--Notice of Intent to Award to a Sole Source

The Department of Energy has a requirement for a large-scale custom designed exhibit display and services as outlined below. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES: The purchase agreement includes both provision of supplies (the exhibit display) and rendering of services. Supplies:The exhibit display will be designed to fulfill a number of specific criterion and requirements stated by the DOE Office of Science. The exhibit shall: 1.Have a 20' X 30' footprint, resizable to smaller footprints down to 10' X 10'. 2.Be reconfigurable from trade show to trade show. 3.Be visually-appealing and welcoming from any angle of approach. 4.Be constructed with materials and finishes that present a polished, eye-popping "look and feel." 5.Feature a center "island" composed of a curved tall column (~12-15' high) and a curved counter-height table that will serve as the primary location for staff to greet visitors with the following specifications: a.The tall column is intended to be plainly visible from across the trade show hall and provide a substantial vertical presence to the booth. The inside and outside of the tall column will prominently feature the DOE/Office of Science logo, which will provide the primary branding of the booth. The design of the column should not preclude the possibility of projecting video or images on to the backside of the column, either from an external projector or one mounted inside the column. b.Ideally the counter will be able to comfortably station 3 or 4 staff. The counter form should be an arc, with integrated lockable cabinets for storage. 6.Feature an 8' tall U-shaped wall with a centered arch walkthroug that provides a.large-format visual display space; b.the option of reconfiguring into an L-shaped or flat wall; c.space for vertically-mounted literature racks; and d.the option of "art gallery" lighting for framed photographic prints. 7.Feature at least two four-sided tall lockable storage cabinets cable of providing additional large-format display space. 8.Feature at least two four-sided table-height display tables with integrated lockable storage cabinets. 9.Feature at least two computer kiosk stations. 10.Leave open the option of incorporating substantial audio-visual displays. 11.Leave open the option of incorporating additional custom-fabricated static displays, tables, kiosks, etc. 12.Include stool-height seating for up to four staff. 13.Include custom cases and/or crates for safe transport of the exhibit parts and materials. ServicesThe contractor will: 1.Work closely with the client (DOE Office of Science) on the design of the exhibit through consultative conversations and provision of renderings to ensure satisfaction of the design criterion and requirements. 2.Demonstrate exacting attention to detail in the design and implementation of the exhibit. 3.Allow multiple on-site client visits to the production premises to provide an opportunity for the client to: a.select materials and finishes; b.preview significant design features before they are executed; c.preview a staging of the final completed exhibit before transport to trade shows; d.become familiar with the exhibit unpacking, assembly, disassembly, and repacking; and e.inspect and review the exhibit after completion of trade shows. 4.Provide storage of the exhibit at a fixed monthly rate. 5.Provide printing services for integration of large-format custom display content provided by the client. 6.Provide renderings of the exhibit. 7.Provide advice as to how best leverage the client's investment in a new exhibit display at other major trade shows and venues. The client (DOE Office of Science) has never possessed or utilized a professionally-produced trade show exhibit and therefore desires the continued advice and support of a contractor with the experience and judgment to constructively critique the client's trade show plans. The contractor must be able to provide insight into how best to achieve the client's goals. 8.Provide convenient means for the exhibit to be utilized at events throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area.