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Home My WebLink AboutAddendum 1 - RFP - 10067 Signage Manual for Natural Areas ADDENDUM NO. 1 SPECIFICATIONS AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Description of RFP 10067: Signage for Natural Areas OPENING DATE: 3:00 PM MT (RMEPS Clock) October 18, 2024 To all prospective bidders under the specifications and contract documents described above, the following changes/additions are hereby made and detailed in the following sections of this addendum: Exhibit 1 – Questions & Answers Please contact Beth Diven, Buyer II, at bdiven@fcgov.com with any questions regarding this addendum. RECEIPT OF THIS ADDENDUM MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY A WRITTEN STATEMENT ENCLOSED WITH THE BID/QUOTE STATING THAT THIS ADDENDUM HAS BEEN RECEIVED. Addendum 1 Page 1 of 24 EXHIBIT 1 – QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 1. Can you provide any of the “Draft Signage Manual” content that has already been developed including the sign types identified in the inventory? Yes, please see Exhibit 2. Please note that this is a preliminary draft and is does not have the polished verbiage and format that would be expected from the final product.. 2. Will the City provide the Spanish translation services? The City has the capacity to provide the Spanish translation services. However, we would be interested in knowing if the Service Provider has that capacity as well and what leveraging that expertise would look like. 3. Is the “Anticipated Schedule” flexible? Considering the holidays we will hit during that timeframe, we feel 6-7 months is a bit aggressive. Yes, this schedule can be flexible. The City would like to maintain good forward momentum on this project and, it needs to be completed by the end of 2025 at the latest. 4. For the submittal of the “Work Sample”, can that be a link to a pdf document? We would prefer for the Work Sample to be provided as a PDF document rather than via a link. 5. Has the inventory of all existing interior and exterior signage at the various venues been recently updated, or should we anticipate performing a new inventory as part of our work? The sign inventory was completed in the last month, so the awarded Service Provider will not need to conduct one. The inventory documented over 1,700 signs. Please note that this project does not apply to interior signage; we are only focusing on the outdoor signage in the 52 natural areas. 6. Should compliance signage be included in the initial recommendations, or should it be treated as a separate category for future phases? Compliance or regulatory signage (these communicate the rules to visitors) is a key priority; thus regulatory/compliance signage should be included in the initial recommendations. 7. Are there any specific design standards we should follow beyond ADA compliance, such as local regulations or venue-specific guidelines? Yes, CPIO will provide the awarded Service Provider with design samples or mock-ups to inform design direction. Also signage should be informed by: • NAD brand guide • Existing signage in natural areas • Standard icons • Bilingual Addendum 1 Page 2 of 24 8. How will the recommendations be evaluated? Will there be a review committee, and if so, who will be part of it (e.g., venue managers, branding experts)? The Review Team includes CPIO graphic designers, and Natural Areas staff representing Leadership, Rangers, Built Infrastructure, Public Engagement, GIS, Planning, and Equity and Inclusion. The core team is five people from Natural Areas and a CPIO designer. A total of approximately 15 people will provide input. We envision first the core team approving the designs then input from the leadership team following. The core team will be more hands-on in iterating through designs, while the leadership team will provide a more strategic perspective. We’d like for the near-final designs to be shared (by staff) for feedback at a Natural Areas All Staff meeting and with Natural Areas volunteers at a Coffee Talk. 9. How involved will stakeholders from each venue (e.g., managers, patrons, staff) be in reviewing the signage recommendations? Each venue (natural area site) doesn’t have its own staff. Patrons (natural area visitors) have been consulted already, and the information gathered also includes recommendations from historically underrepresented communities (this data will be provided to awarded Service Provider). We remain open to the possibility of additional community outreach that NAD would lead and provide the feedback to the awarded Service Provider. See answer to Question 8 for the review team description. 10. Is there a need for any community outreach? No. Community outreach has already been completed, and the feedback we’ve heard will be provided to the awarded Service Provider. We remain open to the possibility of additional community outreach that NAD would lead and provide the feedback to the awarded Service Provider. 11. With regards to the Deliverables/Milestones, would the City clearly denote the responsibility the Service Provider has for sign design and messaging in addition to developing the signage manual? Since the sign manual contains a complete message library, all the sign design and messaging will be the Service Provider’s responsibility, working in tandem with staff. Interpretive sign content will be developed in-house (using a standard design that the Service Provider creates). 12. Does the City/CPIO intend to have the 30% design for each sign design type ready and available for the 50% draft of the manual? CPIO would like to discuss this during the Discovery Phase, and then finalize design guidance and concepts that incorporate initial discussions with the awarded Service Provider. 13. The RFP noted that a draft sign manual outline has been developed. Would the City confirm if the 30% draft manual is referencing the "draft sign manual outline" or the 30% design for each sign type? The draft sign manual is attached as Exhibit 2. This is less developed than the 30% design of the sign manual which will include draft graphic design standards Addendum 1 Page 3 of 24 for each type of signage. 14. What is the City's preferred design application/software? Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign is preferred for most things. 15. Would the City clarify who is responsible for handling the translation of sign messages and design to Spanish? The City has the capacity to provide the Spanish translation services. However, we would be interested in knowing if the Service Provider has that capacity as well and what leveraging that expertise would look like. 16. Would the City accept project references from 2018 since many projects were stopped, delayed, or negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes. 17. How many of the project references can be provided by subcontractors / subconsultants? None. While we would ideally like project references for assignments where you used the subcontractors/subconsultants proposed for this assignment, the references are to be for your firm. 18. Is the contract end date (listed as June 1, 2025 on page 8 of the RFP) flexible? See answer to Question 3. 19. On page 5 of the RFP, under the draft sign manual description, can you provide additional clarification regarding the meaning of the term, “example signs?” ? Is the request for existing in-situ examples based on type, or the 11 signs service provider will be making standards for? The manual will show 11 standard sign designs that are newly created through this process (one design standard for each type: advisory, four-sided post, informational, interpretive, mini-kiosk, property boundary, regulatory, site/entrance, temporary, and wayfinding), and in the Message Library Chapter there will be a complete set of all messages and designs. For example, all the different advisory sign messages and designs will be shown. Interpretive sign content will be developed in-house (using a standard design that the Service Provider provides). 20. On page 5 of the RFP, can you provide additional information regarding your expectations for the "Consistent Design Standards" maps segment? Is it an example map with specific callouts or is it a template? CPIO and GIS will provide map samples that have been adopted as standard. This standard will need to be explained and illustrated in the sign manual. 21. Will an existing signage inventory be provided, or is it the responsibility of the service provider to create a sign inventory during the discovery phase? The City has an existing signage inventory that will be provided to the awarded Service Provider. It is in GIS/Survey123 and the entire data set or specific exports/queries will be provided to the vendor. Addendum 1 Page 4 of 24 22. On page 12 of the RFP, under the heading “Cost and Work Hours,” can you clarify the definition of a “task?” Should “tasks” be understood as the individual bullet points listed under the “Scope of Work” and/or Deliverables/Milestones headings? Yes. The intention of this section is for Service Providers to provide detailed estimates of the time and corresponding costs for each phase of the assignment. We recognize that, based on each Service Provider’s expertise, that the tasks may be somewhat consolidated or expanded from the outline in the Scope of Work and Deliverables/Milestones. 23. On page 8 of the RFP, under item E – Budget, reference is made to a maximum budget of $60,000. Should that be understood to be the actual project budget, or is the $60,000 reference a contracting ceiling indirectly related to the actual project budget? The $60,000 budget is the actual project budget. Addendum 1 Page 5 of 24 Sign Manual | Content Dra Introducon Signs are often overlooked as simple markers, but their significance goes far beyond just pointing the way. They're the silent guardians of our Natural Areas, quietly ensuring safety, providing vital information, and guiding visitors through the wonders of nature. Signs are valuable for the following reasons: A.Safety: Proper signage ensures visitors are aware of potential hazards, regulations, and safety guidelines within Natural Areas, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. B.Visitor Experience: Clear and informative signage enhances the overall experience for visitors by providing valuable information about the area, its features, and points of interest. C.Ecological Stewardship: Signs help visitors follow practices that support stewardship and protect natural resources. D.Regulatory Compliance: Signage plays a crucial role in communicating regulations and guidelines for visitor behavior, ensuring compliance with laws and city code aimed at protecting the natural environment and visitors. E.Education and Interpretation: Interpretive signs provide opportunities for environmental education, helping visitors learn about the ecology, history, and significance of the natural area they are exploring. F.Navigation: Wayfinding signs assist visitors in navigating through the natural areas, reducing the likelihood of getting lost and improving overall accessibility. The Natural Areas Department Values Signs Because: Signs support the mission of Natural Areas to conserve lands with natural areas values and provide meaningful education and appropriate recreation. Signs are an important component of a high-quality visitor experience. Sign help a diverse public understand and behave in accordance with City Municipal Code that regulates the uses and activities within natural areas. Signs inform a diverse public of safety concerns in natural areas and how to protect themselves (such as vehicle break-ins, water safety, ice safety, etc). EXHIBIT 2 Addendum 1 Page 6 of 24 How to use this manual Sign Philosophy Guiding Signage Philosophy | Natural Areas will:  Use effective messages that change behavior by implementing social science best practices.  Share messaging in a consistent, clear format informed by plain language principles and graphic design standards.  Share messages in a welcoming format informed by equity best practices.  Install the minimum of regulatory signs in natural areas. This prevents sign clutter, minimizes environmental impact, and allows important messages to stand out.  Install signs in a thoughtfully designed and consistent sequence that provides the right message at the right time for the visitor.  Collaborate with citywide or other partner efforts on signage.  Create and follow the processes outlined in this signage manual. Signage Best Prac ces Research indicates that developing messaging and signage grounded in social psychological and communications theory improves the potential to influence visitor attitudes and behavior. Below is a list of considerations for developing messaging and signage. The right words matter  Most people read the title of a written message before they read anything else, and many people only read the title.  The message theme should be incorporated into the title  Specifically use words “responsible recreation,” “protect,” “healthy,” “safe and clean,” “loss” or what may be “lost”, “future generations,” “coexist,” “balance,” “we,” and “our.”  Phrases to reconsider: o “Scientific management” and “science-based”- instead focus on outcomes and benefits to the department and community o “Non-game and game species”- most people do not know the difference Addendum 1 Page 7 of 24 o The vast majority of Americans believe that, in order to thrive, fish and wildlife need to be managed. Note, however, that they are more likely to say that fish and wildlife need “some management” rather than “active management.” (Duda, 2022) Attract attention and hold it  Moscardo et al. (2007) recommends that visitors pay attention to messages that are surprising, unexpected, or extreme. These messages may contain bright colors, graphics and illustrations, or provocative titles that make the message more personally relevant to the visitor.  Novelty o Human attention systems evolved to notice unusual or emotional things, contrast, certain colors, or movement (Sylwester & Cho, 1992/3).  Over time, NAD signs and messaging may become routine losing in competition to a visit’s comparatively novel natural and social conditions. o Most (84%) of Natural Areas visitors are repeat visitors (24 visits annually avg), so novelty is especially important (Natural Areas Visitor Information Database, 2024). o Designs that are novel are thought to interrupt “scripted” or automatic behaviors (e.g., wandering along the riverbank) and arouse focused attention to a management intervention (e.g., a closed, restoration area along the riverbank) (Werner et al., 1998).  Schoenleber, D'Antonio, & Hall (2022) found that narratives on signs were more effective than normative messaging (e.g., “don’t walk on dry sand”) in holding attention and minimizing depreciative behaviors on shorebirds.  In a Jefferson County study, runners mentioned that photos were uncommon on trailside signs, and this novelty made runners want to read the signs (Corona Insights, 2022). Use norms, but use them carefully  Cialdini, Demaine, Sagarin, Barrett, Rhoads, & Winter (2006) offer that there are two distinct types of norms: injunctive and descriptive. o Injunctive norms refer to one’s beliefs about how others believe you should behave. This has been described as the “ought” norm. o Descriptive norms are observational and are based on what others are doing or evidence of what others have done. This has been described as the norm of “is”.  Public service communicators should avoid the tendency to send the normatively muddled message that a targeted activity is socially disapproved but widespread (e.g., a lot of people litter here).  Norm based persuasive communications are likely to have their best effects when communicators align descriptive and injunctive normative messages to work in tandem rather than in competition with one another. Such a line of attack unites the power of two independent sources of normative motivation (Cialdini, 2003). o Example: Help do your part to keep this area free of litter. o Example: “The vast majority of past visitors have stayed on the established paths and trails, helping to preserve the natural state of the Sequoias and vegetation in this park (Winter, 2006) Addendum 1 Page 8 of 24  Focusing on descriptive normative information (what others do/problem behavior) was most likely to increase a problem behavior, whereas focusing on injunctive normative information (what should be done) was most likely to suppress it (Cialdini et al, 2006). Use negatively worded messages  Normative messages (see above) have often been segmented into both positive (prescriptive) and negative (proscriptive) messaging types. The effectiveness of each type has been thoroughly explored in natural resource settings.  Winter, 2006 summarized findings from an experiment testing both positive and negative normative messages and presents evidence for negatively worded messages as the most effective route in gaining desired behavior.  Cialdini et al.,2006. compared four types of normative messages and the impact on theft of petrified wood. The injunctive-proscriptive message, describing that negative behavior is discouraged, was most effective in preventing theft. o Example: “Please don’t go off the established paths and trails, in order to protect the Sequoias and natural vegetation in this park” not “Please stay on the established paths and trails, in order to protect the Sequoias and natural vegetation in this park.”  Bad feedback has more impact than good feedback, and bad information is processed more thoroughly than good. The self is more motivated to avoid bad self-definitions than to pursue good ones (Baumeister, Bratslavsky, Finkenauer, & Vohs, 2001.)  Jefferson County Open Space Department data suggests that messages reinforcing the negative result of a mountain biker colliding with a hiker could be more persuasive than messages stressing the likelihood of colliding with a hiker if the behavior was not performed (Corona Insights, 2022). Remove barriers while emphasizing benefits and norms o Messaging that provides information to remove behavioral barriers has potential in alleviating depreciative behaviors related to wildlife in national parks (Abrams, Leong, Melena, & Teel, 2019). Figure 1 Removing barriers to understanding distance from Abrams et al. (2019).  Design text so it is easy to read and keep vocabulary simple (Moscardo, Ballantyne, Karen, 2007).  A national survey of both young and old American shoppers revealed that the No. 1 reason signs are hard to read is that the letters are simply too small. (uc.edu, 2013)  ADA signage guidelines spell out rather specific rules for text, requiring sans serif fonts and uppercase letters. Addendum 1 Page 9 of 24  One Jefferson County study found that the conventional yield symbol was not fully understood. The addition of text reading “slow down and communicate before you pass,” increased the desired yielding behavior by sixteen percent in mountain bikers, but was largely ineffective for behavior change in trail runners.  ADA guidelines suggest using contrasting colors, such as white on black or yellow on navy. choose colors on opposite sides of the color wheel from your background color so the content stands out while still staying true to your core brand colors.  When it comes to clean, accessible signage, space is an ally. The ADA specifies character spacing, as measured between the two closest points of adjacent characters excluding word spaces, must be 10% to 35% of the character height (uc.edu, 2013)  Use visual aids to overcome limitations in language skills. (healthandsafetyinternational.com, 2020). Figure 2. Narrative sign from Schoenleber (2020) Sometimes it is okay to anthropomorphize  Swim & Bloodhart (2014) found that pro-environmental behavior(e.g., donating money) in both environmentalists and non-environmentalists was increased by having subjects take the perspective of an animal (e.g., polar bears) negatively impacted by an environmental issue (e.g., melting ice). Addendum 1 Page 10 of 24 Figure 3. From Born (2019). Titles matter  Most people read the title of a written message before they read anything else, and many people read only the title. The message theme should, therefore, be incorporated into the title. Because they convey a complete idea, thematic titles (“bears are curious creatures”) can be more attention grabbing than topic titles (“the bears”) (Ham, 1992). Don’t be funny  Humor has been shown to be highly variable in its effects (Weinberger & Gulas, 1992).  In their comparison of different signs to deter off-trail hiking, Johnson and Swearingen (1992) found that a humorous message was slightly more effective than a standard NPS sign but less effective than a message emphasizing sanctions. Order of placement  Visitor Use and Regulatory signs should be placed in order of greatest visitor use or compliance issue at any given location (City of Boulder 2022 Sign Manual). Guiding Principles Personas and visitor journeys Language & Messaging (philosophy) + bilingual/transla on approach Equity is woven throughout Sign Types & Deﬁni ons 1. Advisory Signs: These cau onary no ces provide important informa on to visitors, aler ng them to poten al hazards such as algae blooms, ﬂooding, smash-and-grab vehicle trespass, or the presence of snakes. It's worth no ng that tripod-mounted diamond-shaped signs fall under the temporary classiﬁca on and are not considered advisory signs. Addendum 1 Page 11 of 24 Types of Advisory Signs: 2. Four Sided Post with Signs on Mul ple Sides: These four sided post refers to a category of sign structure where a single post or support features signs displayed on one or all four sides. This setup allows for eﬃcient use of space and visibility from various angles. Four sided post signs are made of aluminum. Types of Four Sided Signs: Addendum 1 Page 12 of 24 Examples of Signs Mounted on a Four Sided Post: Addendum 1 Page 13 of 24 3. Informa onal Signs: These signs serve as temporary installa ons providing insights into management ac ons with educa onal messages. They oﬀer essen al informa on such as the ecological signiﬁcance of llama presence, the impacts of ﬁre, ongoing restora on eﬀorts, or updates on new air quality monitoring ini a ves. Types of Informa onal Signs: Examples of Informa onal Signs: 4. Interpre ve Signs: These panels or displays, o en found within kiosks or along trails, primarily convey interpre ve and educa onal messages. They are categorized into three subcategories: a) People-related, such as those found at the Bobcat Ridge cabin and the Lindenmier overlook. Addendum 1 Page 14 of 24 b) Natural resource-related, exempliﬁed by signs like Fossil Creek bird iden ﬁca on or Coyote Ridge displays. c) Mixed people/natural resource-related, which integrate both aspects. It's common for interpre ve signs to include maps, oﬀering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the area's features and a rac ons. Interpre ve signs are usually made of synthe c materials or aluminum. “Naturally yours,” an old tagline, has been replaced by “Enjoy and treasure”. Updated interpre ve signs no longer feature any tagline. Examples of Interpre ve Signs: Addendum 1 Page 15 of 24 5. Mini-Kiosks: Posi oned at every legal entrance, these compact structures serve as informa onal hubs within natural areas. They typically include a placard displaying the name of the natural area, along with op onal addi ons such as a 4x4 or 3x3 placard, a regula ons placard, and a logo placard. Mini-kiosk signs are usually made of aluminum. Mini-Kiosk Elements: Addendum 1 Page 16 of 24 Examples of Mini-Kiosk: 6. Property Boundary Signs: These signs are placed at the edges of natural areas to delineate the boundaries of the property to help visitors understand the limits of the area they are exploring and ensuring they remain within designated boundaries. Boundary signs are usually on carsonite posts with s cker labels. Examples of Property Boundary Signs: Addendum 1 Page 17 of 24 7. Regulatory Signs: These signs convey important regula ons aimed at ensuring the safety of visitors and the preserva on of natural resources. They play a crucial role in suppor ng enforcement eﬀorts within the area. Regulatory signs are usually made of aluminum. Types of Regulatory Signs: Examples of Regulatory Signs: Addendum 1 Page 18 of 24 8. Site/Entrance Signs: These prominent signs, usually made of synthe c materials or aluminum, are designed to help visitors iden fy the natural area by displaying its name, featuring a signature creature or plant, and showcasing the City logo. They are usually placed near entrances or along roads for easy visibility. “Naturally yours,” an old tagline, has been replaced by “Enjoy and treasure”. Updated site signs no longer feature any tagline. Examples of Site/Entrance Signs: 9. Temporary Signs: These installa ons remain on-site for dura ons exceeding 30 days but less than a year. Examples include seasonal pos ngs such as river safety advisories, ice condi ons, swimming regula ons, sledding guidelines, and owl viewing distance indicators, o en presented on sandwich boards. It's important to note that tripod-mounted diamond-shaped signs fall under this category rather than advisory. Addi onally, real estate signs, like those indica ng "trail maintenance ahead" or encouraging feedback, are classiﬁed as temporary. Not laminated quick signs are discouraged and not inventoried. Types of Temporary Signs: Examples of Temporary Signs: Addendum 1 Page 19 of 24 10. Traﬃc Signs: These signs play a crucial role in guiding vehicles within parking lots, trailheads, and along routes, ensuring smooth traﬃc ﬂow and enhancing safety for all visitors. Types of Traﬃc Signs: Addendum 1 Page 20 of 24 Examples of Traﬃc Signs: 11. Wayﬁnding Signs: These essen al markers aid naviga on within Natural Areas, they might feature naviga onal maps observed in Soapstone Natural Area, direc onal arrows, trail name conﬁrma on signs, and brown/yellow engraved signs displaying trail names and mileage. Types of Wayﬁnding Signs: Addendum 1 Page 21 of 24 Examples of Wayﬁnding Signs: Consistent Design Standards Color coding Fonts Type size Arrows Icons- NAD standard icons for maps, brochures and signs on the natural area are based on NPS for signage. Traﬃc signs use US DOT Manual on Uniform Control Devices (MUTCD) designs and standards. Addendum 1 Page 22 of 24 Logo Panel sizes Color speciﬁca ons Sign posts Map standards- describe Sign eleva on? Moun ng materials The material of the signs plays a crucial role in its durability and visual impact. Here's a breakdown of commonly used sign materials: a) Aluminum b) Rock c) Sticker d) Synthetic e) Synthetic with sculptural/tactile interpretive element (cast metal) f) Wood g) Other The manner in which a sign is mounted greatly influences its visibility, durability, and overall effectiveness. Here are various mounting options commonly used: a) 4x4 wood post b) Carsonite post c) Fence d) Frame with stanchion (legs) e) Gate f) Kiosk g) Metal frame real estate “pound in” signs h) Mini-kiosk (includes 4x4 post and backing with mini-roof) i) Mini-kiosk (TREX fake wood backing) j) Square metal tube - telespar k) Stanchion only (no frame, just post) l) U-channel post Sign Layouts (standard grids?) Sign Placement (clustering and phasing) Addendum 1 Page 23 of 24 NAD Sign Process (staﬀ roles, request process, adding to inventory, maintenance check in cycle, repair, etc) Message Library (full inventory of standard signs) Ac on Plan (maybe this is separate) Acknowledgements Contributors Ludy Rueda Brian Myer Tyler Dubin Becky Pomering Norm Keally Rhonda Peckham Todd Juhasz Zoe Shark Boulder County Parks & Open Space (inspired manual format) Grant Smith Madeline Bechtel Addendum 1 Page 24 of 24