DNR - Carl T Johnson Exhibit Design Project - Addendum

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Marketing and Outreach Division, is soliciting proposals through Request for Proposal No. 26-1264 for exhibit design, fabrication, and installation services at the Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center located at Mitchell State Park in Wexford County. The project involves redesigning interpretive exhibits in the 1,152-square-foot Hunting Room, which has remained largely unchanged for over 25 years and currently serves approximately 20,000 annual visitors, including over 3,000 K-12 students. The scope of work encompasses three phases: Phase I (Conceptual/Schematic Design), Phase II (Design Development), and Phase III (Final Design, Fabrication, and Installation), with the design component required to be completed by September 30, 2026, to meet funding constraints, and exhibit installation targeted for October 2026. Deliverables include comprehensive schematic designs incorporating specific exhibits such as a passenger pigeon mount and bear head harvested by Carl T. Johnson, design materials suitable for donor fundraising, plans and elevations, digital work products, interpretive strategies, and completed exhibits that balance reduced exhibit density with flexible classroom space for approximately 30 students. Required qualifications include demonstrated exhibit design, fabrication, and installation experience on a minimum of five interpretive display projects completed within the last ten years; ability to manage sensitive cultural, economic, and environmental issues; experience recruiting storytellers; and technical capacity to incorporate low-technology, easily repairable interactive elements. The proposal deadline is 3:00 p.m. EST on April 10, 2026, with an optional pre-bid meeting held on April 2, 2026, and a bidders' questions deadline of April 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale comprised of the Vendor Questions Worksheet (25 points), Schedule A Statement of Work (25 points), Attachment 1 Qualifications (25 points), and Attachment 2 Contractor Experience and Portfolio Examples (25 points), with only proposals achieving 80 or more technical evaluation points eligible for award consideration based on best value.

The contract award may consider qualified disabled veteran-owned business or service-disabled veteran-owned business status as part of best-value evaluation criteria; however, no specific set-asides or restrictions limiting response to particular enterprise categories have been designated. The anticipated contract start date is May 1, 2026, with an initial three-year term through April 30, 2029, and the option to renew for up to two additional one-year periods at the State's discretion. No incumbent vendor or current contractor is identified in the solicitation documents. The project is subject to prevailing wage requirements under Michigan Public Act 10 of 2023, with contractors and subcontractors required to register with the State and submit certified payroll within 10 calendar days of each pay period; prevailing wage rates for Wexford County range from approximately $36.87 to $110.76 per hour for journeyman classifications. Travel expenses are reimbursed at State-approved rates, including lodging at $98.00 per night and meals ranging from $12.00 to $27.00. While no specific budget range has been disclosed by the DNR to prevent artificial pricing below budget figures, pricing proposals must include separate costs for all three phases, travel time, expenses, and any required rental equipment, with all invoices payable via Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of receipt. Liquidated damages of $1,000 plus $500 per day apply for late or improper completion, and $1,000 per individual per day applies for unauthorized removal of key personnel.