Lead Consultant: Exhibition Design and Build Services for Silent and Secret: 50 Years of the Royal Navy's At Sea Deterrent

Tender description

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) is planning a permanent exhibition to take place at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, to mark 50 years of the At-Sea Deterrent. Since 1968 Royal Navy submarines have carried ballistic missiles. They are known as SSBNs (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic Missile, Nuclear Powered). The first class of submarine to carry them were the Resolution Class. Today 4 Vanguard class submarines carry the nation's nuclear deterrent, Trident. This exhibition, set to open on the anniversary of the first Polaris patrol of HMS Resolution, charts the history of the Royal Navy adopting ballistic missiles and the reasons for it, through to modern day submarines and the Trident era. It will also cover the stories of those who served on board SSBNs and what it is like to live and work on a submarine that must be on constant alert. The exhibition will highlight the need for a continuous at sea deterrent but will not shy away from debate. The aims of the exhibition are: • To raise awareness about the role of Britain's nuclear deterrent • Highlight the experiences of the crews who served/are serving on SSBNs • Give a broad understanding of the history of the deterrent • To give the opportunity for debate by including different voices and viewpoints A more detailed concept document has been appended to this notice, along with a plan of the John Fieldhouse building at RNSM (the proposed venue) and a key artefact list. NMRN seeks an experienced and imaginative exhibition design team to: 1. Conceive an initial concept design for approval by the Project Team 2. Incorporating any amendments specified, work up a fully detailed exhibition design brief. 3. Identify and procure any required subcontractors. 4. Project manage exhibition fit-out. The precise package of work will depend on the final approved design but it is anticipated that the complete package of work may consist of the following, elements of which may be subcontracted: 1. Development of initial concept designs 2. Detailed graphic design, print and installation 3. Detailed audiovisual design, development and installation 4. Detailed interactive exhibit design, development and installation. 5. Supply and fit appropriate gallery lighting 6. Supply and fit exhibition showcases 7. Production of showcase layouts 8. Exhibition fit-out 9. Snagging