Interpretive Planning Services for Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site

The State of Texas, by and through the TexasHistorical Commission (THC) seeks sealed Request for Proposals (RFP) toestablish a contract for services from a qualified individual or firm for the completion of a comprehensive Interpretive Master Plan for the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site,located in Armstrong County, Texas in accordance with the specificationscontained in this Request for Proposal (RFP).The Texas Historical Commissionseeks a firm that has proven experience withthe creation of comprehensive Interpretive Master Plans for historic housesites and other history-related venues to research,write, and completethe last portionsof the Interpretive Master Plan for the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight RanchState Historic Site.All face-to-face meetings regarding the project deemednecessary by Respondent and/or THC will take place at the THC Historic Sites Division Officein Austin, Texas or at the Charlesand Mary Ann Goodnight State Historic Site in Claude, TX.The goal for the project is tocomplete a recent but unfinished comprehensive Interpretive Master Plan draft that requires more research and recommendations for the Charlesand Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch.The interpretive master plan, once completed, will best identify andcommunicate the most important themes, subthemes, and stories, ideas, values and meanings of the site of use in thecreation and implementation of new programs and exhibits to besteducate the visiting public,illustrating and enhancing the site's history and significance.The THC is soliciting the services statedin this Solicitation under of the authorityTexas Government Code § 442.101The Texas Historical Commission seeks afirm that has proven experience with the development of comprehensiveInterpretive Master Plans for history-related venues, including historic homesand sites related to the development of the CattleIndustry, and late 19th/early 20th century farm and domestic sites, to provideadditional research, recommendations, and to conclude a recent but incompletecomprehensive Interpretive Master Plan draft for the Charles and Mary AnnGoodnight Ranch State Historic Site, located in Armstrong County, Texas.Preferencewill be given to vendors who have completed similar interpretive planningprojects for historic properties in general, and more specifically with sites relatedto historic homesand sites related to the development of the cattleindustry during the late 19th, including Charles Goodnight's role in the TexasPanhandle, and creative interpretiveplanning for sites with recreated historic interiors and domestic artifacts collections. All face-to-face meetingsregarding the project deemed necessary by Respondent and/or THC will take placeat the THC Historic Sites Division Office in Austin, Texas or at the Charlesand Mary Ann Goodnight State Historic Site in Claude, Texas.The goals for the project is to completea recent but unfinished Interpretive Master Plan draft,to determine what interpretive services and techniques will bestcommunicate the most important stories, ideas, values and meanings of the site to the visitingpublic, assuring the best and highest use of the extensive site-relatedcollection of furniture and decorative arts in replicated period room settingswithin the periods of significance outlined in the Interpretive Master Plan,and recommendations for improved and expanded programming, both on site and asoutreach, provide recommendation for the development of exhibits to inform thepublic about the site's history and significance in meaningful experiences thatwill relate the site's importanceand relevance to visitors experiences today. To theextent possible, the new Interpretive Master Plan, once completed, will beinformed by existing site-related materials including documents and photographs, collections records, and other previous site development, assessment, preservation, and restoration reports as available within the THC files. The selectedcontractor will be working off a partially completed interpretive master plan andwill be adding to and bringing this plan tocompletion. The new Interpretive MasterPlan must generateupdated recommendations for the best interpretiveservices and programs possible. The plan must focus on desired learning, aswell as behavioral and emotional outcomes. It will be a tool to justifyand prioritize decisionsabout programs and exhibitsso that resources can be used to maximum effect and recommend the mostappropriate audience engagement techniques and program evaluation techniques.All questions must be submitted in writing to christi.duve@thc.texas.gov by the due date listed in the RFP. Answers will be posted on the ESBD. Late proposals will not be accepted.