Description
This is not a solicitation for a federal contract and is therefore not governed by federal procurement procedures. Over the last 160 years, the Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian) has grown to include 19 museums, nine research centers and the National Zoological Park, and is now the largest museum and research complex in the world. The Smithsonian plays a fundamental educational role in society by allowing Americans to experience their historical, cultural, and scientific heritages, while furthering research in each of these areas. The Smithsonian's mission revolves around two key themes that date back to James Smithson's original founding bequest: the increase of knowledge (through research) and the diffusion of knowledge (through exhibitions, educational activities, publications, public programs, access to collections and other means). For many years, the Smithsonian has engaged in a variety of revenue-generating business activities in furtherance of its mission. These revenues provide essential financial support for the maintenance and growth of the Smithsonian's programs, research, and collections. One of the Smithsonian's primary business activities involves the operation of stores inside the museums and at three (3) other locations (airports). The stores are currently operated by Smithsonian Business Ventures (SBV). The SBV-operated stores (SBV Stores) offer merchandise that reflects the mission of the Smithsonian and the respective museum in which they operate, and provide the visitor with an extension of the Smithsonian educational experience. From space travel to political history to contemporary art to animal life, the broad array of Smithsonian subject areas offer the opportunity to create a rich and varied inventory of creative merchandise that appeals to all segments of the visiting public. Short term/temporary exhibitions, seasonal celebrations, and periodic special events also offer the chance to further tailor merchandise offerings. The Smithsonian is in the process of evaluating the efficiency and profitability of the stores and seeks to acquire information from the marketplace regarding the possibility of outsourcing the SBV Stores. The goal is to increase its economic benefits, enhance the visitor experiences, and share risk. Specifically, the Smithsonian seeks information regarding whether outsourcing of the SBV Stores is feasible, such that a third party operator is capable of assuming all of the SBV store operations, significantly increase profits for the Institution and its museums while at the same time respecting, enhancing and furthering the Smithsonian's global and museums' specific missions through the selection, development, and sale of mission-related merchandise and products. The information gathered as part of the RFI process will be used by the Smithsonian Secretary and a task force of staff and advisory board members to make recommendations to the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents regarding the future operation of the SBV Stores. The Smithsonian Institution seeks informational submissions (RFI Submission(s)) from private and public entities (Respondents) qualified and experienced to operate retail stores with great sensitivity to an iconic brand's reputation. Retail experience in museums, zoos or cultural destination environments is preferred. The Smithsonian will consider responses to the Request for Information (RFI) and determine whether to solicit formal proposals through a Request for Proposal process (RFP) at a later point in time. Respondents are hereby notified that this is not a solicitation for a federal contract and is therefore not governed by federal procurement procedures. Registering prospective respondents (any entity desiring a copy of the RFI) must provide complete name, address, point of contact, phone number including area code, and email address. Registering prospective respondents must provide written request for the RFI from the Smithsonian Institution, Office of Contracting, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 1200, Washington, DC 20013-7012, Attn: Cindy Zarate (fax: 202-633-7308). Registered Prospective respondents will receive an electronic copy of the RFI when it is available, on or about August 17, 2007. Respondents will be required to submit an RFI submission document as set forth in the RFI.