Design Fabrication & Install - History Museum Exhibit - RtS

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet/Kentucky Historical Society is seeking a qualified exhibit production contractor to design, fabricate, and install a temporary museum exhibit titled "Revolution to Statehood: Kentucky's Founding in Myth and Memory" for the Keeneland Gallery at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort. The procurement requires contractors to develop a comprehensive exhibit covering Kentucky's history from 1774-1792, utilizing existing Kentucky Historical Society artifacts and archival materials while creating at least three interactive exhibit elements. Proposals are due by 4:00 PM EST on August 18, 2025, with written questions accepted until July 24, 2025. The contract will run from August 25, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with potential for one additional one-year renewal. The evaluation process will utilize a points-based system totaling 1,005 possible points, with 850 points allocated to technical proposals (covering design intent, portfolio, vendor capabilities, and corporate background), 150 points for cost proposals, and up to 5 points for optional oral presentations. Contractors must demonstrate previous experience with museum exhibit projects and provide three client references.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The exhibit will be installed in a 2,250-2,750 square foot gallery space, with installation availability beginning March 1, 2026 and exhibit completion required by late April 2026. While a specific budget is not disclosed, the procurement indicates the project will involve designing an exhibit that challenges traditional historical narratives about Kentucky's founding, incorporating perspectives from Native Americans, British, French, and other marginalized groups. The contractor will be required to create final exhibit copy with two revision rounds and provide all native files for graphics and media components to the Kentucky Historical Society upon completion. Contractors must be authorized to do business in Kentucky and comply with state requirements, including nondiscrimination provisions and tax compliance certifications. The project is part of the America250 commemorations and aims to broaden audience reach while establishing new exhibit development processes for the Kentucky Historical Society.