Exhibition Design Services

The Library of Congress has issued Solicitation 030ADV26R0007 for professional exhibition design services to develop the next rotating thematic exhibition titled "Inside the Creative Process" within its 3,700-square-foot Treasures Gallery, which opened in 2024 with permanent casework. The contract requires an experienced exhibit design firm to deliver high-quality, museum-grade design work encompassing exhibit case layouts, all related graphic design, and promotional materials. The design must strictly conform to the existing exhibit layout provided in Attachment J-1 and meet stringent standards for conservation, security, and accessibility as detailed by the Library of Congress and supported by established preservation protocols, including material testing per the Oddy Test and prohibitions against harmful substances. The contractor will collaborate closely with the Library through an iterative design process culminating in a complete set of production-ready documents and physical installation-ready plans, with an exhibition opening scheduled for October 2027. The solicitation is a firm-fixed-price contract covering the period from February 18, 2026, through January 31, 2028, with a structured deliverables schedule that includes concept design options, refined layouts, final design packages, brochure designs, and photographic documentation of the installed exhibition. Proposals are evaluated on a best-value trade-off basis prioritizing technical approach, management approach, corporate experience, past performance, and price, with non-price factors significantly outweighing cost considerations. Contractors must meet minimum requirements outlined in the solicitation and demonstrate strong past performance and creativity in similar projects. The contract incorporates numerous FAR and Library of Congress clauses governing ethics, security, equal opportunity, records management, and payment procedures. Key personnel such as the creative director and designers must be approved by the contracting officer, and contractor personnel accessing Library facilities or sensitive information are subject to thorough background investigations and ongoing vetting. Deliverables must adhere to rigorous packaging, preservation, security, and labeling standards, and all submissions must comply with accessibility laws including ADA and Section 508. Proposal submissions are due by January 5, 2026, and must be delivered electronically in specified formats with strict adherence to file size and formatting requirements. The Library of Congress exercises tight control over subcontracting and conflict-of-interest disclosures to ensure the integrity and security of the exhibition development process. Overall, the contract calls for a comprehensive, high-quality, and secure design solution that aligns with the Library’s conservation mandates while delivering a compelling, accessible public exhibition experience.