Smithsonian Institution Awards $979K for Lower Bear Habitat Revitalization

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $979,346 ($979.3K)

Contractor: Smithgroup, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2024-09-03

End Date: 2026-02-05

Contract Duration: 520 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS IS TASK ORDER NO. 33330224FF0010439, AGAINST IDIQ NO. 33330221DF0010129, W.O. NO. 09, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF LOWER BEAR HABITAT, AT NZP.

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 $979,346.17 to SMITHGROUP, INC. for work described as: THIS IS TASK ORDER NO. 33330224FF0010439, AGAINST IDIQ NO. 33330221DF0010129, W.O. NO. 09, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF LOWER BEAR HABITAT, AT NZP. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to SMITHGROUP, INC. for architectural services. 2. Project focuses on habitat revitalization at NZP. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Firm fixed price contract type. 5. Duration of 520 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $979,346.17 appears reasonable for architectural services related to habitat revitalization. Benchmarking against similar environmental design and architectural contracts 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 vendors have the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers, as it encourages competitive bidding and can lead to cost savings.

Public Impact

Enhances ecological restoration efforts at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZP). Supports the preservation and improvement of wildlife habitats. Provides architectural expertise for environmental projects. Contributes to the Smithsonian Institution's conservation mission.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Small business participation not indicated.
Specific performance metrics not detailed in provided data.

Positive Signals

Clear project objective: habitat revitalization.
Utilized full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract type can control costs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Architectural Services (NAICS 541310). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project scope and location. Federal spending on environmental design and architectural services supports infrastructure and conservation efforts.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were pursued or required.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a task order against an IDIQ, suggesting a pre-established framework for oversight. The Smithsonian Institution is the contracting and administrative agency, implying internal oversight mechanisms are in place.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of small business participation noted.
Performance metrics not explicitly stated.
Potential for construction-related environmental disruptions.
Need for detailed architectural innovation disclosure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $979,346.17 to SMITHGROUP, INC.. THIS IS TASK ORDER NO. 33330224FF0010439, AGAINST IDIQ NO. 33330221DF0010129, W.O. NO. 09, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF LOWER BEAR HABITAT, AT NZP.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SMITHGROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $979,346.17.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-03. End: 2026-02-05.

What specific architectural innovations will be employed to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the Lower Bear Habitat revitalization?

The provided data does not detail specific architectural innovations. Further inquiry with the Smithsonian Institution or SMITHGROUP, INC. would be necessary to understand the technical approaches, materials, and design strategies intended for the habitat's revitalization, focusing on ecological function and visitor experience.

How will the success of the habitat revitalization be measured against the initial investment of $979,346.17?

Success metrics are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, habitat revitalization projects are measured by ecological indicators such as species health, population stability, habitat suitability, and biodiversity. The firm fixed price contract aims to control costs, but effectiveness will be judged by post-project environmental outcomes.

Are there any potential environmental risks associated with the construction or design phase of this habitat revitalization project?

While the project aims to improve habitat, potential risks during construction could include temporary disruption to existing wildlife, soil erosion, or improper waste management. The architectural design phase should mitigate these by incorporating best practices for environmental protection and sustainable construction methods.

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: 1700 NEW YORK AVE NW 100, WASHINGTON, DC, 20006

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $979,346

Exercised Options: $979,346

Current Obligation: $979,346

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 33330221DF0010129

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline