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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Work Opportunities

Education Contractor

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History seeks an hourly contractor to support work in the Office of Education, Outreach, and Visitor Experience. The contractor will provide administrative, logistical, design and coordination services in support of the implementation of digital programming and associated resources for K-12 students and teachers. Quotes are due by 5:00 PM EST on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Ocean Education (MDBC) Contract

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History seeks a contractor to support work in the Office of Education, Outreach, and Visitor Experience. The contractor will provide education services in support of the implementation of an education portfolio aligned with the Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) project. Quotes are due by 5:00 PM EST on February 27, 2026.

Ocean Education Contract

1. I understand SAM registration is needed for this job (and I am applying as an independent contractor) - can I submitted the application to you before my SAM account/registration is formally activated?
Yes, but please start the SAM Registration process before submitting materials.

2. I saw that period of performance will run from April 1, 2026, to March 30, 2027. I am assuming this is the base period. I am ok with this period but if I am also flexible and can start early, would you like me to mention this in the price quote?  
Yes, that is the advertised Base Period but actual start dates may be adjusted at the discretion of the Smithsonian.

3. There is also an optional period of 12 months - would you like applicants to specify how many months in the optional period want and the price estimate with that? If I am flexible, should I mention this or give a fixed optional number of months is preferred?
The cost proposal must include the rate and full cost for the optional year.

4. I don't see a salary range/price range for this position/contract. What would you suggest to independent applicants/contractors to use as metrics for price estimates? I can think of: (a) comparison to my previous jobs' salaries (b) salary of similar jobs in this area (c) my education and years of experience.
It is up to the proposer to determine their cost.

5. Regarding the required "sample team planning document or program plan," would you be able to explain in a bit more detail what information this document should include?
We want to see how you organize and track information needed to host an event or program. Please include an example from a past effort. If you have not organized an event before, please note that and provide a description of what you would include in a planning document or program plan.

6. I would like to double-check that this opportunity is open to the general public, as I was not able to find this information on USAjobs. I do occasionally freelance, but am not registered as a business. I can't tell if this would affect my ability to register for SAM. Would I still be eligible to submit this RFQ as an individual?
This is not a federal position, so it is not posted on USA Jobs. You do however need to register in SAM as an independent/individual. You do not need to be a company to do so.