Museum Audiovisual Systems Integration

The Montana Department of Administration's State Procurement Services Division is conducting an Intent to Sole Source solicitation (HIS-SolSour-2025-0016) for museum audiovisual systems integration services for the Montana Historical Society's Russell Gallery project at the Montana Heritage Center. The procurement specifically seeks a contractor to create a unique media installation featuring a linear audiovisual piece that combines animation and sound from three Charles M. Russell paintings. The project has a defined timeline, with work scheduled to begin on April 25, 2025, and must be completed by November 30, 2025, to align with the gallery's planned opening. Electrosonic has been identified as the intended sole source contractor, with potential alternative vendors invited to submit detailed descriptions of equivalent products or services. The solicitation falls under Commodity Code 2801 for Interpretive Exhibit Services, and vendors must review and accept the Single Point of Contact information and utilize the eMACS Q&A Board for any questions or clarifications. Key submission deadlines include a vendor comment period closing at 2:00 p.m. local time on April 17, 2025, with the final solicitation due date set for April 25, 2025.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Electrosonic is positioned as the preferred vendor due to their current assignment to the Montana Heritage Center project, specialized expertise in multimedia and immersive audiovisual installations, and ability to complete the work without additional travel costs. The total estimated project cost is $86,760, broken down into $58,824 for RLMG scope, $10,572 for AV hardware, $16,612 for AV labor, and $752 for freight. The State Procurement Services Division retains discretion to either proceed with the sole-source award to Electrosonic or issue a competitive solicitation based on vendor responses received during the comment period. Payment terms are established at 0% 0, Net 30, with Emily McKeever serving as the primary contact (Emily.McKeever@mt.gov, +1 406-444-4699). The procurement will be executed through Deer Lodge County, with the contract opportunity originating from the state of Montana.