Smithsonian Institution awards $8M contract for architectural services, with a significant portion allocated for birdhouse renovations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,043,285 ($8.0M)

Contractor: Quinn Evans Architects Inc

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2013-08-23

End Date: 2025-12-30

Contract Duration: 4,512 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RENEW BIRD HOUSE. IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20008

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $8.0 million to QUINN EVANS ARCHITECTS INC for work described as: RENEW BIRD HOUSE. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract focuses on architectural and engineering services, with a notable allocation for birdhouse renewal. 2. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the Smithsonian. 4. The contract duration extends over several years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 5. The primary contractor, Quinn Evans Architects Inc., is responsible for delivering these specialized services. 6. The contract's value is substantial, reflecting the scope of architectural and engineering work required.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.04 million for architectural and engineering services appears reasonable given the multi-year duration and the specialized nature of the work, including the specific mention of birdhouse renovations. Benchmarking against similar contracts for architectural services for cultural institutions would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for controlling costs, assuming the scope of work is well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The number of bidders is not specified, but the method suggests a robust selection process was intended.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for cost savings and improved service delivery that can arise from a competitive bidding process, ensuring that the Smithsonian secures the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Smithsonian Institution benefits from essential architectural and engineering expertise to maintain and improve its facilities. Services include the renovation and renewal of birdhouses, contributing to the preservation of exhibits and habitats. The contract supports the operational needs of the Smithsonian, ensuring its facilities remain functional and appealing. The geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia, where the Smithsonian's primary facilities are located. The contract likely supports a workforce of architects, engineers, and construction-related professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the birdhouse renovation details are not precisely defined.
Reliance on a single prime contractor for a multi-year project requires diligent oversight.
The specific expertise required for historical preservation aspects of the birdhouse renovations may be a niche requirement.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a commitment to achieving best value.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the Smithsonian.
The long contract duration indicates a stable, ongoing need that the contractor is positioned to meet.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the architectural and engineering services sector, a critical component of the broader construction and facilities management industry. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The Smithsonian, as a major cultural institution, frequently procures such services for the upkeep and development of its extensive campus and exhibits. Spending benchmarks for similar architectural services for large public institutions can vary widely based on project complexity and scale.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or if there are opportunities for their participation in future phases or related contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Smithsonian Institution's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract structure, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific oversight activities are internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Smithsonian Facilities Management Contracts
National Park Service Architectural Services
General Services Administration (GSA) Design and Construction Contracts
Cultural Heritage Preservation Projects

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase exposure to changing requirements or economic conditions.
Specific details on the 'birdhouse renovation' scope are limited in the provided data.
Potential for change orders if scope is not precisely defined upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $8.0 million to QUINN EVANS ARCHITECTS INC. RENEW BIRD HOUSE. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is QUINN EVANS ARCHITECTS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-08-23. End: 2025-12-30.

What is the specific scope of work for the 'RENEW BIRD HOUSE' portion of this contract, and what is its allocated budget?

The provided data abbreviates the description as 'RENEW BIRD HOUSE. IGF::OT::IGF'. This suggests a specific project within the larger contract focused on renovating or renewing birdhouse structures, possibly related to exhibits or grounds maintenance. The 'IGF::OT::IGF' likely represents internal codes or identifiers specific to the Smithsonian's project management system. Without further documentation, the precise scope and the exact portion of the $8.04 million allocated to this specific task are not detailed. However, the phrasing implies a focus on preservation or enhancement of these structures, potentially for historical accuracy, visitor experience, or habitat support. Further inquiry with the Smithsonian contracting office would be necessary to ascertain the detailed SOW and budget breakdown for this particular element.

How does the $8.04 million contract value compare to typical architectural service contracts for similar institutions?

The $8.04 million contract value for architectural and engineering services is substantial, reflecting a significant scope of work over a multi-year period (August 2013 to December 2025). Comparing this to similar contracts requires access to a benchmark database of architectural services procured by large cultural institutions like museums, historical societies, or national park systems. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of renovations, historical preservation requirements, the number of buildings or sites involved, and the specific engineering disciplines needed. Given the Smithsonian's prominent role and extensive facilities, this value could be within the expected range for comprehensive architectural support. However, a precise comparison would necessitate analyzing contracts with similar project types, durations, and geographic locations.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific deliverables for this contract. However, typical deliverables for architectural and engineering services contracts include design documents (schematics, design development, construction documents), specifications, cost estimates, site inspections, project management reports, and potentially post-occupancy evaluations. For the 'RENEW BIRD HOUSE' component, deliverables might include detailed plans for renovation, material specifications, and construction oversight. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor is responsible for delivering the defined scope of work within the agreed budget, and performance would be measured against the successful completion and acceptance of these deliverables by the Smithsonian Institution.

What is the track record of Quinn Evans Architects Inc. with the Smithsonian Institution or similar government agencies?

Quinn Evans Architects Inc. has a documented history of working with government agencies and cultural institutions. While the provided data confirms they are the prime contractor for this specific Smithsonian contract, a comprehensive assessment of their track record would involve reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including client satisfaction ratings, adherence to schedule and budget, and the quality of their delivered work. Government contract databases and past performance reviews (if publicly available) would offer insights into their reliability and expertise. Their continued engagement with the Smithsonian suggests a satisfactory performance history, but a deeper dive into specific project outcomes and client feedback would provide a more complete picture.

Are there any identified risks associated with this contract, such as cost overruns or schedule delays?

The primary risk associated with this contract, given its firm-fixed-price structure and long duration, is the potential for scope creep if the requirements, particularly for the 'RENEW BIRD HOUSE' element, are not meticulously defined and managed. Schedule delays could arise from unforeseen site conditions, permitting issues, or contractor performance. Cost overruns are less likely for the Smithsonian under a fixed-price contract, as the contractor assumes the financial risk. However, if significant change orders are required due to scope expansion or unforeseen issues, the total cost could increase. Diligent project management, clear communication, and robust change control processes by the Smithsonian are crucial to mitigating these risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1214 28TH ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20007

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,066,463

Exercised Options: $9,066,463

Current Obligation: $8,043,285

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F11CC10100

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline