Interpretive Exhibit for Ridgefield National Wildl
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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), under the Department of the Interior, is soliciting proposals for the Design, Illustration, Fabrication, and Installation of Interior Exhibits for the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Service Center. This project aims to enhance visitor engagement and understanding of the refuge's mission. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotations are due June 19, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for re-envisioning the visitor center space based on existing concept plans (Ivie Interpretive, 2023). Key deliverables include:
- Base Item: Visitor Exhibit (Clin 00010) encompassing Wall Exhibits, a Topographic Map, a Tree Seating Area and Exhibit, a Friend Nature Store/Temporary Exhibit Space, a Salmon Stream Mural, and Rollable Exhibits.
- Optional Item: Welcome Counter and Seating Area Exhibit (Clin 00020).
- Provision of exhibit lighting beyond existing general building lighting.
- Recommendations for facility alterations to accommodate the new design. Exhibits must be low to medium-level technology, easy to maintain, and ADA compliant.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price (RFQ).
- Period of Performance: Approximately 14 months from award.
- Key Milestones: Conceptual Design (10% at 2 months), Design Development (35% at 4 months, 65% at 7 months), Final Design (95% at 10 months, 100% at 11 months), and Fabrication/Installation (at 14 months).
- Published Date: May 15, 2026.
Set-Aside & Eligibility
This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The applicable NAICS Code is 541850 (Display Advertising) with a size standard of $34.5 million.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotation Due Date: June 19, 2026, at 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time.
- Submission Method: Electronic quotations must be emailed to Joni_Dutcher@fws.gov. Hard copies will not be accepted.
- Evaluation Factors: Technical Acceptability (including Technical Approach to Project and Past Performance) is considered more important than Price. Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
- Mandatory Site Visit: A mandatory site visit is scheduled for June 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST. Contractors must contact Karen Cabellos at least 72 hours in advance to be added to the attendance list.
- Questions: All questions must be submitted in writing via email at least 7 days prior to the solicitation closing date.
Contact Information
For contracting inquiries, contact Joni Dutcher at joni_dutcher@fws.gov or 571-447-8387.