Upgrade Sanitary and Storm Systems at the National Museum of Natural History
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 is soliciting proposals for a Firm-Fixed-Price construction contract to upgrade Sanitary and Storm Systems at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Washington, DC. This project, estimated to exceed $10 Million, involves replacing aging infrastructure while protecting museum collections and historic architecture. Proposals are due May 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The project entails installing new sanitary and stormwater piping systems throughout the NMNH Main Building, East, and West Wings. Key tasks include rerouting piping to avoid sensitive areas, capping or removing abandoned lines, lead and asbestos abatement, installing new systems within existing tunnels, and tying into external infrastructure. An erosion and sediment control plan is required, along with roof scupper inspection and replacement. All work must adhere to applicable codes, historic preservation requirements, and safety regulations, minimizing disruption to museum operations. Options 1-3 for additional scope are included.
Contract Details
This is a Firm-Fixed-Price construction contract with an estimated value exceeding $10 Million. The Period of Performance is 740 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, including a base contract and potential Options 1-3. While there is no prime contract set-aside, the project includes subcontracting goals of 40% for small business concerns, with 7% specifically for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). The Davis-Bacon Building Wage Determination DC20260002 applies. Multi-year funding is allocated across FY2026, FY2027, and FY2028.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals are due by Tuesday, May 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. The award will be based on a best-value tradeoff, considering technical factors (Plan of Accomplishment, Past Performance, Safety Performance, Key Personnel, and Subcontractors) and cost. Offerors must acknowledge all amendments. A pre-proposal meeting was held on March 27, 2026, and a second site visit on April 27, 2026. Questions were due by May 4, 2026.
Key Documents
The solicitation includes detailed Drawings (Volumes 1-3), Specifications (Volumes 1-2, Appendix), a Design Manual, a Bid Schedule spreadsheet, and Multi-Year Funding documents. Required forms include Performance and Payment Bonds. Amendment 0004 includes a presentation with a suggested (non-mandatory) phasing plan.