Contact and place of performance
Joseph Ardoin
Chattanooga, TN 37405
USA
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Art in Architecture Program commissions American artists (citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents or Permanent Workers of the United States) to create publicly scaled and permanently installed artworks for Federal buildings nationwide. GSA announces an opportunity for a Federal art commission in conjunction with the new construction of the Chattanooga U.S. Courthouse pro...
View moreGSA allocates one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the estimated construction costs of new or modernized Federal facilities for art commissions. The art budget for this project is estimated to be between $800,000 to $1,100,000. One or more artists will be awarded a fixed-price contract for a commission.
Artists who wish to be considered for this GSA art commission must submit application materials to GSA by the SAM Contract Opportunity’s Response Date. Artists may also elect to be considered for all future GSA art commissions by submitting application materials to GSA’s National Artist Registry (Registry). Instructions on how to submit application materials and join the Registry are available on the following Web site:
https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-and-construction/art-in-architecturefine-arts/art-in-architecture-program/art-in-architecture-national-artist-registry
All artists who wish to be considered as candidates for a commission at the U.S. Courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, must have their application materials submitted and received by GSA by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on 30 days from posting. Artists’ submissions received after the deadline will not be considered for this project but will be eligible for consideration on future GSA commissions alongside the other artists on the Registry. Artists already on the Registry need not resubmit but may elect to update their information prior to the deadline.
GSA evaluates artists based on the following criteria: the media, materials, content and style of the artist’s past work, along with the artist’s past performance and experience with commissions or projects similar to the one described in this synopsis. Art is a vital part of cultural heritage, embodying the history, values, identity, and natural environment of a community. It serves as a bridge between generations, preserving unique traditions and stories. The artwork for the Chattanooga Courthouse should reflect the community it serves, capturing its people, its history, and its surroundings. The art should also confirm the federal presence in the community and the court’s role in ensuring the rule of law. The pieces should be figurative and allegorical, conveying deeper meaning through recognizable forms and symbolism. The artist should also use materials and media that are familiar and meaningful to the local community, ensuring the work resonates with those who experience it.
Shortlisted artists will be contacted and asked to submit additional information, including a statement that the artist can perform the work associated with the GSA commission within the identified budget. GSA will count the combined weight of all the selection criteria as significantly more important than price.
At minimum, the scope of services for this commission will require collaboration with the lead designer selected for the New Chattanooga, TN US Courthouse CMc Project; travel to the project site; development and presentation of preliminary and final concepts; fabrication of the artwork; participation in meetings and conservation reviews as necessary; delivery and installation of the artwork; professional documentation of, and detailed maintenance planning for the artwork at the project site. For informational purposes: Artists selected for the contract award must be Permanent Residents or Citizens of the United States of America. Artists selected for the contract award will be required to have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of award. Instructions for creating an account and activating registration in SAM may be found at www.sam.gov. Artists selected for the contract award will be required to renew the registration in SAM on an annual basis for the duration of the project.
In accordance with Executive Order (EO) 13934, agencies should prioritize the commission of works of art that portray historically significant Americans or events of American historical significance or illustrate the ideals upon which our Nation was founded.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service, Region 4 Acquisition Management Division, is commissioning one or more American artists to create publicly scaled, permanently installed artworks for the new Chattanooga U.S. Courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This project, identified by solicitation number 47PB5226B0001, is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation categorized under NAICS 711510 for Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers and PSC R499 for Support- Professional: Other. There is no set-aside designated for this opportunity. The total art budget is estimated between $800,000 and $1,100,000, which will be awarded as one or more fixed-price contracts.
The commissioned artwork will be integrated into a new facility designed to replace the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building. The courthouse will house seven courtrooms, nine chambers, and various federal agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Artists must produce figurative and allegorical works that reflect the local community’s history, values, and environment while confirming the federal presence and the rule of law. Scope of services includes collaborating with the lead project designer, site travel, concept development, fabrication, and final installation. Selection criteria emphasize the media, style, and past performance of the artist, with the combined weight of these factors being significantly more important than price.
Submissions are due by June 15, 2026. Interested artists must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and are required to submit application materials to GSA or join the National Artist Registry to be considered. Selected contractors must maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) for the duration of the project. The notice includes two attachments: a PDF posting and a draft synopsis document. Joseph Ardoin serves as the primary point of contact for this federal art commission.
Generated by Lumen AI
Scoped analysis and attachments—go beyond the summary when you need detail from the solicitation package.