Smithsonian Institution Awards $2.1M for NASM-UHC Fire Alarm Panel Upgrade

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,117,971 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Tex/Am Construction CO., Inc.

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2022-08-22

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,347 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: NASM-UHC UPGRADE FIRE ALARM PANELS.

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $2.1 million to TEX/AM CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. for work described as: NASM-UHC UPGRADE FIRE ALARM PANELS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to TEX/AM CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. for $2,117,970.99. 2. Project involves upgrading fire alarm panels at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) Udvar-Hazy Center (UHC). 3. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order with a duration of 1347 days. 5. No small business participation was noted in this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.1M for a significant building system upgrade appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction and renovation projects for federal facilities would provide further context on pricing efficiency.

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, suggesting a robust process to solicit bids from all qualified contractors. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield a fair price, minimizing unnecessary taxpayer expenditure for this essential infrastructure upgrade.

Public Impact

Ensures safety and operational continuity at a major national museum. Modernizes critical life safety systems, reducing potential risks. Supports the preservation and accessibility of historical aviation and space artifacts. Potential for disruption during construction phases, though mitigated by planning.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation.
Potential for construction delays impacting museum operations.
Reliance on a single firm for a critical system upgrade.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures market-driven pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overrun risk.
Long-term contract duration allows for thorough execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector for federal facilities is substantial, covering a wide range of upgrades and new constructions. Benchmarks for similar fire alarm system upgrades would be relevant.

Small Business Impact

The award notice indicates no small business participation (sb: false). This suggests that the prime contractor is likely a large business, and there were no subcontracting opportunities identified or utilized for small businesses in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Smithsonian Institution, as the contracting agency, is responsible for overseeing this project. The use of full and open competition and a firm-fixed-price contract are standard oversight mechanisms to ensure value and manage risk.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

No small business participation.
Potential for operational disruption during construction.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical system.
Limited detail on specific technological upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $2.1 million to TEX/AM CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.. NASM-UHC UPGRADE FIRE ALARM PANELS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TEX/AM CONSTRUCTION CO., INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-22. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific technological advancements are included in the new fire alarm panels, and how do they improve upon the existing system's capabilities?

The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the award notice. However, upgrades typically involve integrating modern detection methods (e.g., photoelectric, aspirating smoke detection), enhanced communication protocols for faster alerts, network connectivity for remote monitoring and diagnostics, and compliance with the latest fire safety codes and standards. These improvements aim to increase detection accuracy, reduce false alarms, and ensure quicker response times in emergencies.

What measures are in place to mitigate potential disruptions to museum operations and visitor access during the installation period?

Mitigation strategies likely involve phased installation schedules, working during off-peak hours or museum closures, clear communication with museum staff regarding work areas and timelines, and temporary safety measures. The contract's long duration (1347 days) suggests a carefully planned, potentially non-disruptive rollout across different sections of the facility to minimize impact on daily operations and visitor experience.

How does the Smithsonian Institution ensure the long-term reliability and maintainability of the new fire alarm system post-installation?

Long-term reliability is typically ensured through adherence to manufacturer specifications, rigorous testing and commissioning protocols before final acceptance, and potentially through post-installation warranty periods and service agreements. The Smithsonian may also incorporate training for their facilities staff on system operation and basic maintenance, alongside requirements for the contractor to provide detailed system documentation and support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7733 AIRPARK RD, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20879

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,117,971

Exercised Options: $2,117,971

Current Obligation: $2,117,971

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F16CC10419

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline