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 looking for one or more American artists to create permanent public artwork 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 aims to improve operational capabilities, strengthen supply chains, and enhance security. The artwork will be a publicly scaled and permanently installed piece, with an estimated budget ranging from $275,000 to $400,000. This is a significant opportunity for artists to contribute to a federal facility and gain a major commission.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The deadline for submitting application materials is September 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Submissions received after this time will not be considered for this specific project, but may be eligible for future GSA commissions if the artist joins the National Artist Registry.

Artists already on the Registry do not need to resubmit, but can update their information before the deadline. 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 for American artists, specifically U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The GSA is looking for artists with experience in creating publicly scaled and permanently installed artworks. The evaluation criteria focus on the artist's past work (media, materials, content, style), as well as their performance and experience with similar commissions.

Artists selected for the contract award will need to have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of award and renew it annually for the project's duration. The commission requires collaboration with the lead designer, travel to the site, concept development, fabrication, installation, and maintenance planning.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full details and submit your application, you need to go to the original source portal. Click the 'View original source' link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid. Ensure all application materials are submitted and received by GSA by the September 30, 2026, 12:00 PM ET deadline.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the solicitation documents, including the 'Coburn Gore AIA Questions & Answers V2' document, for any specific requirements or clarifications. Tailor your application to highlight past work that demonstrates your ability to create large-scale, permanent public art suitable for a federal facility.

Emphasize your experience with commissions or projects similar in scope and complexity to this one. If you are shortlisted, be prepared to clearly articulate how you can deliver the artwork within the specified budget. Remember that the GSA considers the combined weight of all selection criteria significantly more important than price.

Consider the Executive Order 13934, which suggests prioritizing art portraying historically significant Americans or events, or illustrating national ideals. While not a strict requirement, aligning with this directive could strengthen your proposal.