Request for Proposal

 

The National Electronics Museum in Linthicum, Maryland is entertaining proposals for the design of a new permanent exhibition “Satellites: Transforming our Lives”. Individuals and firms with expertise in museum exhibit design are encouraged to submit a proposal. Please note: the company that designs the exhibit is ineligible to bid on the fabrication

 

Project Description

 

The exhibit will be developed in partnership with a number of internationally known professional societies and corporations. The exhibit will present the history of satellites, key issues and challenges, and their technology and applications with special emphasis on communications satellites, remote sensing/earth resources, and navigations/GPS.  The new exhibition will provide a setting for the satellite industry to interact with the public, act as an advocacy tool for the industry, and recruit students to the industry.

 

The new exhibition will occupy 1200 square feet of existing gallery space.  The museum staff and Project Task Force will take an active role in the design process.  The museum’s director and curator/ planner will develop the major themes, select graphics and artifacts, and write the exhibit script and outlines for any new audiovisual or computer interactive programs.  From graphic elevations produced by the designer, the museum will produce digital graphic files for the fabricator’s use.

    

Requirements

 

The designer will work closely with the museum staff and Project Task Force through all phases of the design process.  There should be numerous face-to-face meetings to discuss concepts and details as the design unfolds.  The museum requires the designer to produce a bubble plan positioning the major themes throughout the space.  After this is approved, the designer should produce conceptual floor plans and perspective sketches of the proposed exhibits.  After approval of these items, the designer should produce construction drawings and graphic elevations that will enable a qualified exhibit fabricator to build and install the exhibits.  These documents should include photo crops; a plan that positions the overhead track lighting and electrical outlets; and specifications for all colors, finishes, type fonts, and point sizes.  The designer is required to stay with the project through fabrication and installation to review the workmanship of the selected fabrication company.  This review should include at least three site visits to the fabrication facility.  The designer is expected to be on-site at the museum for three days during installation.

 

Proposed Timeline:

 

Phase I Content Study/Bubble Plan – 30 July 2013

Phase II Concept design – 30 August 2013

Phase III Final Design – 15 October 2013

Phase IV Digital Graphic Files – 30 October 2013

Phase V Fabrication Monitoring – 30 November 2013

Phase VI Installation Assistance – 30 January 2014

 

 

Submission requirements:

 

·         A cost breakdown per phase for design fees and expenses

·         Specification of the number of meetings per phase

·         Resumes for all people proposed to work on the project, with the level of participation for each

·         A portfolio of previous projects

·         At least three references

·         While cost is a consideration, the museum intends to select the most advantageous offer, not necessarily the lowest bid.

·         The museum reserves the right to not award a contract and re-issue the RFP is a suitable company is not identified.

 

 

 

 

Submission Deadline: 30 May 2013

 

Michael Aurele Simons
Director
National Electronics Museum
1745 West Nursery Road
Linthicum, Maryland
410-765-3803
www.nationalelectronicsmuseum.org