Art curator services

Events DC, the Washington Convention and Sports Authority, is soliciting proposals for Art Curator Services to manage its extensive $6 million art collection consisting of 136 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and works on paper. The contract will run from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with potential four one-year option periods. The successful contractor will be responsible for monthly art collection inspections, conducting art tours, coordinating conservation efforts, maintaining collection records, and providing administrative services primarily located at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The evaluation will be technically focused, with 85 of 112 total points allocated to technical merit, including assessments of key personnel qualifications, company experience, and technical approach. Price will account for 15 points, with the lowest-priced proposal receiving maximum points. Key procurement dates include a pre-proposal conference on August 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM, questions due by August 21, 2025, and proposals due by September 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

The solicitation includes provisions for potential preference points for small businesses, local businesses, disadvantaged businesses, and other certified business enterprises, with up to 12 additional points available. Contractors must comply with numerous requirements, including obtaining a Tax Certificate of Good Standing, submitting an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement, and providing documentation such as a completed W-9 form and ACH authorization. The contract mandates 35% subcontracting to certified small businesses for contracts over $250,000 and requires adherence to various federal and District of Columbia laws. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract involves managing an existing art collection with over half the artists originating from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the $6 million valuation of the art collection suggests a significant and complex curatorial service opportunity with potential for multiple years of engagement through the available option periods.