Consultancy Design Services for The Renovation of The Sumerian Gallery at The Iraq Museum in Baghdad

New clarification added: Question:Interpretation Languages: Will the museum interpretive content be in Arabic and English or will it include additional languages?UNOPS Answer:Creation of didactical material catalogues, provision of trainings to the museum personnel and organization of seminars are not part of the scope of the design under the aforementioned RFPQuestion:Assignment Time Frame: From our previous experience in similar assignments the assigned time for the design works is not realistic, especially for the content development and museography, we kindly ask that you consider expanding the time for at least extra eight to twelve weeks more to the betterment of the quality of works.UNOPS Answer: The Design Firm should ensure they have enough resources to complete the design works within the time frame outlined in the aforementioned RFP.Question:The Surrounding Context: How does the Sumerian Exhibit fit in the larger content of the museum? What are the other sections of the museum and what is the area of the Sumerian exhibit compared to the whole museum. What is its relation to the whole museum experience…?UNOPS Answer: The rehabilitation works is for the Sumerian hall as specified in (Annex I) with an approximate area of 650 sq. meters, which is located inside the museum building. Since the rehabilitation works includes intervention inside the hall such as air conditioning systems, upgrading of the electrical system, CCTV, security system, etc... where such systems are connected with the main components outside the hall, the rehabilitation works shall include the works on such system outside the Sumerian hall which effects the proper functionality of the Sumerian hall.Question:Multimedia Exhibits: Will there be any multimedia or interactive exhibits in this section of the museum?  Can we suggest any?  The scope of developing these interactive may fall outside the timeframe/scope of this RFQ but will be accounted for in electromechanical works and drawings. Is it a requirement or not?UNOPS Answer:Creation of didactical material catalogues, provision of trainings to the museum personnel and organization of seminars are not part of the scope of the design under the aforementioned RFPQuestion:The Schematic Plan: Can the consultant propose alternative layouts to the schematic interpretation plan provided in the RFP with alternate sight lines and circulation?UNOPS Answer:The Design Firm shall provide Evaluation and feedback report on the proposed conceptual layout (attached as Annex I in the aforementioned RFP), and in case the layout in Annex 1 found it doesn’t fit for the purpose or it needs modifications, the Design Firm shall provide alternative solutions, the Design Firm should perform proper evaluation and verify the most suitable alternative and provide their recommendations.Question: Research Data: Is the research data/objects’ list on which the schematic plan was based available? Can you please share them?UNOPS Answer:The Design Firm shall work in close collaboration with the officials from National Museum of Iraq (MOC), State Board of Antiquities and Heritage of Iraq (SBAH), and the University of Torino (UNITO) to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items and finalizing the object list of the museum assets.Question: Estimated Budget:  Please provide us with the estimated budget price for the execution of the project.UNOPS Answer: As outlined in the aforementioned RFP, the Design Firm shall provide an overview for the required estimated budget to achieve the aimed scope of works at the assessment of Existing Condition and Design Brief phase, Initial Cost Estimate with a break down for the cost estimate in Bill of Quantity at the Preliminary Design phase and  Bill of Quantities (BOQ) with cost estimate at the Detailed Design phase

New clarification added: Question: From our previous experience in similar assignments the assigned time for the design works is not realistic, especially for content development and museography, we kindly ask that you consider expanding the time for at least extra eight to twelve weeks more to the benefit of the quality of works.UNOPS Answer:The Design Firm should ensure they have enough resources to complete the design works within the time frame outlined in the aforementioned RFP.Question: How does the Sumerian Exhibit fit in the larger content of the museum? What are the other sections of the museum and what is the area of the Sumerian exhibit compared to the whole museum.Will there be any multimedia or interactive exhibits in this section of the museum?  Can we suggest any?  The scope of developing these interactive may fall outside the timeframe/scope of this RFQ but will be accounted for in electromechanical works and drawings.UNOPS Answer:The rehabilitation work is for the Sumerian hall as specified in (Annex I) with an approximate area of 650 sq. meters, which is located inside the museum building. Since the rehabilitation works include intervention inside the hall such as air conditioning systems, upgrading of the electrical system, CCTV, security system, etc... where such systems are connected with the main components outside the hall, the rehabilitation works shall include the works on such systems outside the Sumerian hall which effects the proper functionality of the Sumerian hall.Question:Can the consultant propose alternative layouts to the schematic interpretation plan provided in the RFP with alternate sight lines and circulation?  UNOPS Answer:The Design Firm shall provide Evaluation and feedback report on the proposed conceptual layout (attached as Annex I in the aforementioned RFP), and in case the layout in Annex 1 found it doesn’t fit for the purpose or it needs modifications, the Design Firm shall provide alternative solutions, the Design Firm should perform proper evaluation and verify the most suitable alternative and provide their recommendations. Question:Can you please share photos of existing space showing current status, space, lighting, current exhibits …etc.?UNOPS Answer:The available photos were shared in Annex II in the aforementioned RFPQuestion:Objects Documentation: An object list of the museum assets is missing from the RFP.  Is there one available?  Are the objects documented already (photos, archaeological data, dimensions …etc)?  Are they grouped in terms of which objects will go in which showcases?  If so, can you please share this documentation.  If such documentation is not done or complete, is it the responsibility of the Consultant to do it? Will an archaeological expert be provided from the Department of Antiquities to provide technical assistance? This will affect the scope of work of the Consultant.UNOPS Answer:The Design Firm shall work in close collaboration with the officials from National Museum of Iraq (MOC), State Board of Antiquities and Heritage of Iraq (SBAH), and the University of Torino (UNITO) to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items and finalizing the object list of the museum assets.Question:Archaeological Research: Under the umbrella of museographic work, the work will comprise the graphic design of the interpretive panels and information panels/tags for the objects. The designs will depend on text descriptions based on archaeological research/data, as well as images and illustrations. Is this content available and will it be provided by the client, or is it part of the Consultant’s scope of work?  Under the same point, the amount of work needed to conduct research and provide interpretation (didactic) content is time consuming, is the client expecting all works to be completed in the timeframe allocated in the RFP or will there be additional time allocated for research and content development?UNOPS Answer:Creation of didactical material catalogues, provision of trainings to the museum personnel and organization of seminars are not part of the scope of the design under the aforementioned RFPQuestion:Branding: Will the Sumerian Exhibit have its own graphic brand identity or will it follow the brand identity of the museum?  If the case is to follow the museum's graphic/brand identity can you please share it with us. If a new graphic design branding identity is needed please confirm.UNOPS Answer:It will follow the brand identity of the museum. The Design Firm shall provide their recommendations and collaborate with the National Museum of Iraq officials and the University of Torino experts to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items during the implementation of the design phases.Question:Interpretation Content Development: Developing content may require additional resources such as historians, archaeological experts, copywriters, translators and graphic designers.  Are these resources to be accounted for under the umbrella of the museographic design or can additional hired third parties be quoted separately for bidding and budgeting purposes. Or will they be provided by the client to support the Consultant’s team?UNOPS Answer:The Design Firm should ensure they have enough resources to perform the tasks as outlined in the RFP. The Design Firm should collaborate with the National Museum of Iraq officials and the University of Torino experts to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items during the implementation of the design phases. 

New clarification added: Question:An object list of the museum assets is missing from the RFP.  Is there one available?  Are the objects documented already (photos, archaeological data, dimensions …etc)?  Are they grouped in terms of which objects will go in which showcases?  If so, can you please share this documentation.  If such documentation is not done or complete, s it the responsibility of the consultant to do it? Will an archaeological expert be provided from the Department of Antiquities to provide technical assistance? This will affect the scope of work of the consultant.UNOPS Answer:The Design Firm shall work in close collaboration with the officials from National Museum of Iraq (MOC), State Board of Antiquities and Heritage of Iraq (SBAH), and the University of Torino (UNITO) to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items and finalizing the object list of the museum assets.Question:Under the umbrella of museographic work, the work will comprise of graphic design of interpretive panels and information panels/tags for the objects.  The designs will depend on text descriptions based on archaeological research/data, as well as images and illustrations.  Is this content available and will be provided by the client, or is it part of the consultant’s scope of work?  Under the same point, the amount of work needed to conduct research and provide interpretation (didactic) content is time consuming, is the client expecting all works to be completed in the timeframe provided allocated in the RFP or will there be additional time allocated for research and content development?UNOPS Answer:Creation of didactical material catalogues, provision of trainings to the museum personnel and organization of seminars are not part of the scope of the design under the aforementioned RFPQuestion:Developing content may require additional resources such as historians, archaeological experts, copywriters, translators and graphic designers.  Are these resources to be accounted for under the umbrella of the museographic design or can additional hired third parties be quoted separately for bidding and budgeting purposes. Or will they be provided by the client?UNOPS Answer:The Design Firm should ensure they have enough resources to perform the tasks as outlined in the RFP. The Design Firm should collaborate with the National Museum of Iraq officials and the University of Torino experts to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items during the implementation of the design phases.Question:Will the Sumerian Exhibit have its own graphic brand identity or will it follow the brand identity of the museum?  If it is to follow the museum's graphic/brand identity can you please share. If a new graphic design branding identity is needed please confirm.UNOPS Answer:It will follow the brand identity of the museum. The Design Firm shall provide their recommendations and collaborate with the National Museum of Iraq officials and the University of Torino experts to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items during the implementation of the design phases.Question: Will the museum interpretive content be in Arabic and English or will it include additional languages?UNOPS Answer:Creation of didactical material catalogues, provision of trainings to the museum personnel and organization of seminars are not part of the scope of the design under the aforementioned RFP 

New clarification added: Question:During the site visit and as per the museum manager stated that the scope of work is restricted to the inside of the SUMARIAN hall and any integration of services outside the hall is within the responsibility of the Museum please confirmUNOPS Answer: The rehabilitation works is for the Sumerian hall as specified in (Annex I) with an approximate area of 650 sq. meters, which is located inside the museum building. Since the rehabilitation works includes intervention inside the hall such as air conditioning systems, upgrading of the electrical system, CCTV, security system, etc... where such systems are connected with the main components outside the hall, the rehabilitation works shall include the works on such system outside the Sumerian hall which effects the proper functionality of the Sumerian hall.Question:      Please advice for the total area and dimensions of the HallUNOPS Answer:The approximate total area of the Sumerian hall is 650 sq. meters (52 m X 12.5 m)

New clarification added: Question:What is the required evidence to prove that 20% women are working among the staff?UNOPS Answer:The Design firm should submit the CVs of the their Design team to include minimum 20% women"With reference to the above quotation, please clarify if 20% of this project staff should be women, or you mean 20% of the firm staff?And please consider the following quotation from a previous question that says among the firm staff:"Question:What is the required evidence to prove that 20% women are working among the staff?UNOPS Answer:Bidder would submit his Organizational Chart showing a minimum portion of women employee of at least 20%ORBidders can submit a letter of confirmation of having 20% women working among their staff"UNOPS Answer:The Design firm should submit the CVs of the their Design team to include minimum 20% women".  Please consider this answer

New amendment added #2: Dear Bidder,    Please note that Amendment  2 consists of one clause as mentioned below. This document is considered an integral part of this RFP.Clause 1: The minutes of the site visit, which was held on 10-Feb-2021 is attached under the documents tab, and the name of the file is Clarifications Raised During The Inspection Visit.  All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

New clarification added: Question:Kindly ignore the clarification requests those sent at  2021-02-10UNOPS Answer:Please advise which to ignore as we have received many questions.

New clarification added: Question: Is there any surrounding area will be included in the works other than what was specified in (Annex I)?UNOPS AnswerThe rehabilitation work is for the Sumerian hall as specified in (Annex I), which is located inside the museum building. Since the rehabilitation works include intervention inside the hall such as air conditioning systems, upgrading of the electrical system, CCTV, security system, etc... where such systems are connected with the main components outside the hall, the rehabilitation works shall include the works on such systems outside the Sumerian hall which affects the proper functionality of the Sumerian hall. Question:As for the Interpretation Panels and Interpretation Material, please clarify if the interpretation materials (raw materials and copywriting) would be carried out by the consultant and also regarding the graphic design of the same?UNOPS AnswerSpecifications must not include conditions limiting competition, e.g. branding unless required for standardization purposes or specified in the aforementioned RFP, nor be unnecessarily restrictive, as this may discourage competition;The final design report, drawings and all related tender documents will be a property of UNOPS, and will be handed to the contractor for use.

New clarification added: Question:Is it acceptable to have an Iraqi sub-consultant company instead of a joint venture, or it is mandatory for the collaboration to be as a joint venture?UNOPS Answer:It is not mandatory for the collaboration to be as a joint venture. The Design Firm can have an Iraqi sub-consultant office provided that the Iraqi sub-consultant licensed in the Engineering Association of Iraq and design team in Iraq are available and capable to collect the required data from the site that needed for the design.Question:What is the required evidence to prove that 20% women are working among the staff?UNOPS Answer:The Design firm should submit the CVs of the their Design team to include minimum 20% womenQuestion:Is it mandatory for the Iraqi firm to have 10 years of operating since establishment, or it is acceptable if the lead design firm exceeded 10 years of operating, regardless of the Iraqi firm?UNOPS Answer:It is acceptable if the lead design firm exceeds 10 years of operating, regardless of the Iraqi firm.Question:Regarding the qualification and experience section in RFP sheets no. 36 & 37, please clarify if the Iraqi design firm (in case that joint venture is mandatory) shall conform with items (D to G).UNOPS Answer:It is not mandatory to have a joint venture with Iraqi design firm if the Design Firm has an established and functioning office in Iraq or a functioning branch design office in Iraq or sub-consultant office in Iraq.In case the lead design firm wishes to enter into a joint venture with Iraqi design firm, either the lead design firm or the Iraqi design firm or combination of both firms shall meet the qualification requirements mentioned in the RFP. Please note it is mandatory for both firms  are licensed in the Engineering Association of the country of originQuestion:(In case that joint venture is mandatory) could you please provide us with your Joint Venture Agreement Form.UNOPS Answer:Joint Venture is not mandatory. As mentioned in the aforementioned RFP, the Design Firm should have an established and functioning office in Iraq or a functioning branch design office in Iraq or have a joint venture with Iraqi design firm.Question:Regarding drawings approvals, stamping and permits fees, which party will carry those fees (Noting that usually these fees are the responsibility if the beneficiary)?UNOPS Answer:It is the responsibility of the Design Firm to cover the fees for the  drawings approvals, stamping and permitsQuestion:With reference to RFP sheet no 32 items (d), "Supporting during execution", please specify the project construction duration, and specify the required team for the 6 visits during construction, and is it required to have on-site supervision team?UNOPS Answer:UNOPS team will perform the site supervision during the rehabilitation works. However, the Design Firm shall provide technical support during the tendering and the execution of the rehabilitation works such as answering technical inquiries and performing, required design change that would occur because of unforeseen issues, etc... It is envisaged the duration of the rehabilitation works is 4 months.It is anticipated that 6 visits to be undertaken by the Design Firm during the tendering and the execution of the rehabilitation works. The tasks of each visit to be performed by the Design Firm can be one or more of the followings noting that the Design Firm’s price for each of the 6 visits shall be inclusive of performing one or more of the tasks.-       Monitoring visits throughout the execution phase to check the conformity of the implemented works with the design and the specifications developed by the design firm.-       Submission of the required documents (design, design revision, answering technical inquiries, etc..)-       Reply to technical queries issued from UNOPS, related to any required verification or clarifications during the tendering and execution stages-       Undertaking any design change, which would be required due to unforeseen issues that arise on site during construction, including complete related details and cost estimate.-       Answering bidders’ technical inquiries during the construction-tendering period.-       Attend Project meetings with stakeholders upon UNOPS requests.Question:As for the support during construction, please specify how the contract will be modified in case the construction duration was more than anticipated?UNOPS Answer:In case the construction duration was more than anticipated, UNOPS may amend the contract or terminate it by its end date.Question:As for Key expert No. 2 “Senior Museographer, minimum 15 years’ experience & MSc degree.” Could you please specify the recommended education major of this key expert?UNOPS Answer:- Architect with a MSc in Museology or Cultural Heritage Conservation with a proven experience in Designing Museums and/or Cultural Heritage Exhibitions.or- Archaeologist with a MSc in Museology or Museum Management with a proven experience in Museum Management and Curation. Question: As for Key expert No. 2 “Senior Museographer, minimum 15 years’ experience & MSc degree.” Could this key expert be an Architect with special experience in Museums & Archology?UNOPS Answer:The Senior Museographer should have:- Architect with a MSc in Museology or Cultural Heritage Conservation with a proven experience in Designing Museums and/or Cultural Heritage Exhibitions.Or- Archaeologist with a MSc in Museology or Museum Management with a proven experience in Museum Management and Curation. Question:As for the structural integrity of the facility, could you please clarify if there is any needed structural tests, or is it enough to make a visual inspection and provide recommendations upon it?UNOPS Answer:A visual inspection shall be performed as part of the assessment; structural tests shall be required only in the case where there were major structural pathologies noticed through the visual inspection. No additional cost will be paid by UNOPS to the Design Firms for the structural test determined to be requiredQuestion:  As for the provided Conceptual Design Proposal (Annex I), Could you please clarify the total Area that it is going to be renovated?UNOPS Answer:The approximate total area of the Sumerian hall that needs rehabilitation is 650 square meters.

New clarification added: Question:More details for special requirements of certain displays items regarding ambient condition effect historical artifactsUNOPS Answer:In accordance to the aforementioned RFP requirements, under the section “Assessment of Existing Condition and Design Brief phase”, the Design firm shall perform the assessment of the existing situation in terms of functionality, operation and museology. The information gathered in the assessment phase and recommendations shall be taken into consideration during the subsequent design phases.The Design Firm shall collaborate with the National Museum of Iraq officials and the University of Torino experts to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items.Question:More information and documents, regarding the structure condition of the building,  for it may need further test and investigation for building integrity.UNOPS Answer:In accordance to the aforementioned RFP requirements, under the section “Assessment of Existing Condition and Design Brief phase”, a complete engineering survey for the existing building shall be undertaken by the Design firm covering Structural, Architectural, Electro-Mechanical disciplines.  The assessment should be complete with photos and required drawings and to provide recommendations for the required works to be performed including the structural integrity of the facility, and in case of alternative solutions should perform proper evaluation and verify the most suitable alternative.A visual inspection shall be performed as part of the assessment; structural tests shall be required only in the case where there were major structural pathologies noticed through the visual inspection. No additional cost will be paid by UNOPS to the Design Firms for the structural test determined to be required.  The information gathered in the assessment phase and recommendations shall be taken into consideration during the subsequent design phases.

New clarification added: Question:As for the structural integrity of the facility, could you please clarify if there are any needed structural tests, or is it enough to make a visual inspection and provide recommendations upon it?UNOPS Answer:"A visual inspection shall be performed as part of the assessment; structural tests shall be required only in the case where there were major structural pathologies noticed through the visual inspection".  "No additional cost will be paid by UNOPS to the Design Firms for the structural test  if determined to be required"

New clarification added: Question:What is the required evidence to prove that 20% women are working among the staff?UNOPS Answer:Bidder would submit his Organizational Chart showing a minimum portion of women employee of at least 20%ORBidders can submit a letter of confirmation of having 20% women working among their staff 

New clarification added: Question:1- Mandatory site inspection and mandatory clarification meeting, RFP instructions, section number 1 article 4 bidder eligibility, item number 3 page 2, it is important to make the proposal close to the reality.2- More details for special requirement of certain displays items regarding ambient condition effect historical artifacts3-More information and documents, regarding the structure condition of the building,  for it may need further test and investigation for building integrity.UNOPS Answer:This RFP is amended as below:1. An optional site visit will be conducted on Wednesday, 10 Feb. 2021 at 9:00 AM Baghdad time. The gathering point will be in front of the main entrance of the Museum. Bidders who are interested in attending the site inspection shall coordinate with UNOPS Engineer Ahmed Al Baidhani , e-mail   ahmedh@unops.org2. The deadline for receiving the clarifications from the bidders extended to 11 Feb. 2021 and the deadline for submitting the bids extended to 14 Feb. 2021.

New clarification added: Question:Is it mandatory for the Iraqi firm to have 10 years of operating since establishment, or is it acceptable if the lead design firm exceeded 10 years of operating, regardless of the Iraqi firm?UNOPS Answer:It is acceptable if the lead design firm exceeds 10 years of operating, regardless of the Iraqi firm.Question:Regarding the qualification and experience section in RFP sheets no. 36 & 37, please clarify if the Iraqi design firm (in case that joint venture is mandatory) shall conform with items (D to G).UNOPS Answer:It is not mandatory to have a joint venture with Iraqi design firm if the Design Firm has an established and functioning office in Iraq or a functioning branch design office in Iraq or sub-consultant office in Iraq.In case the lead design firm wishes to enter into a joint venture with Iraqi design firm, either the lead design firm or the Iraqi design firm or combination of both firms shall meet the qualification requirements mentioned in the RFP. Please note it is mandatory for both firms  are licensed in the Engineering Association of the country of originQuestion:Regarding drawings approvals, stamping and permits fees, which party will carry those fees (Noting that usually these fees are the responsibility of the beneficiary)?UNOPS Answer:It is the responsibility of the Design Firm to cover the fees for the  drawings approvals, stamping and permitsQuestion:As for Key expert No. 2 “Senior Museographer, minimum 15 years’ experience & MSc degree.” Could you please specify the recommended education major of this key expert?UNOPS Answer:Architect with a MSc in Museology or Cultural Heritage Conservation with a proven experience in Designing Museums and/or Cultural Heritage Exhibitions.ORArchaeologist with a MSc in Museology or Museum Management with a proven experience in Museum Management and Curation. Question:More details for special requirements of certain displays items regarding ambient condition effect historical artifactsUNOPS Answer:In accordance to the aforementioned RFP requirements, under the section “Assessment of Existing Condition and Design Brief phase”, the Design firm shall perform the assessment of the existing situation in terms of functionality, operation and museology. The information gathered in the assessment phase and recommendations shall be taken into consideration during the subsequent design phases.The design firm shall collaborate with the National Museum of Iraq officials and the University of Torino experts to identify any particular requirement concerning any of the exhibited items.Question:As for the structural integrity of the facility, could you please clarify if there are any needed structural tests, or is it enough to make a visual inspection and provide recommendations upon it?UNOPS Answer:"A visual inspection shall be performed as part of the assessment; structural tests shall be required only in the case where there were major structural pathologies noticed through the visual inspection"

New amendment added #1: Dear Bidder,    Please note that Amendment 1 consists of two clauses as mentioned below. This document is considered an integral part of this RFP.Clause 1: The deadline for receiving the clarifications from bidders is extended to 11 Feb. 2021 instead of 7 Feb.2021.The closing date for RFP is extended up to 14-Feb-2021  instead of 11-Feb-2021.Clause 2: UNOPS will conduct an optional site inspection on Wednesday, 10 Feb. 2021 at 9:00 AM Baghdad time. The gathering point will be in front of the main entrance of the Museum. Bidders who are interested in attending the site inspection shall coordinate with UNOPS Engineer Ahmed Al Baidhani , e-mail   ahmedh@unops.orgAll other terms and conditions remain unchanged. 

New clarification added: Question:We woudl like to send out team to Ira Muesum for a site visit. Due to COVID !9 we are having traoubele to do so. We kindly request the due date of proposal to be postpoende to Feb 26th, 2021UNOPS Answer:The deadline for submitting the offers is 11 Feb. 2021 10:00 UTC as outlined in the tender.

New clarification added: Question:Procurement and installation of some items are mentioned in the RFP such as security system and burglar- resistant doors, show cabinets and illumination system. This is a design and consultancy tender. Please confirm procurement and installation works are not part of the design and consultancy firm.UNOPS Answer:The design consultancy firm shall not perform the procurement and installation of the mentioned items and others outlined in the RFP, but the design consultancy firm shall perform the assessment; prepare drawings, specifications, BoQs, etc... for such items as part of the design packages in accordance to the RFP requirements. The prepared documentations by the design consultancy firm will be included in the future tender that will be launched by UNOPS for the rehabilitation works.