Assistance in Reimagining the Smithsonian Learning Lab
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Smithsonian Institution has issued a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) seeking a strategic thought-partner to assist in reimagining the Smithsonian Learning Lab platform. This initiative aims to enhance the discoverability and usability of digital educational resources for PreK-12 teachers and students nationwide. Responses are due by January 30, 2026, 2:00 PM ET.
Opportunity Overview
The Smithsonian Learning Lab, with over 6 million museum objects and 50,000 user-created collections, currently reaches over 600,000 users annually. However, the sheer volume of content creates friction points for efficient searching and integration into instructional strategies. The Smithsonian's Office of Educational Technology is undertaking a significant examination and rethink of the platform to meet its goal of reaching nearly 4 million teachers and 49 million PreK-12 students across the nation.
Project Goals & Scope
The revamp supports the Smithsonian’s strategic goal to reach every PreK-12 classroom. Key objectives for the new platform include:
- Becoming a one-stop, easy-to-use, transdisciplinary, accessible, and indispensable learning platform.
- Providing tools and scaffolding for educators to effectively teach with objects and incorporate authentic learning experiences.
- Working in harmony with existing learning tools and platforms through integration and partnerships. The primary target audience is PreK-12 teachers, with PreK-12 students as a secondary audience. The platform must address teachers' needs for reliable, "ready-to-go" resources that are easily discoverable, align with standards, and are searchable by grade level and subject.
Key Considerations & Clarifications
Multiple Q&A documents indicate that several critical aspects are still under determination:
- Platform Scope: Whether Learning Lab 2.0 will be an upgrade or a complete rebuild, including user and content migration, is being evaluated.
- Feature Prioritization: The Smithsonian is determining essential features for launch versus those to be phased in later, with some lesser-used features potentially being sunset.
- AI Integration: The applicability of existing AI services or the need for new ones for LL2.0 is still being determined, though current AI usage requires human-in-the-loop review.
- Governance: A formal instructional framework for object-based learning is under development, and the role of user-generated content is still being determined. UDL/508 accessibility will be a partnership effort.
- Project Management: A Senior Digital Strategist will lead the project, engaging internal and external stakeholders.
- Timeline: A phased rollout is anticipated, with the timeline to be developed with the selected vendor.
Submission Details
This is an RFI only; it does not constitute a request for proposals. Vendors are requested to provide written responses to specific RFI questions regarding their company's mission, experience, and approach.
- Response Due: January 30, 2026, 2:00 PM ET
- Contact: Thomas Dempsey (dempseyt@si.edu)
Additional Notes
No estimated budget, firm funding plans, or specific set-aside decisions have been made. Information on a potential RFP release, technical architecture, challenges, incumbent vendors, or specific compliance requirements will be provided in a future RFP, if one is issued.