Smithsonian Institution Awards $6.6M for Perimeter Security in DC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,615,502 ($6.6M)

Contractor: Associated Builders, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2022-09-14

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,112 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: NZP-DC: IMPROVE PERIMETER SECURITY, SEGMENT 8.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20008

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $6.6 million to ASSOCIATED BUILDERS, INC. for work described as: NZP-DC: IMPROVE PERIMETER SECURITY, SEGMENT 8. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on commercial and institutional building construction for perimeter security. 2. Associated Builders, Inc. secured the delivery order under full and open competition. 3. The project duration is 1112 days, indicating a significant, long-term security enhancement. 4. The firm fixed price contract type suggests clear cost expectations. 5. The award value of $6.6M is a substantial investment in facility security.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.6M for perimeter security appears reasonable given the 1112-day duration and the scope of work for a major institution like the Smithsonian. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers, as it promotes market-based pricing and encourages efficiency among contractors.

Public Impact

Enhanced security for a prominent federal institution, the Smithsonian. Potential for improved safety and protection of valuable assets and personnel. Supports the construction sector through a significant contract award. The project's location in Washington D.C. may have local economic impacts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for cost overruns in long-term construction projects.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical security function.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract type.
Long-term duration allows for thorough project execution.
Significant investment in critical infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure upgrades, security enhancements, and facility maintenance for government agencies. Benchmarks for similar security construction projects would be necessary for a detailed comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct benefit to small businesses from this specific award, and opportunities for subcontracting are not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The Smithsonian Institution is responsible for overseeing this contract. Given the long duration and critical nature of perimeter security, robust oversight mechanisms, including regular progress reviews and quality assurance checks, are essential to ensure successful project completion and taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Long project duration increases risk of scope creep or unforeseen issues.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes objective evaluation difficult.
Potential for cost escalation if not managed tightly.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical security function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $6.6 million to ASSOCIATED BUILDERS, INC.. NZP-DC: IMPROVE PERIMETER SECURITY, SEGMENT 8.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASSOCIATED BUILDERS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-14. End: 2025-09-30.

What specific security technologies or upgrades are included in this perimeter security project?

The provided data does not specify the exact security technologies or upgrades. However, perimeter security projects typically involve measures such as fencing, access control systems, surveillance cameras, lighting, intrusion detection systems, and potentially security personnel integration. A detailed scope of work would be required to understand the specific components.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to measure its effectiveness?

Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided data. Effective KPIs for perimeter security could include metrics related to response times to breaches, reduction in unauthorized access incidents, system uptime, and successful detection rates. The Smithsonian Institution would likely have established specific performance standards for Associated Builders, Inc. to meet.

Are there any contingency plans in place should Associated Builders, Inc. fail to meet contract obligations?

The provided data does not explicitly mention contingency plans. However, standard government contracting practices typically include clauses for contractor default, performance bonds, and remedies for non-performance. The Smithsonian Institution would have recourse options, potentially including termination for default and seeking alternative contractors, depending on the contract's terms and conditions.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4903 BALTIMORE AVE, HYATTSVILLE, MD, 20781

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,647,113

Exercised Options: $6,647,113

Current Obligation: $6,615,502

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F16CC10364

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline