Smithsonian Institution (SI): A Guide for New Government Contractors

Understanding SI

What is the Smithsonian Institution?

The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoo, and multiple research centers. Established in 1846, SI is a trust instrumentality of the U.S. government, meaning it operates as a hybrid public-private entity funded through federal appropriations, private donations, grants, and revenue-generating activities.

SI’s mission is to increase and share knowledge through scientific research, preservation, education, and public outreach. Contractors assist the Smithsonian with museum modernization, digital transformation, exhibit development, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, archival digitization, and research technology support.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Museum Operations & Exhibit Development: Supporting the design, construction, and maintenance of exhibitions.
  • Scientific Research & Conservation: Advancing biodiversity, climate science, and cultural heritage preservation.
  • Education & Public Outreach: Providing K-12 and higher education programs, digital learning resources, and community engagement.
  • IT & Digital Modernization: Enhancing SI’s digital collections, virtual exhibits, and online public access platforms.
  • Cybersecurity & Data Protection: Protecting sensitive archival data and research systems.
  • Facilities & Infrastructure Management: Supporting renovations, security systems, and historic building maintenance.

Mission and Goals

SI’s mission is to promote the increase and diffusion of knowledge through research, collections, exhibitions, and education. The Smithsonian’s goals include:

  • Preserving national and global cultural heritage.
  • Advancing scientific research in diverse fields such as climate change, astrophysics, anthropology, and conservation biology.
  • Expanding public access to Smithsonian collections through digital exhibits and online learning tools.
  • Enhancing cybersecurity and data management for SI’s vast archives and research programs.
  • Modernizing museum infrastructure to enhance visitor experiences.

SI Organization

SI is structured into several museums, research centers, and administrative divisions, including:

  • Museums & Cultural Centers:
    • National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)
    • National Air and Space Museum (NASM)
    • Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM)
    • National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
    • National Portrait Gallery (NPG)
    • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
  • Research Centers:
    • Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)
    • Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)
    • National Museum of Natural History’s Research Institute
  • Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO): Manages Smithsonian’s IT strategy, cybersecurity, and digital collections.
  • Office of Facilities Management and Reliability (OFMR): Oversees building operations, maintenance, and security.

SI collaborates with federal agencies, universities, and global institutions on research and education initiatives.

Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with SI

Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:

  • Understand SI’s Public Education & Research Mission: Contractors should align their services with museum technology, digital archives, and exhibit design.
  • Stay Current with Government Procurement Guidelines: SI follows Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) where applicable, but it also has trust-funded contracts, which may follow different procurement rules.
  • Master SI’s Digital and IT Systems: Gain expertise in:
    • Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS) – The primary database for SI’s digital collections.
    • Smithsonian Open Access (https://www.si.edu/OpenAccess) – Platform for free digital access to SI’s collections.
    • Smithsonian Transcription Center – Crowdsourced archival digitization project.
  • Prioritize Cybersecurity and Cultural Data Protection: SI contractors working on digital archives, online exhibits, or research databases must follow NIST 800-53 and Smithsonian cybersecurity policies.
  • Effective Communication with Curators & Researchers: Many contracts involve collaborating with scientists, historians, archivists, and museum curators.
  • Agile and Cloud-Based Solutions for Digital Collections: SI is investing in 3D scanning, AI-driven collection management, and cloud-based data storage—contractors should be proficient in these technologies.
  • Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Stay informed on digital humanities, museum technology, and emerging cybersecurity threats.
  • Networking and Collaboration: Attend Smithsonian contractor briefings, museum technology conferences, and research symposiums.
  • Focus on Accessibility & Public Engagement: Many Smithsonian projects require intuitive, mobile-friendly digital exhibits for remote audiences.
  • Document and Share Knowledge: Maintain thorough documentation on museum technology enhancements, cybersecurity best practices, and digital preservation standards.

Helpful Links for Contractors: