Smithsonian Institution awards $4.3M contract for POD 6 design and construction to SIRIS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,347,033 ($4.3M)

Contractor: Siris LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2023-01-06

End Date: 2025-05-31

Contract Duration: 876 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MSC: DESIGN & CONSTRUCT POD 6.

Place of Performance

Location: SUITLAND, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20746

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $4.3 million to SIRIS LLC for work described as: MSC: DESIGN & CONSTRUCT POD 6. Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating clear cost expectations. 2. The contract duration spans over 1.5 years, suggesting a project of moderate complexity. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, implying a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. The primary service is architectural services, aligning with the Smithsonian's need for facility development. 5. Geographic location in Maryland suggests a focus on a specific regional facility upgrade. 6. The contractor, SIRIS LLC, is relatively new to federal contracting based on available data.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.3 million for architectural services appears reasonable for a project of this duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar architectural design and construction contracts for cultural institutions or government facilities would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific details on the project's complexity or deliverables, a definitive assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor assumes the risk for cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offer. The Smithsonian Institution's use of this method indicates a commitment to leveraging market competition to secure services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down costs through competitive bidding and lead to the selection of the most capable contractor at a fair price.

Public Impact

The Smithsonian Institution benefits from the design and construction services for POD 6, likely enhancing its facilities or operational capabilities. The contract delivers architectural services essential for the development or renovation of a specific Smithsonian facility. The project's geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, where the facility is located. The contract supports the architecture and construction workforce, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in Maryland.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contractor's limited track record in federal contracting may present execution risks.
The firm-fixed-price contract type could lead to scope creep if not managed carefully.
Potential for delays if the design or construction proves more complex than initially assessed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that could yield good value.
Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The project aligns with the Smithsonian's core mission of facility development and preservation.

Sector Analysis

The architectural services sector is a critical component of the construction and facilities management industry. This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services category. The federal government is a significant consumer of architectural services for a wide range of projects, from office buildings to specialized research facilities. Benchmarking this contract's value against similar architectural design contracts for government agencies or large institutions would provide further context on its market competitiveness.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The award to SIRIS LLC, a company with a potentially limited federal contracting history, does not immediately suggest a significant impact on the broader small business ecosystem unless SIRIS LLC itself is a small business and plans to subcontract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses will be involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Smithsonian Institution, as a federal entity, is subject to various oversight mechanisms. This contract, being a delivery order under a larger award, would fall under the general oversight of the Smithsonian's contracting officers and potentially its Inspector General. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures would include performance reviews, adherence to contract terms, and the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes contractor performance.

Related Government Programs

Smithsonian Institution Facility Modernization Projects
Federal Architectural and Engineering Services
Government Construction and Design Contracts

Risk Flags

Contractor Experience
Scope Definition
Project Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $4.3 million to SIRIS LLC. MSC: DESIGN & CONSTRUCT POD 6.

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 $4.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-01-06. End: 2025-05-31.

What is the specific nature and scope of 'POD 6' that requires design and construction services?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature or scope of 'POD 6'. However, given the context of the Smithsonian Institution and the service category of Architectural Services (NAICS 541310), 'POD 6' likely refers to a specific building, exhibit space, laboratory, or operational area within one of the Smithsonian's many museums or facilities. The 'DESIGN & CONSTRUCT' designation indicates that the contract encompasses both the planning and execution phases of a construction or renovation project. Further details would be found in the contract's statement of work, which is not included in the provided summary data.

How does the $4.3 million contract value compare to similar architectural services contracts awarded by the Smithsonian Institution or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $4.3 million contract value requires comparing it to similar architectural services contracts. For instance, contracts for museum exhibit design, facility renovations, or new building components for cultural institutions or federal agencies of comparable size and complexity would serve as relevant comparisons. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to provide a precise benchmark. However, for a project involving both design and construction elements over an 876-day period, $4.3 million appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized architectural services, assuming the scope is not exceptionally large or complex. The firm-fixed-price nature also suggests a defined scope was established upfront.

What is SIRIS LLC's track record and experience with federal contracts, particularly those of similar size and scope?

The provided data indicates SIRIS LLC as the contractor. A preliminary check suggests that SIRIS LLC may be a relatively new entrant or have a limited history of federal contracting based on the available summary information. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on federal contracts, including the types of services rendered, contract values, performance ratings, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. For a $4.3 million design and construct contract, a proven track record in managing similar projects, especially within the cultural or governmental sectors, would be a significant positive indicator of their capability and reliability.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks for this contract include the contractor's experience level (if limited), potential for scope creep in design and construction, and unforeseen site conditions or complexities that could impact schedule and cost, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust project management by the contracting officer's representative (COR), clear definition of scope in the contract's statement of work, regular progress reviews, and contingency planning. The Smithsonian Institution would likely have internal procedures for risk assessment and management throughout the contract lifecycle. The firm-fixed-price nature itself is a risk mitigation tool, placing cost responsibility on the contractor.

How does this contract align with the Smithsonian Institution's overall strategic goals for facility management and development?

This contract directly supports the Smithsonian Institution's strategic goals related to maintaining, upgrading, and potentially expanding its vast array of facilities. Projects like the design and construction of 'POD 6' are crucial for ensuring that the institution's physical infrastructure remains functional, modern, and capable of supporting its mission of education, research, and public engagement. By investing in facility improvements, the Smithsonian aims to enhance visitor experiences, provide state-of-the-art research environments, and preserve its collections. This specific contract likely addresses a need identified in the institution's long-term facility master plan.

What is the historical spending pattern for architectural services by the Smithsonian Institution, and how does this contract fit within that pattern?

The Smithsonian Institution consistently spends significant funds on architectural and engineering services to manage its extensive portfolio of historic and modern facilities. Historical spending patterns would reveal a recurring need for design, renovation, and construction services across its various museums and research centers. This $4.3 million contract for 'POD 6' appears to be a specific, project-based investment rather than a large-scale, ongoing program. Its size suggests it is a moderately sized project within the institution's annual capital improvement or maintenance budgets for architectural services. Analyzing past annual expenditures on similar services would provide context on whether this award represents a typical or an exceptional level of investment.

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: $4,347,033

Exercised Options: $4,347,033

Current Obligation: $4,347,033

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