Smithsonian Institution awards $253K for rooftop replacement and solar panel installation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $253,290 ($253.3K)

Contractor: K & G Tilt UP Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-04-12

Contract Duration: 10 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: ROOFTOP REPLACEMENT AND PV INSTALLATION.

Place of Performance

Location: EDGEWATER, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21037

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $253,290 to K & G TILT UP SERVICES LLC for work described as: ROOFTOP REPLACEMENT AND PV INSTALLATION. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a short-term, specialized project. 2. Limited competition suggests potential for higher pricing than a fully competed contract. 3. Short duration (10 days) may indicate a focused scope or rapid deployment need. 4. Project aligns with broader government goals for renewable energy adoption. 5. Geographic focus on Maryland for a federal agency facility.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $253,290 for a 10-day delivery order for rooftop replacement and PV installation is difficult to benchmark without more detailed project specifications. However, given the specialized nature of solar panel installation combined with roofing, the price seems within a plausible range for a small, focused project. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts risk to the contractor, which can sometimes lead to higher initial bids but provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, being awarded as a sole-source delivery order. The data indicates it was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION.' This lack of competition means the Smithsonian Institution did not explore the market for potentially better pricing or innovative solutions from multiple vendors. The specific justification for the sole-source award is not provided, which limits the ability to assess if it was truly the only viable option.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there is no competitive pressure to drive down prices. Without competition, the government may overpay for goods or services.

Public Impact

The Smithsonian Institution will benefit from improved facility infrastructure and potentially reduced energy costs through solar power. Services delivered include rooftop replacement and the installation of photovoltaic (solar) panels. The project has a geographic impact in Maryland. The project may indirectly support the renewable energy sector workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about achieving the best possible value for taxpayer funds.
The short performance period could indicate rushed work or an incomplete scope if not managed carefully.
Sole-source awards can set a precedent for future procurements if not adequately justified.

Positive Signals

The project supports the government's strategic interest in renewable energy.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor is performing work directly for a major federal cultural institution.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically addressing facility maintenance and upgrades with a focus on renewable energy integration. The market for commercial roofing and solar installation is competitive, but specialized projects requiring both expertise, especially under tight timelines or specific site requirements, can limit the pool of qualified contractors. The value of this specific contract is relatively small compared to large-scale construction or energy projects.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor is there information indicating subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The awardee, K & G TILT UP SERVICES LLC, is listed, but its size status is not provided. Without a small business set-aside or specific subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award is likely minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this delivery order would typically fall under the Smithsonian Institution's internal contracting and facilities management departments. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (though the base contract type is not specified), oversight might also be influenced by the terms of that underlying agreement. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of detailed justification publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud or significant mismanagement were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Smithsonian Institution Facility Modernization Projects
Federal Renewable Energy Initiatives
Commercial Building Construction Contracts
Solar Panel Installation Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks transparency and competitive justification.
Extremely short performance period raises concerns about quality and scope.
Limited data available for comprehensive value and performance assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $253,290 to K & G TILT UP SERVICES LLC. ROOFTOP REPLACEMENT AND PV INSTALLATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is K & G TILT UP SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $253,290.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-12.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' and awarded as a sole-source delivery order. Without further documentation or justification from the Smithsonian Institution, the precise reason for this determination remains unknown. Common justifications for sole-source awards include unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs where only one source can fulfill the requirement, or specific government property requirements. Understanding this justification is crucial for assessing whether the government truly exhausted all competitive options and obtained fair value.

How does the cost of this rooftop replacement and PV installation compare to similar projects in Maryland?

Benchmarking this $253,290 contract for a 10-day rooftop replacement and PV installation is challenging without detailed project specifications, such as the square footage of the roof, the type and capacity of solar panels, and the complexity of the installation. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the contractor has factored in all potential costs and risks. To perform a true comparison, one would need data on the cost per square foot for roofing and the cost per watt for solar installation for comparable projects in the Maryland region, ideally from recently competed federal or large commercial contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with a 10-day performance period for this type of project?

A 10-day performance period for rooftop replacement and PV installation is exceptionally short and presents several potential risks. These include the possibility of rushed work leading to quality issues, insufficient time for proper curing or testing of materials, and potential delays if unforeseen site conditions or weather events occur. It may also indicate that the scope of work is very limited, or that the contractor is expected to work under significant pressure. The government must have robust quality assurance measures in place to mitigate risks associated with such a compressed timeline.

What is the track record of K & G TILT UP SERVICES LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

Information regarding the track record of K & G TILT UP SERVICES LLC on similar federal contracts is not provided in the data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government projects. Understanding their experience with rooftop replacements and photovoltaic installations, particularly for federal agencies, is key to evaluating their capability and the reliability of this award.

How does this spending align with the Smithsonian Institution's overall capital improvement and sustainability goals?

This $253,290 contract for rooftop replacement and PV installation appears to align with the Smithsonian Institution's broader goals of maintaining its historic facilities and potentially enhancing sustainability through renewable energy. However, the scale of this single project relative to the Institution's vast portfolio of buildings and its overall capital budget would determine its significance. Further analysis would involve examining the Institution's strategic plans for facility upgrades, energy efficiency targets, and its commitment to incorporating solar power across its campuses.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13207 VANDINE ST, UPPER MARLBORO, MD, 20774

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Joint Venture Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $442,247

Exercised Options: $442,247

Current Obligation: $253,290

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 33330223DF0010227

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline