Media Development Process

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General phases of development for museum exhibits, wayside exhibits, audiovisual programs, historic furnishings, and publications. These phases apply to National Park Service media work produced through Harpers Ferry Center, contractors, or other sources.

1 - Complete Foundation Planning

• GMP, Park Strategic Plan
• Prepare Long Range Interpretive Plan
• Develop interpretive meanings and themes
• Determine media goals
• Select appropriate media
• Update MIDS data
• Fill out IDP Worksheet

2 - Consult on Media Strategy

• Who - Consider project team options
• How - Consider project processes
• When - Review schedule options
• What - Consider project resources
• $$$ - Review funding options

3 - Prepare Cost Estimates and Acquire Funding

• Determine pricing criteria
• Identify funding sources
• Develop "Class C" estimate
• Consult with park/region budget staff
• Enter project in PMIS
• Obtain funding
• Set up project account
• Prepare cross charge memos

4 - Prepare Contracts and Agreements

• Seek agreements with proposed project team
• Define budget tracking process and responsibilities
• Develop Project Agreement
• Prepare scopes of work for contracts
• Define project specifications
• Prepare and award contracts

5 - Begin Planning and Design

• Confirm goals
• Initiate research
• Do front end evaluation
• Prepare proposal, storyline, or treatment
• Begin acquiring graphics and footage
• Begin acquiring artifacts
• Coordinate with facilities design/construction
• Prepare "Class B" estimate
• Review submittals
• Conduct VA, submit project to DAB

6 - Complete Planning and Design

• Write labels, text, or script
• Prepare final documents, drawings, models, prototypes
• Coordinate media with facilities design/construction
• Review submittals
• Meet legal/policy requirements
• Prepare "Class A" estimate
• Do formative evaluation
• Ensure authoritative content review

7 - Produce Project

• Prepare and award production contract
• Administer contract work
• Coordinate media work with facilities design/construction
• Inspect/review work
• Install/deliver finished media project

8 - Complete and Sustain Project

• Observe media opening/dedication
• Do summative evaluation
• Initiate maintenance procedures/staffing
• Ensure credits are recognized and displayed
• File project documentation/rehab materials
• Do completion reports, enter PMIS data
• Report project in MIDS