1475-25-R-RFIN-00001

The Mississippi Department of Archives & History (MDAH) is pursuing a sole source procurement for a traveling museum exhibit titled "Our War Too: Women in Service" from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The exhibit, scheduled for display at MDAH's Two Mississippi Museums from March 11 through November 10, 2027, will require 4,000-6,000 square feet of exhibition space and includes over 200 artifacts, narrative films, digital and interactive AI-powered conversation interviews, environmental projections, hands-on interactive displays, text and graphic panels, exhibit furniture and cases, press materials, and educational resources. The procurement is being conducted through a Notice of Proposed Sole Source Purchase (RFI# 3150006034), with a critical deadline for potential objections set for January 31, 2025. MDAH's Curatorial Services team conducted extensive nationwide research and determined this exhibit to be the only comprehensive display focusing exclusively on women's service during World War II that meets their rigorous standards for size, scope, quality, and interpretative depth. Interested parties seeking to challenge the sole source designation must submit detailed documentation to Finance Director Joey Roberts, either by physical mail to P.O. Box 571, Jackson, MS 39205-0571, or via email to JRoberts@mdah.ms.gov.

The sole source procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. MDAH has already negotiated with the National World War II Museum to lower the exhibit's price while extending the display period, suggesting prior collaborative discussions. While the exact award value is not explicitly stated in the documentation, the comprehensive nature of the exhibit—involving over 200 artifacts, advanced technological components like AI interviews, and extensive educational materials—implies a significant financial investment. The exhibit's focus on women's contributions during World War II suggests potential alignment with diversity and historical preservation objectives. The procurement process emphasizes a transparent approach by allowing potential objections and providing clear submission guidelines, which indicates the agency's commitment to fair procurement practices even within a sole source framework. No incumbent vendors beyond the National World War II Museum are mentioned, and the exhibit appears to be a standalone acquisition without requiring integration with existing infrastructure or technology.