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 offers for a Firm-Fixed-Price construction contract to upgrade Sanitary and Storm Systems at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. This project, estimated to exceed $10 Million, involves replacing the entire sanitary and stormwater infrastructure across the Main Building, East, and West Wings. The period of performance is 740 calendar days. Subcontracting goals include 40% for small businesses and 7% for Service-Disabled Veteran-owned small businesses. Proposals are due Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Opportunity Overview
The Smithsonian Institution requires a qualified contractor to undertake a significant infrastructure upgrade at its National Museum of Natural History. The project focuses on replacing the existing sanitary and stormwater systems, which have reached the end of their service life. Work must be executed with extreme care to safeguard the museum's invaluable collections, exhibits, research operations, and historic architectural features.
Scope of Work
Key elements of the project include:
- Installation of new sanitary and stormwater piping systems throughout the Main Building, East, and West Wings.
- Rerouting piping to avoid sensitive areas like exhibit halls and collection storage.
- Capping abandoned piping and removing old piping in compliance with environmental and safety standards.
- Lead and asbestos abatement as necessary.
- Installation of new piping within the existing tunnel system.
- Tie-in of new systems to the external Smithsonian infrastructure.
- Development and implementation of a comprehensive erosion and sediment control plan.
- Inspection, removal, and replacement of roof scuppers. All work must adhere to applicable codes, historic preservation requirements, safety regulations, and Smithsonian Institution design standards, with phasing plans to minimize disruption.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Construction Contract.
- Estimated Value: Exceeds $10 Million.
- Period of Performance: 740 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.
- Funding: Multi-year funding is anticipated across FY26, FY27, and FY28, with $8.5 million allocated for FY26 performance.
- Wage Determination: Davis Bacon Building Wage Determination DC20260002 applies.
- Bonds: Performance Bond (Standard Form 25) and Payment Bond (Standard Form 25A) are required.
Set-Aside & Subcontracting Goals
While there is no specific set-aside for the prime contract, the opportunity includes subcontracting goals of 40% for small business concerns, with at least 7% specifically for Service-Disabled Veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB).
Key Dates & Submission
- Pre-proposal Meeting & Site Tour: Friday, March 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Questions Due: April 14, 2026, by 3:00 PM EST.
- Proposals Due: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
- Submission: Technical, Cost, and Subcontracting Plan proposals must be uploaded as PDFs via a provided Dropbox link.
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be based on a best-value tradeoff, considering both technical factors and cost. Technical factors include Plan of Accomplishment, Past Performance, Safety Performance, Key Personnel, and Subcontractors.
Additional Notes
The solicitation includes detailed Specifications (Volumes 1 & 2), Drawings (Volumes 1, 2, & 3), and a Design Manual dated December 5, 2025. Three options for additional scope (West Wing, East Wing, Roof Scupper Repair) are included and will be evaluated.