Construct Arabian Leopard Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
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 Presolicitation Notice for Preconstruction and Construction Services to build the Arabian Leopard Exhibit at the National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. This opportunity, identified under NAICS code 236220 ($45M size standard), is for a project estimated to cost over $10 million. The primary contract effort will focus on Phase 2 Habitat and Animal Care Building. The solicitation is now anticipated for release in early July 2026, with a 19-month period of performance. This is a Not Applicable set-aside.
Scope of Work
The successful contractor will provide pre-construction and construction services, with the primary focus on Phase 2 Habitat and Animal Care Building. Key critical elements of the work include:
- Working within an occupied, historic campus active with public, staff, and animals.
- Coordination of specialty trades within a small site footprint.
- Installation of specialty animal doors, shifting systems, and manually operated remote door controls.
- Coordination and installation of multiple subsurface utility systems in a congested area.
- Coordination and installation of subsurface drainage and water conveying systems.
- Coordination and installation of radiant flooring.
- Coordination and installation of animal containment fencing and mesh.
- Coordination and installation of shotcrete faux rock and faux trees.
- Mitigation of sound and vibration during demolition and construction to protect animals in adjacent habitats.
- Coordination of construction activities with Zoo operations, including feeding schedules, noise regulations, Zoo hours, animal welfare issues, veterinary care, and public events.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Presolicitation (for future solicitation)
- NAICS: 236220 (Small Business Size Standard: $45M)
- Estimated Cost: Over $10 million
- Period of Performance: 19 months from Notice to Proceed
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable
- Location: Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Anticipated Solicitation Release: Early July 2026 (subject to change)
- Response Due: Within 45 days of solicitation release
Evaluation
The Smithsonian Institution will accept proposals from all qualified offerors. The evaluation panel will be the sole entity to determine an offeror's capability to meet contract performance requirements.
Additional Notes
This is a presolicitation notice and not a request for proposal. The full solicitation will be released on SAM.gov. The timeline for release is subject to change, and there is no guarantee this project will be solicited.