Bid guide
How to bid on Brownsville Gateway port artwork for GSA
What GSA is commissioning
The Public Buildings Service’s GSA Art in Architecture Program is seeking U.S. artists to design, create, and install permanent artwork for the new Brownsville Gateway U.S. Land Port of Entry in Brownsville, Texas. The facility will replace the outdated port and include multiple buildings for federal inspection personnel.
The estimated art budget is $550,000 to $800,000. One or more artists may receive a fixed-price contract. The work includes collaborating with the lead designer, developing concepts, fabricating and installing the artwork, and providing professional documentation and a maintenance plan.
Deadline and what happens next
GSA must receive application materials by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 21, 2026. Materials received after that deadline will not be considered for this project, but may be considered for future GSA commissions if submitted to the National Artist Registry.
GSA evaluates past work, including its media, materials, content and style, as well as relevant experience and past performance. Shortlisted artists will be asked for additional information, including confirmation that they can complete the work within the identified budget.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is for artists who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and whose work and experience fit a permanent, publicly scaled federal art commission. Experience with similar commissions or projects is among GSA’s evaluation criteria.
GSA says it will prioritize artwork portraying historically significant Americans or events, or illustrating the ideals on which the nation was founded. Selected artists must have active SAM registration when the contract is awarded; SAM registration is not needed to submit application materials.
How to submit an application
Open the opportunity through the portal’s “View original source” option. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click the option again to open the bid. You may need a free account to view documents.
Follow GSA’s application instructions and make sure the materials are received by the deadline. Artists already in GSA’s National Artist Registry do not need to resubmit, but may update their information before the deadline. Registry instructions are provided in the solicitation. Selected artists must activate and maintain SAM registration for the duration of the project.
Prepare a focused application
Choose examples of past work that clearly show your materials, style, subject matter, and ability to deliver a permanent installation. Explain your role and relevant experience on similar projects so reviewers can assess your past performance.
Plan how you would approach collaboration, site travel, concept development, fabrication, installation, documentation, and maintenance planning. If shortlisted, you will need to state that you can perform the work within the identified budget; keep your proposed approach grounded in that budget.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Public Buildings Service; the original posting controls.