Interior Department awards $5.25M fabrication contract to Kubik Maltbie, Inc. for exhibit services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,249,687 ($5.2M)

Contractor: Kubik Maltbie, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-12-02

End Date: 2026-03-27

Contract Duration: 1,211 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INTERPRETIVE EXHIBIT FABRICATION & INSTALLATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: BOULDER CITY, CLARK County, NEVADA, 89005

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $5.2 million to KUBIK MALTBIE, INC for work described as: INTERPRETIVE EXHIBIT FABRICATION & INSTALLATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of fabrication and installation services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. Contract duration of over three years indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The contract is a definitive contract, suggesting a clear scope of work. 5. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339999 covers a broad range of miscellaneous manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.25 million for fabrication and installation services seems within a reasonable range for specialized exhibit work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for large-scale exhibit construction and installation would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract is a positive indicator for cost control, assuming the scope was well-defined upfront. Without specific details on the deliverables, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the award to a single entity suggests a focused approach to meeting the Bureau of Reclamation's needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 5 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives offers from multiple qualified vendors, potentially leading to better pricing and solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition award. Multiple bidders vying for the contract can drive down costs and encourage innovation.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Reclamation will benefit from enhanced exhibit fabrication and installation services, likely for visitor centers or educational facilities. The contract supports the creation and deployment of physical exhibits, improving public engagement and understanding of the Bureau's mission. The geographic impact is centered in Nevada, where the contract is being performed. The contract supports jobs within the manufacturing and installation sectors, specifically related to exhibit design and production.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial exhibit requirements are not precisely defined.
Dependence on a single contractor for fabrication and installation could pose risks if performance issues arise.
The 'All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing' NAICS code is broad and may not fully capture the specialized nature of exhibit fabrication.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract duration allows for a sustained period of service delivery and relationship building.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the miscellaneous manufacturing sector, specifically related to the creation of specialized products like exhibits. The market for exhibit fabrication and installation is diverse, serving museums, government agencies, and private businesses. Spending in this area is often project-based and can fluctuate with government and institutional funding cycles. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be assessed based on the complexity, size, and duration of similar exhibit projects.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. While the prime contractor is Kubik Maltbie, Inc., there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans or goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist and if they are being utilized to engage the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Bureau of Reclamation's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Exhibit Contracts
Smithsonian Institution Fabrication Services
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts for Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Broad NAICS code may not fully capture specialized requirements.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $5.2 million to KUBIK MALTBIE, INC. INTERPRETIVE EXHIBIT FABRICATION & INSTALLATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KUBIK MALTBIE, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-12-02. End: 2026-03-27.

What is the specific nature and scope of the 'INTERPRETIVE EXHIBIT FABRICATION & INSTALLATION SERVICES' being procured by the Bureau of Reclamation?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'INTERPRETIVE EXHIBIT FABRICATION & INSTALLATION SERVICES' under NAICS code 339999 (All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing). While the exact nature of the exhibits is not detailed, this typically involves the design, fabrication, and installation of displays, models, interactive elements, and informational panels for museums, visitor centers, or educational facilities. The Bureau of Reclamation, responsible for managing water and power resources, likely requires these services for facilities that interpret its mission, history, or the natural environments it manages. The contract value of $5.25 million over approximately three years suggests a significant undertaking, potentially involving multiple exhibit spaces or complex installations.

How does the awarded price of $5.25 million compare to similar exhibit fabrication contracts awarded by federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $5.25 million contract value requires comparing it to similar large-scale exhibit fabrication and installation projects. Federal agencies like the National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and various military museums frequently procure such services. Factors influencing price include the complexity of designs, the use of interactive technology, the scale of the installation (e.g., number of rooms or square footage), material costs, and the duration of the project. Without specific details on the deliverables for this Bureau of Reclamation contract, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for major museum or interpretive center projects, a multi-million dollar budget is not uncommon, suggesting the awarded amount could be competitive if the scope is substantial.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or quality standards expected for these exhibit fabrication services?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or quality standards for this contract. However, typical KPIs for fabrication and installation services include adherence to design specifications, material quality, durability of components, functionality of interactive elements, timely completion of milestones, and successful installation without damage. Quality standards would likely reference industry best practices for materials, construction techniques, and safety protocols. The Bureau of Reclamation would have detailed specifications within the contract documents outlining these requirements, and performance would be monitored by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) throughout the contract period.

What is the track record of Kubik Maltbie, Inc. in performing similar federal contracts for exhibit fabrication?

To assess Kubik Maltbie, Inc.'s track record, one would typically review their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving exhibit fabrication and installation. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would provide insights into their history, including contract values, agencies served, and performance ratings. A review of their website and portfolio might also reveal relevant projects. A strong history of successful, on-time, and within-budget project completion for similar government clients would indicate a lower performance risk for this new contract.

What is the potential risk associated with the 'All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing' NAICS code for this specialized service?

The NAICS code 339999, 'All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing,' is a broad category that encompasses a wide array of manufacturing activities not classified elsewhere. While it can include exhibit fabrication, it might not fully capture the specialized skills, materials, and processes unique to creating high-quality interpretive exhibits. This broadness could pose a risk if the government's specific needs require highly specialized expertise that falls outside the typical scope of this code, potentially leading to challenges in finding qualified vendors or ensuring the highest quality standards are met. Conversely, it offers flexibility for manufacturers with diverse capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140R3022R0014

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7000 COMMERCE PKWY STE C, MOUNT LAUREL, NJ, 08054

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,249,687

Exercised Options: $5,249,687

Current Obligation: $5,249,687

Actual Outlays: $5,209,961

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline