirely and safely on the existing Arakawa rail and cable display system at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. This requirement will facilitate the use of wall areas for component display without imposing new holes or mounting hardware on any wall surface at the exhibit location. Dimensional limitations of the existing designated exhibit space, and weight capacity limitations of the existing Arakawa suspension system shall be strictly observed and factored into the design of all wall-mounted exhibit components approved by the Government for production under this contract. The finished weight of each individual wall-mounted exhibit component shall be accurately determined by the Contractor, expressed in pounds, and permanently indicated on the back of each wall-mounted component immediately adjacent to each component’s identifying number.

Free standing exhibits shall be free standing on carpeted floor and shall be of a size, shape, and configuration that is easily moved in and out of the exhibit room.

APPENDIX I, Specifications for Arakawa system components and their associated weight limitations, provides details of those limitations that shall be observed.

2.8.1. ACCESSIBILITY GUIDANCE:

Exhibits fabricated for the Bureau of Land Management National Historic Trails Interpretive Center shall follow the latest version of the Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media (APPENDIX II, attached). These guidelines combine best practices, National Park Service and Department of the Interior directives, and all federal laws including but not limited to American Disability Act (ADA), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA); Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended; and 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.

Accessibility requirements for visitors with specific disabilities shall be addressed in the Contractor’s designs. If the designed exhibit component poses particular challenges to accessibility, the Contractor shall propose accessibility solutions. See the Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media for requirements addressed under specific disabilities.

2.9. 65% COMPLETION BENCHMARK

All items identified in the 65% Completion Benchmark shall be completed on or before Monday, January 17, 2022.

AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION PLAN AND HIGH-DEFINITION AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION)

The Contractor shall conceive, define, produce, and submit an original written Audiovisual Production Plan to facilitate production of an audiovisual exhibit component of up to twenty minutes in duration in accordance with the specifications described below.

a. The subject video production shall be created as an integral component of the exhibit overall, composed so that it complements and enhances the fixed exhibit components that surround it, while also maintaining independent value as a form of interpretive media that can be utilized in school classrooms for BLM presentations about the central topic of the exhibit;

b. The Audiovisual Production Plan shall describe and schedule the production and post-production processes and times required to create the required audiovisual production for review and approval by the Government.

c. Submittal of conceptual through final versions (rough cuts and fine cuts) of the audiovisual production by the Contractor shall be made at 720p resolution by providing an online link platform such as vimeo or a similar video platform that displays timecode and allows the Government to view, pause, and time-reference scenes in the production when composing review comments.

d. The audiovisual production shall be produced, edited, and submitted in its final form at High-Definition resolution (1920 x 1080p) in licensed Blu-Ray Disc media form for viewing on a 120-inch-diagonal, high-definition enhanced screen in 16:9 aspect ratio format. The necessary projector and screen are BLM property in place at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center and wall-mounted in the exhibit display area.

2.9.1. PRE-PRODUCTION

The Contractor shall submit an Audiovisual Production Plan that includes an initial script, narrative, and storyboard to the Government for review and approval. The Audiovisual Production Plan shall describe all necessary elements including a list of source materials, narrator(s), site visit(s), interviews, and all anticipated pre-production work required to compose the program as outlined. The Contractor shall submit, at minimum, a draft and revised draft of the Audiovisual Production Plan for review and approval by the Government. The Audiovisual Production Plan shall include a listing of the Contractor’s proposed recording schedule and all costs associated with the pre-production and production of the video component of the subject exhibit.

The Contractor shall write an original content script for the subject audiovisual program, including all narrated elements therein, and may be required to rewrite or otherwise edit the original text.

2.9.2. AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION ELEMENTS:

The Contractor shall research, procure, and obtain all materials to be included as content for the audiovisual component of the subject exhibit. This includes, but is not limited to, still images, film or video footage, original artwork, music, sound effects, other digital or analog media, in-person interviews, and professional talent including narration. The Contractor shall submit all proposed original and stock audio and video recordings and still imagery including specific individual element source information and any restrictions on use to the Government for review and approval.

2.9.3. ROUGH CUTS FOR REVIEW:

The Contractor shall submit a rough-cut of the audiovisual presentation within 120 days of the contract start work date as defined by the BLM Contracting Officer. The rough-cut submittal shall represent both structure and content of the audiovisual production to the extent that the validity and effect of the Contractor’s approach is clearly represented, and to allow determination regarding changes or modifications that are needed to meet exhibit objectives.

Multiple rough-cuts and script edits may be required until the audiovisual program is approved by the Government. Each rough-cut shall be submitted with a revised script that corresponds to the most current edited version of the program. If animation is included, conceptual designs for all animation elements shall be submitted electronically for review and approval.

In addition to the graphics presented in the fully functioning sections during review stages for the audiovisual production, a list and description of any additional proposed graphics shall be submitted for review and approval by the Government. The Contractor shall submit storyboards, graphic layouts, modeling, and sample demonstrations illustrating movement, as a part of the review process before final production of any animation content occurs.

2.9.4. MUSIC SAMPLES:

Music samples from a minimum of two professional soundtrack composers or library music sources shall be submitted to the Government for review and approval prior to audiovisual program post-production. All submitted samples shall be appropriate to the tone, mood, style, and pacing of the audiovisual production content. Line-item costs for acquisition and use rights of the submitted music sources must accompany the submittals.

2.9.5. NARRATOR SAMPLES:

A selection of a minimum of three narrator samples per voice role shall be submitted electronically to the Government for review and approval prior to post-production. Line-item costs for acquisition and use rights of the submitted narrators must accompany the submittals.

2.9.6. LOWER-THIRDS AND OTHER ON-SCREEN TEXT:

Samples of the Contractor’s proposed font and design style for any lower-third name identifications, graphics, credits, captioning, and any other on-screen text shall be submitted to the Government prior to audiovisual post-production.

2.9.7. LICENSE AGREEMENTS:

Prior to commencement of Post-Production of the audiovisual component of the subject exhibit the Contractor shall submit a narrative description and spreadsheet that accounts for and documents the copyright sources of all audiovisual elements including still images, video or film footage, reproduction and original artwork, graphics, animations, music, sound effects, interviews, and any other copyrighted material component proposed for use in both the fixed exhibit and its audiovisual production. The narrative description shall also include public domain materials, purchased stock materials, and government-furnished materials to create a comprehensive index and description reference for all materials proposed for use.

2.9.8. POST-PRODUCTION:

Revised video production files submitted by the Contractor during the editing process shall be subject to acceptance approval by the Government for sound quality and balance, color correctness, file integrity, and captioning accuracy and synchronization.

2.9.9. FINE CUTS:

The Contractor shall submit a fine-cut and edited script for review and approval prior to the final on-line edit and sound mix. Fine-cuts shall include the approved music, sound effects, best resolution archival images or footage, draft motion graphics and/or animations, and all captioning, on-screen text, and graphics, including credits. Multiple fine-cuts and script edits may be required until approved by the Government. Each fine-cut shall be submitted with a revised script that corresponds to the most current edited version of the program. The fine-cut shall be revised until it is ready for the online edit.

2.9.10. ON-LINE EDIT, SOUND DESIGN AND MIX, AND COLOR CORRECTION:

The Contractor shall submit the final edited version of the program with final sound design, mix and color correction for on-line review and approval no later than fourteen (14) days following the Government’s reply to the fine-cut. Review of the online edit shall be conducted as a conference call to ensure clear agreement on any necessary captioning or transition edits while the final edited version is being viewed simultaneously on-screen by the Government and the Contractor’s Project Manager.

For those materials that are time-licensed or otherwise restricted, license agreements shall be submitted. Upon review and approval of the license agreements by the Government, any license that fails to meet the requirements of the Government shall be returned to the Contractor for revision or submittal of an appropriate alternative media and source agreement. If the specified use rights cannot be obtained, the Contractor shall replace the element unless written approval for a deviation is furnished by the Contracting Officer.

2.9.11. RELEASE FORMS:

The Contractor shall submit, electronically via email, scanned copies of all model release forms for talent (narrators, interviewees, and other similar acquired material), and scanned copies of all license agreements and contracts acquired by the Contractor applicable to Government approved copyrighted and restricted material being used in the audiovisual production concurrently with the submission of the final fine-cut.

2.9.12. AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED FOR USE:

The master digital production files resulting from this project shall remain the property of the Bureau of Land Management in perpetuity. Permission authority for use of the video files produced under this contract shall reside solely with the Bureau of Land Management through its designated Contracting Officer. The video produced under this contract shall not be used by the Contractor for promotional or other commercial purposes unless and only after written permission is granted for a specific use in advance by the Bureau of Land Management, through its designated Contracting Officer.

2.9.13. ACCESSIBILITY: CAPTIONING:

All video files created and edited by the Contractor for submission under this project, including the final approved video production, will incorporate English language captioning for hearing-impaired viewers, in compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

Captioning in the final approved video production shall be closed so that it can be selected for on-screen viewing or likewise de-selected so that it is not visible on-screen.

Section 508 accessibility standards in effect within the Department of the Interior at the time that post-production work is performed shall apply.

Please refer to the Department web page and its links for additional Section 508 information:

https://www.doi.gov/ocio/policy-mgmt-support/information-and-records-management/section-508-policies

2.9.14. ACCESSIBILITY: EXHIBIT AND AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION AUDIO DESCRIPTIONS:

The Contractor shall submit scripts for Audio Description (AD) of the fixed exhibit elements and the audiovisual production component of the exhibit to the Government for review and approval. The scripts shall include a transcript describing each sound clip used in the audiovisual program for use by visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

For audiovisual program elements without an audio component, there shall be an icon or text visible on-screen indicating that the program has no audio. The Contractor shall submit the proposed icon or text for that purpose to the Government for review and approval.

All audiovisual review stages of the production submitted by the Contractor upon editing shall be subject to acceptance approval by the Government for sound quality, color correctness, file integrity, and captioning accuracy and synchronization.

Section 508 accessibility standards in effect within the Department of the Interior at the time that post-production work is performed shall apply.

Please refer to the Department web page and its links for additional Section 508 information:

https://www.doi.gov/ocio/policy-mgmt-support/information-and-records-management/section-508-policies

2.10. 95% COMPLETION BENCHMARK

All items identified in the 95% Completion Benchmark shall be completed on or before Monday, April 4, 2022.

EXHIBIT CRATING, SHIPPING AND INSTALLATION

2.10.1. CRATES FOR SHIPPING EXHIBIT COMPONENTS:

The Contractor shall fabricate or supply wood crates that are constructed using CDX plywood and pine framing in a durable thickness, based on the overall size of crate. The Contractor shall construct all crates with re-useable screws to attach the crate top so that the exhibit can be re-crated and shipped if necessary.

2.10.2. PACKING MATERIALS:

The Contractor shall pack all exhibit components using “green” environmental methods and materials as much as possible, such as recycled cardboard boxes, biodegradable “peanuts”, recycled paper and cardboard cushioning products, and reusable heavy blankets.

2.10.3. PREVENTING DAMAGE:

The Contractor shall pack and crate all materials that are shipped by commercial carrier in such manner that they arrive at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center undamaged. Regardless of shipping method or carrier, if any exhibit elements are damaged in transit or otherwise arrived in a damaged state, the Contractor shall bear full responsibility for repair or replacement of those elements at no additional cost to the Government.

2.10.4. SPECIAL TREATMENT OF GRAPHICS:

During storage prior to installation of the exhibit components and during transportation of the exhibit components to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, the Contractor shall use flat, smooth-surfaced materials between graphics which are mounted and protected with overlaminate film. The Contractor shall ensure that foreign material including wood splinters, dust, dirt, sawdust, sand, bubble wrap, Styrofoam sheet or peanuts, and the rear surfaces of other graphic panels do not contact the face of over-laminated prints and leave impressions in the overlaminate surface. Mounted prints with patterns impressed into the overlaminate film are unacceptable and will rejected and replaced at the Contractor’s expense. All screen-printed surfaces shall be protected with a minimum, brown paper secured with masking tape until completion of final on-site installation.

2.10.5. EXHIBIT INSTALLATION:

Exhibit elements shall be delivered to the installation site as complete as possible to minimize the amount of on-site assembly work to be performed. Work in this stage shall include installation of all exhibit elements on site, and installation, testing, and demonstration of the audiovisual presentation and all audio description equipment and approved Audio Description files.

Installation work shall be organized into three (3) sub-phases: Primary Installation; Audio Description Installation and Testing; Installation Punch List:

2.10.6. PRIMARY INSTALLATION:

Installation shall be scheduled in consultation with the Government so that it occurs within three days of arrival of the shipped exhibit components at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center. Installation is the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be completed no later than three days following the start of installation. The Contractor’s Project Manager shall ensure performance of the following work:

Crating and shipping of all exhibit components to the installation site;

Travel to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center with the installation technician(s);

Unpacking and installation of all exhibit components in accordance with the approved Exhibit Concept Plan, approved Exhibit Production Drawings, and on-site consultation with the Government;

Disposal of all packing and shipping materials. Materials that can be recycled shall be recycled;

Clean worksite of debris and dust during and upon completion of exhibit installation;

Clean exhibit display case(s), install artifacts / replicas, perform all conservation requirements as specified in the Exhibit Production Plan, and seal and secure cases;

Test and verify the audio description script against installed exhibits, audiovisual production, and installed audio description triggers;

Conduct a walk-through and final inspection of completed and installed exhibits and provide operational training on its features to the Government and the BLM Project Coordinator. The walk-through and final inspection shall be scheduled at least ten (10) days in advance with the Government and shall be attended by the Consultants responsible person as well as the Government representatives;

Photograph the completed exhibit. Photographs shall be used as a reference record in the final Exhibit Maintenance Manual, as well as for BLM and Contractor portfolios of completed work. Photographs shall be full color high-definition production or print quality and shall be supplied to the Government as digital files at a minimum of 600 dpi resolution in pdf format.

Supply a draft Exhibit Maintenance Manual that identifies the source of all individual exhibit components / assemblies and their care, operation, routine maintenance, and cleaning. The draft Exhibit Maintenance Manual shall be completed in final form by the Contractor following Primary Installation of the exhibit by inclusion of full color high-definition photographs of all exhibit components and details relate to their prescribed maintenance as installed at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center;

Provide the Government with an Exhibit Maintenance Kit containing specialized keys, tools, and anticipated or manufacturer-prescribed maintenance supplies necessary to maintain specific exhibit components as installed and specified in the final Exhibit Maintenance Manual;

2.10.7. AUDIO DESCRIPTION INSTALLATION AND TESTING:

Initial testing of the audio description script and placement of all audio description hardware and triggers as installed shall occur during exhibit installation. The Contractor shall provide the following work at the time of installation:

Provide any audio description script revisions specified by the Government based during draft script reviews prior to primary installation; convert final script to text format and remove any special characters.

Install, test, and demonstrate the audio description content and system to be fully functional. All hardware, software, and all listening equipment and accessories shall perform in accordance with APPENDIX III, National Park Service Exhibit Planning, Design, and Fabrication Specifications, Chapter 31, Audio Description and the associated Descriptive Exhibit Tour Installation and Equipment Guide.

2.10.8. INSTALLATION PUNCH LIST:

The Contractor shall prepare and submit an installation punch list to the Government following the required walk-through inspection of the exhibit including the audiovisual production and all audio description hardware and software as installed.

To the greatest extent possible, the Contractor shall complete punch list items while on site for the Primary Installation and Audio Description Installation and Testing. If all punch list items cannot be completed during Primary Installation and Audio Description Installation and Testing, an additional trip to the installation site shall be required.

After installation and prior to acceptance, if deficiencies or necessary corrections are evident in the exhibit components, the Contractor shall be required to return to the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center installation site and complete correction of punch list items within the timeframe specified by the Government at no additional cost to the government.

2.11. 100% COMPLETION BENCHMARK

All items identified in the 100% Completion Benchmark shall be completed on or before Monday, April 25, 2022.

EXHIBIT WARRANTY IN WRITING

The Contractor shall guarantee the exhibit’s workmanship and materials against defects that might appear under extremely high visitor use for a minimum of one year from the date of exhibit installation and acceptance by the BLM Contracting…