This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued by the Department of the Interior (DOI), Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD), Interior Business Center (IBC).
Purpose and Background:
This RFI is intended to obtain feedback and recommendations from industry lighting professionals related to lighting needs at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial), a national memorial located in Virginia. The memorial was dedicated in 1954 to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775. The memorial is located in Arlington Ridge Park within the George Washington Memorial Parkway and since 1955 has been managed by the National Park Service. Iwo Jima has existing lighting; however, the National Park Service would like the current lighting solution to be improved for those that visit Iwo Jima. The lighting needs comprehensive repair and replacement due to extensive wear, damage, and missing components. The existing fixtures must withstand outdoor conditions plus high contact as the memorial is located along a heavily used walking and exercising path. Visitors and pedestrians frequently come into contact with the light fixtures and, in some cases, may need to use them as a resource for stretching and shoe-tying posts and for four-legged visitors they are used for other purposes. This repeated physical contact with a solution not designed to withstand those conditions has resulted in broken fixtures, damaged components, and missing parts. Continued repairs to the existing fixtures may not provide a cost-effective or long-term solution and input from industry is needed.
This engagement with industry is to obtain information on what lighting solution would be best for the memorial including information on which existing lighting fixtures may possibly be repaired and salvaged and which require replacement as part of an overall lighting solution. Recommendations are also requested for replacement products that meet the durability and architectural/historical requirements addressed in the Draft Statement of Objectives below.
By responding to this RFI, industry experts have an opportunity to inform the Governments approach to lighting this nationally significant historic memorial. Industry input will help shape a solution that honors the legacy and sacrifice commemorated by the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, respects the historic character and significance of the site, and provides a meaningful visitor experience for years to come.
Draft Statement of Objectives:
There are 63 light fixtures at the Memorial and 28 the Government believes are operational. The proposed project includes the inspection, repair, and replacement of the following light fixtures:
- ERCO 36-inch tall light fixture, totaling 17 fixtures requiring inspection, repair or replacement of components.
- ERCO 24-inch tall light fixture, totaling 34 fixtures requiring inspection, repair or replacement of components.
- 12 each KIM LIGHTING 10ft single dome streetlamps, model number unknown requiring inspection, repair or replacement of components.
In addition to replacing damaged fixtures, consideration should be given to selecting a more robust and durable lighting fixture specifically suited for this high-use environment. The replacement fixtures should be evaluated not only on appearance and lighting performance, but also on their ability to withstand repeated incidental physical contact, vandalism, weather exposure, and long-term outdoor use.
The replacement fixtures should, where feasible, incorporate:
- A heavy-duty housing and construction suitable for high-traffic public areas.
- Impact-resistant lenses and components.
- A design that minimizes exposed or easily removed components.
- Secure mounting and hardware that discourages tampering and unauthorized removal.
- Weather-resistant construction appropriate for year-round outdoor exposure.
- Long-life LED technology with readily available replacement components.
- A design that maintains the architectural character and appearance of the Iwo Jima Memorial.
- Appropriate ingress protection and corrosion resistance for the outdoor environment.
- Components that can be serviced without requiring complete fixture replacement whenever practical.
A sample or mock-up installation of proposed replacement fixtures should be considered before committing to full replacement. This would allow the project team to evaluate the fixtures appearance, light distribution, durability, maintainability, and compatibility with the memorials existing design. It would be beneficial if industry could provide, in addition, a long term lighting strategy mock-up.
Because the memorial is located on an overly used walking and exercising route, durability should be treated as a primary design requirement rather than simply replacing the existing fixtures with the same type. The goal should be to identify a fixture that provides the required illumination and architectural appearance while significantly reducing damage, maintenance requirements, and premature replacement.
A comprehensive condition assessment and fixture inventory should be completed before procurement. The assessment should document the manufacturer, make, model, dimensions, mounting configuration, electrical characteristics, and condition of each fixture. This information can then be used to develop specifications for a more durable, impact-resistant replacement lighting system that will provide reliable service and reduce future maintenance costs.
The project will ultimately improve visitor safety, restore appropriate illumination, enhance the appearance of the memorial grounds, and provide a more sustainable and durable lighting solution for an exceptionally high-use public environment.
Submission Information:
Written responses to the questions below are due no later than August 19, 2026, at 4:00pm Eastern Time. Interested parties are advised to email their responses directly to the Contracting Officer at AQDopsSupport@ibc.doi.gov. The Government will acknowledge receipt of your response.
Written responses should be no more than 3 pages, single sided and address all questions. Product Specification Sheets for recommended products may also be provided and will not be included in the 3-page limit.
1. Are you familiar with/have you visited the Imo Jima Memorial. Please explain.
2. In your opinion, what lighting strategy should be used for the Iwo Jima Memorial?
3. In your opinion, what lighting fixtures can be repaired and salvaged. What would the repair/salvaging entail?
4. In your opinion, what requires replacement. What product recommendations do you have that meet the durability, architectural aesthetics and other characteristics described in the Draft Statement of Objectives.
5. Our goal is to complete the project in advance of events at and around the memorial for the US Marine Corps birthday on November 10, 2026. Based on your recommendations, what is the lead time on the recommended product(s) and how many days will be required to complete the project from time of contract award?
6. Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude consistent with the recommendations provided.
7. Have you performed a similar lighting repair or replacement project in a historically significant area or site? If so, please identify the project and provide the date or year in which the work was completed.
Additional Information:
Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any firms ability to submit a quote if, or when, a solicitation is released. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or obligation on the part of the Government. No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct or indirect costs or charges will arise as a result of the submission of information in response to this RFI.
