Smithsonian Institution awards $201,860 contract for CAD support to SIRIS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $201,860 ($201.9K)

Contractor: Siris LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2025-08-27

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 216 days

Daily Burn Rate: $935/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: CAD SUPPORT FOR OPDC CONTRACTOR.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20002

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $201,860 to SIRIS LLC for work described as: CAD SUPPORT FOR OPDC CONTRACTOR. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized CAD support services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of 216 days indicates a focused, short-term need. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 5. The contract is for building construction support, aligning with the Smithsonian's mission. 6. Geographic location is District of Columbia, a key operational area for the Smithsonian.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $201,860 for CAD support over approximately 7 months appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for CAD drafting and design support within government agencies suggests this is a competitive price point. The firm fixed-price structure further enhances value by ensuring cost certainty for the Smithsonian Institution.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. While the number of bidders is not specified, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which should lead to more favorable pricing and better quality services for the government. The Smithsonian Institution likely sought to maximize competition to ensure the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential CAD support services, preventing potential overpayment.

Public Impact

The Smithsonian Institution directly benefits from enhanced CAD support, improving its architectural and engineering project documentation. Services delivered include critical computer-aided design functions essential for construction and renovation projects. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where many Smithsonian facilities are located. Workforce implications may involve specialized CAD technicians or engineers, potentially supporting local employment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly, despite fixed price.
Dependence on contractor expertise for critical design functions.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract mitigates cost overrun risks.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Contract aligns with the Smithsonian's core mission of preservation and development.
Clear end date provides a defined project timeline.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically supporting the design and planning phases through CAD services. The market for CAD software and support is substantial, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The Smithsonian, as a major cultural and research institution, frequently engages in construction and renovation projects, making this type of support a recurring need. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar architectural and engineering support services within large federal agencies would typically range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on project scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, SIRIS LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own business practices and the specific needs of the CAD support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the designated contract specialist or project manager within the Smithsonian Institution. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov, where contract awards are publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Smithsonian Institution Capital Construction Projects
Federal Architectural and Engineering Services
Government CAD Software and Support Contracts
National Capital Region Construction Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Dependence on contractor expertise
Need for robust oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $201,860 to SIRIS LLC. CAD SUPPORT FOR OPDC CONTRACTOR.

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 $201,860.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-27. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of SIRIS LLC in performing similar CAD support services for federal agencies?

To assess SIRIS LLC's track record, a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving CAD support for construction or institutional projects, would be necessary. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any debriefings from previous solicitations, and their history of meeting delivery schedules and quality standards. Information on their experience with the Smithsonian Institution or similar large cultural organizations would be particularly relevant. Without specific past performance data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and expertise for this particular contract, though their selection under full and open competition suggests they met initial qualification criteria.

How does the $201,860 contract value compare to market rates for similar CAD support services?

The contract value of $201,860 for approximately 7 months of CAD support appears competitive when benchmarked against market rates for specialized technical services. Factors influencing market rates include the complexity of the CAD work, the required software expertise, the level of detail needed, and the experience of the personnel. For government contracts, full and open competition typically drives prices towards market equilibrium. While a precise per-hour or per-project benchmark is not available without more detailed service descriptions, the total value suggests a reasonable allocation of funds for the anticipated scope of work, especially considering the firm fixed-price nature which caps the government's expenditure.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential delays in service delivery, quality issues with the CAD output, and contractor underperformance. The firm fixed-price contract type mitigates financial risk for the government, as the total cost is predetermined. Mitigation for performance risks relies on the Smithsonian's contract oversight, including regular progress reviews and clear communication channels. SIRIS LLC's own quality control processes and the competitive nature of the award, which likely considered past performance, also serve as risk mitigators. Ensuring clear technical specifications and performance standards in the contract statement of work is crucial.

How effective is the Smithsonian Institution in managing its contracts for support services like CAD?

The effectiveness of the Smithsonian Institution in managing contracts like this one can be inferred from its consistent operation and numerous projects. As a large federal agency, it likely has established procurement and contract management procedures. The use of full and open competition for this CAD support contract suggests a commitment to best practices in acquisition. However, specific effectiveness metrics would require an internal review of their contract close-out data, contractor performance reviews, and any audit findings related to contract management. The agency's long-standing presence and diverse operations imply a degree of proficiency in managing various service contracts.

What are the historical spending patterns for CAD support services at the Smithsonian Institution?

Historical spending patterns for CAD support services at the Smithsonian Institution would reveal the frequency and average value of such contracts over time. Analyzing past awards for similar services would indicate whether this $201,860 contract is typical, an increase, or a decrease in spending for this category. This context helps in understanding budget allocation trends and the institution's reliance on external CAD support. Without access to the Smithsonian's historical procurement data, it's challenging to provide specific figures, but such analysis is crucial for long-term financial planning and resource management.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

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: $243,986

Exercised Options: $243,986

Current Obligation: $201,860

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 33330224DF0010395

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline