National Archives awards $13.17M for exhibit fabrication, with competition under SAP

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,166,865 ($13.2M)

Contractor: Design and Production Incorporated

Awarding Agency: National Archives and Records Administration

Start Date: 2023-08-28

End Date: 2025-11-30

Contract Duration: 825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXHIBIT FABRICATION CONSULTING FOR BUILDABILITY (PRE-FABRICATION SERVICES) FOR SIGNATURE GALLERY AND LEARNING CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: LORTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22079

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Archives and Records Administration obligated $13.2 million to DESIGN AND PRODUCTION INCORPORATED for work described as: EXHIBIT FABRICATION CONSULTING FOR BUILDABILITY (PRE-FABRICATION SERVICES) FOR SIGNATURE GALLERY AND LEARNING CENTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Design and Production Incorporated for exhibit fabrication. 2. Spending is categorized under 'All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing'. 3. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The total value is $13,166,865 with a duration of 825 days. 5. This award represents a significant investment in public-facing facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $13.17M for exhibit fabrication appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale exhibit projects would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition approach. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding the creation of new public exhibits, which can enhance educational and cultural experiences.

Public Impact

Enhances public access to historical and educational content through new exhibits. Supports cultural institutions and their mission to preserve and share knowledge. Creates opportunities for specialized manufacturing and design services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may impact price optimization.
Potential for cost overruns in complex fabrication projects.

Positive Signals

Supports a key government function (National Archives).
Awarded to a single entity, potentially streamlining project management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing' sector, which includes specialized fabrication services. Benchmarks for similar exhibit fabrication contracts are not readily available but are typically project-specific.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a single entity. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the fabrication meets quality standards and stays within budget. The National Archives and Records Administration is responsible for monitoring contract performance.

Related Government Programs

All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing
National Archives and Records Administration Contracting
National Archives and Records Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Potential for scope creep in complex fabrication projects.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical fabrication services.
Ensuring long-term durability and maintainability of exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Archives and Records Administration awarded $13.2 million to DESIGN AND PRODUCTION INCORPORATED. EXHIBIT FABRICATION CONSULTING FOR BUILDABILITY (PRE-FABRICATION SERVICES) FOR SIGNATURE GALLERY AND LEARNING CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DESIGN AND PRODUCTION INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Archives and Records Administration (National Archives and Records Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-28. End: 2025-11-30.

What specific criteria were used to justify the use of SAP for a contract of this value?

The justification for using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for a contract valued at over $13 million would typically stem from specific regulatory exceptions or agency policies that allow for expedited procurement under certain conditions. These might include urgency, availability of only one responsible source, or specific types of services where competition is inherently limited. A detailed review of the procurement file would be necessary to ascertain the precise rationale.

How does the 'buildability' aspect of the contract ensure cost-effectiveness and reduce long-term maintenance?

The emphasis on 'buildability' suggests a focus on designing exhibits that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical to construct, durable, and easy to maintain. This pre-fabrication approach aims to identify and resolve potential construction challenges during the design phase, thereby reducing on-site modifications, material waste, and future repair costs. It promotes a more efficient lifecycle for the exhibits.

What is the expected impact of these new exhibits on public engagement and educational outreach for the National Archives?

The new exhibits are expected to significantly enhance public engagement by offering more interactive and informative displays. This initiative aims to attract a wider audience, including students and researchers, by presenting historical information in accessible and compelling formats. The improved exhibit quality and content are anticipated to boost attendance and reinforce the National Archives' role as a vital educational resource.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

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: $13,166,865

Exercised Options: $13,166,865

Current Obligation: $13,166,865

Actual Outlays: $13,106,856

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 88310323A00019

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline