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 (SI) has issued a pre-solicitation notice for preconstruction and construction services to build the Arabian Leopard Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. This project, with an estimated cost exceeding $10 million, involves complex construction within an active zoo environment.
Scope of Work
The work encompasses two phases:
- Phase 1: Site and Construction Services.
- Phase 2: Habitat and Animal Care Building (Option).
Critical elements of the work include:
- Working within an occupied, historic campus with public, staff, and animals.
- Coordination of specialty trades within a small site footprint.
- Installation of specialty animal doors, shifting systems, and remote controls.
- Coordination and installation of multiple subsurface utility systems, drainage, and water conveying systems.
- Installation of radiant flooring, animal containment fencing, and shotcrete faux rock/trees.
- Mitigation of sound and vibration during demolition and construction to protect animals.
- Coordination of construction activities with Zoo operations (feeding schedules, noise regulations, zoo hours, animal welfare, veterinary care, public events).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Pre-Solicitation Notice (for future RFP)
- NAICS: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction)
- Small Business Size Standard: $45M
- Estimated Cost: Over $10 million
- Period of Performance: 26 months from Notice to Proceed (Base + Option)
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable
- Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Full Solicitation Release: Expected Mid-March 2026
- Responses Due: Within 45 days of full solicitation release
- Published: February 20, 2026
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Proposal. The Smithsonian Institution will accept proposals from all qualified offerors, with their evaluation panel solely determining capability. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract.