Performing arts and cultural programming for government public outreach and education programs. Find active federal and state other performing arts companies contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend for NAICS 711190 is estimated at $50-80 million, primarily through the National Endowment for the Arts, Smithsonian, and state arts agencies. Contracts are typically small, one-off awards under $250,000, often structured as firm-fixed-price purchase orders or simplified acquisitions. Demand is driven by public outreach, cultural programming, and educational performances for federal events, museum exhibits, and library programs. Competition is moderate, with many small, specialized arts organizations competing. IDIQs and BPAs are rare; most work is awarded via sole-source or limited competition due to the niche nature of performances.
These agencies are the largest buyers of other performing arts companies services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 711190 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win, target state-level arts councils and public libraries, which issue the most frequent small-dollar contracts. The most effective set-aside is the 8(a) program for culturally-specific performances; HUBZone and SDVOSB preferences apply less often. The single highest-leverage move is to build a portfolio of past performances for federal clients (e.g., Smithsonian, NEA) and register in the System for Award Management under the correct PSC code (e.g., U006 – Education/Training). Then, actively search FedBizOpps for 'cultural programming' and 'public outreach' notices.
Contracts are typically awarded via simplified acquisition procedures (FAR Part 13) using LPTA evaluation, as artistic quality is hard to quantify. Best-value tradeoffs occur for larger projects. Common vehicles include GSA Schedule 541 (non-personal services) and agency-specific IDIQs for recurring events. Evaluation focuses on past performance, artistic merit, and cost reasonableness.
No federal performance license is required, but you must have appropriate state and local business licenses. For performances involving copyrighted material, you need performance rights licenses from ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC.
Most federal performing arts contracts under $250,000 do not require bid or performance bonds. For larger awards, agencies may ask for a performance bond, but this is rare for NAICS 711190.
Yes, 8(a) certification is highly advantageous for culturally-specific performances. HUBZone and SDVOSB certifications are less common but can provide preference. No specific arts certification is required.
Competition is moderate. Typical awards have 3-5 bidders. Many contracts are sole-source or limited competition due to unique artistic requirements. Building relationships with agency program officers is key.
Most awards range from $10,000 to $100,000 for a single performance or short series. Multi-year contracts are rare; most are one-time events. The average is around $35,000.