Interior Department Issues $13M No-Bid Contract for Lincoln Memorial Pool Restoration

    The Department of the Interior has awarded a $13 million no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings for the restoration of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The project aims for completion by May 22, 2026, but raises concerns about compliance with historic preservation regulations and procurement processes.

    Department of the Interior, National Park Service

    Key Signals

    • Interior's $13.1M Lincoln Memorial Pool restoration contract awarded without competitive bidding.
    • Restoration project must comply with historic preservation laws amid legal challenges.
    • Potential opportunities for contractors specializing in historic site restorations and compliance.

    "for the first time since 1922 [the reflecting pool is] going to work properly."

    Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

    On May 13, 2026, the Department of the Interior (DOI) awarded a no-bid contract exceeding $13 million to Atlantic Industrial Coatings LLC for the significant restoration and repainting of the historic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. This decision comes as the U.S. gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary, with restorations aimed at preserving the integrity and aesthetic of this iconic national monument. The project, divided into two phases initiated in April and May 2026, underscores an urgent call for revitalization ahead of the milestone celebrations.

    The scope of the work is ambitious, as it not only includes repainting the pool in a specially designated