Indian River County is seeking qualified firms to provide design and fabrication services for environmental education exhibits planned for the Interpretive Center at the Jones' Pier Conservation Area (JPCA). Indian River County is seeking qualified firms to provide design and fabrication services for environmental education exhibits planned for the Interpretive Center at the Jones' Pier Conservation Area (JPCA). JPCA is a 16.5-acre site situated on the Indian River Lagoon, in Vero Beach, FL (Attachment #1). The site was once a pioneering farm owned by the Jones family, and has history dating back to the late 19th century. The site contains several historic buildings which are planned for use by the public. A map depicting the feature on site is included within the JPCA brochure (Attachment #2). The historic bungalow on the site is planned to be converted into an Interpretive Center. The ~900Ft2 structure has been elevated to address previous storm surges and flooding. Indian River County is in the process of soliciting bids to renovate the bungalow for its future use as an Interpretive Center. Plans for the renovation are included as Attachment #3. The proposed scope of work for this project will include the design and fabrication of exhibits, displays, and other environmental education themed materials to be showcased in the Interpretive Center. At this time, the County anticipates that the display area will include between 4-6 general themes. These themes may include subject matter such as: (1) the ecology of the Indian River Lagoon; (2) the Jones family and history of the JPCA site; (3) challenges facing the Indian River Lagoon & responsible stewardship of natural resources; (4) the history of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Florida Inland Navigation District; (5) the history of Jungle Trail & typical life in Indian River County in the early 20th century; and, (6) Pioneer farming & waterfront commerce in Indian River County. The County seeks firms with experience in providing interactive displays & exhibits, nature-themed exhibits, and custom displays for historic artifacts. These materials should be creative and engaging, and should create memorable experiences that visitors will want to share with others. The County will utilize these exhibits as part of the environmental education programming planned for the JPCA site. The renovation of the bungalow is planned to be completed by mid-2024. The exhibits are planned to be in place for a proposed opening of the interpretive center in September 2024. Deadline for Questions 8 a.m. November 13, 2023
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