Construct Arabian Leopard Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
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 Smithsonian Institution has issued an Amendment 0001 to its presolicitation notice for Preconstruction and Construction Services to build the Arabian Leopard Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. The anticipated solicitation release has been updated to approximately October 2026, subject to change. This notice is for planning purposes and is not a request for proposal.
Scope of Work
This project involves comprehensive services for the Arabian Leopard Exhibit, including:
- Phase 1: Pre-Construction Services and Construction Services for Site and Construction.
- Phase 2 (Option): Habitat and Animal Care Building.
Critical elements of the work require specialized contractor capabilities, such as:
- Working within an occupied, historic campus with public, staff, and animals.
- Coordination of specialty trades within a small site footprint.
- Installation of specialty animal doors, shifting systems, and remote controls.
- Coordination and installation of multiple subsurface utility and drainage systems.
- Installation of radiant flooring, animal containment fencing, and shotcrete faux rock/trees.
- Mitigation of sound and vibration during construction to protect animals.
- Coordination of activities with Zoo operations, including feeding schedules, noise regulations, Zoo hours, animal welfare, veterinary care, and public events.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (Amendment 0001)
- NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction)
- Small Business Size Standard: $45M
- Estimated Cost Range: Over $10 million
- Period of Performance: 26 months from Notice to Proceed (for Base and Option, if exercised).
- Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008.
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable
- Anticipated Solicitation Release: Approximately October 2026 (subject to change).
- Anticipated Response Due: Within 45 days of solicitation release.
Evaluation
The Smithsonian Institution will accept proposals from all qualified offerors. The evaluation panel will solely determine an offeror's capability to meet contract requirements.
Additional Notes
This is not a Request for Proposal. The full solicitation will be released via SAM.gov. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or pay for information provided.