John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is an independent civilian agency that procures goods and services to support the operation and maintenance of the performing arts venue and its facilities in Washington, D.C. The Center awards contracts for building systems, maintenance, security, event support, and related operational needs essential to its mission as the nation's premier cultural institution.

The Center has awarded 739 federal contracts cumulatively since 1995, obligating $215.9 million against a combined potential value of $254 million. Recent award volume has declined sharply: the Center closed 55 awards in 2020, then dropped to 8 in 2021, 1 in 2022, 2 in 2023, and 3 in 2024. The most recent recorded award dates to July 2024. Over the last five years, the Center has engaged 321 distinct prime contractors across its portfolio.

Contract competition is highly fragmented by award count but moderately concentrated by potential value. Over the last five years, the top five primes by award count—Show Sage LLC, DC Water & Sewer Authority, Bradley Technologies Inc., Federal Prison Industries Inc., and American Pest Management Inc.—hold 71% of recent awards, each capturing only one or two contracts. By potential value, the top five cover 18% of combined recent value, with Bradley Technologies Inc. dominating at $44.5 million for fire protection and safety systems, followed by Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP at $971 thousand. The long tail of contractors holds the majority of recent value.

The contracting mix is heavily weighted toward open market competition: 633 awards (86%) carry no set-aside designation. Small business set-asides account for 7% of awards, with 8(a) sole-source awards representing 6% and competitive 8(a) 1%. This structure reflects the Center's operational procurement profile, where facility maintenance, utilities, and specialized systems are often sourced through standard competitive or sole-source channels rather than small-business carve-outs.

No recent federal contract opportunities are recorded in the source data. Vendors interested in supporting the Center's operations should monitor standard GSA Schedules, the Center's direct procurement channels, and federal opportunity portals for occasional solicitations tied to facility renewal, systems replacement, and event support needs.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Center offers a wide range of performances, inlcuding frequent free or low-cost performances. The Center also runs a number of educational and outreach programs.