Upgrade Sanitary and Storm Systems at the National Museum of Natural History
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 is soliciting proposals for a Fixed Price construction contract to upgrade the Sanitary and Storm Systems at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Washington, D.C. This project, estimated to exceed $10 Million, involves replacing the museum's existing infrastructure while protecting its collections, exhibits, and historic architecture. Proposals are due May 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The project, identified as SF Project No. 1600103, requires the installation of new sanitary and stormwater piping systems throughout the NMNH Main Building, East, and West Wings. Key tasks include rerouting piping to avoid sensitive areas, capping abandoned systems, removing old piping, and performing lead and asbestos abatement where necessary. New piping will also be installed within the existing tunnel system and tied into the Smithsonian Institution's external infrastructure. The contractor must develop and implement an erosion and sediment control plan and address roof scupper inspection and replacement. All work must adhere to applicable codes, historic preservation requirements, safety regulations, and Smithsonian Institution design standards, with phasing plans designed to minimize disruption to museum operations.
Contract Details
This is a Fixed Price construction contract with an estimated value exceeding $10 Million. The Period of Performance is 740 Calendar Days from the Notice to Proceed. The project utilizes multi-year funding across FY2026, FY2027, and FY2028, with $8,500,000.00 allocated for FY2026 performance. The Davis Bacon Building Wage Determination DC20260002 applies. While there is no prime contract set-aside, the project includes subcontracting goals of 40% for small business concerns, with 7% specifically for Service-Disabled Veteran-owned small businesses (SDV).
Key Dates & Submission
- Pre-proposal Meeting/Site Visit: Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM (NMNH lobby).
- Requests for Information (RFIs) Due: Monday, May 4, 2026. Questions must be submitted in sequentially numbered sets via email to ChanVC@si.edu.
- Proposals Due: Tuesday, May 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
- Submission Format: Proposals (Technical, Cost, and Subcontracting Plan) must be uploaded as separate PDFs to a provided Dropbox link. Offerors must acknowledge all amendments.
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be based on a best-value tradeoff, considering both technical factors and cost. Technical factors include the Plan of Accomplishment, Past Performance, Safety Performance, and the qualifications of Key Personnel and Subcontractors. Options 1-3 for additional scope (West Wing, East Wing, Roof Scupper Repair) will also be evaluated.
Important Documents
Comprehensive documentation is available, including detailed drawings (Volumes 1-3 covering architectural, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, and fire alarm systems), specifications (Volumes 1-2 and Appendix covering general requirements, technical specifications, and a regulated materials survey), a Design Manual, and a Bid Schedule spreadsheet template for cost breakdowns. An updated Multi-Year Funding Document is also provided.