Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to engage qualified service providers to undertake the conservation and restoration of selected museum artifacts over a period of 12 months. The work aims to ensure the proper preservation, protection, and enhancement of culturally significant artifacts, including materials such as clay, iron, wood, and leather, through specialized conservation techniques.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Remedial conservation of sensitive artifacts, including clay figurines with cracks and detached limbs, using appropriate adhesives, fillers, sanding, and painting.
• Restoration of metal artifacts such as guns and swords affected by rust and mold, complying with national regulations for firearm handling.
• Furniture restoration involving leather upholstery repair and structural repairs on wooden chairs and benches, maintaining authenticity.
• Supply and delivery of mannequins for display purposes.
• Capacity building through mentoring interns in heritage conservation, furniture making, and metal conservation.

Technical Requirements

The technical scope includes:

• Engagement of specialists in heritage conservation, ceramics/clay, metal, and furniture restoration with relevant qualifications and experience.
• Provision of professional certificates, CVs, and proof of experience for key personnel.
• Implementation of conservation techniques such as cleaning, filling, adhesion, sanding, painting, rust and mold removal, and upholstery repair.
• Compliance with national firearm handling regulations and certification requirements for gun and weapon restorers.
• Development of a capacity building plan with milestones, training reports, and internship employment costs.
• Provision of project management, coordination, and reporting, including progress and capacity building reports.
• Adherence to procurement and legal standards, including registration on the National Central Supplier Database (CSD) and compliance with the POPI Act.

Skills Requirements

The tender mandates the following skills and expertise:

• Heritage Conservator: Proven experience in heritage conservation, specializing in ceramics or clay artifacts, with relevant qualifications and certifications.
• Metal Conservator: At least 5-10 years of experience in metal restoration, with qualifications in firearms maintenance and handling, certified by accredited providers.
• Furniture Designer/Carpenter: Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in antique furniture restoration, with certified qualifications in furniture making or art history.
• Project Manager: Registered with the Project Management Professions South Africa (PMSA), with demonstrated capacity to manage conservation projects, coordinate stakeholders, and produce reports.
• Capacity Building Facilitator: Ability to mentor interns, develop training plans, and deliver capacity building reports.
• Support Staff: Skilled personnel for technical tasks such as cleaning, filling, sanding, upholstery, rust removal, and handling of artifacts.