Exhibit Space Updates at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Old Stone Fort State Park, and South Cumberland State Park

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is soliciting proposals for exhibit space updates at three state parks: Cedars of Lebanon, Old Stone Fort, and South Cumberland. The project requires comprehensive exhibit design and installation services, including schematic design, final design, production, and implementation of updated exhibit spaces. Deliverables include replacing outdated interpretive panels, installing audio-visual equipment, developing digital content, and creating interactive and sensory exhibit elements. Respondents must provide a detailed technical proposal, statement of certifications, bank references, project references, and organizational documentation with personnel resumes. The evaluation process will assess proposals on a 100-point scale, with 20 points for general qualifications, 50 points for technical approach, and 30 points for cost. Key dates include a pre-response conference on January 5, 2026, site visits from January 12-16, 2026, a written questions deadline of January 16, 2026, and a proposal submission deadline of February 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The State plans to complete technical evaluations by February 25, 2026, open cost proposals on February 26, 2026, and release a Notice of Intent to Award on March 4, 2026.

The contract opportunity appears open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned. Respondents must register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for sales and use tax collection and comply with nondiscrimination requirements, including provisions of the Civil Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. The maximum project budget is $210,000.00, with each park allocated approximately $70,000 for exhibit updates. The contract period is not explicitly defined, but the pro forma document suggests an 11-month initial term with potential extensions up to 180 additional days and a maximum total term of 60 months. Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and provide warranties covering the contract term or manufacturer warranties. The project targets educational improvements for various age groups, with exhibit themes focusing on local natural history, geology, cultural heritage, and conservation efforts across the three state parks.