National Park Service Announces Opportunity for Communications Infrastructure Plan on the National Mall and Surrounding Park Areas

The National Park Service (NPS) invites qualified entities to submit proposals to develop telecommunications infrastructure within the National Mall and surrounding park areas in Washington, D.C. This opportunity supports the National Mall Telecommunications Infrastructure Concept Plan, finalized in December 2025, which establishes a coordinated, multi-provider approach to improving wireless service capacity while protecting the area’s historic and cultural resources. The plan identifies a need to significantly expand telecommunications capacity to better serve visitors, major public events, and emergency response operations.

Proposed infrastructure must minimize impacts to cultural resources and historic viewsheds, prioritize co-location and shared facilities, and use architectural designs compatible with the National Mall’s nationally significant setting. Through this competitive process, selected participant(s) will be eligible to apply for a National Park Service right-of-way (ROW) permit authorizing the installation, operation, and maintenance of communications infrastructure. Selection does not guarantee permit issuance; any permit will be contingent upon completion of required environmental and historic preservation compliance, as well as review by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. The opportunity area includes the National Mall and adjacent parklands generally bounded by Constitution Avenue NW, Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Independence Avenue SW, the Potomac River, and nearby memorial and waterfront areas.

How to Apply

Interested parties must submit a complete proposal in accordance with the requirements outlined in the opportunity, including a Business Plan and an Implementation Plan addressing technical capacity, design compatibility, co-location, operations, and long-term stewardship. Proposals will be evaluated based on minimum requirements and weighted scoring criteria described in the prospectus. Complete submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and reference materials are available in the full prospectus. Proposals must be received by the National Park Service no later than February 16, 2026. Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered. Supporting documents are available below.

Request for Proposal, Appendices and Additional Information

• Request for Proposal - Communications Infrastructure Opportunity for the National Mall and Surrounding Park Areas
• Appendix A - Telecommunications Infrastructure Plan Concept Plan (December 2025)
• Appendix B - Right of Way Permit Template (February 2025)
• Appendix C - National Mall Minimum Build Out Study (April 2025)
• Appendix D - Frequently Asked Questions