Agenda Item
b. Technological and Instructional Improvements at Fernbank Science Center (Not to exceed $1,107,896.73) ~ Updated 6.6.2024
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Curriculum & Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the request to purchase development and installation services for interactive and engaging software and hardware, exhibit design and fabrication services, audio visual equipment, and STEM related materials and resources to create three-dimensional, immersive learning experiences that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design) compliant. Pursuant to Board Policy DJE III.D.3.g.2, BWC, Back & Rosta, Exploring Graphics, Robot Labs, and TSAV are the vendors selected by qualified, professional personnel based on sound pedagogical judgment and in the District’s best interest to make instructional and curriculum updates at Fernbank Science Center in an amount not to exceed $1,107,896.73.
Why: Research demonstrates that informal science learning experiences in the formal environment can support improving student outcomes by enhancing student interest and engagement while providing exposure to scientific content knowledge. In addition, students exposed to informal science learning environments experience increased cognitive learning via a path of excitement, interest, and motivation. Fernbank Science Center aims to support and enhance learning outcomes for students of DeKalb County School District through the implementation of the following six strands of science learning in informal environments identified by the National Research Council:
Strand 1: Experience excitement, interest, and motivation to learn about phenomena in the natural and physical world.
Strand 2: Come to generate, understand, remember, and use concepts, explanations, arguments, models, and facts related to science.
Strand 3: Manipulate, test, explore, predict, question, observe, and make sense of the natural and physical world.
Strand 4: Reflect on science as a way of knowing; on processes, concepts, and institutions of science; and on their own process of learning about phenomena.
Strand 5: Participate in scientific activities and learning practices with others, using scientific language and tools.
Strand 6: Think about themselves as science learners and develop an identity as someone who knows about, uses, and sometimes contributes to science.
By aligning its curriculum, programs, initiatives, and resources with the six strands of science learning, Fernbank Science Center supports students in their development of essential skills for scientific inquiry and discovery that are currently reflected in the K-12 Science Georgia Standards of Excellence.
Fernbank Science Center served approximately 76,046 DCSD students in grades PreK-12 during the 2023-2024 school year through the following efforts:
Fernbank Science Center Programming
Number of DCSD Students
Single Visit Programs
17,978
Outreach Programs
30,208
Planetarium Visits
27,860
Total
76,046
Details: BWC, Back & Rosta, Exploring Graphics, Robot Labs, and TSAV are the selected vendors to upgrade Fernbank Science Center. The chart below summarizes the scope of work that will be completed by each vendor in an amount not to exceed $1,107,896.73:
Vendor
Purpose
Amount
BWC: (Science on a Sphere) NOAA Sphere to Teach Earth Science Principles
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
$162,990.00
Back & Rosta: (Magic Wall) Large Scale Integrated Touchscreens to Encourage Student Exploration and Learning in Multiple Disciplines and Domains of Science and STEM. Includes the Development of Personalized Curriculum to Real-World Challenges Aligned to Academically Rigorous Standards and Experiential Learning
Interactive Instructional Panels
Instructional Technology/Educational Content Development Services
Instructional Software and Hardware
$249,990.00
Exploring Graphics: Design and Installation of Enhanced Exhibits to Encourage Student Development in Science and STEM Concepts
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
Instructional Technology/Educational Content Development Services
$245,000.00
Robot Labs: (AI Innovation Lab) Complete Lab Package Inclusive of STEM Curriculum to Integrate AI and AI Concepts Across Content Areas and Development of Student Soft Skills
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
Instructional Software and Hardware
$118,968.34
Robot Labs: (NAO Robots) Humanoid and Supporting STEM Curriculum for Integrated Instruction)
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
Instructional Software and Hardware
$64,320.00
Robot Labs: (Pepper the Robot) AI and Integrated STEM Curriculum Including Literacy
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content
Instructional Software and Hardware
$33,600.00
TSAV: Video Walls to Engage Students in Advanced and Rigorous Science/STEM Experiences to Develop Experiential Learning
Instructional Software and Hardware
$233,028.39
Interactive Instructional Panels: These panels can provide hands-on learning experiences for students, allowing them to interact with scientific concepts in a tangible way. They promote engagement, curiosity, and inquiry by allowing students to explore and experiment.
Instructional Software and Hardware: Instructional software and hardware can offer immersive experiences that stimulate curiosity and enhance interest in various scientific disciplines and STEM. Students can explore science and STEM in a visually captivating manner, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement.
Instructional Science/STEM Exhibits and Content: Science and STEM exhibits provide opportunities for students to engage with real-world phenomena and principles. These exhibits can spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and encourage inquiry-based learning as students explore and investigate various scientific concepts.
Instructional Panels/Instructional Technology: These panels provide visual learning experiences for students by allowing them to interact with scientific concepts in a tangible way.
Instructional Technology/Educational Content Development Services: These services support the creation of engaging and relevant educational content tailored to the needs of students and teachers. By providing access to high-quality and rigorous instructional materials and professional development opportunities, these resources and technology updates will help enhance teacher and student knowledge in science education while providing access to tangible and visible resources to support continuous learning.
Financial impact: The total contract amount will not exceed $1,107,896.73.
The ESSER budget charge codes are as follows:
BWC
$ 162,990.00
448.1000.561600.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
Back & Rosta
$ 249,990.00
448.1000.561600.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
Exploring Graphics
$ 245,000.00
448.4000.530000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.4000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
Robot Lab
$ 216,888.34
448.1000.561600.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.2213.530000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
TSAV
$ 233,028.39
448.1000.561600.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561500.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.561100.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
448.1000.530000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Mrs. Janetta Greenwood, Director, Fernbank Science Center, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.874.7119
Effective: June 11, 2024 - September 30, 2024
Status: Reviewed and Approved by Counsel for Legal Sufficiency
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PREPARED FOR:
Janetta Greenwood
Fernbank Science Center
PREPARED BY:
Jim Hildreth
TSAV
JimHildreth@tsav.com
706-613-8759
May 7, 2024
FERNBANK SCIENCE CENTER
Audio-Visual Systems Proposal
www.tsav.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RE: Fernbank Science Center AV Systems Proposal
Janetta,
Please review this proposal for AV Systems Integration for the Fernbank Science Center. Thank you again
for your consideration of this proposal. TSAV recommends a follow up call to discuss this proposal take
place before contracting to solidify any open items for coordination such as location of fixtures, power
and infrastructure requirements, and schedule.
Base Scope AV Systems Components & Functionality
System Type 1: Audio System
This system includes two speakers and audio processing equipment to provide sound reinforcement for
the zone. The speakers will be installed on the left and right side of the Video Wall. The rack equipment
can be collocated with the Video Wall AV Rack Equipment. The volume for these speakers will be
controlled at the AV rack location.
AV Contractor Provided Equipment
A. Two Bose MSA12X or equivalent Powered Speakers
B. Audio Head End Equipment
Owner Provided Equipment
A. Audio Content associated with the presentation video.
System Type 2 – Interactive Digital Signage
This system will allow for a user to engage in a touch enabled presentation on a single 65” Portrait
mounted video display.
AV Contractor Provided Equipment
A. 65” 4K Samsung Professional Series LED Displays
B. Articulating Display Mount over top of Electrical Contractor provided recessed wall box.
C. Power Conditioner (Micro Format)
D. HDMI Connection Cable
www.tsav.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Owner Provided Equipment
A. Content Computer and Software License
System Type 3 –136” Direct View Video Wall 1.5mm Pixel Pitch
This system is a 136” Diagonal Direct View Video Wall (1080p Resolution). It can be used to show LARGE
FORMAT video content to a user, with an appropriate viewing field of approx. 5’ to up to 30’.
AV Contractor Provided Equipment
E. 136” Planar MGP Direct View Video Wall
F. Display Mount
G. Power Conditioner (Micro Format)
H. HDMI Connection Cable
Owner Provided Equipment
B. Content Player and Software License
Work to be Completed Outside TSAV Scope
● Conduit and wall boxes to be specified by TSAV and installed by others.
● Plywood blocking for the video wall to be specified by TSAV and installed by others.
● All wall refinishing and repainting to be performed by others.
● The installed cost of the Audiovisual systems assumes the use of new professional quality
equipment with a minimum of One (1) year manufacturer warranty, that is installed by a
qualified audiovisual contractor, and provided with closeout documentation (including as-built
systems drawings) and a One (1) Year warranty covering installation.
● Power at each location is required and will need to be installed and tested prior to installation.
○ Video wall locations require eight (8) total 120v circuits at each location.
○ Wood backing is required at each location to be installed to the studs by the Fernbank
Science Center team.
● TSAV will provide a drawing detailing the infrastructure requirements for the project to be
provided by Fernbank Science Center.
● An AV Rack location is required to support these systems that have conditioned air and is within
150’ (ft.) of the Video Wall Location(s).
● Active network components (ethernet switches, wireless access points, servers, server software,
etc. typically provided by the owner but necessary for activation of advanced functional aspects
of the av systems) are not provided for.
www.tsav.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
● Content delivery systems are not provided for (I.e. servers, distributed television signals, content
computers, content creation, etc.).
● Content creation services are not included.
● Sales Tax is not Included
● The Line Item below listed as Materials/Equipment includes all installation, freight, and admin.
services as requested.
Equipment
Model: Description QTY Totals
Audio Visual Head End - Audio 2
AV Rack and accessories 2
137" Direct View LED Video Wall - NON INTERACTIVE 2
Display Wall Box 1
Steerable Line Array Speaker 4
Large Display Mount 1
65" Touch Enabled Interactive Display 1
Pricing
www.tsav.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The following pricing reflects the scope of work described above. We look forward to the possibility of
working to match immediate supply chain availability with project requirements. And while extensive
effort has been made to provide this scope based on products available at the time of composition,
some availability may change and we are well prepared to work with you and your team to navigate
associated options.
Base Scope Technology Systems Project Costs:
System Types Qty Cost Extended
Cost
Audio System 2 $11,956.87 $23,913.74
Entry Interactive LED Display 1 $7,481.65 $7,481.65
LED VIDEO WALL 2 $100,816.50 $201,633.00
Extended Totals: $233,028.39
Contingency: 0% $0.00
Materials and Equipment $233,028.39
Budgets do not include payment and performance bond costs unless otherwise noted. Not included in
this proposal are conduit, raceway, electrical circuits, and any other work to be performed by other
trades.
Standard Details and Conditions
Training and Warranty:
It is our policy that every TSAV system includes the training necessary to ensure that our customers
get the most out of their new equipment. Included with every TSAV system is 3 hours of on-site
training. Also included with every TSAV system is a one-year warranty on all equipment and
workmanship.
Systems neglect, abuse, or avoidable user error are not covered under this warranty. And although
each individual client’s requirements for training are very different, we generally recommend that a
portion of that training time be reserved for a review session subsequent to the initial use of the
system.
Auxiliary Services
Reasonable overages will not be billed. However, should additional time be required to complete the
job due to unforeseen circumstances, change orders, or modifications to the scope of work, the
following rates may apply.
www.tsav.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Engineering: $150/hr
Programming: $140/hr
Technicians: $120/hr
Service: $130/hr
Runners: $65/hr
Secretarial: $90/hr
Accounting: $120/hr
Collection fees are billed at “Engineering” and “Accounting” rates. Holiday time and overtime billed as a
result of change orders, modifications, or altered deadlines are billed at 150% of normal fees.
Conditions
TSAV will require full functionality of affected areas during installation. It is expected that reasonable
work environment standards will be maintained including the use of the facility’s restrooms, heating
and air-conditioning wherever possible, etc.
Availability of Information
It is expected that site technical information be made readily available to the contractor including
but not limited to project scheduling, mechanical clearances, carpet and paint colors, union
contacts, etc.
Site Access & Working Hours
Proposal provides for work to be performed during normal working hours (8-5 M-F) excluding
holiday and weekends. Work will be performed according to the project schedule to be developed
upon notice to proceed.
Delays outside of TSAV’s control will result in additional costs. TSAV will require access to the site
during working hours. Access through all doors to the facility and any affected rooms or hallways is
required. We will also require one reserved parking place as close as possible to the main entrance
to the facility. Where access is limited, arrangements must be made for alternate scheduling.
Coordination with other trades
Client assumes some responsibility for some logistics involved in contractor scheduling. Delays due to
problems involving other trades will result in billing of additional labor hours.
Unforeseen Hazards
Hazards involving faulty wiring, dangerous structures, or hazardous materials will affect contractor
scheduling. Client assumes responsibility for notifying the contractor in cases where potential hazards
may exist. Client also understands delays involved in the discovery of potentially hazardous situations.
Use of this document
This document and the recommendations herein constitute a professional design document. TSAV
www.tsav.com
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
engineers spend a considerable amount of time compiling recommendations and creating a
customized set of recommendations for you, our client. This document is available for use in soliciting
competitive bids, in which case the value of this document shall be 10% of the proposed bid or
$1000, whichever amount is greater.
Resolution of dispute
If a dispute arises relating to this agreement, or breach thereof, and if said dispute cannot be settled
by negotiation, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation under
the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association before resorting to
arbitration, litigation or some other dispute resolution procedure. Guide to Arbitration, American
Arbitration Association, New York 212.484.4000)
Force Majeure
Neither party is responsible for any failure to perform its obligations under this contract, if it is prevented
or delayed in performing those obligations by an event of Force Majeure. Force Majeure, includes any
war (whether declared or not), armed conflict or the serious threat of the same (including but not
limited to hostile attack, blockade, military embargo), hostilities, invasion, act of a foreign enemy,
extensive military mobilization; civil war, riot, rebellion, revolution, military or usurped power,
insurrection, civil commotion or disorder, mob violence, act of civil disobedience; act of terrorism,
sabotage or piracy; plague, epidemic, pandemic, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public
health crisis, including quarantine or other employee restrictions; act of authority whether lawful or
unlawful, compliance with any law or governmental order, rule, regulation or direction, curfew
restriction, expropriation, compulsory acquisition, seizure of works, requisition, nationalization; act of
God or natural disaster such as but not limited to violent storm, cyclone, typhoon, hurricane, tornado,
blizzard, earthquake, volcanic activity, landslide, tidal wave, tsunami, flood, damage or destruction by
lightning, drought; explosion, fire, destruction of machines, equipment, factories and of any kind of
installation, prolonged break-down of transport, telecommunication or electric current; general labor
disturbance such as but not limited to boycott, strike and lock-out, go-slow, occupation of factories and
premises; shortage or inability to obtain critical material or supplies to the extent not subject to the
reasonable control of the subject Party (“Force Majeure Event”).
1.1 This provision shall become effective only if the Party failing to perform notifies the other party
within a reasonable time of the extent and nature of the Force Majeure Event, limits delay in
performance to that required by the Event, and takes all reasonable steps to minimize damages and
resume performance.
Sincerely,
Jim Hildreth
TSAV
www.tsav.com