Exhibit Design Services - Smithsonian Institution - National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Smithsonian Institution ("Smithsonian"), on behalf of its newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture ("NMAAHC" ) to be located in Washington, DC, seeks qualifications from creative, innovative, and highly-talented exhibit design firms specializing in the design of state-of-the-art interpretive and interactive public exhibitions ("Potential Offeror") interested in designing 82,000 square feet of public exhibition space for the new museum building. 

In addition, firms electing to create teams, joint ventures, or other types of business arrangements or strategic alliances to: (i) maximize the depth of talent and creativity essential to the design and development of world class public exhibitions; and (ii) meet the specialized experience qualifications contained below, are also encouraged to respond to this Request for Qualifications ("RFQ").

This announcement is open to all businesses regardless of size.  The contract awarded will be firm-fixed-price.  Minority businesses, Small businesses, Small disadvantaged businesses, Women-owned small businesses, Hub-zone small businesses, Veteran-owned small businesses, and Service Disabled Veteran owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.  The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this procurement is 712110. 

Working in close collaboration with NMAAHC, the firm selected to provide the exhibit design services will propose and develop the most effective and creative presentation methodologies, approaches, and techniques; and develop designs that are attractive, engaging, educational, functional, and durable.  The services will include exhibition planning and design services, multi-media concept development, cost estimating, fabrication and installation support services, project management, and frequent on-site meetings in Washington, DC.

If your company is interested in providing the exhibit design services referenced above, please review the attached  RFQ package and submit your qualifications in accordance with the attached instructions and conditions.  Please note that this procurement will be conducted in two phases: The first phase involves the submission of qualifications.  A short list of offerors will be selected based on these submissions.  The second phase, which will be conducted with the short-listed offerors, will include a meeting with Smithsonian representatives and submission of proposals.

To be considered, you must submit two (2) originals and six (6) copies of your qualification materials as detailed in the RFQ by no later than 4:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, on July 9, 2010.  Requested materials must be received by this deadline in order to be considered.