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 seeking proposals for a Firm Fixed-Price construction contract to upgrade the Sanitary and Storm Systems at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. This project, estimated to exceed $10 Million, involves replacing existing infrastructure while protecting museum collections, exhibits, and historic architecture. Proposals are due May 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The project entails the comprehensive installation of new sanitary and stormwater piping systems throughout the Museum Main Building, East and West Wings. Key tasks include:
- Installation of new piping systems, rerouting to avoid sensitive areas.
- Capping abandoned piping and removing old piping where necessary.
- Lead and asbestos abatement in affected areas.
- Installation of new piping within the existing tunnel system.
- Tie-in of new systems to external Smithsonian infrastructure.
- Development and implementation of an 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 design standards, with phasing plans minimizing disruption to museum operations.
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 across FY26, FY27, and FY28, with $8,500,000.00 allocated for FY26 performance.
- Subcontracting Goals: 40% for small business concerns, including 7% for Service-Disabled Veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB).
- Wage Requirements: Davis Bacon Building Wage Determination DC20260002 applies.
- Options: Three options are included for work in the West Wing, East Wing, and roof scupper repair.
Key Dates & Actions
- Final Walk Through: Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM (NMNH lobby).
- RFI Due Date: Monday, May 4, 2026. Questions must be submitted in sequentially numbered sets via email to ChanVC@si.edu.
- Proposal Due Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
- Submission: Proposals (Technical, Cost, Subcontracting Plan) must be uploaded as PDFs to a provided Dropbox link.
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be based on a best-value tradeoff, considering technical factors (Plan of Accomplishment, Past Performance, Safety Performance, Key Personnel, and Subcontractors) and cost.
Required Attachments & Forms
Bidders must review detailed Drawings (Volumes 1-3), Specifications (Volumes 1-2, Appendix), and the Design Manual. Required forms include Performance Bonds (SF 25), Payment Bonds (SF 25A), and a Release of Claim Form (OCON FORM ROC-1). A Bid Summary Spreadsheet and Multi-Year Funding Document are provided for cost estimation.