The Smithsonian and the Small Business Community

Strengthening Our Commitment to Utilize Small Businesses in Our Business Relationships. 

The Smithsonian is committed to improving our relationships with small businesses and seeks to ensure that small businesses receive appropriate consideration in the Smithsonian's procurement of goods and services. The Institution provides small businesses the opportunity to participate, to the maximum extent possible, in all federal contracts entered into by the Institution, and when appropriate also expends trust funds based on these principles.

Key Program Components

  • Conduct outreach initiatives to heighten small business awareness of contracting opportunities at the Smithsonian;
  • Educate small businesses on how to do business with the Smithsonian;
  • Evaluate large prime contractors' subcontracting plans for small business utilization opportunities;
  • Conduct vendor searches for Smithsonian buyers to enhance the utilization small businesses in procurement activities; and,
  • Provide information that assists small businesses with their marketing efforts to the Smithsonian.

Small Business Program Links 

Contact Information 

For further information, contact us at 202-633-6410 or at sdphelp@si.edu.