Smithsonian STEM/STEAM Themed Toys RFP

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and 9 research facilities. Smithsonian Enterprises, the Institution's retail, media, and licensing division, offers a range of programs that help to generate funding for Smithsonian's core mission, museums and research, while remaining consistent with the Smithsonian mission, culture, governance, and status as a trust instrumentality of the United States and a tax-exempt organization. Smithsonian Enterprises Consumer Products (SECP) manages licensing activities worldwide for the Smithsonian Institution. As part of an overarching strategy to reach new and more diverse audiences, expand distribution of and interaction with the brand, and to leverage Smithsonian's massive brand reach, the Smithsonian seeks proposals from companies for the creation, marketing, sale, and distribution of a line of Smithsonian-branded STEM/STEAM themed toys in specific sub-categor(ies) (more detail provided within the RFP document). It is expected that the line of toys will be engaging, innovative, educational and entertaining and will evolve over time. The income generated from this program will help to support Smithsonian's various mission activities. The Smithsonian seeks to enter into a license agreement with the successful offeror, pursuant to which Smithsonian will license its name, logo, and certain content to an experienced company who is capable of creating a Smithsonian-branded line of such toys and will reach and monetize new youth audiences. The successful offeror will handle all product concept and development, sales, distribution and marketing to the consumer market and will pay Smithsonian royalties based on sales. The Smithsonian seeks proposals from companies who are leaders in the STEM/STEAM toy field. The RFP will be available on or about June 2, 2021. Please note: The Smithsonian anticipates the need to disclose certain confidential information about its business activities during the RFP process. As a result, we will require that requestors sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to receiving a copy of the RFP. If your company is interested in working with the Smithsonian on this project, please contact Susan Engelhardt via email at [email protected] to request a copy of the non-disclosure agreement. Proposals are due on July 7, 2021. Requested materials must be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered. This is not a solicitation for a federal contract and is therefore not governed by federal procurement procedures. Thank you for your interest.