African American Museum, Dallas (AAMD) Facing the Rising Sun Modernization

The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC), in partnership with the African American Museum, Dallas (AAMD), is soliciting proposals for museum exhibit modernization services focused on the Facing the Rising Sun exhibition. This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks qualified firms specializing in museum exhibit modernization, digital engagement, interpretive planning, and multimedia concept development. The scope is explicitly limited to planning and concept development, excluding schematic design, architectural design, engineering design, or construction documents. Key deliverables include an interpretive concept framework, exhibition modernization planning with spatial layouts, digital engagement strategy documentation, accessibility recommendations, and an implementation roadmap with conceptual cost estimates. Proposals will be evaluated across five criteria: Relevant Museum & Cultural Sector Experience (35 points), Interpretive Planning & Exhibition Modernization Approach (25 points), Digital Engagement Strategy & Innovation (15 points), Cultural Competency & Community-Centered Methodology (15 points), and Cost Proposal & Timeline Feasibility (10 points). The project timeline includes a pre-proposal meeting, with a draft modernization concept package due by March 15, 2026, city review from March 15-31, 2026, and final deliverables due April 15, 2026. The proposal submission deadline is January 16, 2026, and all communication must be directed through the electronic portal at https://dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com/login.

The contract is funded through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Protecting Cultural Memory Grant and includes specific workforce and local participation considerations. While no explicit set-aside designations are prominently featured, the Team Make-Up and Local Workforce Form suggests opportunities for subcontractor participation and local hiring. Contractors awarded general service contracts over $50,000 must comply with the City's wage floor requirement of $23.06 per hour. The documentation indicates voluntary local workforce tracking, with more stringent requirements for federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or state HUB-required contracts. Although specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the project represents the planning phase of a larger modernization initiative, positioning the African American Museum, Dallas for future implementation. Contractors must obtain insurance within 15 days of award and will be required to transfer all electronic files, concept documents, and supporting materials to the City of Dallas upon project completion. All work products will become the property of the City of Dallas, with the ultimate goal of creating a comprehensive exhibition modernization concept plan.