MPI Mural Conservation RFQ Quote Compliance Gap Review

Place of performance

On-site at MPI, 19 Museum Loop, Browning, MT 59417.

Explicit acceptance of on-site requirement and address stated.

Covered

None.

On-site tools/material transport

Conservator must transport all necessary tools and materials.

Explicit commitment; lists representative equipment/material suite.

Covered

Consider adding statement that no Government property/tools are required other than GFI/workspace/access.

Museum provides workspace/access during normal business hours

Access/workspace during normal business hours; hours of operation 8:00 AM–5:00 PM local time, Mon–Fri (except Federal holidays).

States work during normal business hours as provided by museum; does not cite 8–5 specifics or holiday exception.

Partially Covered

Add explicit confirmation of MPI hours (8–5 local, M–F, except Federal holidays) and ability to complete within those hours or request after-hours only if approved.

Period of performance

July 12–17, 2026; work expected completed that week.

Confirms availability and completion plan July 12–17, 2026.

Covered

None.

Remote location capability

Ability to perform on-site work in remote locations (qualification).

States ability to mobilize to Browning with all necessary tools/materials; references remote on-site work set.

Covered

None.

Site safety / protecting museum spaces

Not highly prescriptive in SOW, but implied safe on-site work in public museum environment.

Protective barriers/coverings; waste/solvent handling; labeling/secure storage; least hazardous methods.

Covered

Add explicit note that the team will comply with MPI facility rules, housekeeping, and any cordoning/signage requirements for visitor safety.

Surface cleaning using conservation-approved methods/materials

Perform surface cleaning of the mural using conservation-approved methods and materials.

Detailed incremental dry-to-wet/solvent approach with testing, HEPA micro-vac, documentation.

Covered

Add explicit commitment that all cleaning materials will be conservation-grade and compatible with any original coatings/finishes identified in testing (already implied).

Stabilize cracking, lifting, detachment, wood loss

Stabilize areas of cracking, lifting, detachment, or wood loss.

Dedicated section on stabilization; adhesives selected via testing; consolidation only where needed; documentation.

Covered

Consider adding examples of candidate adhesive/consolidant families (e.g., reversible acrylic/gelatin/sturgeon glue where appropriate) while keeping final selection test-driven.

Address structural issues / secure loose components or supports

Address structural issues, including securing loose components or supports.

Dedicated structural assessment; least invasive securing; hardware evaluation; reversible mechanical stabilization when needed; coordination with COR/Curator.

Covered

Add explicit statement that no drilling/alteration of original material will occur without Government approval (if consistent with approach).

Infill only where necessary for structural integrity using reversible materials

Infill areas of material loss only where necessary for structural integrity, using reversible conservation materials.

Infill limited to stability/attachment needs; reversible/retreatable systems; testing; documentation.

Covered

Add a clear decision rule for when infill is not performed (e.g., stable losses left as-is) to strengthen “only where necessary.”

Tone/paint necessary fills using reversible methods compatible with original appearance

Tone or paint areas of necessary fills using reversible methods, ensuring compatibility with the original appearance.

Reversible inpainting limited to fills; match color/value/gloss; distinguishable upon close examination; pre-coordination with COR/Curator; record pigments/binders.

Covered

Explicitly note compatibility with original appearance will be verified by localized tests under gallery lighting (mostly stated).

Apply conservation coatings if recommended to enhance stability

Apply appropriate conservation coatings, if recommended, to enhance long-term stability.

Conditional coating recommendation with testing; coordinate approval; document if not recommended.

Covered

Include how coating decision will account for any existing/original coating identification and reversibility verification (partly stated).

Post-treatment documentation: photos, materials used, recommendations

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

Strong documentation plan; before/during/after photos; product names and mixtures; long-term maintenance/environment recommendations; deliverables section aligns.

Covered

Add explicit deliverable format(s) (PDF, JPG/TIFF, naming conventions) if the Government has preferences; otherwise propose a standard archival package.

Work must ensure long-term preservation without altering original intent

Ensure long-term preservation without altering the artist’s original intent.

Repeated emphasis on minimal intervention; reversibility; coordination on interpretive expectations; avoid over-integration.

Covered

Consider adding a formal change-control/approval point before any aesthetic reintegration beyond fills/toning.

Professional conservator with experience in wood sculpture and Native American art conservation

Required qualification.

States professional conservation services for wood sculpture; museum environments; culturally significant collections; does not explicitly claim Native American art conservation experience.

Partially Covered

Add explicit statement of experience conserving Native American art / culturally affiliated objects (if true) and summarize comparable projects; include staff CV highlights/certifications.

SAM.gov registration required

Must be registered in SAM.gov to receive award; maintain SAM per DOI/IBC requirements.

Explicit WOSB; will maintain active SAM registration for duration.

Covered

Add UEI/CAGE (if available) in the quote for easy verification (commonly expected though not stated in SOW).

Small business set-aside / WOSB context

Solicitation indicates set-aside for small business; form references WOSB/EDWOSB checkboxes.

States WOSB status.

Partially Covered

Confirm small business size status under NAICS 712110 context is not the service NAICS; solicitation lists NAICS 712110 with size standard $34 (as shown). Provide representation consistent with SF1449 blocks/52.212-3 as required.

Ability to perform on-site work in remote locations

Required qualification.

Affirms mobilization and remote on-site equipment suite.

Covered

None.

Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) approach

Anticipated award type: Firm Fixed Price.

States FFP acquisition and will provide FFP detailed pricing by deliverable.

Covered

Ensure pricing is complete and consistent with CLIN structure if provided in SF1449/Line Item.

Detailed pricing per deliverable

Detailed pricing will be provided per deliverable.

Commits to detailed pricing by deliverable.

Covered

Actual price table not included in provided draft text; must be included in final quote.

Deliverable-based payment schedule for COR/CO review

Contractor develops payment schedule; reviewed by COR and CO; bill based on accepted schedule.

Commits to propose deliverable-based payment schedule aligned to condition report, on-site treatment, final report package.

Covered

Add explicit statement that billing will follow the Government-accepted schedule.

IPP invoicing required; waiver request if unable

Invoices via Treasury IPP; waiver request must be submitted with quote if needed.

Commits to comply with IPP; mentions waiver possibility (request/approval).

Covered

Add acknowledgment of IPP registration/enrollment steps and that SAM Business POC will manage enrollment.

Proper invoice data elements + required attachments

Invoice must include specific data elements (offeror info, invoice #/date, CLIN, description, price, qty, inspection date, cumulative delivered/paid, etc.).

States it will submit proper invoices with required data elements and attachments as specified.

Partially Covered

Add explicit list acknowledgment of the required attachment elements to demonstrate clear compliance; commit to providing inspection date and cumulative delivered/paid tracking.

Payment terms (30 days after proper invoice or final acceptance, whichever later)

Stated in solicitation notice.

Not addressed.

Gap

Add acknowledgement of Prompt Payment terms as stated (no need to restate clause text; just confirm understanding).

EFT payment

All payments via EFT.

Not addressed.

Gap

Add acknowledgment that payments will be accepted via EFT to the account in SAM.

Final invoice requirements (FINAL INVOICE label, certificate of completion, release of claims) within 60 days unless authorized extension

Explicit additional requirements.

Mentions final invoice requirements including FINAL INVOICE, certificate of completion, release of claims; says will meet required timelines (but does not state 60 days).

Partially Covered

Add explicit commitment to submit final invoice package within 60 calendar days of acceptance/completion unless CO authorizes otherwise.

SCLS identification of covered labor categories

Quoters must indicate whether any labor categories may be subject to SCLS; covered categories subject to FAR requirements.

Commits to identify SCLS applicability and review DOL Directory; price accordingly.

Covered

Add a preliminary determination (e.g., 'Professional Conservator (likely exempt), Conservation Technician (potentially covered)') if you will use any support roles.

Price reasonableness evaluation includes base and all option years inclusive of FAR 52.217-8

Solicitation describes price evaluation for base and option years inclusive of 52.217-8.

Draft does not address option years or extension pricing; only deliverable-based FFP.

Gap

If the solicitation expects option/extension pricing, add acknowledgment and provide pricing assumptions/structure for any extension/continuation (or explicitly state 'no option years proposed' only if solicitation truly has none).

Submit quote by deadline to CO and copy Contracting Specialist

Email to CO Joelle Donovan; copy Scott Szczesniak; by block 8 deadline.

States will submit to CO and copy Contracting Specialist by deadline.

Covered

Add the actual email addresses in the final submission cover email; already captured in solicitation.

Questions due 3pm ET within 3 calendar days after SF1449 block 6 date

Procedural instruction.

Not addressed.

Gap

Optional to include, but adding a statement 'No questions' or confirming understanding can reduce admin friction.

RFQ responses shall focus on tasks/scope in SOW

Instruction.

Technical response is organized around SOW tasks and deliverables.

Covered

None.

Complete SF1449 blocks 12, 17, 23, 24, and 30; include signatures/certs as required

Offeror to complete specified SF1449 blocks and provide required reps/certs; failure may disqualify.

States it will complete SF1449 blocks and provide required representations/certifications/pricing details.

Partially Covered

Add explicit confirmation that an authorized signer will sign block 30 and that reps/certs (e.g., 52.212-3) are included/complete in SAM or attached as required.

Maintain communications through CO/COR; on-site contact logistics

CO/COR as formal points; curator on-site contact identified.

Commits to coordinate via CO/COR; day-to-day with Curator; names CO/COR generally (does not restate names).

Covered

Consider explicitly naming COR Michele Hill and Curator Renee Bear Medicine to show solicitation-specific tailoring.

FAR 52.204-7 / 52.204-13 SAM registration/maintenance (DEVIATION)

Maintain accurate SAM registration throughout performance.

Explicitly commits to maintain active SAM registration.

Covered

Add UEI/CAGE and confirm SAM info matches invoice remittance/EFT.

FAR 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel

If applicable, contractor personnel may need to comply with identity verification/site access controls.

Not addressed.

Gap

Add acknowledgment that personnel will comply with MPI/DOI access/PIV procedures if required and will provide needed identity documentation in advance.

FAR 52.237-1 Site Visit

Government may encourage/allow site visit; contractor must follow any instructions if attending.

Not addressed.

Gap

Add statement whether a site visit is requested/needed or that work is feasible based on provided information; if needed, request coordination through CO.

FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services

Government may extend services up to 6 months; pricing rates may matter.

Not addressed substantively.

Gap

Include a brief statement on willingness to support extension if exercised and how pricing/rates would be handled consistent with the contract.

Additional IPP Invoicing Requirements (Feb 2021)

IPP registration, proper invoice elements, deliverable-based billing, attachments.

Substantively addressed but not enumerated.

Partially Covered

Add a compliance checklist appendix mirroring the 9 invoice attachment elements and deliverable acceptance gating.

FAR 52.222-41 SCLS (DEVIATION MAR 2026)

Identify covered labor categories; pay/comply as applicable.

Commits to identify and comply; notes professional conservator labor.

Covered

Add actual labor category list and SCLS applicability determination.

FAR 52.203-17 Whistleblower rights / 52.203-19 confidentiality restrictions

Contractor must inform employees of rights and cannot require prohibited confidentiality statements.

Not addressed.

Gap

Add a short compliance statement that company policies meet these FAR requirements and flow down as applicable.

FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons

Prohibit trafficking-related activities; compliance program as applicable.

Not addressed.

Gap

Add acknowledgment of compliance and flow-down to any subcontractors.

52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (DEVIATION)

Potential restrictions on certain covered telecommunications/video surveillance equipment/services and representations/certs.

Not addressed.

Gap

Add representation/acknowledgment consistent with solicitation requirements; confirm no prohibited covered equipment will be used on-site (e.g., networked cameras) if relevant.

1452.215-71 Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information (DOI)

Government handling of proposal info; contractor may mark proprietary data appropriately.

Not addressed.

Gap

Add a statement marking proprietary sections (if any) and acknowledging DOI handling; ensure consistent legends if used.

SOW technical tasks

Draft mirrors all SOW bullets with expanded, professional conservation methodology and ethics framing.

None material.

Add a one-page crosswalk table in the quote that maps each SOW bullet to the section/page where addressed.

On-site requirement and schedule

Explicit acceptance of on-site performance and July 12–17, 2026 completion.

Hours of performance not tied to 8–5 local M–F; federal holiday exception not mentioned.

Add explicit confirmation of hours and approach to maintaining visitor safety during open hours.

Deliverables

All listed deliverables are explicitly promised with content detail.

Acceptance/invoicing gating could be more explicitly tied to COR/CO acceptance points.

Define deliverable submission/acceptance workflow (submit → COR review → acceptance → invoice) consistent with solicitation.

Factor structure

Draft is organized into Factor 1/2/3 aligned with evaluation factors.

Price factor mentions deliverable-based pricing but lacks actual pricing tables and any option/extension discussion referenced in solicitation.

Include pricing exhibit(s): deliverable line-items, assumptions, and any extension/option pricing approach if applicable.

Qualifications

Strong general museum conservation positioning and culturally significant collections awareness.

Native American art conservation experience is not explicitly stated as required.

Add specific credentials, training, and representative project summaries demonstrating Native American art conservation experience.

Recent & relevant references for similar scope

Cite recent and relevant experience performing same/similar requirements.

Commits to provide recent/relevant references and describes relevance focus.

Covered

Actual references are not included in provided draft text; ensure final submission includes them.

Contract number

Required for each reference.

States it will provide contract number.

Covered

Ensure non-federal projects have an equivalent identifier if no contract number exists.

Agency/organization name

Required.

States it will provide.

Covered

None.

Period of performance

Required.

States it will provide.

Covered

None.

Contract value

Required.

States it will provide.

Covered

None.

Description and similarity

Required.

States it will provide similarity narrative emphasizing stabilization and documentation.

Covered

None.

Point of contact (name/title/phone/email)

Required.

States it will provide full POC details.

Covered

Obtain advance permission from references to respond to Government inquiries.

CPARS awareness / neutral rating

Government evaluates using CPARS where available; neutral if absent.

Acknowledges CPARS evaluation and neutral possibility.

Covered

None.

R-01

Quote deemed weak under Qualifications due to missing explicit Native American art conservation experience

SOW requires experience in wood sculpture and Native American art conservation; draft is general on cultural property but not explicit

Medium

High

High

Add explicit Native American art conservation experience narrative; include resumes/credentials; include past performance specifically involving Native American art/tribal collections where permissible.

R-02

Administrative nonconformance risk if SF1449 blocks/reps/certs are incomplete

Solicitation warns failure to furnish all info may disqualify

Medium

High

High

Include a submission compliance checklist; confirm authorized signature; ensure 52.212-3 reps/certs complete in SAM or attached as instructed.

R-03

Invoice rejection/delay due to missing required IPP attachments/data elements

Solicitation lists specific invoice attachment elements; draft does not enumerate them

Medium

Medium

Medium

Add an invoicing exhibit that mirrors the 9 required attachment elements and explains how cumulative delivered/paid will be tracked by CLIN/deliverable.

R-04

Access delay due to PIV/site access requirements not anticipated

FAR 52.204-9 included; draft does not acknowledge access credentialing

Low

Medium

Low

Acknowledge PIV/site access compliance; identify personnel in advance; be prepared to provide identity documentation per DOI/MPI procedures.

R-05

Price evaluation issue if solicitation expects option/extension pricing (52.217-8 reference) but quote omits

Solicitation mentions base and option years inclusive of 52.217-8; draft does not address

Medium

Medium

Medium

Clarify whether options apply; if applicable, include extension/option pricing basis and how rates would be handled under 52.217-8.

R-06

SCLS misclassification risk for support labor categories

Draft assumes professional conservator labor; any technician/admin labor could be SCLS-covered

Medium

Medium

Medium

List all labor categories to be used and indicate SCLS applicability determination for each; include wage determination mapping if needed.

R-07

Security compliance risk relating to 52.240-91 security prohibitions/exclusions

Clause included; quote does not acknowledge restrictions; potential use of restricted equipment is unknown

Low

Medium

Low

Add a compliance statement that no prohibited covered equipment/services will be provided or used in performance, and include required representations/certs if requested by solicitation.

Pre-treatment condition report

Required deliverable.

Dedicated deliverable section; baseline photos; areas of concern; incorporates GFI; submitted early enough for review.

Covered

Solicitation does not specify format; propose exact submission format and file organization for evaluability.

Photographic documentation (before/during/after)

Required deliverable.

Dedicated deliverable section; labeling/organization; consistent viewpoints/lighting where feasible.

Covered

Add minimum technical standards (resolution, color management, scale/target inclusion) to strengthen acceptance readiness.

Conservation treatment report incl. materials/methods used

Required deliverable.

Dedicated section with specificity (product names, concentrations/mixtures, methods, treated/untreated areas, limitations).

Covered

Add explicit cross-reference to photo set (image IDs) and location mapping (diagram or annotated images).

Recommendations for long-term maintenance and environmental care

Required deliverable.

Dedicated section; practical museum-ready recommendations; inspection intervals; cleaning guidance; environmental parameters.

Covered

Add recommended environmental ranges only if museum requests/if data supports; otherwise phrase as guidance subject to museum constraints.

Government inspection and acceptance support

Invoices submitted upon successful delivery and Government acceptance of each deliverable; support inspection/acceptance implied by contract admin.

States readiness to support inspection and acceptance; deliverable-based payment schedule aligned to acceptance milestones.

Partially Covered

Add explicit acknowledgment that acceptance is by COR/CO per contract and that deliverables will be submitted for inspection/acceptance prior to invoicing.

Qualifications – Native American art conservation

Add a dedicated 'Qualifications' subsection naming key personnel, credentials (e.g., graduate conservation training, AIC membership if applicable), and explicit experience conserving Native American art/tribal collections; include 2–4 brief mini-case studies (object type, issues, treatments, outcomes).

SOW §7 Contractor Qualifications

Improves technical evaluation confidence and reduces risk of being judged noncomparable.

Hours of performance confirmation

State explicit acceptance of MPI hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM local time, Monday–Friday, except Federal holidays; explain visitor-safety controls during open hours.

RFQ 'HOURS OF PERFORMANCE' section

Removes ambiguity about ability to complete within allowed hours and improves realism of schedule.

IPP invoice compliance checklist

Include an appendix listing the 9 required invoice attachment/data elements and confirm each will be provided for every invoice; note invoicing only after COR/CO acceptance per deliverable schedule.

Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements – IPP (Feb 2021)

Reduces invoice rejection/payment delay risk.

Payment terms / EFT acknowledgment

Add brief acknowledgment of 30-day payment terms after proper invoice/acceptance and that payment will be via EFT using SAM banking info.

INVOICE PAYMENT and EFT language in solicitation notice

Demonstrates understanding; reduces administrative back-and-forth.

Final invoice 60-day requirement

Add explicit commitment to submit FINAL INVOICE + certificate of completion + release of claims within 60 calendar days of acceptance/completion unless CO authorizes otherwise.

FINAL INVOICE section

Reduces closeout risk and shows compliance maturity.

Option/extension pricing clarification

Clarify whether any option years apply; if FAR 52.217-8 extension may be exercised, state willingness and provide pricing/rate basis for extension services (or state how it would be negotiated per contract terms).

Price evaluation language + FAR 52.217-8

Addresses potential evaluation expectation and reduces pricing ambiguity.

Clause-driven compliance acknowledgments

Add a short 'Regulatory/Clause Compliance' section acknowledging key contractor-action clauses: 52.204-9 (PIV), 52.222-50 (trafficking), 52.203-17/19 (whistleblower/confidentiality), 52.240-91 (security prohibitions), and flow-down to subs as applicable.

Applicable Clauses and Provisions list

Reduces compliance risk and strengthens responsibility posture.

SCLS labor category listing

Add a table listing proposed labor categories, brief duties, expected hours (optional), and SCLS-covered? (Y/N/TBD with rationale); align with DOL directory references.

Factor 3 Price + SCLS requirement; Attachment 2 reference

Improves price evaluability and reduces SCLS audit risk.

Solicitation-specific tailoring

Explicitly name the COR (Michele Hill) and on-site contact (Renee Bear Medicine) in the coordination section and restate that formal direction flows through CO/COR.

SOW §9 Point of Contact

Signals careful reading and strengthens Government confidence in coordination readiness.

Technical crosswalk

Add a one-page SOW crosswalk matrix (SOW bullets → proposal section/page) and a deliverables crosswalk (deliverable → contents → acceptance criteria you propose).

SOW §3 and §6; RFQ evaluation of clarity/comprehensiveness

Directly supports Factor 1 scoring for clarity and comprehensiveness.