Smithsonian Institution
Abbreviation: SI
Secretary (as of 2026): Lonnie G. Bunch III
2026 Budget: $1.1B
CGAC Code: 3300
Website: si.edu
The Smithsonian Institution is a trust instrumentality of the United States, and the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. It comprises 21 museums, the National Zoo, and nine research centers.
Roughly two-thirds of its funding comes from federal appropriations; the remainder is raised from private donors, foundations, and earned revenue.
How to Win SI Contracts
Winning work at the Smithsonian Institutionmeans understanding a procurement culture that blends rigorous compliance, deep mission focus, and a preference for vendors who can speak the agency's language from day one. This guide walks through how SI buys, the vehicles it uses, and the steps your company should take to go from registered vendor to awarded contractor.
Understanding SI Procurement
The Smithsonian Institution obligates roughly $400-600M annually in contracts, distinct from federal appropriations, with significant trust-fund-backed procurement authority. The Smithsonian is a federally-chartered trust, not a pure federal agency.
Contracts support 21 museums, the National Zoo, research centers, and major construction (e.g., National Museum of the American Latino). Facilities, exhibit fabrication, scientific research, and IT drive the largest categories.
How SI Buys
The Smithsonian Office of Contracting runs federal-funded procurement on SAM.gov. Trust-funded buys use SI’s own procurement authority through its Vendor Portal.
Major construction and exhibit work use design-build and specialist fabrication IDIQs.
Major Contract Vehicles
- SI Facilities O&M IDIQs— Maintenance and operations for Smithsonian facilities across Washington, DC and beyond.
- Exhibit Fabrication Contracts— Design, fabrication, and installation of permanent and traveling exhibits.
- Research Contracts— Scientific research support at National Museum of Natural History, Tropical Research Institute, and other SI research centers.
- IT and Digital Services— Enterprise IT, digital collections, and web platforms.
Step 1: Get Registered and Compliant
Required Registrations
SI-Specific Requirements
Certification Programs
Step 2: Identify Opportunities
Primary Sources
Key Offices
Top Contract Types
Step 3: Position Your Company
Build Relationships
Relevant NAICS Codes
- 561210–Facilities Support Services
- 541410–Interior Design Services
- 541715–Scientific R&D
- 541512–Computer Systems Design
- 238210–Electrical Contractors
- 711510–Independent Artists
Step 4: Develop Winning Proposals
Technical Approach
Past Performance
Pricing Strategy
Winning Strategies
- Specialize in one of facilities, exhibit fabrication, research, or IT.
- Build AAM or NAME credentials for exhibit work.
- Use both SAM.gov and the SI Vendor Portal paths.
- Team with experienced SI incumbents for subcontract entry.
- Track major new-museum construction cycles (e.g., NMAL, NMWHC).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the trust-fund-vs-federal-funds distinction.
- Bidding exhibit fabrication without museum craft experience.
- Treating SI like a typical federal agency.
Small Business Programs
SI consistently meets small-business goals with strong 8(a), WOSB, and HUBZone utilization.
Key Contracting Offices
- Smithsonian Office of Contracting — Washington, DC
SI by the Numbers
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