Smithsonian Institution awards $387,860 contract for emergency generator installation support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,786 ($38.8K)

Contractor: Siris LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2027-03-24

Contract Duration: 356 days

Daily Burn Rate: $109/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: NMAH: INSTALL EMERGENCY GENERATOR - CM SUPPORT - COST ENGINEER - PROJECT NUMBER: 1803117

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 $38,786 to SIRIS LLC for work described as: NMAH: INSTALL EMERGENCY GENERATOR - CM SUPPORT - COST ENGINEER - PROJECT NUMBER: 1803117 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to SIRIS LLC for project management and cost engineering. 2. Project aims to ensure operational continuity through emergency power. 3. The contract duration is approximately one year. 4. This award represents a specific investment in facility resilience. 5. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. 6. The project is located in the District of Columbia.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $387,860 for emergency generator installation support appears reasonable for a project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar projects for institutional facilities, the cost for project management and engineering services aligns with market rates. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor has adequately estimated the costs, providing a degree of certainty for the Smithsonian Institution. Without detailed scope breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the initial award seems within expected parameters for specialized construction support services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and encourage the selection of the most capable contractor. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust bidding environment, which is generally favorable for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by ensuring a wide range of offers are considered.

Public Impact

The Smithsonian Institution benefits from enhanced operational resilience and protection of its assets. Services include project management and cost engineering for emergency generator installation. The project's geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia. The contract supports specialized construction and engineering roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen site conditions arise during installation.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support services.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Project addresses a critical need for facility operational continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically focusing on specialized support services for infrastructure upgrades. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering project management and cost engineering expertise. The Smithsonian Institution, as a major cultural and research entity, frequently undertakes facility maintenance and upgrade projects, making this type of contract a recurring need within the broader construction and facilities management landscape.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem through this specific award is likely minimal unless SIRIS LLC engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Smithsonian Institution's contracting officers and project managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring SIRIS LLC to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though detailed project-specific oversight reports are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building and Facilities Construction
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Project Management Services
Cost Engineering Services

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Risk of unforeseen site conditions
Contractor performance variability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $38,786 to SIRIS LLC. NMAH: INSTALL EMERGENCY GENERATOR - CM SUPPORT - COST ENGINEER - PROJECT NUMBER: 1803117

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 $38,786.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2027-03-24.

What is the track record of SIRIS LLC in performing similar project management and cost engineering services for federal agencies?

Assessing the track record of SIRIS LLC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. This would involve examining contract databases for previous awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any reported issues or successes. A strong history of delivering similar services on time and within budget for agencies like the Smithsonian or other cultural institutions would indicate a lower performance risk. Conversely, a history of cost overruns, schedule delays, or quality issues would raise concerns about their capability to execute this specific project effectively. Without direct access to detailed performance data, it is difficult to definitively assess their past performance.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost for similar emergency generator installation support projects at other federal institutions?

To benchmark the $387,860 award, one would compare it to similar contracts awarded by other federal agencies for project management and cost engineering related to emergency generator installations. Factors such as facility size, complexity of the existing infrastructure, specific generator requirements, and geographic location influence costs. If comparable projects at institutions of similar size and complexity were awarded for amounts significantly lower or higher, it would provide context for the value received. For instance, if similar support services for a museum or research facility of comparable scale typically range from $300,000 to $450,000, then this award appears to be within a reasonable range. A detailed comparison would require analyzing the scope of work and specific deliverables for each contract.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in equipment delivery or installation, unforeseen site conditions requiring design modifications, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies often involve robust project management by the Smithsonian, clear contract terms and conditions, performance monitoring, and contingency planning. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and schedules effectively. The Smithsonian's own project management team will be responsible for overseeing the contractor's progress, ensuring adherence to specifications, and addressing any emergent issues promptly to minimize disruption and cost impacts.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational effectiveness and resilience of the Smithsonian Institution's facilities?

This contract is crucial for enhancing the operational effectiveness and resilience of the Smithsonian Institution's facilities by ensuring a reliable backup power source. Emergency generators are vital for maintaining critical operations, preserving sensitive collections, and ensuring the safety of visitors and staff during power outages caused by storms, grid failures, or other emergencies. The project management and cost engineering support will ensure the generator system is installed correctly, efficiently, and within budget, thereby directly contributing to the institution's ability to withstand disruptions and continue its mission without interruption.

What has been the historical spending pattern of the Smithsonian Institution on facility upgrades and emergency power systems?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns of the Smithsonian Institution on facility upgrades and emergency power systems would reveal trends in their investment in infrastructure resilience. This would involve examining annual reports, budget allocations, and past contract awards related to construction, maintenance, and technology upgrades. Understanding these patterns can indicate the institution's prioritization of facility modernization and emergency preparedness over time. For example, a consistent or increasing allocation towards such projects might suggest a proactive approach to maintaining aging infrastructure and adapting to evolving environmental or security challenges.

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: $38,786

Exercised Options: $38,786

Current Obligation: $38,786

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 33330224DF0010395

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline