USDA, ARS, FMOD, BA, Contracting Section, Bldg. 003, Rm. 329, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350

R -- LEASING AN EXHIBIT SOL 04-3K47-99 DUE 030999 POC Janice Speth, Contract Specialist, 301/504-6071 or fax 301/504-5009 This is a modification to a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items previously posted in CBDNet on 2/17/99. Replace the Statement of Work in the original synopsis with the following "revised" Statement of Work: The U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) needs a large insect exhibit during the summer months of the Year 2000. This exhibit must relate to the mission of the USNA in the area of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and must be something which will grab the attention of the USNA visitors and the Media. The USNA wants to increase visitation and awareness. The mission of the USNA is to conduct research, provide education, and conserve and display trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants to enhance the environment. The USNA is a research facility and living museum. It is dedicated to serving the public and improving our environment by developing and promoting improved landscape plants and new technologies through scientific research, educational programs, display gardens, and germplasm conservation. The USNA is: a world-renowned institution providing leadership in plant-related research, education, and display; a modern, state-of-the art, technologically advanced facility that utilizes environmentally sound practices; and a national and international center for public education that welcomes its visitors with a wealth of diverse plants displayed in a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment. The Contractor shall provide an exhibit that meets the following criteria: 1) The exhibit consists of large-scale replica's of beneficial insects and directly relates to USNA's mission in the area of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); 2) As the USNA is 444 acres, the exhibit must include at least 14 components in order to be strategically placed and encompass the grounds; 3) The exhibit can be arranged in pieces (to be installed and dismantled by the Contractor) in different sites across the Arboretum, thereby giving visitors a chance to explore the whole USNA rather than emphasizing just one area; 4) The exhibit must be appropriate for outdoor display within cultural gardens and collections and must withstand the elements applicable to the timeframe for this region; 5) The exhibit should be stationary (not animatronic) with the ability to position pieces in a variety of settings (i.e., in trees, on buildings, in ponds, on structures, etc.); 6) The exhibit is constructed of natural materials (so as to be appropriate set within the USNA); 7) The exhibit is already built so that we can begin preparations for brochures and marketing without having to wait to see what it will look like; and 8) The exhibit has proven to raise visitation and awareness at other Arboreta and Botanical Gardens within the United States. PERIOD: The period for display of the exhibit will be from June 2000 to October 2000. The USNA has analyzed visitation data and feel that this period will be the optimum for our purposes. The installation and dismantling period is one to two weeks prior to lease period and immediately subsequent to lease period. CARE, PRESERVATION, AND EXHIBITION: The Government will give to the objects leased the same reasonable care it gives comparable property of its own. Precautions will be taken to protect objects from fire, theft, mishandling, dirt, and insects, and from extremes of light, temperature, and humidity while in the Government's custody. It is understood by the Contractor and the Government that all tangible objects are subject to gradual inherent deterioration for which neither party is responsible. Evidence of damage at the time of receipt or while in the Government's custody will be reported, in writing, immediately to the Contractor. It is understood that objects that, in the opinion of the Government, may be damaged by infestation may be fumigated at the discretion of the Government. TRANSPORTATION, PACKING AND INSTALLATION: The Contractor is responsible for packing/unpacking and transporting the objects on exhibit. FOB Destination. Costs of transportation and packing are included in Installation and Dismantling Fees. The method of shipment is at the sole discretion of the Contractor. INSURANCE: The Government is self-insured. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1346(b), 2401(b), and 2671-2680, the Contractor may use the provisions covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act to claim compensation for any loss or damage to objects due to negligence or a wrongful act or omission of the Government or any employee of the Government. REPRODUCTION AND CREDIT: The Government may photograph the objects leased for educational, catalog, and publicity purposes. It is understood that objects on exhibit may be photographed by the general public. The Contractor may reserve all rights to any commercial production or reproduction. The Contractor may have artistic control over the logo and will be allowed to approve the design for all commercial items produced by the Government. The Contractor will retain all copyrights, trademark rights, and moral rights to the objects. The hour and date specified for receipt of offers is not extended(4:00 p.m. on March 9, 1999). Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended. Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions remain unchanged and in full force and effect. The following Questions were received. We offer the following clarification: 1) Question. What is meant by the word "components" under criterion 2? Answer. The USNA means the word "components" under criteria 2 to be the same as the requestor -- the exhibit should consist of many sub-exhibits, each of which could be or is comprised of parts. These components are to be comprised of actual replica's of insects (including arachnids). Refer to the revised Statement of Work. 2) Question. Does the USNA have any specific needs, preferences, or areas of emphasis in IPM that it would like the exhibit to focus on? Answer. Refer to the revised Statement of Work. As a preference, the exhibit could place emphasis on ornamental and horticultural IPM. However, it does not have to be limited to this focus. 3) Question. Provide some idea of the history of such exhibits at the USNA (if there is any) and the USNA's needs. Answer. The USNA has not undertaken an exhibit of this sort in the past, so no history is available to provide the requestor. The requestor does not identify which "issues" he wants clarification on other than the other three questions. 4) Question. There may not be sufficient time for any modifications in the potential candidate's exhibit if awarded on March 12, 1999. Unless we have a clearer idea of what the USNA is looking for in the exhibit solicitation, how can we provide a completely ready-to-go exhibit within the time frame established by the USNA? Answer. The USNA specifically requested an "established exhibit" which has "proven to raise visitation and awareness at other Arboreta and Botanical Gardens within the United States." Therefore, no modifications to the exhibit are anticipated. 5) Question. Would you be so kind to send a complete bid-solicitation package for this contract? Can you send the Section B in its entirety? Answer. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation. The solicitation was synopsized in the CBD announcement in accordance with FAR Part 12.6. This is for clarification purposes only and in no way changes the requirement in the Statement of Work. Any discrepancies between the two, the Statement of Work prevails. Posted 03/02/99 (W-SN303712). (0061)

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