Smithsonian Institution awards $816K contract for fire alarm and mass notification system upgrades to SIRIS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $815,988 ($816.0K)

Contractor: Siris LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2022-09-15

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,354 days

Daily Burn Rate: $603/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NMNH: UPGRADE FIRE ALARM & MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20560

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $815,988 to SIRIS LLC for work described as: NMNH: UPGRADE FIRE ALARM & MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating potential for follow-on work. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. The contract duration of 1354 days spans over three years, allowing for phased implementation. 5. The project aims to upgrade critical safety systems, enhancing facility resilience. 6. Geographic focus on Washington D.C. highlights investment in national capital infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without knowing the total contract value it falls under or comparable system upgrade costs. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the government has a clear understanding of the total cost. The duration of the contract implies a phased approach to upgrades, which can be cost-effective if managed well. Further analysis would require comparing the per-unit costs of specific components or labor hours to industry standards.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This typically fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the method of award suggests a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting price discovery and potentially lowering costs through competitive pressures.

Public Impact

Enhances safety for visitors and staff at Smithsonian Institution facilities. Ensures compliance with modern fire safety and emergency notification standards. Supports the operational continuity of national museums and research centers. Potentially impacts local workforce through construction and technical support roles in Washington D.C.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial system assessment is incomplete.
Dependence on contractor's expertise for critical safety system implementation.
Risk of delays if unforeseen site conditions are encountered during upgrades.

Positive Signals

Focus on upgrading essential safety infrastructure demonstrates proactive risk management.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Long contract duration allows for thorough planning and execution of complex upgrades.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Architectural Services (NAICS 541310) sector, specifically related to building infrastructure and safety systems. The market for such services is competitive, involving firms specializing in engineering, design, and installation of safety and notification systems. The Smithsonian Institution, as a major cultural and research institution, frequently invests in maintaining and upgrading its extensive facilities, making this a typical, albeit critical, expenditure within the sector.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. SIRIS LLC's size status is not provided. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting requirements for small businesses within this delivery order. Further investigation into the prime contractor's subcontracting plan would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Smithsonian Institution's contracting officers and program managers. As a federal agency, the Smithsonian is subject to oversight from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and its own Office of Inspector General (OIG) for audits and investigations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific project details and performance metrics may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Fire Safety Programs
Mass Notification Systems Procurement
Architectural and Engineering Services for Federal Facilities
Smithsonian Institution Facility Management

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting schedule and cost.
Integration challenges with existing legacy systems.
Dependence on contractor's specialized knowledge for critical safety systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $815,988 to SIRIS LLC. NMNH: UPGRADE FIRE ALARM & MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIRIS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $815,988.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-15. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of SIRIS LLC in performing similar federal contracts, particularly for safety system upgrades?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that SIRIS LLC has been awarded multiple contracts across various federal agencies. While specific details on past performance for fire alarm and mass notification system upgrades would require a deeper dive into contract performance reports and past performance questionnaires, the company's presence in the federal contracting space suggests experience. To fully assess their track record for this specific type of project, one would need to examine contract histories for similar scope, value, and complexity, looking for indicators of successful project completion, adherence to schedule, and quality of work. Information on any past disputes, claims, or performance issues would also be crucial for a comprehensive evaluation.

How does the awarded amount of $815,988 compare to the estimated cost or market rates for similar fire alarm and mass notification system upgrades in the Washington D.C. area?

Directly comparing the $815,988 award to market rates is difficult without detailed project specifications (e.g., square footage, number of devices, system complexity). However, the contract is a delivery order under a larger, unspecified contract, making it hard to isolate the exact value proposition. Generally, firm-fixed-price contracts awarded through full and open competition aim to achieve competitive pricing. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze the cost per square foot or per device against industry standards for similar government or commercial projects in the region. Factors like the age and existing infrastructure of the Smithsonian facilities could also influence costs, potentially justifying a higher price if extensive retrofitting is required.

What are the primary risks associated with upgrading fire alarm and mass notification systems in historic or complex facilities like those managed by the Smithsonian?

Upgrading safety systems in historic or complex facilities presents several risks. These include unforeseen structural or electrical issues discovered during installation, which can lead to cost overruns and schedule delays. Compatibility issues with existing infrastructure, particularly in older buildings, may require custom solutions. Disruptions to ongoing public access and operations within the facilities must be carefully managed to minimize impact. Furthermore, ensuring that new systems meet current safety codes while integrating seamlessly with the building's architecture requires specialized expertise. The Smithsonian's diverse portfolio of buildings, some of which are historic landmarks, amplifies these risks, demanding meticulous planning and execution.

What is the expected impact of these system upgrades on the operational effectiveness and safety protocols of the Smithsonian Institution?

These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness and safety protocols of the Smithsonian Institution. Modern fire alarm and mass notification systems provide more reliable detection, faster response times, and clearer communication during emergencies. This leads to improved evacuation procedures, better coordination with first responders, and reduced risk of injury or loss of life. Enhanced system reliability also minimizes false alarms and ensures that critical alerts reach the right people promptly, thereby safeguarding valuable collections, sensitive research, and the public. Ultimately, these improvements contribute to the overall resilience and security of the institution's assets and personnel.

How has federal spending on architectural and engineering services for facility upgrades, specifically related to safety systems, trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on architectural and engineering (A&E) services for facility upgrades, including safety systems, has generally remained robust, driven by ongoing infrastructure modernization needs across government agencies. While specific data for fire alarm and mass notification system upgrades alone is granular, the broader A&E services category sees consistent demand. Factors influencing this spending include aging federal infrastructure requiring upgrades, evolving safety regulations, and national security imperatives. Agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Defense (DoD), and major cultural institutions like the Smithsonian often allocate significant portions of their capital budgets to such critical maintenance and modernization projects. Trends may show an increasing emphasis on integrated systems and smart building technologies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11 EWALL ST STE 228, MOUNT PLEASANT, SC, 29464

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $815,988

Exercised Options: $815,988

Current Obligation: $815,988

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 33330219DF0010311

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline