Sources Sought_FY27.pdf

Sources Sought Notice / Request for Information Native American Art and Artifacts Appraisal Services

Title: Native American Art and Artifacts Appraisal Services

Agency: Indian Health Service (IHS), Office of Management and Services

Issue Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Due Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 no later than 5:00pm EDT

POCs: Responses must be submitted via email to Natasha.Bitsoi@ihs.gov. Include “SSN-

Appraisal Services – Your Company Name” in the Subject of the email.

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) / Request for Information (RFI) is for market research and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or an obligation or commitment to issue a solicitation by the Indian Health Service (IHS). This SSN is seeking information from specific type of entities listed below to assess their capabilities in fulfilling the requirements set forth in this SSN. The information from this SSN will be used to determine the appropriate set-aside, if any, in accordance with the applicable regulations listed. The Government encourages the identified to respond to this Notice and will be assessed of their capabilities in the following priority:

1. Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE),

2. Indian Economic Enterprise’s (IEE) in accordance with HHSAR 326.603-1.

3. Small business concerns in accordance with FAR Overhaul 19.104.

4. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with FAR Overhaul 19.106.

Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether any ISBEE/IEE or small business set-aside is possible based on the

Contracting Officer’s reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more relevant concerns that will be competitive in terms of market price, product quality, and delivery capability. An organization that is not considered an ISBEE/IEE firm or small business under the applicable NAICS code should

NOT submit a response to this notice. The applicable primary NAICS code for this requirement is 519210

Libraries and Archives. Generic capability statements are not sufficient and may not be considered when assessing entity capabilities.

Background

The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives

(AI/AN). The mission of IHS is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American

Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level and assure that comprehensive, culturally acceptable personal and public health services are available and accessible to members of the 574 federally recognized

Tribes across the United States.

IHS has received various artifacts from many AI/AN communities that carry significant cultural and monetary value. The types of artifacts include but are not limited to rugs; weavings; quilts; framed pictures;

pottery; ornaments; blankets, baskets, and various art and gifts from tribes and tribal organizations. IHS is seeking a contractor with knowledge of AI/AN artifacts to appraise the types of artifacts, in addition providing recommendations on securing artifacts and providing appropriate the appropriate materials or equipment to display ratification for the preservation of historical artifacts. IHS estimates there are a total of approximately 75 or more unique works of art and other objects located at 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD. Additional artifacts anticipated each year.

Description of Supplies/Services

The purpose of this contract is to conduct a comprehensive appraisal and evaluation of American

Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) cultural artifacts currently held by the Government. The Contractor shall examine, document, and assess each artifact to ensure accurate and complete entry into the Personal

Material Inventory System (PMIS). This effort supports improved accountability, preservation planning, and culturally appropriate stewardship.

Capability Statement/Submission Information

To assist the Government in an expeditious review of your capabilities, the capability statement should be organized as follows:

• Cover page

• Executive Summary

• Technical Capability / Request for Information

• Past Performance

• Other Information, as applicable

The tailored capability statement should not exceed 15 pages excluding Past Performance information. Font must not be less than 10 point (for readability) and may be submitted in either in either Microsoft Word or

Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) but must be a standard 8-1/2 by 11 inch in paper size. All proprietary information should be marked as such.

Cover Page:

Please provide a cover page to include:

1. Company Name

2. Business Size Status and Socioeconomic Designation(s), as applicable (e.g. ISBEE, IEE, Small

Business, 8(a), Woman-Owned Small Business, HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small

Business, Other Than Small Business)

3. UEI Number

4. Point of contact

5. Primary NAICS Code(s)

6. Existing federal contracting vehicle(s) numbers, as applicable (e.g. GSA MAS number, NITAAC/CIO SP3, etc.)

7. System for Award Management (SAM) registration status. Note, all respondents must be registered on the SAM located at http://www.sam.gov/ prior to any potential award.

Executive Summary:

Provide a high-level overview of your services and include how it will benefit the Indian Health Service.

Technical Capability / Request for Information:

Provide an overview of technical capability to provide the anticipated requirement to include but not limited to:

• Do you provide this service and/or product commercially?

• What NAICS code is most appropriate for this requirement?

• Does the draft SOW contain sufficient information that would enable you to adequately respond to an RFQ?

• What kind of artifacts have you appraised within the past three (3) years?

• What labor categories or other services are typically involved in appraising artifacts?

• What qualifications and experience are typically required to appraise artifacts?

http://www.sam.gov/

• What costs are involved with appraising artifacts? Direct cost and other direct cost? Provide an estimate.

• Are you interested in this opportunity as a subcontractor or prime?

• What is the typical timeline to examine, document, assess and secure artifacts?

• How do you secure, preserve, and exhibit artifacts? What kind of materials or equipment may be required?

• Do you have experience with appraising Native American artifacts?

Past Performance:

Please provide any past performance, references, and information to support a demonstration of your capabilities in the relevant technical areas and magnitude of work.

Other Information (Optional):

You may include any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the requirements of the potential acquisition.

Disclaimer and Important Notes

This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this SSN is strictly voluntary. Responses will not be returned. No entitlements to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges to the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses, or the Government's use of such information or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s capabilities to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the

Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published on a government GPE. However, responses to this

Notice will not be considered adequate responses to any resultant solicitation.

Confidentiality. No classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response.

The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).