Smithsonian Institution awards $2.5M contract for engineering and project management support to SIRIS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,534,781 ($2.5M)

Contractor: Siris LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2014-09-09

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 4,009 days

Daily Burn Rate: $632/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CAP GALLERY: COST ENGINEER--PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT / NMAAHC-NMAH; WASHINGTON, D.C. IGF::OT::IGF

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 $2.5 million to SIRIS LLC for work described as: CAP GALLERY: COST ENGINEER--PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT / NMAAHC-NMAH; WASHINGTON, D.C. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract provides essential project management and engineering services for the National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Museum of American History. 2. The contract duration of over 10 years suggests a long-term need for specialized support. 3. SIRIS LLC, the contractor, has been awarded this contract through full and open competition. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs by establishing a set price for services. 5. The contract is geographically focused on Washington, D.C., aligning with the museum locations. 6. The absence of small business set-aside indicates a focus on specialized expertise rather than broad outreach.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.5 million over approximately 10 years represents a moderate annual spend for specialized museum support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for museum operations and historical site management is challenging due to the unique nature of the Smithsonian's institutions. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The value appears reasonable given the extended duration and the critical nature of project management and engineering support for major cultural institutions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. This process generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging bidders to offer competitive pricing and robust service proposals to win the contract. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a healthy level of market interest.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing the best value for the government by driving down prices and improving service quality through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Museum of American History, which will receive enhanced project management and engineering support. Services delivered include project oversight, technical guidance, and engineering expertise crucial for the maintenance, renovation, and operational efficiency of museum facilities. The geographic impact is concentrated in Washington, D.C., where the museums are located. The contract supports specialized professional roles in engineering and project management, contributing to the workforce in these fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to potential complacency or reduced urgency if not actively managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for over a decade may limit opportunities for adopting new technologies or approaches introduced by other firms.
The specific scope of 'engineering services' is broad and could encompass a wide range of activities, requiring clear performance metrics to ensure accountability.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the Smithsonian Institution.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process, likely yielding a qualified and capable contractor.
The extended duration indicates a stable, long-term partnership, potentially leading to deep institutional knowledge and efficient service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting government institutions. The market for specialized project management and engineering support for cultural and historical sites is niche, often requiring a blend of technical expertise and understanding of public sector procurement. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of museum operations, but general engineering services contracts for government facilities can range significantly based on scope and duration. The Smithsonian's significant infrastructure and ongoing preservation needs likely drive consistent demand for such services.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss: false'. This suggests that the requirement was likely for highly specialized engineering and project management expertise that may not have been readily available or cost-effective through small business set-aside programs. Consequently, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this specific award, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses at their discretion.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Smithsonian Institution's contracting officers and program managers. As a federal agency, the Smithsonian is subject to oversight from its Inspector General, who can investigate allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases like USASpending.gov, where contract details are reported. Performance reviews and regular reporting requirements are standard mechanisms to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Smithsonian Institution Operations and Maintenance
National Museum of American History Capital Projects
National Museum of African American History and Culture Facility Management
Federal Engineering Services Contracts
Government Project Management Support

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of complacency or obsolescence.
Potential for scope creep if requirements are not tightly managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $2.5 million to SIRIS LLC. CAP GALLERY: COST ENGINEER--PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT / NMAAHC-NMAH; WASHINGTON, D.C. IGF::OT::IGF

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 $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-09-09. End: 2025-08-31.

What is the track record of SIRIS LLC with the Smithsonian Institution and other federal agencies?

SIRIS LLC has a history of contracting with the Smithsonian Institution, as evidenced by this award. To fully assess their track record, a deeper dive into their past performance on similar contracts with the Smithsonian and other federal agencies would be necessary. This would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, any documented disputes or contract terminations, and the successful completion of prior projects. A strong history of delivering quality services on time and within budget would indicate reliability, while a pattern of issues might raise concerns about their capacity to meet the current contract's demands. Information on their federal contract history can be found in databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or SAM.gov.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar engineering support contracts for large cultural institutions?

The annual cost for this contract, averaging approximately $250,000 ($2.5M / 10 years), needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts for engineering and project management support at other large cultural institutions. However, direct comparisons are difficult due to the unique nature of the Smithsonian and its specific needs. Factors such as the size and complexity of the facilities, the scope of services (e.g., historical preservation, new construction, routine maintenance), and the specific expertise required will influence costs. Generally, for specialized professional services supporting major public institutions, this annual figure appears moderate, suggesting potentially good value if performance is high. A detailed analysis would require access to data on similar contracts, which is often not publicly available in a directly comparable format.

What are the primary risks associated with a long-term contract like this for engineering services?

The primary risks associated with a long-term contract (over 10 years) for engineering services include potential cost escalation if not managed tightly, contractor complacency leading to decreased service quality, and technological obsolescence if the contractor fails to adapt to new engineering methods or materials. There's also the risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch providers if performance degrades. Furthermore, changes in institutional priorities or budget constraints within the Smithsonian could impact the contract's relevance or funding over its extended duration. Robust oversight, performance metrics, and periodic reviews are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type in ensuring value for money in this context?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. For engineering and project management support services, FFP provides cost certainty to the Smithsonian Institution, as the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns. This incentivizes the contractor to be efficient and manage resources effectively to maintain profitability. However, if the scope is not precisely defined or if unforeseen issues arise, the contractor might be less willing to accommodate necessary changes without additional cost, potentially leading to disputes or a less flexible service. For the Smithsonian's needs, FFP is a suitable choice for controlling budget and driving efficiency.

What are the historical spending patterns of the Smithsonian Institution on engineering and project management support?

Historical spending patterns of the Smithsonian Institution on engineering and project management support would reveal trends in investment in facility maintenance, upgrades, and new projects. Analyzing past contracts, their values, durations, and the types of services procured would provide context for the current $2.5 million award. This could indicate whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and whether there's a preference for specific contract types or contractors. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing the current contract's alignment with the institution's long-term strategic goals and financial planning for its vast infrastructure.

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: 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, Not Designated a Small Business, 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: $2,534,781

Exercised Options: $2,534,781

Current Obligation: $2,534,781

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F08CC10461

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline