MPI Art Conservation

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to procure art conservation and preservation services for the Museum of the Plains Indian (MPI). This announcement serves as the only solicitation, and quotes are being requested.

• The core requirement is to provide art conservation and preservation services as detailed in the attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• The RFQ responses must focus on the tasks and scope of work identified in the SOW.

• Anticipated Award Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: October 12, 2026, to October 17, 2026.

• Place of Performance: Museum of the Plains Indian, 19 Museum Loop, Browning, Montana 59417.

• Hours of Performance: MPI's hours of operation are 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. local time, Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays).

• Questions Deadline: In writing, no later than 3 calendar days after the date in block 6 of the SF1449 (05/29/2026), submitted to Joelle Donovan (joelle_donovan@ibc.doi.gov) with a copy to Scott Szczesniak (scott_szczesniak@ibc.doi.gov).

• Quotation Deadline: Prior to 5pm ET on 06/04/2026, submitted to Joelle Donovan (joelle_donovan@ibc.doi.gov) with a copy to Scott Szczesniak (scott_szczesniak@ibc.doi.gov).

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the most advantageous offer based on Technical Approach, Past Performance, and Price. Technical Approach and Past Performance combined are more important than Price.

  • Technical Approach: Evaluated on clarity, comprehensiveness, and understanding of SOW requirements.
  • Past Performance: Evaluated using CPARS; a satisfactory or better record is required. An unacceptable rating requires documented findings of material failures likely to recur.
  • Price: Evaluated for reasonableness based on effort and labor, in accordance with RFO 12.204(a).

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• NAICS Code: 712110 (Museums) with a size standard of $34.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov.

• Attachment 1: SOW.

• Attachment 2: Service Contract Act Verification.

• Electronic invoicing and payment will be through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• Payments are due 30 calendar days after receipt of a proper invoice or final acceptance.

• Final invoices must be submitted within sixty (60) calendar days of product acceptance/completion.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To stabilize, conserve, and preserve a historic carved wood mural at the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana, in accordance with professional conservation standards and federal cultural property guidelines. The work must ensure long-term preservation without altering the artist's original intent.

The conservator shall perform the following tasks:

• Surface cleaning using conservation-approved methods and materials.

• Stabilization of cracking, lifting, detachment, or wood loss.

• Addressing structural issues, including securing loose components.

• Infilling material loss only where necessary for structural integrity, using reversible conservation materials.

• Toning or painting necessary fills using reversible methods to match the original appearance.

• Applying appropriate conservation coatings for long-term stability, if recommended.

• Providing post-treatment documentation, including photographs, materials used, and recommendations for ongoing care.

• Period: The week of July 12–17, 2026.

• Location: Onsite at the Museum of the Plains Indian, 19 Museum Loop, Browning, Montana 59417. The conservator must transport all necessary tools and materials.

• Pretreatment condition report

• Photographic documentation (before, during, after)

• Conservation treatment report detailing all materials and methods used

• Recommendations for long-term maintenance and environmental care

• Qualifications: Professional conservator with demonstrated experience in wood sculpture and Native American art conservation. Ability to perform onsite work in remote locations.

• Registration: Must be registered in SAM.gov to receive contract award per DOI/IBC requirements.

• Access: Museum will provide reasonable access and workspace during normal business hours.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 2, the Service Contract Act (SCA) Verification Form. It is required to ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.222-41, "Service Contract Labor Standards." Bidders must complete and submit this form with their quotation.

• The form requires bidders to indicate whether the Service Contract Labor Standards (41 U.S.C. chapter 67, 29 CFR Part 4) apply to their proposed labor categories.
• Options include:
  • Does Not Apply to any proposed Labor Categories.
  • Applies to some Labor Categories, annotated within the proposal.
  • Applies to some Labor Categories, but Additional Classification is needed.
• It also requires certification by an authorized contractor representative, including full name, title, company name, signature, and date.

Completion and submission of this form with the quotation is mandatory for compliance with SCA requirements. Bidders must carefully review their proposed labor categories and select the appropriate option on the form.