Chattanooga, TN Art in Architecture Project
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), through its Art in Architecture Program, is seeking American artists for a federal art commission at the new Chattanooga U.S. Courthouse in Chattanooga, TN. This opportunity involves creating publicly scaled, permanently installed artworks for the new facility, with an estimated art budget between $800,000 and $1,100,000. The program allocates 0.5% of construction costs for art commissions.
Scope of Work
Artists will be commissioned to create artwork that reflects the local community, capturing its people, history, and surroundings. The art should also affirm the federal presence and the court's role in upholding the rule of law, utilizing figurative and allegorical forms with recognizable symbolism and materials meaningful to the local community. The scope of services includes collaboration with the lead designer, travel to the project site, development and presentation of preliminary and final concepts, fabrication, participation in meetings, delivery, installation, professional documentation, and detailed maintenance planning for the artwork.
Contract Details
One or more artists will be awarded a fixed-price contract.
- Eligibility: Artists must be U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open (No set-aside).
- NAICS Code: 711510 – Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers.
- SAM Registration: An active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required at the time of award and must be renewed annually for the project duration.
Submission & Evaluation
Artists must submit application materials to GSA by the SAM Contract Opportunity’s Response Date, June 15, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. GSA evaluates artists based on the media, materials, content, and style of their past work, along with past performance and experience with similar commissions. The combined weight of all selection criteria is significantly more important than price. Shortlisted artists will be contacted to submit additional information, including a statement confirming their ability to perform the work within the identified budget. Artists may also elect to join GSA’s National Artist Registry for consideration on future commissions.
Additional Notes
Executive Order (EO) 13934 encourages the commission of works portraying historically significant Americans or events, or illustrating national ideals. Instructions for application submission and joining the National Artist Registry are available at: https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-and-construction/art-in-architecturefine-arts/art-in-architecture-program/art-in-architecture-national-artist-registry.