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 (SI) has issued a Pre-Solicitation Notice for the Upgrade Sanitary and Storm Systems Project at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. This project aims to replace the museum's aging sanitary and stormwater infrastructure. The estimated cost is over $10 million, and the NAICS code is 236220 (Construction of Museums and Exhibition Buildings) with a $45M small business size standard. There is no set-aside for this opportunity.
Scope of Work
The project involves the comprehensive upgrade of sanitary and stormwater systems throughout the Museum Main Building, East, and West Wings. Key elements include:
- Installation of new sanitary and stormwater piping systems according to construction documents.
- Rerouting piping to avoid sensitive areas like exhibit halls and collection storage.
- Capping abandoned piping where feasible, isolating it from active systems.
- Removal and disposal of old piping when capping is not possible, adhering to environmental and safety standards.
- Lead and asbestos abatement as required in demolition or pipe removal areas.
- Installation of new piping within the existing tunnel system, including structural support and insulation.
- Tie-in of new systems to the external SI stormwater and sanitary infrastructure.
- Development and implementation of an erosion and sediment control plan.
- Inspection, removal, and replacement of roof scuppers to restore proper drainage.
All work must be conducted with extreme care to protect museum collections, exhibits, research operations, and historic architectural features, while minimizing disruption to ongoing museum operations.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Pre-Solicitation Notice
- NAICS: 236220 (Construction of Museums and Exhibition Buildings), $45M size standard
- Estimated Value: Over $10 million
- Period of Performance: 730 Calendar Days from Notice to Proceed
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable
- Anticipated Solicitation Release: On or about early March 2026
- Response Due: Within 45 days of solicitation release
- Published: February 20, 2026
Evaluation
The Smithsonian Institution will accept proposals from all qualified offerors. The SI evaluation panel will solely determine an offeror's capability to meet contract requirements.
Additional Notes
This is a pre-solicitation notice and not a request for proposal. It does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Interested parties should monitor SAM.gov for the full solicitation release. For inquiries, contact Virginia Chan (Chanvc@si.edu) or Christine Grant (grantCA@si.edu).