MPI Art Conservation

The Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center seeks conservation and preservation of a historic wood mural at the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana, with proposals due June 10, 2026. This is a total small business set-aside firm fixed price acquisition.

Place of performance is 19 Museum Loop, Browning, Montana 59417, with on-site work scheduled July 12–17, 2026 (actual work begins Monday, July 13). The mural consists of two mahogany wood panels, each 60 inches wide by 34 inches high, mounted 87 inches from the floor. Work includes surface cleaning using conservation-approved methods, stabilization of cracking and wood loss, structural repairs, reversible infill materials for losses, compatible toning or painting of fills, application of conservation coatings as recommended, and comprehensive post-treatment documentation with photographs and maintenance recommendations. Deliverables include a pre-treatment condition report, before-during-after photographic documentation, a conservation treatment report detailing all materials and methods used, and long-term maintenance recommendations. The final treatment report and maintenance recommendations may be submitted off-site within 10 to 15 business days following on-site completion.

The contractor must be a professional conservator with demonstrated experience in wood sculpture and Native American art conservation, capable of working in remote locations, and registered in SAM.gov per Department of Interior requirements. The Museum will provide equipment including ladders, lifts, tables, water, lighting, ventilation, and secure storage; the contractor supplies all materials, solvents, coatings, and adhesives. Service Contract Labor Standards apply. NAICS code is 712110; PSC code is B521. Evaluation weighs technical approach and past performance (CPARS) more heavily than price. Contracting Officer Joelle Donovan (joelle_donovan@ibc.doi.gov) and Contracting Specialist Scott Szczesniak (scott_szczesniak@ibc.doi.gov) are points of contact.