Interior's $513K Museum Curation Contract Awarded to University of Utah
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $51,340 ($51.3K)
Contractor: University of Utah
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2024-09-25
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 735 days
Daily Burn Rate: $70/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CERBERUS COLLECTION AT UMNH - CURATION
Place of Performance
Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84112
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $51,340 to UNIVERSITY OF UTAH for work described as: CERBERUS COLLECTION AT UMNH - CURATION Key points: 1. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) awarded a $513,400 contract for museum curation services. 2. The University of Utah is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration is 735 days, ending in September 2026. 4. The NAICS code 712110 indicates services related to museums.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $513,400 for museum curation services appears high for a single institution without clear justification for a non-competed award. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized curation services is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This lack of competition may have prevented the government from obtaining the best possible price and value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds may not have been used most efficiently due to the absence of a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
Preservation of valuable collections is ensured through this contract. Potential for specialized expertise at the University of Utah to benefit federal collections. Lack of transparency in the procurement process could lead to public scrutiny.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
- Limited transparency
Positive Signals
- Supports established institution
- Specific expertise likely available
Sector Analysis
The museum and exhibition services sector involves the management and preservation of cultural, historical, and scientific artifacts. Federal spending in this area often supports national archives, historical sites, and research institutions. Benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature of curation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the University of Utah, a large institution, with no indication of small business participation. This award does not appear to support small business goals.
Oversight & Accountability
The non-competed nature of this award warrants oversight to ensure the justification for sole-source procurement is valid and that taxpayer funds are being used appropriately. Accountability for the value received is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Museums
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Bureau of Land Management Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competition.
- Potential for inflated pricing.
- Lack of transparency in procurement.
- No clear small business participation.
- Effectiveness metrics are not defined.
Tags
museums, department-of-the-interior, ut, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $51,340 to UNIVERSITY OF UTAH. CERBERUS COLLECTION AT UMNH - CURATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF UTAH.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $51,340.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-25. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific curation services are included in this $513,400 contract, and how do they align with the Bureau of Land Management's mission?
The contract details are limited, but it pertains to 'CERBERUS COLLECTION AT UMNH - CURATION.' This likely involves the cataloging, preservation, and management of specific collections housed at the University of Utah's Museum of Natural History. The alignment with BLM's mission would depend on the nature of the 'Cerberus Collection' and its relevance to public lands or resources.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what risks does this pose to obtaining fair market value?
The justification for a sole-source award is not provided in the data. This poses a significant risk to obtaining fair market value, as the absence of competition prevents price discovery and comparison with other potential providers. The government may end up paying more than necessary without a competitive process.
How will the effectiveness of the curation services be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for this contract?
The provided data does not specify how the effectiveness of the curation services will be measured or outline key performance indicators. Without defined metrics, it is challenging to assess whether the University of Utah is meeting the contract's objectives and delivering value for the $513,400 investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation › Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions › Museums
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 201 PRESIDENTS CIR, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84112
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $241,340
Exercised Options: $51,340
Current Obligation: $51,340
Actual Outlays: $41,040
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-25
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2029-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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