Indian_Art_and_Craft_Shop_RFP_4.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Concession Opportunity: Operation of the Indian Art and Craft Shop

Washington, D.C.

Section I – Introduction

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Office of Facilities and Administrative Services (OFAS), is soliciting proposals from qualified individuals or entities to operate the Indian Art and Craft Shop located at

1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240. The selected individual or entity will be responsible for managing the sale of authentic Indian arts and crafts in accordance with applicable federal laws and DOI policy.

Section II – Concession Opportunity Overview

Location: Interior Building, 1849 C Street, Washington, D.C.

Facility Size: Approx. 600–650 sq ft retail area, courtyard, and two storage rooms (305 and 114 sq ft).

Contract Term: The length of the proposed concession contract is 5 years with a renewal period of 5 additional years depending on the performance of the entity/individual winning the solicitation. If changes are necessary due to new regulations or legislation, the DOI and the selectee (also referred to as a concessionaire) may renegotiate any material terms of the contract affected by the changes.

Scope: Retail sale of Indian arts and crafts; cultural education; event programming; historic preservation compliance. The selected concessionaire will be responsible for managing onsite and virtual retail operations of the Shop, with a commitment to the promotion and sale of authentic American Indian arts and crafts. All activities must be conducted in compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990

(IACA) (18 U.S.C. § 1159, 25 U.S.C. § 305 et seq., as amended), historic preservation standards, and in accordance with applicable DOI policies.

Fees and Revenue Sharing: No franchise fee or revenue-sharing payment to the DOI from the concessionaire is required under this concession contract. The concessionaire is expected to generate sufficient revenue, without any DOI funding or other support (except as specifically set forth), to support ongoing operations from its operation of the Indian Art and Craft Shop.

Vendor Preference: preference will be given to Indian-owned businesses or organizations; however non-

Indian-owned organizations are also welcome to submit a proposal for consideration.

Previous Concession Contract: The previous operator, Guest Services Inc., ceased operations on June 6, 2025. Guest Services Inc. operated satisfactorily during the period of the previous contract and is not expected to be a competitor for the new contract.

Proposed Concession Contract: Offerors are advised that this is not a procurement subject to the Federal

Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Many of the key provisions governing the concession operation, including required periods of operation, reporting, pricing and subcontracting, are set forth in this solicitation. 1

Offerors are strongly encouraged to carefully review this document and submit any questions in writing to the official listed in Section III of this request for proposal.

Site Visit and Examination of the Concession Area: DOI/OFAS will conduct a one-time guided tour of the concession area and question-and-answer session upon request. Offerors interested in participating should contact the designated official identified below. Offerors are encouraged to submit in advance of this meeting any questions they may have regarding the information contained in the request for proposal.

Send advance questions in writing (by email) to the designated official identified in Section III at least 3 business days prior to the meeting date. A written record of all questions and answers presented at this session will be made available to all offerors.

Section III – Proposal Submission

A. Key Dates

RFP Release Date: 12/4/2025 Questions Due: 12/18/2025, 2:00 PM EST Proposals Due: 1/15/2026, 2:00 PM EST

B. Submission of Questions

Questions shall be submitted in writing (via email) to the individuals identified in Section C below.

Submission of questions should include “Questions RE: Indian Craft Shop Request for Proposals (RFP)” to ensure all questions are identified and answered accordingly.

C. Submission of Proposals

Individuals or entities having the experience and financial means to meet the minimum conditions specified in this Request for Proposal (RFP) and who desire to enter into an agreement may do so by submitting a proposal to:

Terry Lord Contracting Officer/Branch Chief U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs Email: Terence.Lord@bia.gov

Adam Lowery Acquisition PM Contractor, Kiliuda Consulting Email: Adam.Lowery@bia.gov

Proposals received after the specified date and time in Section III(A) will not be eligible for consideration.

Disclosure of information in the proposals will be confined by the limits of the Freedom of Information Act.

mailto:Terence.Lord@bia.gov mailto:Adam.Lowery@bia.gov

Consistent with the law, DOI/OFAS intends to protect all offeror business or proprietary information from public disclosure, including but not limited to identity of key personnel, staffing or business plans, and pricing or sources. Upon signing the concession contract, the winning proposal will become part of the contract.

1 These standards or requirements will be set out more extensively, with others added as legally necessary or programmatically appropriate, in the resulting awarded concession contract.

D. Standards

• Zero Tolerance of Discrimination: You must not discriminate against anyone based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, status as a parent, or genetic information under any program, activity, or service, including employment.

• Facility coordination: Facility construction and improvements must be coordinated with

DOI/OFAS.

• Transition: The concessionaire will coordinate with the former concessionaire as necessary for transition to the new contract. Also, at the end of the period of performance of this contract, if you are not awarded the new contract, you must participate in the contract close-out and turn over at that time.

• Property protection: The Government may assign you real or personal property. These items must be kept in good working condition. DOI/OFAS will conduct annual audits of equipment and property assigned to the concessionaire. The concessionaire is responsible for maintaining the facilities in good repair.

• Audits: The concessionaire must maintain financial reports and accounting records that provide adequate financial information to support audits of its operations.

• Insurance Coverage: Public liability insurance to protect both the concessionaire and the

Government is required. The offeror may propose greater coverage amounts in response to this

RFP but if it proposes lower amounts, it should explain why. Otherwise, the concessionaire shall procure and maintain during the term of this contract and any extension thereof liability insurance in a form satisfactory to and naming as co-insured the Government in amounts not less than:

$200,000 per each person

$500,000 per each occurrence

$100,000 property damage

The concessioner also may carry separate inventory theft or damage insurance if customary in the trade. Each policy shall have a certificate evidencing the insurance coverage.

• Government right of entry: DOI/OFAS or other authorized DOI officials will retain the right to enter the property and premises as needed with appropriate notice to conduct inspections, audits, safety checks, etc.

• Cooperation with authorities: DOI expects concessionaires to cooperate with authorities in the event of emergencies, investigations, and other events.

• Security and Background Checks: The offeror acknowledges that performance of this contract will require its personnel to have physical access to DOI facilities and/or logical access to DOI information systems. The concessionaire will ensure compliance with Homeland Security

Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS

PUB) 201 (Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors), Office of

Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-05-24, and all applicable DOI and bureau-level implementing policies, standards, and procedures, as they may be amended.

• Meetings and Workshops: The concessionaire is required to attend occasional meetings and other events which may be in person or virtual. DOI does not pay for the cost for attendance by the concessionaire or its employees at such meetings.

• Cancellation for default: Concession contracts may be cancelled for many reasons including but not limited to the concessionaire failed to perform/provide the concession operations detailed in the proposal; the concessionaire failed to take corrective action as noted in an inspection report or as directed; and the concessionaire failed to respond to government requests.

• Cancellation for convenience: Concession contracts may be cancelled for the convenience of the

Government if: new laws or authorities require the cancellation; the level of visitation did not provide a sustainable venture; or other conditions mandate the cancellation of the contract.

• Risk of Loss; Facility Closure: DOI is not responsible for losses and expenses incurred by the concessionaire due to conditions beyond our control. Closure of the Stewart Lee Udall Building or concession facilities for longer than a day because of a natural disaster, natural phenomenon, or because of the risk to public health and safety are examples. DOI is only providing the opportunity for concessionaires to supply services to the public; we do not guarantee it.

• Non-Assignment: Concessionaires or parties holding ownership in the concession may not sell, assign, or transfer their interests or part of their interest, to another party without prior approval from DOI/OFAS.

Section IV – Additional Information Addressing Evaluation Factors

In addition to anything specified above, all proposals should at a minimum contain the following additional information:

1. Information about the offeror

• Identify the offeror ("proposed entity that the offeror intends to establish for the purpose of operating this concession") submitting this proposal.

• Clearly identify the formal structure of the primary business entity with whom the DOI will be dealing and its owner(s).

• Provide materials to explain legal form and ownership of the business entity for the proposed concession operation.

• Identify any other person or entity that will be involved in the concession operation.

2. Plan for Ensuring Authenticity of Indian-Made Goods (see Eval. Factor 1)

Demonstrate your clear and enforceable plan to ensure that all merchandise sold in the Indian Art and

Craft Shop (Shop) is genuinely Indian-made in full compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990

(IACA). Proposals will be evaluated on the robustness of their sourcing practices, authenticity verification methods, and ability to prevent misrepresentation or cultural appropriation. This includes addressing:

• Merchandise Mix and Sourcing o Describe what merchandise you intend to sell at the Shop and how you intend to source these items.

o Explain your process for verifying that merchandise is genuinely Indian-made in compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.

o Provide your organizational statement or charter committing to sourcing and selling only authentic Indian arts and crafts merchandize

• Cultural Representation and Education o How will you ensure that the items sold respectfully represent Native cultures and avoid cultural appropriation?

o Provide examples of any prior experience working with Native artists or craft vendors, including how you ensure authenticity and cultural sensitivity.

2. Plan for Supporting Indian Artisans and Economic Development (see Eval. Factor 2)

Demonstrate your plan for meaningful and sustainable engagement with Native American artists, vendors, cooperatives, and communities. This includes addressing:

• Vendor Relationships o Describe how you will establish and maintain relationships with Native American artists, cooperatives, and suppliers to ensure a diverse, authentic selection of merchandise.

o What strategies will you use to expand and sustain relationships with Native American communities, tribes, or artist collectives for long-term sourcing?

o How will you balance sourcing from established vendors with supporting emerging or lesser-known Native artists?

o Explain your approach to ensuring fair and ethical business practices when negotiating with

Native American vendors.

• Inventory and Merchandising o Explain how you will forecast demand and manage inventory to maintain an adequate supply of high-quality, authentic merchandise throughout the year.

o What methods will you use to balance traditional crafts with contemporary Native art forms in your product mix?

o Describe how you will track, report, and evaluate sales trends to adjust inventory and maintain a strong representation of Native artists’ work.

3. Operational and Management Capability and Relevant Experience and Past Performance (see Eval.

Factor 3)

Demonstrate your approach to effectively managing all aspects of shop operations, including retail management, inventory control, staffing, financial reporting, and compliance with DOI policies and historic preservation requirements. This includes addressing or providing:

• Staffing and Management of Shop Operations o Please identify, including providing resumes of, all individuals you propose for managing the

Shop. Identify the specific responsibilities of the onsite manager, including the decision-making authority that will be delegated to the onsite manager(s). and how that individual is qualified to undertake those responsibilities. If the individuals are not yet known, please explain your plan for assuring that your proposed manager(s) and staff will be in place at the start of the concession contract and will be qualified.

o Please identify, including providing resumes of, proposed non-management (staff) employees if known. Describe your proposed staffing plan (e.g., length of shifts, number of people in the

Shop) for operating the Shop with a summary description of the basic functions.

o Identify the standards that you apply for hiring personnel. Identify the initial and ongoing, if applicable, training they will receive.

o Describe how you will achieve a consistent standard level of knowledge among all staff about the Shop, its contents, the Department of the Interior and its rules, regulations, and special programs.

o Include training, licenses, education, and other qualifications of your management or proposed staff relevant to the offeror’s ability to operate the Shop (may be present in resumes).

• Pertinent Experience and Past Performance o Give specific examples of past or current business operations that are like the type of business activity being solicited.

o Be specific with respect to the size of the store(s) or facility(ies), location(s); type and volume of inventory and sales; dates past operations started and ended and when current operations began; specific duties of and number of people supervised; hours of operation, and other factors that would be helpful to evaluators in understanding how these past or current business operations relate to the offeror’s ability to operate the Shop.

o Describe the business management qualifications and experience of the entity and how it relates to the management of the Indian Craft Shop. Include any experience with providing services like the concession operation under consideration o Include any professional and community awards or special recognition received related to the similar work or operation of a business.

o Include any educational programs/workshops, and community involvement activities, that demonstrate experience and knowledge of Indian Arts and Crafts.

4. Marketing and Outreach Strategy (see Eval. Factor 4)

Describe your approach to promoting the Indian Art and Craft Shop and educating the public about the authenticity and significance of the merchandise. This may include your strategies for customer engagement, cultural education, digital/online retailing, partnerships with cultural institutions, and outreach initiatives designed to enhance visibility, increase sales, and strengthen public awareness of

Native American arts and crafts.

5. Financial Capability and Financial Resources (see Eval. Factor 5)

Demonstrate your financial strength and stability and ability to sustain concession operations over the full contract period. This includes addressing or providing:

• For all entities that propose to provide all or any part of the services required, whether currently in existence or to be formed for this purpose, provide the latest financial statement(s) available including the notes to the statement(s) or similar explanatory material and any related audit report(s).

• The source(s) and availability of all needed funding.* Explain fully the financial arrangements you propose to use. For example:

o If funds are to be obtained from one or more individuals, provide a current personal financial statement, documentation of assets (including proposed inventory) to be sold or collateralized, commitments from lenders, or other assurances to demonstrate that the funds are available and will be committed.

o Funds from other sources, such as private and institutional lenders, grants, or a parent or affiliated organization, must be supported by a current and preferably audited balance sheet and income statement, documentation of assets, and whatever further supporting documents are needed to demonstrate that funds are available and will be committed.

o Describe cash or revenue flow models or assumptions if helpful or integral to your financial arrangements.

*Reminder: All of this information will be treated as propriety and protected from disclosure.

6. Proof of Eligibility for Indian Preference (if applicable)

If claiming Indian Preference, provide documentation demonstrating eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Include evidence such as tribal enrollment certification, proof of ownership/control, or other official documentation that establishes eligibility.

Describe how your business structure and operations reflect majority ownership and active management by eligible Indian individuals or entities.

Section V – Criteria for Evaluation of Offers and Selection

Proposal evaluation is an assessment of the offeror's ability to perform the concession contract successfully. DOI will evaluate all proposals based on the factors specified in the RFP, documenting the relative strengths, weaknesses, and risks supporting proposal evaluation. While the Government reserves the right to award without discussions, it may conduct discussions with all offerors or with one or more of only the most highly rated offerors.

The Government will evaluate each proposal strictly in accordance with its content and will not assume that an offeror has knowledge, expertise, or experience beyond what is provided in the proposal or that performance will include areas not specified in the offeror's proposal. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel consisting of DOI staff knowledgeable in the Indian Art and Craft Shop and concession operations.

After individual proposal evaluations are completed, the evaluation panel may request clarifications to allow offerors to resolve minor or clerical errors in their proposals. An offeror may not substantively amend or supplement a proposal unless the Government decides to engage in discussions. For efficiency, the Government may conduct discussions only with the highest rated offerors and notify the others that they are no longer under consideration.

After clarifications or any discussions with one or more offerors are completed, or if no clarifications or discussions are held, the evaluation panel will provide their final evaluations and award recommendation to the agency selection official. The selection official may discuss the ratings and recommendation with the panel, as necessary, to reach a best value decision.

Award of concession contract: The concession contract will be awarded to the highest rated responsible offeror.

Debriefing: Requests for a debriefing must be submitted in writing to the designated official identified in Section III within 5 calendar days of receipt of the notice of award.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors. Each factor, which includes several considerations within it, as described, will be rated as Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or

Unacceptable. The failure to achieve an Acceptable or higher rating under any one or more factors may eliminate a proposal from further consideration.

All factors will be of approximately equal importance.

1. Commitment to Authenticity and Compliance

The extent to which the proposal demonstrates a clear and enforceable plan to ensure that all merchandise sold in the Indian Art and Craft Shop is genuinely Indian-made in full compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (IACA). Proposals will be evaluated on the robustness of their sourcing practices, authenticity verification methods, and ability to prevent misrepresentation or cultural appropriation. Strong proposals will show documented experience in working with Native

American artists and include strategies for cultural sensitivity and education.

2. Support for Indian Artisans and Economic Development

The degree to which the proposal demonstrates meaningful and sustainable engagement with

Native American artists, vendors, cooperatives, and communities. This factor considers how the concessionaire will build and sustain long-term vendor relationships, ensure fair business practices, support emerging artisans, and contribute to the broader economic development of

Native communities. Proposals that clearly articulate partnerships, sourcing networks, and equitable vendor practices will be rated more favorably.

3. Operational and Management Capability; Relevant Experience and Past Performance

The offeror’s demonstrated ability to effectively manage all aspects of shop operations, including retail management, inventory control, staffing, financial reporting, and compliance with DOI policies and historic preservation requirements. Proposals will be evaluated on the qualifications and experience of proposed management and staff, organizational structure, training programs, and the offeror’s ability to maintain consistent, high-quality operations throughout the contract term. Consideration will also be given to the offeror’s past performance and business history, including the successful operation of similar retail or cultural ventures, reliability in meeting financial obligations, and the absence of material weaknesses or risks.

4. Marketing and Outreach Strategy

The quality and creativity of the offeror’s approach to promoting the Indian Art and Craft Shop and educating the public about the authenticity and significance of the merchandise. Proposals will be evaluated on strategies for customer engagement, cultural education, digital/online retailing, partnerships with cultural institutions, and outreach initiatives designed to enhance visibility, increase sales, and strengthen public awareness of Native American arts and crafts.

5. Financial Capability and Resources

The financial strength and stability of the offeror to sustain concession operations over the full contract period. Proposals will be evaluated on the offeror’s financial capability, demonstrated access to adequate funding, and soundness of business planning.