DB US Pavilion at Riyadh Expo 2030 Market Research.pdf

U.S. Department of State Design-Build for

USA Pavilion at Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Expo 2030

Request for Information - Market Research

This is a Request for Information (RFI) as outlined in FAR 15.201(c) (7). The purpose of this

RFI is to accomplish market research pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10, and to identify businesses capable of performing the functions described herein. The government is requesting information regarding the availability and feasibility of attracting firms to support the requirements of the U.S. Department of State (DOS), Office of the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs for the full Design and Construction of a USA Pavilion at Expo 2030, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and DOES NOT constitute a

Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment on the part of the government to conduct a solicitation for the below-listed services in the future. Responders are advised that the government will not pay for information submitted in response to this RFI, nor will it compensate responders for any costs incurred in the development/furnishing of a response.

Please note that a decision not to submit a response to this RFI will not preclude a vendor from participating in any future solicitation.

1. PROJECT INFORMATION

a. Project Description: Full Design-Build & Disassembly and Removal of a USA Pavilion at

Expo 2030, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

SECRET FACILITY AND PERSONNEL SECURITY CLEARANCES ARE NOT

REQUIRED

b. Background: U.S. pavilions at World Expos are public and commercial diplomacy platforms for engaging foreign audiences, promoting American values and prosperity, advancing U.S. bilateral and regional goals, and showcasing American culture and technology. In 2025, the United States was invited to participate in Expo 2030, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under auspices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The six-month event is projected to attract 42 million visits and offers the United States Government an opportunity to inform and inspire foreign audiences about the United States, its people, values, and foreign policies, and to promote U.S. economic and commercial interests.

c. Context: Expo 2030 Riyadh, with the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow,” will gather the world for a collective journey to identify future challenges and address them through science and innovation. The USA Pavilion at Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a multisensory celebration of

American excellence. It communicates clearly that America is a world leader in scientific advancements that make lives better.

d. U.S. Direction: Our key narratives center both technology and culture, illustrating and illuminating how America harnesses the power of innovation to drive forward future opportunities while expanding understanding of the past.

https://bie-paris.org/site/en/2030-riyadh

Themes and motifs in the USA Pavilion will engage audiences in new perspectives on their relationships with technology. Exhibits begin with an understanding of historic technologies and their preservation, discovery, and protection. Narratives then showcase American leadership in technological advancements as a means of storytelling and cultural expression.

The experience culminates in a breathtaking reminder that technology - a continuous process

-binds humanity’s history to its future.

The Pavilion shall employ the most effective exhibition methodologies to immerse audiences and transition seamlessly between topics. Each exhibit experience serves as a chapter within the larger story of humanity’s development, understanding, and celebration of technology and culture. Narrative cohesiveness, visitor flow, and multisensory engagement opportunities provide a nuanced, layered, and intuitive approach to the subject matter and result in greater appreciation and understanding.

e. Expo Guidelines: The Expo Guidelines for the Riyadh Expo 2030 have not yet been released at this time. The contract, if awarded, will require compliance with all applicable

Expo 2030 Riyadh guidelines, regulations, and requirements.

f. Property Description: The plot area is 5,368 square meters (roughly 57,781 sq ft). Within this space, the maximum height of the main structure is 20 meters, with a maximum Gross

Floor Area of 8,052 square meters. The maximum overall building height is 20 meters. The plot is located on the Expo 2030 site in the “Technology” district. The plot information is included as an attachment in the Attachments/Links section of the SAM NOTICE for the

USA Pavilion plot.

g. Project Scope: The project scope includes the full design, development, construction, installation, project management, and final disposition of a USA Pavilion at Expo 2030, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The anticipated work includes but is not limited to:

1. Full Design and Construction of a temporary, multi-level USA Pavilion building to house an exhibition expected to be a free-flow visitor experience of 5000-6000 sq/m over roughly three stories, with a rooftop garden and restaurant, two kitchens, operational back of house (BOH), VIP Reception Suite, retail space, office spaces, and intensive exterior landscaping with open air shading and sculptural elements.

2. The USA Pavilion building shall provide an appealing welcome on the exterior façade; provide extensive exterior landscaping; incorporate appropriate internal and external crowd control features; and accommodate a high volume of visitors for the duration of six months (October – March), as well as include a range of public and private spaces;

3. Implementation of the Department of State’s exhibition creative brief, and developing a comprehensive design package and storyline;

4. Production of exhibits, audio-visual materials, films, videos, posters, and other promotional materials needed for the pavilion;

5. Transport, travel, insurance, postage, and shipping fees of all pavilion materials, including artifacts.

6. Security, development and implementation of a security program for the USA

Pavilion in consultation with the Department and appropriate Saudi Arabian authorities;

7. Tear-down, including removal of exhibits, and return of the pavilion lot in the condition required by the Expo organizers; final disposition plan must be approved by the Expo organizers.

h. Project Goals and Themes: The theme of Expo 2030 is “Foresight for Tomorrow”, and the site is divided into five thematic sections. The USA Pavilion is located in the “Technology” section and will cross-cut all content with the “Culture” section located nearby. The USA

Pavilion concept envisions creative engagement in the story of technology: where we are today, as a country and a civilization. It guides the directions in which we are headed and the significance of what we carry with us on the way. While we envision many exhibitions to be indoors, we encourage a multisensory engagement with our landscaping and an integrated user experience from stepping onto the site through exiting the building(s).

1. Target Audiences: Target audiences for all exhibition content should center regional audiences composed of multi-generational members, visiting and expatriate residents

(both international and American), and high-level governmental delegations. Special attention should also be paid to content directed toward families, children, and young learners.

2. Overall Objective: A primary objective of the USA Pavilion is to demonstrate the multifaceted technological advancements of the United States in discovering who we are, what we have accomplished, and the leadership of where we are going next.

i. Objective 1: Establish that technology has always been part of the story of humanity. This presents technology as more than a tool of commerce or power, but as an inevitable product of human ingenuity. It has served as a vehicle of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, which has enabled humanity to understand its own history and America to share its stories with other cultures.

ii. Objective 2 : Effectively communicate and demonstrate America’s pioneering and leading role in storytelling technology. This leverages one of America’s most effective and instantly recognizable modes of international outreach and celebrated excellence: the film industry. This goal ensures a broad audience is engaged and provides myriad opportunities for multi-sensory engagement.

iii. Objective 3: Demonstrate America’s value as a champion of, and trusted partner in, preserving cultural heritage and ecology. Particular emphasis will be placed on our bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia. This goal centers regional audiences, establishing the American legacy of constructive engagement and partnership in the region.

iv. Objective 4: Unambiguously and confidently celebrate America’s role as a trailblazer, leader, and key partner in space exploration. The next great frontier for humanity and a key driver of technological innovation, we will effectively communicate that the United States has always been, and continues to be, at the frontlines of creating not only the vision but the means for humanity to seek new horizons and populate new worlds.

i. Approximate design, construction and decommissioning cost: $55 - 65 Million

2. MARKET RESEARCH SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND FORMAT:

2.A. Submission Requirements and Format:

2.A.1 Organization. Organize submittals by factor according to the list in Section 2.C below.

Tab and clearly identify each factor in the submittal.

2.A.2 Language. Use only the English language. If applicable, submit an English translation for all information originally provided in another language. If an English translation is not provided, DOS will not review or consider the information submitted only in another language. Non-English language pages are not included in any page counts.

2.A.3 Page Limits. Maximum page limits for each factor are identified in Section 2.C. If a submission exceeds the allowable page limits, DOS may consider only the designated number of pages, starting with the first page of each factor.

2.A.4 Page Size. Pages are based on a single-sided 8 ½” x 11” (or A4) sheet. Page equivalencies are: one double-sided page = two single-sided pages; 11”x17” foldouts = two pages per side. Except where otherwise specified, the maximum paper size permitted is 11” x 17” (or A3).

2.A.5 Font. Submit offers in size 12 font minimum. Only the Standard Form (SF) 330, required for use by the design subcontractors, may be prepared in size 10 font. SF 330 is available through: https://www.gsa.gov/reference/forms/architectengineer-qualifications

2.A.6 Color. Submit text as black writing on a white background. Text that is difficult to read due to the use of colored text, colored background, and/or font selection may result in a failure of one or more factors.

2.A.7 Format and Copies. Provide one electronic copy via email; see submission instructions at the end of this RFI.

https://www.gsa.gov/reference/forms/architectengineer-qualifications

2.A.8 Missing Information. A proposal submission discovered to be incomplete or missing the required information may be eliminated from further consideration.

2.A.9 Additional Information. Offerors are cautioned that DOS will consider only the information in the submission.

2.B. Definitions:

2.B.1 Where the term “Offeror” is used, it is intended that requirements for the Offeror apply equally to either a single Contractor or to all parties of a Joint Venture (JV), where applicable.

2.B.2 The project(s) included in this RFI are referenced as “the Project” in Section 2.C.

2.C. CONTENT OF SUBMISSION AND FACTORS FOR EVALUATION:

2.C.1 FACTOR 1: Joint Venture (JV) Agreement/Signed Statement of JV Intent and

Description of Partnership. If the offeror is organized as a Joint Venture, DOS will evaluate whether the roles and responsibilities of the JV parties have been adequately described. This factor is not applicable if there is no JV.

1. Page limit: Three. The JV agreement or Statement of Intent to form a JV does not count against the page limit for this factor.

2. If the planned organizational structure for the Offeror is a JV, provide a Statement of Intent to form a JV, signed by all parties to the JV. If a formal JV has already been formed, the JV agreement may be submitted in lieu of the Statement of Intent. If the Offeror is not submitting as a JV, include a statement in the submission in response to this factor.

3. Organizations that wish to rely upon the experience or financial resources of any other legally related entity or organization, including parent companies, subsidiaries, or other related firms, must do so by way of a JV. The parties must agree, in writing, to be jointly and severable liable for performance of any contract awarded.

4. Describe the relationship of the JV parties.

5. Identify each JV party’s role.

6. Identify the type and percentage of work assigned to each JV party.

2.C.2 FACTOR 2: Technical Project Experience

For Factor 2 there is no set page limit. The firm shall provide sufficient information to demonstrate successful experience per the listed attributes. While there is no set limit to the number of pages, the firm’s submission in terms of conciseness, relevancy of each narrative, and organization of responses will be considered.

Sub-factor 2.C.2.1 – Critical/Mandatory Attributes:

The firm is requested to submit all requested information for consideration

2.C.2.1.A Design/Build Attributes:

Offerors shall demonstrate the following design/build capabilities:

1. Prior experience with large, multimedia/technology-based exhibition design, including:

a. Experience with comprehensive and immersive exhibits with a focus on dynamic narratives.

Provide a brief narrative and two (2) project examples successfully designed and constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. The Government will review the firm’s experience with exhibit design and the methods of comprehensive and immersive descriptions of ideas, beliefs, experiences, and life-lessons through creative narratives that evoke powerful emotions and insights.

b. Experience with design/build for pavilions at World Expositions, Olympics, Museums, or other similar interactive and immersive visitor-driven experiences that support a minimum of 23,000 visitors per day.

Provide a brief narrative and two (2) project examples successfully designed and constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. The Government will review the firm’s experience with interactive visitor-driven experiences similar and/or relevant to the requirements of a USA Pavilion project.

c. Experience with design for crowd management, flow and queue management for immersive visitor-driven experiences and exhibits, performance stage, industrial kitchen design, and retail store.

Provide a brief narrative and two (2) project examples successfully designed and constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. The Government will review the firm’s experience with building and exhibits design that accommodates a high-volume of visitors engaging with the exhibits and following a storyline as well as engaging visitors in the queue and avoiding long queue lines.

2. Prior experience with:

a. Design, construction, and disassembly & removal of a temporary facility.

Provide a brief narrative and two (2) project examples successfully designed and constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. Please provide a schedule from one of the project examples that had the shortest duration. The Government will review the proposed design approach, construction, and use of materials for temporary building(s)/structure(s).

b. Design of exterior public spaces that includes a performance stage, retail store, and public restaurant.

Provide a brief narrative and two (2) project examples successfully designed and constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. The Government will review the firm’s experience in design and functionality of exterior public spaces.

c. Design of rooftop indoor/outdoor spaces that have event functionality.

constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. The Government will review the firm’s experience in functionality and innovative designs of rooftops or other indoor/outdoor event spaces.

d. Management and/or contracting with an overseas local Architect of Record for local code and sustainability compliance, document translation, and permitting, to include preparation of submission documents, submission process, approval management and permit issuance.

Provide a brief narrative and one (1) project example successfully designed and constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. The Government will review the firm’s experience with overseas local

A/E or Architect of Record for local code compliance and completion of the permitting process to obtain the building permit.

2.C.2.1.B Financial Attributes:

Offerors shall demonstrate the following financial attributes/capabilities:

1. Ability to obtain full bonding for the project. This capability shall be demonstrated by providing documentation showing the Offeror has successfully bonded two (2) or more projects in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity.

2. Ability to manage project finances. This capability shall be demonstrated by providing accounting records/documentation showing the firm has experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable balances for two (2) or more projects in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. Provide records/documentation to describe the financial management system used to manage and track project finances for labor and materials.

2.C.2.1.C Organizational Attributes:

Offerors shall demonstrate the following organizational attributes/capabilities:

1. Ability to manage subcontractors and related administration. This capability shall be demonstrated by providing documented evidence showing that the firm has a program/process to manage subcontractors to perform contract requirements for two (2) or more projects in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity.

2. Ability to establish foreign business operations. This capability shall be demonstrated by providing documented evidence that the firm has established business operations in a foreign country for one (1) or more projects in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. Adequate evidence shall consist of, at minimum, business licenses, tax receipts, and other similar documentation showing in part the foreign country business address distinct from the firm’s home office address.

3. Ability to manage logistics. This capability shall be demonstrated by providing documented evidence that the firm has managed projects with complex logistics for one (1) or more projects in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity.

Include a brief (200 word maximum) narrative describing a project’s principal logistical challenges (e.g., shipping, goods and materials, equipment, lodging, travel, etc.)

4. Ability to plan work and manage work to a schedule. This capability shall be demonstrated by providing evidence that the firm has completed two (2) or more projects in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. Two (2) schedules should be provided with a brief narrative listing the project start and end dates along with milestone dates affecting the schedule. Schedule and data dates shall match the narrative. Schedules used as reporting and forecasting tools (i.e. where durations, activities, and sequencing are regularly updated) are not responsive to this sub-factor.

Sub-factor 2.C.2.2 – Preferred Attributes:

1. Prior experience partnering with American U.S. businesses to integrate and showcase emerging American technologies, with a particular focus on sustainable building products.

Provide a brief narrative and one (1) project example successfully designed and constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. The Government will review the firm’s experience and proposal for integrating

American technologies with sustainable building products and practices.

2. Building design in the Middle East and North Africa (Preference for Saudi Arabia).

constructed/installed in the past fifteen (15) years of similar scope, compressed schedule, and complexity. The Government will review the firm’s experience with building design and construction in the Middle East and North Africa with considerations of functionality, sustainability, and passive design.

2.C.3 FACTOR 3: The Firm’s Organization and Management

1. Page limit: Ten (10) pages

2. Describe the management process and tools that the Firm typically employs in managing a project of the type, size, schedule, and complexity of the USA Pavilion project.

3. Identify, by position only, how the firm typically staffs a project of the type, size, complexity of the USA Pavilion project. Show staffing for Home (headquarters and support) & Field

Offices. Provide a brief list explaining the roles of each of the typical positions.

4. Provide additional relevant information, such as significant achievements, retention of key personnel, and/or timely award of subcontracts.

DOS will review the firm’s management processes and typical organization, considering decision-making; communication within the team; communication between the Home

(headquarters and support) and Field Offices; and tracking schedules, procurement, and cost.

3. CLOSING DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS

ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 2:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME ON

NOVEMBER 11, 2026.

ONLY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. SEND/SHARE THE

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION TO: CO - Jennifer Leung at LeungJB@fan.gov.

REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS must be submitted in writing to: CO - Jennifer Leung at

LeungJB@FAN.gov.

mailto:LeungJB@fan.gov mailto:LeungJB@FAN.gov