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Phase 2 Construct Arabian Leopard Exhibit at the National Zoological Park

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION · Response deadline: Fri, 13 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Smithsonian Institution is soliciting construction services for Phase 2 of the Arabian Leopard Exhibit at the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. This is a commercial building construction project under NAICS 236220, which covers new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs on commercial and institutional buildings. Given the specialized nature of zoo exhibit construction, the work likely involves structures, enclosures, habitat features, visitor viewing areas, and associated support systems designed to meet the biological and behavioral needs of Arabian leopards while accommodating public access and educational programming. Phase 2 implies this is a continuation of a multi-stage project, so see the solicitation for the specific scope, any completed Phase 1 work, and how the phases interface.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is open to all eligible businesses; there is no set-aside restricting competition to small businesses or socioeconomic categories. Any responsible contractor registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) may bid. For NAICS 236220, the Small Business Administration size standard is based on average annual receipts; see the solicitation for the applicable threshold. Because this is non-set-aside full and open competition, small businesses will compete directly with large construction firms, joint ventures, and potentially foreign entities if eligible.

How to put together a competitive bid

Establish zoo and institutional construction credentials. Competitive bidders should highlight relevant experience building animal habitats, aquariums, museums, or other projects with specialized environmental controls, containment systems, and public safety requirements. If you lack direct zoo experience, emphasize comparable work with custom enclosures, climate-controlled structures, or projects requiring adherence to strict regulatory and institutional standards.

Understand Phase 2 coordination requirements. Since this is the second phase of construction, your proposal should demonstrate capability to assess existing conditions, coordinate with prior work, and manage interfaces without disrupting ongoing operations at an active public institution. Address logistics for working within a functioning zoo environment, including restricted hours, noise limitations, animal welfare considerations, and visitor safety protocols.

Demonstrate specialized technical capabilities. Arabian leopard exhibits typically require advanced HVAC for temperature and humidity control, specialized glazing and viewing barriers, water features, elevated structures, landscaping integration, and potentially quarantine or behind-the-scenes holding areas. Your team should include or subcontract for exhibit design-build expertise, zoo-animal husbandry consultation, and any necessary security clearances for working on federal property.

Address D.C.-specific factors. Washington, D.C. construction involves local permitting through the District Department of Transportation and Department of Buildings, potential historic preservation review given the National Zoological Park's status, union labor considerations, and congested site access. Labor rates must comply with any applicable Davis-Bacon Act requirements if federal construction wage standards apply; see the solicitation for wage determination clauses.

Small business competitive strategies. Without a set-aside, consider joint venturing with a more experienced prime or positioning as a subcontractor to gain relevant past performance. Evaluate whether your bonding capacity matches the anticipated project scale; see the solicitation for any bond requirements.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 33330226RT0010015. The response deadline is November 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time—note this is a fall deadline with approximately one month between posting and close. Review all attachments, drawings, specifications, and Phase 1 documentation before committing resources to proposal preparation.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →