F22R010013 RFP Att 1 Att 2.pdf

1 of 11 Smithsonian Solicitation # F22R010013

Smithsonian Institution

Request for Proposals Multi-disciplinary Architect/Engineer

Bezos Learning Center (BLC) Smithsonian Solicitation Number F22R010013

Issue Date: January 18, 2022 Due Date: February 17, 2022

3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Smithsonian Institution

Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management PO Box 37012, MRC 1200

Washington, DC 20013-7012

Additional information may be requested via email Please see page 10 for contact information

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contract Form – page 3

Project Description – page 3

Award Objective – page 3

Background – page 3-4

Design Considerations – page 4-5

Selection Process – page 5

Selection Criteria for Phase I – pages 5 – 8

Selection Criteria for Phase II – page 8 and Attachment 1

Subcontracting Plan Requirements – pages 8-9

Student Design Challenge – page 9 and Attachment 2

Phase I Submission Requirements – pages 9-10

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Contract & Project Description Project # 2206101 Construct Bezos Learning Center (BLC)

I. CONTRACT

This contract procurement is in accordance with the Brooks Architect-Engineer (AE) Act as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 36.6. The objective is to provide planning and design services for the design of the Bezos Learning Center (BLC). The North American Industry Classification

Code (NAICS) for this procurement is 541310 (Architectural Services) and the size standard under this code is $7,500,000 (maximum average annual receipts to qualify as a Small Business per 13 CFR § 121.104 a).

This announcement is open to all qualified businesses regardless of size. The contract awarded will be firm-fixed-price.

II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This announcement is for the selection and award of an Architect-Engineer Multidiscipline Contract that would provide planning, design, and construction administration support for construction of the new

Smithsonian Institution’s Bezos Learning Center (BLC). The BLC will be located to the east of the National

Air and Space Museum Nation Mall Building (NASM-NMB) on the site of the 1988 restaurant.

III. AWARD OBJECTIVE

The successful offeror will provide planning and design services for the Bezos Learning Center (BLC) comprising an education center, food service, astronomy park with observatory and a reconfiguration of the existing loading dock. The project includes collections handling; exhibit spaces; vertical transportation;

hazmat abatement; blast; chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) mitigation; confirmation of programming; studies; concept design; schematic design; design development; construction documents;

A/E Construction Phase Services; early construction packages and USGBC - LEED and/or SITES certification. Construction of the BLC will be delivered via Construction Manager as Constructor and procured using the successful offeror’s 35% design submission. Early packages will be part of the design submission to allow construction to proceed and complete in 2026.

IV. BACKGROUND

The National Air and Space Museum, designed by Gyo Obata of Helmuth Kassabaum and Obata, is a series of alternating masses of polished natural stone and glass. Four sections are clad in Colonial Rose granite. The modern design of the museum reflects the modernity of the technology during the space race era in which it was built, while still fitting in with the national grandeur of the Mall.

Obata took care to align the structure with the existing Hirshhorn Museum and the National Gallery of Art’s west building. The recesses of the Air and Space Museum “align with the projecting portion of the National

Gallery’s south elevation as if the buildings might fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.” The stone alternates between glass in three recessed exhibit bays; flooded with even, north-facing light, these glass areas feature heavy truss systems to support the planes suspended above. Window walls were placed at the end of each building to bring in large artifacts; the one at the west end is still active. The exhibition

4 of 11 Smithsonian Solicitation # F22R010013 spaces display air and space craft suspended in air against the natural backdrop of the sky. Wing-shaped sculptural bollards provide an unobtrusive security element at the museum’s north entrance.

In 1988 the original architects designed a restaurant pavilion at the east end with a glazed space frame structure to complement the original building. The geometrically designed roof of the restaurant could be said to resemble a lunar landing vehicle.

On July 14, 2021, the SI announced that it would be receiving the largest philanthropic gift since its founding from Mr. Jeff Bezos. A portion of the gift supports exhibit construction within the NASM-NMB, and the bulk of the gift provides for the construction and operations of a “world class center for education based at

NASM.” The new Bezos Learning Center (BLC) will be a pan-Institutional resource that will be overseen by the NASM Director and the Associate Director for Education and Visitor Experience. A primary focus of its programs shall reach traditionally underserved communities in Washington, DC and across the nation, both at the site of the new facility and virtually, as the Center will employ the latest technological resources and developments available for student engagement. Other ancillary programming will take place within and surrounding the facility, such as a 600- to 700-seat quick-service (fast casual) restaurant accessible from the Museum’s main level and an Astronomy Park on the East Terrace. The permanent installation of the currently temporary Phoebe Waterman Haas Observatory will be addressed as a part of the overall BLC project efforts. In addition, the existing loading and adjacent basement spaces including those supporting food service will be re-configured to support the new missions and functions of the BLC.

V. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

The selected A/E shall provide multidisciplinary architectural and engineering services for the preparation of pre-project planning and programming documents and studies, concept design, schematic design, design development, and construction documents for the construction of the new Bezos Learning Center, A/E

Construction Phase Services, and services to achieve LEED and/or SITES certification. The multidisciplinary team shall include, at a minimum, the following disciplines and expertise:

a) Architecture, including Historic Preservation

b) Landscape Architecture

c) Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection/Life Safety Engineering

d) Security

e) Structural Engineering

f) Civil Engineering

g) Geotechnical Engineering

h) Materials Handling

i) Hazardous materials abatement

j) Lighting Design

k) Vertical Transportation Design

l) Envelope Design

m) Accessibility

n) Sustainability

o) Acoustics

p) Audio-Visual and Theater Design

q) Graphic Design

r) Information Technology Design

s) Food Service

t) Retail Design

u) Exhibit Design

v) Moisture Protection and Water-proofing Design

w) Cost Estimating

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x) NEPA Consultant (if NCPC requires an EA or EIS)

y) Blast and CBR resistant design and

z) all other design and engineering disciplines as may be required for full renovation of structures of this age and significance.

The above services and expertise may be provided by the prime or by separate named subcontractors. In addition, the A/E shall be required to prepare presentations and project submissions of the proposed designs for review by external agencies and their staff, including the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), the

National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), and the D.C. State Historic Preservation Office. The A/E will be expected to attend and participate in video-conferencing and on-site meetings in Washington, D.C., often at short notice, in connection with the services described herein.

VI. SELECTION PROCESS

The selection will take place in two phases.

Phase I: Qualifications only submission and short list. All interested Architectural and Engineering Firms shall submit a SF330 Part I and II. The Smithsonian selection panel will review the qualifications of all firms and determine those firms that will be ‘short listed’ to continue to Phase II. All firms not ‘short listed’ will be notified in writing and provided an opportunity for a debrief.

Phase II: Short listed firms will be required to submit and present a design concept for the BLC. The concept will be limited to renderings and a 3D BIM. The renderings shall demonstrate the building’s massing and relationship to the existing National Air and Space. It is not intended that the concept submission is a final solution or ‘the’ design to be implemented rather it is an indication of the design aesthetic of the team and a demonstration of the firm’s understanding of the opportunities and constraints of the project. Detailed floorplans and extensive interior views are not required. The renderings may be displayed for public viewing during the selection process. The ‘short listed’ firms will also be required to present their design and approach to the project during an interview with question and answers with the selection panel. The selection panel will deliberate after all the presentations, interviews, and public viewing period have concluded and ask the top-ranked firm to prepare a proposal for the BLC design contract.

VII. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR PHASE I (QUALIFICATIONS)

Phase I: Qualifications

Firm evaluation and selection will be conducted in accordance with FAR 36.6 and will be based on the following criteria which are listed in descending order of importance. Evaluation of the short-listed firms will additionally include an evaluation of a design concept and qualifications in accordance with below criteria that are demonstrated during the interview and in contacts with firm clients. Each submitting team is required to submit a Standard Form (SF) 330 clearly demonstrating their qualifications based on the criteria below.

1. Project Team Specialized Experience

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The A/E team, must demonstrate individual experience and technical competence in comparable projects.

The scope of the projects and the quality of the planning and/or design response will be considered of greater importance in the evaluation than the quantity of projects or the breadth of subject matter represented by submitted projects. Projects submitted shall demonstrated experience addressing the following disciplines (submit photographs of comparable A/E projects which have been completed in the last seven years):

a) Design and construction of high-profile museums, cultural, civic, and educational buildings, accompanied by food service and loading dock amenities.

b) Projects performed under security requirements in formal public urban spaces with a high public visitorship, like the National Mall;

c) Projects, that include submission to and approval from the external review agencies such as the Commission of Fine Arts and National Capitol Planning Commission; to include projects listed on the National Register of Historic Places and those requiring National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 processes or comparable local reviews.

d) Experience with complex construction projects in the range of $50 million construction cost and greater; and

e) USGBC LEED and/or SITES certification.

2. Project Team Qualifications

Members of the A/E project team must have the educational and professional qualifications to provide the services, including registration with the appropriate regulatory and professional entities. Firms are encouraged to minimize duplication within disciplines and in project roles in the selection of subconsultants or joint venture partners. The demonstrated extent of involvement and quality of staff’s contributions to projects should be emphasized. The evaluation of these disciplines will consider education, training, and the overall quality and performance on relevant projects of similar complexity and scope. The A/E team must also have a minimum of:

a) all disciplines listed under Section 2. Services (clearly identify the disciplines to be performed in-house and those to be subcontracted).

b) three registered architects.

c) architectural licensure in any US State or the District of Columbia prior to contract award.

d) one registered engineer for every engineering discipline.

e) project leads for each discipline should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; and

f) construction phase support services.

3. Past Performance

The A/E firm and named subcontracting firms must demonstrate a successful past performance on comparable past projects, as defined at 2(A) above. SI will also use other information that is readily available to determine the A/E’s past performance. This includes but is not limited to client references and federal government evaluation sources including Contract Performance Assessment Reporting (CPARS) which incorporates the data of the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), the

Construction Contractor Appraisal Support System (CCASS), and the Architect-Engineer Contract

Administration Support System (ACASS) ratings whether they are for projects named or not. Demonstrate successful past performance and specific experience with:

a) cost and scope management

b) planning, design, and work quality

c) work management

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d) responsiveness; and

e) compliance with performance schedules.

4. Firm Management Approach and Capacity

A discussion of the firm’s planning and design approach and capacity to accomplish the work within SI time constraints shall be submitted in Section H of the SF 330. This discussion should demonstrate why the proposed team should be selected for the design of the BLC. The availability of an adequate number of qualified personnel in key disciplines shall be presented as well as the availability of the team’s lead architectural designer and lead mechanical engineer for this project. A proposed Work Management and

Design Quality Management Plan shall address:

a) management approach.

b) design approach

c) team organization.

d) professional registration.

e) coordination of in-house disciplines and consultants.

f) scheduling procedures; and

g) capacity to accomplish the work based on submittal of firms’ current and projected workloads.

5. Firm Location

The A/E firm location should be in reasonable proximity to the project site located in Washington, DC. Prime and subconsultant firms located outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area must explain how they will work with the Smithsonian to minimize costs and inefficiencies associated with their more distant location, including partnering with local firms or establishing a field office in the DC area. The A/E firm will be required to establish an office within 30 miles of the project site during the construction phase. In Section H of the SF

330, clearly indicate:

a) the primary and branch offices where the Services will be performed and detail staffing for each office.

b) additional offices worldwide; and

c) the strategy for providing Services for any team members located outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

1. Computer Capability

The A/E and its subcontractors must comply with the Smithsonian Institution standards for preparation of virtual models, and documentation of drawings and specifications. These standards are available for viewing at the Smithsonian Facilities Architect-Engineer Information Center website at https://www.sifacilities.si.edu/ae_center/index.asp. Required proficiencies include the following:

a) Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project PDF editing software - Adobe Acrobat Professional, Bluebeam Revu.

b) 3-dimensional modeling, rendering and animation in specialized software such as Autodesk 3ds Max, and Revizto.

c) Building Information Modeling in specialized software: Autodesk Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection 2019, Google SketchUp Pro as well as familiarity with IFC and COBie file standards.

d) CostOS Estimator (SI-required cost estimating software program).

https://www.sifacilities.si.edu/ae_center/index.asp

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e) Experience with computer aided facilities management software such as Facility Center (Tririga) is highly recommended; and

f) All documents shall use the Metric measurement system. Design and planning documents may also require Imperial equivalents.

VIII. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR PHASE II (DESIGN CONCEPT: SHORTLIST ONLY)

Phase II of this procurement will entail submission of a design concept as described in brief below. For additional information on the anticipated programming for the BLC is attached to this document as

Attachment 1, titled BLC Program Notes.

1. Concept At a minimum, submitted design concepts must embody an exciting new mission for the BLC; honor the space race era; respect the more classical facades of neighboring museums, the Hirschhorn, and the

National Gallery of Art; and include the BLC Ideation Objectives listed in this solicitation.

2. Content

Tying museum content to the architecture – depict or represent the Age of the Universe or Solar System in the Design

3. Framing Frame the experience – inside and out – showcase learner projects and outputs from experiences that take place within the BLC via ‘treasure box’ style look ins – Transparent walls bring the experience to the exterior.

4. Connection Connecting the BLC to the museum – Second floor bridge

5. Environment An environment that energizes learner – with features to showcase learner’s work – present the museum’s collection, outside views to frame and inspire learning, & a flexible interior.

6. Positioning.

Position the space as a nexus where creativity and innovation take place - exploring how largescale, exterior projections of coordinated patterns, images and narratives can serve as a beacon of wonder and awe.

IX. SUBCONTRACTING PLAN REQUIREMENTS

If the selected firm is a large business, a subcontracting plan consistent with Public Law (PL) 95-507, PL

99-661 and PL 100-656 will be required with the final fee proposal. A minimum of 40% of the total planned subcontracting dollars shall be placed with small business concerns. At least 6% of total planned subcontracting dollars shall be placed with Small disadvantaged businesses (SDB), including Historically

Black Colleges and Universities or Minority Institutions; 6% with Women-owned small businesses (WOSB);

4% shall be placed with Hub-zone Small Businesses (HubSB); 4% with Veteran-owned small businesses

(VOSB); and 4% with Service-Disabled Veteran-owned small businesses (SDV). The subcontracting plan is not required with this submittal. Any prime or joint venture found to be officially notified of non-compliance on past contracts and the non-compliance is outstanding will not be considered for this project. Failure to

9 of 11 Smithsonian Solicitation # F22R010013 adequately explain reasons for not meeting previous contract goals may result in a lower overall rating and ultimate non-selection. The subcontracting plan submitted with the final fee proposal will be evaluated by the Associate Director, Smithsonian Supplier Diversity Program for negotiation by the contracting officer. A final negotiated subcontracting plan shall be a condition of contract award and will become a component of the awarded contract.

X. STUDENT DESIGN CHALLENGE

The successful firm that is awarded the design contract will be asked to participate in and collaborate on a

Student Design Challenge (described more fully at Attachment 2 hereto). This challenge is being managed by the National Air & Space Museum staff. Details of the challenge are in an attached document. It is anticipated that the design firm will be a judge in Phase 2 of the challenge which selects the winning team and awards 3 year paid internships with the AE firm. The Smithsonian will fund internships for the winning team.

XI. PHASE I SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Firms capable of performing the services must submit Parts I and II of the SF 330 for the prime and joint venture(s). Part II of the SF 330 must also be submitted for each consultant. In addition, please comply with the following all submissions will be electronic in PDF format:

Please forward your submittal to the address noted below, no later than 3:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on February 17, 2022.

On SF 330, Part I, Block 5, include DUNS number for the prime firm. Effective immediately, the use of

DUNS+4 numbers to identify vendors is limited to identifying different CCR records for the same vendor at the same physical location. For example, a vendor could have two records for themselves at the same physical location to identify two separate bank accounts. If you do not have a DUNS number, or want to register subsidiaries and other entities, call Dun and Bradstreet at 1-866-705-5711.

On the SF 330, Part I, Block F, provide the title and contract award dates for all projects listed in that section.

Submit responses VIA EMAIL to: ERRICKSONE@SI.EDU

Hard copy original:

Smithsonian Institution, Office of Contracting 600 Maryland Avenue SW

CAP GAL WEST SUITE 5001

WASHINGTON DC 20024

ATTN: Eve Errickson

Please submit four (4) hard copies of the SF 330 submission along with a tabbed electronic file in pdf format. The SF 330 shall have a table of contents and is subject to a page limit of 100 pages. A page is one single sided sheet; a fold out sheet is considered 2 pages. Font size shall be no less than 10 point; and margins shall not be less than one inch. Resumes may be excluded from the page count, provided they are tabbed and hyperlinked for easy reference. Other exceptions from the page limit shall not be considered.

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Preface the submission with both an attached original and a loose copy of a brief cover letter on company letterhead.

Inquiries should be submitted: (i) in writing; and (ii) solely to Eve Errickson, Contracting Office; and (iii) transmitted via email to ErricksonE@si.edu;. Inquiries must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time February 1, 2022.

Telephone calls, personal visits, and other communications to Smithsonian staff or other affiliated persons to discuss this announcement are prohibited. There will not be a scheduled tour of the NASM Mall site prior to submission of responses to this solicitation.

Short-listed firms will be contacted and invited to interview and will be required to present their design concept and oral presentation virtually using the teleconferencing application of their choosing. Interviews are currently expected to be scheduled in April 2022.

Firms not selected for the short list will be notified and offered a thirty minute debrief.

The Smithsonian will dispose of submitted material 60 days after receipt unless a specific written request is made for its return. Returns will be at the expense of the firm submitting the information.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR A FEE PROPOSAL.

mailto:chicoskin@si.edu

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F22R010013 Attachment 1: BLC Program Notes

BLC – Program Notes

Programming for the Bezos Learning Center to be constructed on site at the National

Air and Space Museum is anticipated to include the elements described below. These notes are meant to provide general information for bidders preparing a response to

Phase I of the Smithsonian’s RFP F22R010013 and is not meant to be conclusive.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Related Project Components / Fund Sources:

Project Component Construction

Budget Gross Square

Feet

Bezos Learning Center $52M 50,000

Restaurant $20M 20,000+

Observatory / Astronomy Park $3.5M 1,200

Overview

• Bezos Learning Center (BLC) / Restaurant:

o A new/replacement restaurant occupies the ground “first” floor

▪ Seating Capacity 600-700

▪ Fast casual with healthy food options – Vendor provides interior design.

o Expand East Vestibule (ground floor)

▪ Security post (screening equipment and desk – to support after-hours access)

▪ South side – After Hours & Access to the Observatory/Astronomy Park

▪ North side – School Groups / Bus entrance

▪ Vertical circulation (stairs/elevator) to BLC - separate from restaurant vertical circulation o BLC – Main Floor/ Entrance - second floor (above the Restaurant) +/- 22,000 SF:

▪ “Bridge” from NASM second floor (requires BLC at same level as NASM 2nd floor) o BLC – Upper Floor - third floor (10,000-15,000 SF):

▪ Arts / Crafts / Maker space – visible from the entrance / loft - over looks main floor o Terrace/ Deck – third floor (5,000 SF)

▪ View to Mall/Capitol – Support Education and Special Events (100- 150 persons)

• New Observatory / Astronomy Park:

o Isolated ground-level concrete pad/pier required to minimize vibration to the telescope.

o A multi-use interactive exhibition/park, with physical interactives that explore STEAM concepts.

1. NASM – Bezos Learning Center – Program Description

Programming Narrative:

Learning at the National Air and Space Museum sparks curiosity and empowers learners to imagine the possibilities of our future. The Bezos Learning Center is a nexus where creativity, problem-solving, and innovation take place, linking learners to the unparalleled collection that only the National Air and Space

Museum and its unique positioning on the National Mall can offer. The structure itself will imbue the sense of wonder, curiosity, discovery, and energy that are the foundational elements for all programs taking place within and around it.

Unlike the traditional drop in programs that occur in the galleries or at spaces such as Q?rius at NMNH, the BLC will be dedicated to deeper engagements that take place over longer periods of time – several hours to several weeks – whereby participants make an intentional, advance decision to engage. Two foundational initiatives, funded by the gift, will be the flagship programs within the space - The Bezos Empowering Educators (BE2) program and the Bezos Science and Technology Innovation Challenges (BeST Innovation Challenges) – as will other similar programs like NASM’s successful Teacher Innovator Institute.

• BE2 aims to establish a national network of K-3 grade classroom educators who possess the skills and confidence to engage early elementary students in authentic learning that leverages their natural curiosity. BE2 will be piloted locally, in 6-10 schools within the DC metro region and then expand nationally. Through engagement in a two-year cohort, up to 30 participating teachers per cohort will work with NASM Museum Educators. At full capacity, BE2 will have between 80-90 educators activated annually.

• BeST Innovation Challenges will engage middle and high school age learners in real-world problem solving, including design and coding. For example, a challenge might focus on a future oriented problem, like developing a solution to ‘space junk.’ Participants will engage in BeST Innovation

Challenges out of school and will work in teams, supported by Museum Educators, to respond to briefings from across the Smithsonian. Teams will be able access myriad tools and collections—both physical and digital—to design their solutions, engaging with experts at the Smithsonian, area universities, research labs, and industry partners. Between four and six BeST Innovation Challenges will take place annually, with up to 50 on-site participants per challenge, and at least two of these challenges will include virtual participation to ensure the Museum is engaging learners both within and beyond our walls.

General Assumptions:

• Bezos Learning Center signage required on exterior of building and at interior main entrance

• Universal Design (highly accessible) and LEED Gold / durable finishes / well wired

• School “Field Trip” support is not from these spaces – it is from the Launch Pad classrooms located on the lower, basement level of the main museum building.

• Exterior display areas (lighted boxes of various sizes to invite viewing of work products)

• Lunch space for school groups required in basement if not accommodated in the Restaurant

NASM – Bezos Learning Center – Program Details

Expand East Vestibule - Ground Floor (1500-2500 SF)

• South doors/screening – After Hours & Access to the Observatory/Astronomy Park

• North doors/screening – School Groups / Bus entrance

• Security post (screening equipment and desk – to support after-hours access).

• Vertical circulation (stairs/elevator) to BLC – distinct from restaurant vertical circulation

Restaurant – Ground Floor (20,000-22,000 SF)

• Also requires Back of House spaces at the Basement Level

• See separate page dedicated to Restaurant description

BLC – Main Floor and Entrance – second floor (above the Restaurant) +/- 22,000 SF

• “Bridge” from NASM second floor (requires BLC at same level as NASM 2nd floor)

• Grand entrance / Foyer / Tall Space with sculpture or artifact hung within the new addition

• Sense of space (at NASM, on National Mall, in Washington D.C.)

• Spaces anticipated:

o Lobby, information desk, hidden storage for coats and bags o Convening Area – supports up to 90 persons (not a lecture hall) o Smaller second meeting space (30 persons) o Six Multi-use spaces, flexible team spaces for 6-10 persons o Hang-out spaces – soft furniture, charging stations o Director and 3-5 offices (on main or upper floor) and quiet rooms o Artifact Display (rotate items in/out) / Display cases areas for program participant work products o Kitchenette – no cook-top; refrigerator, microwave, sink o Storage, storage, and more storage o Core/support spaces – Mechanical/Electrical/IT/Custodial o All spaces are well wired for power / IT / Wi-Fi / charging stations, etc.

o Gender neutral restrooms

BLC Upper Floor – third floor (10,000-15,000 SF)

• Arts / Crafts / Maker space – visible from the entrance / overlooks main floor (up to 40-50 persons) o Director and 3-5 offices (on main or upper floor) and quiet rooms – if not on main floor o Storage, storage, and more storage o Core/support spaces – Mechanical/Electrical/IT/Custodial o Gender neutral restrooms

Terrace/ Deck – third floor (+/- 5,000 SF) o View to Mall/Capitol – Support Education and Special Events (100- 150 persons) o Access directly from vestibule and/or from Learning Center o Support areas (storage / covered servery / bar area)

2. Restaurant

• Medium to high throughput. Fast casual with healthy food options

• We expect that standard hours of operation will be 10am – 5:30 pm.

o Exceptions will be extended hours and museum special events.

o Assume we operate hours 7 days per week -- cannot be guaranteed

• Restaurant should have a sense of place, i.e., in an air and space museum.

• Expanded vestibule may support an entrance to restaurant area for after-hours events

• Consider lunch space for school groups – whether they have purchased on site, or brought their lunch from home, needs to be able to seat a min of 100.

Restaurant Interior Space

• Seating Capacity has been within a range of 600-700 seats.

• Verify how many seats in assumed 20-22K square foot space.

• Assume restrooms are within restaurant and included with completed white box

Restaurant Buildout

• Smithsonian is responsible for the overall Bezos Learning Center building design and the design and construction of the Restaurant shell, including the kitchen and dining areas.

• The successful offeror will be required to provide its food and beverage service concept design

• Restaurant equipment:

o All equipment, including POS will be the responsibility of the operating company o FF&E be the responsibility of the operating company o Responsibility will include purchase and maintenance o Pest control, drain and grease trap maintenance Vendor responsibility

Outside Terrace East End

• Walk-up window / Take Out food option

• Exterior seating on terrace, trash, etc., SI responsibility.

Back of House Area(s)

• Upgraded delivery/dock access be below ground

• Storage, refrigeration, offices, and support for restaurant below ground

• Dedicated elevators / staff restrooms and locker rooms are included

3. New Observatory / Astronomy Park:

Requirements for Observatory design:

• The program requires a 21-26 foot commercially-available metal dome, mounted on a rectangular

900 - 1200 square foot foundation and separated into two chambers.

o The Observatory must be in easy-to-access location with good sightlines to the southeast o The larger main chamber supporting the dome structure will host the majority of the

Observatory’s programming and is to be unheated and uninsulated, but with humidity control.

o The second, smaller chamber will have climate control for safe storage and is to be dedicated solely for staff/admin use.

o Education’s preference is for the larger dome (26’ – 1200 SF) on a rectilinear frame o Dome must rotate 360 degrees and allow sky viewing via a side-by-side orbi-part shutter type.

• Creation of a safe and accessible external observing pad:

o Observing deck space, adjacent to the observatory, also 900 square feet.

o Consists of a series of approximately 5 fixed telescope piers (short, sturdy vertical cylinders), with up to 3 protected by small roll-off structures o Each pier would have weatherproof electrical connections.

o Integrate the observing deck with the Astronomy Park for continuity in the visitor experience.

• The new location for the Observatory will require an isolated concrete pad or pier to minimize vibration to the telescope. The footing for the wall, or the concrete pad on which the dome and wall rest must be kept separate from the pier. Otherwise, vibrations from the building due to people walking around the observing floor or the dome being turned will be transmitted to the telescope o Sufficient square footage and flexibility to execute educational programming, including both day and night observing for informal visitors and for groups, and digital programming.

• Access to bathroom facilities during events at the Observatory and Astronomy Park.

• Electrical connections and data drops both inside the Observatory and electrical connections for outdoor piers

• Accessibility, in accordance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, with no lips or steps.

Requirements for Astronomy Park design:

• The Astronomy Park will be a multi-use interactive exhibition/park, with a desire to incorporate the new Observatory, external observing pad, and various physical interactives that explore STEAM concepts related to astronomy that can all be facilitated by staff or used independently by visitors.

• All physical interactives and activities included in the Astronomy Park will explore tools of astronomy and systems in astronomy in planetary science through interactive, sculptural, or structural elements.

Visitors will be able to explore these elements through independent experiences as individuals or groups, facilitated by staff or volunteers, or a combination of both.

• Continuity and ease of use between the Astronomy Park, the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public

Observatory, and the new Restaurant Building, designed as a cohesive system.

o Consideration of the Revitalization project’s comprehensive landscape design.

o Integrate the Astronomy Park with the rest of the terraces to create a cohesive whole.

Attachment 2: Student Design Challenge

Student Design Challenge – Program Notes

The Student Design Challenge will take place during the design and construction of the Bezos Learning Center. These notes are meant to provide general information for bidders preparing a response to Phase I of the Smithsonian’s RFP

F22R010013 and is not meant to be conclusive.

Background

Learning at the National Air and Space Museum sparks curiosity and empowers learners to imagine the possibilities of our future.

The Bezos Learning Center is a critical link between learners and the Museum’s unparalleled collections.

The Center is the nexus whereby authentic creativity, problem solving, tinkering and innovation takes place, fostering the world’s next Bessie Coleman, John Glenn, or Jeff Bezos. The physical structure of the building gives us an incredible opportunity to illustrate these connections by incorporating artifacts and art as well as ‘treasure box’ style window cases that will display student work.

As an early statement to the public, the Smithsonian, through its National Air & Space Museum, will demonstrate our commitment to engaging in authentic learning at the Center by launching two design challenges for students. The assignments will allow entrants to invest the BLC structure with wonder, curiosity, discovery and energy that are the foundational elements for all the programs taking place within and around it.

Challenge #1 – Design architectural elements for the exterior structure that visualize and communicate scientific space concepts in an impactful way, with the intention that the design, its aspects/attributes, may be incorporated into the overall design and construction of building, tied to the NMB.

Eligible Entrants – Architecture & Design Students and Professionals with 5 years or less experience

Eligibility Requirements:

• College students or recent graduates (less than five years out of a degree program)

• Pursuing a degree in a design-related field including (but not limited to) architecture, fine arts, engineering.

• Have a connection to DC (demonstrate their connection to DC)

• Either grew up here (graduated from a DC HS)

• or

• Going to college in DC

• Teams of 2-3 are required

• Efforts will be made to enroll a cohort that supports a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

• Priority will be given to

- Talented individuals who demonstrate innovative thinking and who have not completed prestigious internships, been awarded large scholarships, or are associated with major firms/sponsorships

- Representatives of communities/identities who make up the minority of professional architects/designers

Parameters for Entries:

• Large in scale, nearing monumental in stature, so it can be seen from multiple vantage points and distances

• Take into account NCPC guidelines –

• Height cannot exceed the height of the building

• Cannot exist directly over a flood plain

• Promote pedestrian flow, versus impeding pedestrian flow

• Complement the aesthetics of the National Mall District

• Adjacent to Main Museum Building

• Include a sense of movement, whether via water, light, kinetic or other means

• Have the ability for the movement to be ‘timed’ or ‘scheduled’ to attract audiences throughout the course of a day and evening

• May include natural, cyclical elements, like the sun’s ecliptic

• Implicitly create a connection between the Center and the content focus of the Museum

• Consider a sustainable design approach or incorporating elements of green architecture

General Challenge Structure – Phased approach, with two-specific phases, to be respectful of entrants’ time availability and access to resources.

• Pre-phase - Interested individuals can participate in an eligibility quiz to see if they meet basic requirements

• Phase 1 – Interested teams can apply to the challenge, teams will be asked to provide a small sample work that provides insight into the design aesthetic as part of the application process

(NASM to determine the sample parameters and NASM to draft rubric that would be objective, but also place greater emphasis on areas of importance for NASM to ensure equity

• Phase 2 – Between 4-7 finalist teams will be selected from among the phase 1 applicants, selection of finalists will be informed by a rubric and review of the design sample. Finalists will engage in a 60 day design sprint, that will include sessions with youth council, SI professionals, etc. as part of the process.

Mentoring Components - Staged approach, with two-specific stages, to provide support to finalist teams and members of the winning team.

• Advisors - In phase 2 of the challenge, one-two accessible, knowledgeable individuals will provide finalist teams with an orientation to the challenge and ongoing support throughout the sprint in the form of constructive feedback, objective encouragement, etc. These guide(s) do not have a decision-making role in the challenge outcome.

• Mentor(s) - After the winning team is selected, NASM staff will work with each individual to determine what type of mentorship/guidance they may need and will seek out an individual mentor over the course of their apprenticeship. Ideally, the relationship will span well beyond the term of the apprenticeship and will help seed the development of a professional network for each winner

Prize for Winning Entry – Each member of the winning team will receive a up to a three year paid apprenticeship with Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and will serve as members of the

Architect & Engineer building project team, so their voice and ideas are reflected in the overall outcome.

Apprenticeships will include an annual salary, as well as funds for lodging in the DMV, for the full duration of the term.

Youth Engagement – Engaging teens and tweens in meaningful ways is a primary tenet of the Learning

Center and the Innovation Challenges that are one of the Center’s core initiatives. Therefore, it’s essential to establish relevant pathways for youth engagement in this initial design challenge.

• DMV-based Youth Listening Sessions will be conducted in advance of the launching the challenge to elicit feedback from teen/tween stakeholders on how physical spaces inspire them, what aspects about those spaces are inspiring, what about a space keeps them coming back.

• Youth Judges will be among those who review and evaluate the winning student design challenge entry.