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Coburn Gore LPOE Art in Architecture Project

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE.PBS PROJECT DELIVERY CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION - BRANCH NORTHEAST · Response deadline: Wed, 18 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking an artist or arts organization for an Art in Architecture project at the Coburn Gore Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in Maine. Art in Architecture is a GSA program that commissions artworks for federal buildings, typically integrating site-specific pieces into new construction or major modernization projects. Under this program, artists are selected to create works that enhance the public environment and reflect the region's cultural and aesthetic values. The selected artist will see the solicitation for specific project requirements, including the medium, scale, and any integration needs with the building design.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved for small businesses under a total small business set-aside. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for NAICS 711510, which is typically based on average annual receipts (see the current SBA size standards table for the exact threshold).

Your company should be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active status, appropriate NAICS codes, and small business certifications. If you are an individual artist operating as a sole proprietorship, ensure your business structure is properly established in SAM.gov with a unique entity identifier. Joint ventures are permitted under small business set-aside rules if they meet SBA requirements. You must also demonstrate past performance in public art, commissioned artwork, or related professional arts experience—see the solicitation for specific evaluation criteria and required experience documentation.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand the Art in Architecture framework. GSA Art in Architecture commissions typically require artists to collaborate with architects and project teams. Familiarize yourself with GSA's policies on materials, durability, maintenance, and security for federal facilities. Review the GSA Art in Architecture website for program guidelines and past commissions at land ports of entry.

Prepare visual documentation. Your proposal will likely require a portfolio of completed works, particularly public or large-scale installations. Include high-resolution images, project descriptions, fabrication details, installation timelines, and client references. Emphasize works completed within budget and on schedule.

Address site-specific factors. Coburn Gore is a U.S.-Canada border crossing in rural western Maine. Consider climate resilience for extreme cold, snow load, and seasonal temperature swings. Research the cultural heritage of the region—including Franco-American, Abenaki, and forestry traditions—that may inform responsive artistic concepts.

Price strategically. See the solicitation for the target budget range. Art in Architecture commissions typically allocate 0.5% of estimated construction costs for artwork. Price your proposal to cover design, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, documentation, and artist fees. Small businesses should ensure pricing reflects competitive rates without undercutting long-term sustainability.

Verify your SAM.gov profile. Confirm your small business status is current and your NAICS 711510 is listed. Missing certifications are a common disqualifier.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 0332CG-AIA to review detailed project requirements, evaluation criteria, required proposal format, and full contract terms.
2. Note the deadline: Proposals are due November 18, 2026, by 12:00 PM Eastern Time—plan for submission well before this cutoff.
3. Register or update SAM.gov immediately if your business profile is inactive or incomplete; SAM registration can take several weeks.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →