Bid guide
How to bid on the Coburn Gore LPOE Art in Architecture Project for GSA
What the GSA is buying and why it matters
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking American artists to create permanent public art for the new Coburn Gore Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in Coburn, Maine. This project is part of the GSA's Art in Architecture Program, which allocates a portion of construction costs for art commissions in federal buildings.
The new LPOE facility will improve supply chains, enhance operational capabilities, and strengthen security. The art budget for this commission is estimated to be between $275,000 and $400,000. This is an opportunity for artists to contribute to a significant federal infrastructure project and have their work publicly displayed.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The deadline for artists to submit their application materials is August 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered for this specific project, but they will be eligible for future GSA commissions through the National Artist Registry.
Artists already on the National Artist Registry do not need to resubmit, but they can update their information before the deadline if they wish. Shortlisted artists will be contacted to provide additional information, including a statement confirming they can perform the work within the identified budget.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for American artists (citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or Permanent Workers of the United States) with experience in creating publicly scaled and permanently installed artworks. The GSA evaluates artists based on their past work's media, materials, content, and style, as well as their experience with similar commissions.
The scope of services will require collaboration with the lead designer, travel to the project site, development and presentation of concepts, fabrication, installation, and maintenance planning for the artwork. Artists must be able to register and maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of award.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation, click “View original source” above. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.
Artists must submit their application materials to GSA by the response date listed in the SAM Contract Opportunity. Instructions for submitting application materials and joining the GSA’s National Artist Registry are available on the GSA website. Inquiries about the project should be directed to [email protected], referencing the synopsis number in the subject line.
Practical tips for a competitive response
Carefully review the GSA's criteria for evaluating artists, focusing on the media, materials, content, and style of your past work, along with your experience with similar commissions. Tailor your application to highlight how your portfolio aligns with these requirements.
Ensure your application materials are submitted well before the August 14, 2026, 12:00 PM ET deadline to avoid any technical issues. If you are not already on the GSA National Artist Registry, consider joining it, as this will make you eligible for future GSA art commissions. Remember that the GSA considers the combined weight of all selection criteria significantly more important than price.
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.