Coast Guard's $19.8M Museum Exhibit Contract Awarded to Design and Production Inc. for Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,829,723 ($19.8M)

Contractor: Design and Production Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-23

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 464 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMPLETE SET UP OF MUSEUM EXHIBITS.

Place of Performance

Location: NEW LONDON, NEW LONDON County, CONNECTICUT, 06320

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $19.8 million to DESIGN AND PRODUCTION INCORPORATED for work described as: COMPLETE SET UP OF MUSEUM EXHIBITS. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of museum exhibit design and production. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Contract duration of over two years allows for phased development and execution. 5. The U.S. Coast Guard's need for updated exhibits indicates a focus on public engagement and historical preservation. 6. The specialized nature of museum exhibit creation suggests a niche market with a limited number of highly qualified bidders.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.8 million for museum exhibit design and production is within a reasonable range for a project of this scale. Benchmarking against similar large-scale museum installations, the cost per square foot or per exhibit element would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the comprehensive nature of 'COMPLETE SET UP OF MUSEUM EXHIBITS,' the total award seems appropriate for a multi-year project involving design, fabrication, and installation.

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 were solicited and had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and higher quality services due to market forces. This approach ensures that government funds are used efficiently by selecting the best value offer.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard and the public, who will experience enhanced museum exhibits. The contract will deliver a complete setup of museum exhibits, likely including design, fabrication, installation, and potentially interactive elements. The geographic impact is centered in Connecticut, where the museum exhibits will be located. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for designers, fabricators, project managers, and installation specialists within the museum and exhibit design industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if exhibit requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependency on contractor's specialized expertise could pose a risk if key personnel depart.
Ensuring timely delivery of all exhibit components and installation phases requires diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty and limits the government's financial exposure.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market, likely resulting in a fair price.
The extended contract duration allows for thorough planning and execution, reducing the likelihood of rushed work.

Sector Analysis

The museum and exhibit design industry is a specialized sector within the broader arts, entertainment, and design services market. This contract falls under the category of specialized fabrication and installation services. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large museum projects or significant exhibition developments funded by government or major cultural institutions. The market size for such specialized services is niche but critical for cultural and educational institutions.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is 'DESIGN AND PRODUCTION INCORPORATED,' there is no information provided on subcontracting plans or goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist and if they are being utilized to engage the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting office and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified exhibits by the deadline. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific oversight reports or inspector general involvement would depend on performance and any identified issues.

Related Government Programs

National Museum Construction
Cultural Heritage Preservation Programs
Public Engagement Initiatives
Government Facility Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule delays
Quality control of fabricated exhibits
Contractor personnel stability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $19.8 million to DESIGN AND PRODUCTION INCORPORATED. COMPLETE SET UP OF MUSEUM EXHIBITS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DESIGN AND PRODUCTION INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-23. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the track record of Design and Production Incorporated in delivering similar large-scale museum exhibit projects for federal agencies?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'DESIGN AND PRODUCTION INCORPORATED' in delivering similar large-scale museum exhibit projects for federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and client references for this specific contractor. Understanding their experience with projects of comparable complexity, scope, and budget is crucial for evaluating their capability to successfully execute the U.S. Coast Guard's museum exhibit setup. Without this historical data, it is difficult to definitively assess their past performance and reliability in this specialized field.

How does the awarded amount of $19.8 million compare to the estimated cost or budget for this museum exhibit project?

The provided data indicates an award amount of $19,829,723. However, there is no information available regarding the initial estimated cost or the allocated budget for this museum exhibit project. To assess value for money, this award amount should be compared against the government's independent cost estimate and potentially against bids received from other competitors if that data were available. A significant difference between the award and the estimate, or a wide variance among bids, could signal issues with the estimation process or the competitive landscape. Without the estimated cost, it's challenging to determine if the contract was awarded at a favorable price point relative to expectations.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables expected under this contract, and how will their successful completion be measured?

The contract specifies 'COMPLETE SET UP OF MUSEUM EXHIBITS' as the primary deliverable. Key performance indicators (KPIs) would typically include adherence to design specifications, quality of materials and fabrication, successful installation, functionality of any interactive elements, and completion within the specified timeline (ending December 31, 2026). Measurement of success would involve government acceptance of each phase of the project, final inspection and approval of the completed exhibits, and potentially post-installation reviews. The contract terms and statement of work would detail the specific acceptance criteria and the process for government sign-off on deliverables.

What is the historical spending pattern for museum exhibit development and related services by the U.S. Coast Guard or Department of Homeland Security?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for museum exhibit development or related services by the U.S. Coast Guard or the Department of Homeland Security. To establish such a pattern, a review of past contracts awarded for similar services over several fiscal years would be necessary. Analyzing this historical data would reveal the frequency of such procurements, the typical contract values, the types of contractors engaged, and the competition levels experienced. This context is vital for understanding if the current $19.8 million award is an outlier, consistent with past spending, or indicative of a new or expanded initiative.

Are there any identified risks associated with the contractor's performance or the project's execution, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The provided data does not explicitly list identified risks associated with the contractor's performance or project execution. However, general risks inherent in large-scale exhibit projects include potential delays in design or fabrication, unforeseen technical challenges, issues with material sourcing, and installation complexities. Mitigation strategies are typically embedded within the contract through performance standards, phased delivery schedules, government oversight, and the firm fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and timelines effectively. A more detailed risk assessment would require access to the contract's statement of work and any associated risk management plans.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation › Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions › Museums

Product/Service Code: PURCHASE OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › PURCHASE BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70Z02325RFQ230000

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7110 RAINWATER PL, LORTON, VA, 22079

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,829,723

Exercised Options: $19,829,723

Current Obligation: $19,829,723

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z02322D09230001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline