Smithsonian Media Live Events (A)

Amendment No. 1, attached, extends the due date for proposals and contains additional information in the form of questions and answers.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. Smithsonian Enterprises (SE), which includes the Institution's retail, media, consumer products and education products divisions, offers a range of products and services that help to generate funding for Smithsonian's core mission, museums and research, while remaining consistent with the Smithsonian mission, culture, governance, and status as a trust instrumentality of the United States and a tax-exempt organization. By providing products and services that reflect the mission of the museums and research centers, Smithsonian Enterprises plays a critical role in advancing the Institution's mission: the increase and diffusion of knowledge.

SE wishes to expand its magazine-focused live event programs, and through this request for proposals ("RFP") is soliciting a live event company to develop, produce, execute and manage a "thought leadership" event series in domestic and international venues. The project (the "Project") encompasses the conceptualization, development, sponsorship cultivation, production, promotion, and execution of innovative "thought leadership" event series that are connected to Smithsonian magazine and its reporting; infused with the mission, vision, values and reputation of the Smithsonian; and combine cutting-edge science, history, art and pop culture into fresh and important new perspectives on life in the modern world. The selected company will be responsible for all labor, materials, services, and equipment required to implement the Project in accordance with Smithsonian specifications, and all costs incurred to implement the Project. These costs may be offset by revenue-generating opportunities such as Live Event Offering admission fees and corporate sponsorships. SE anticipates receiving a royalty on the revenue generated by the selected company for the Project. SE anticipates beginning development of Live Event Offerings to initiate the Project by no later than October of 2015.

Interested companies must meet the following minimum qualification requirements in order to be considered: (i) at least five (5) years' experience producing and executing high profile "for profit" live events with globally recognized national and international media brands; and (ii) complete back office and logistical operations capability. Please note that only companies who meet the minimum qualification requirements, as demonstrated through their technical submissions, will be considered. This is not a solicitation for a federal contract and is therefore not governed by federal procurement procedures.

This RFP replaces RFP #M-15000228-000A which has been canceled.

DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

To be considered, one (1) original and four (4) copies of your proposal must be submitted as detailed in the attached RFP via hand delivery or overnight courier to the address below by no later than 2:00 P.M. Eastern time, on July 7, 2015. Proposals must be received by this deadline in order to be considered.

Susan Engelhardt
Office of Contracting
Smithsonian Institution
2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 350
Arlington, VA 22202-3709

If you have any questions about this RFP, please submit your questions via email to Susan Engelhardt at engelhardts@si.edu. Questions must be submitted by 2:00 P.M. Eastern time on Monday, June 15, 2015 in order to ensure a response. Thank you for your interest.