State Department Awards $2.19M for Madrid Embassy Improvements to Studio Ma, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,187,814 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Studio MA, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2026-01-29

End Date: 2027-01-28

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MADRID EXISTING EMBASSY COMPOUND SELECTIVE IMPROVEMENTS BRIDGING DESIGN

Place of Performance

Location: PHOENIX, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85018

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $2.2 million to STUDIO MA, INC. for work described as: MADRID EXISTING EMBASSY COMPOUND SELECTIVE IMPROVEMENTS BRIDGING DESIGN Key points: 1. Contract awarded for architectural services at the Madrid Embassy compound. 2. Studio Ma, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The project aims for selective improvements and bridging design. 4. This falls under the Architectural Services NAICS code 541310. 5. The contract duration is 364 days, ending January 28, 2027.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.19M for architectural services is within a reasonable range for embassy compound improvements. Benchmarking against similar international embassy projects would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple firms can bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure improvements to a U.S. diplomatic facility abroad, ensuring operational integrity and security.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. diplomatic presence and security abroad. Supports the modernization of federal facilities. Provides employment opportunities in the architectural services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope expands.
Dependence on a single firm for design execution.

Positive Signals

Competitive bidding process.
Clear project objectives for facility improvement.

Sector Analysis

Architectural services for federal buildings are a specialized sector. Spending benchmarks for similar diplomatic facility upgrades vary significantly based on location, scope, and security requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, and there is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of State is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal construction and design projects should be in place to ensure compliance and quality.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep.
Limited information on firm's specific embassy experience.
Need for clear post-completion effectiveness metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $2.2 million to STUDIO MA, INC.. MADRID EXISTING EMBASSY COMPOUND SELECTIVE IMPROVEMENTS BRIDGING DESIGN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STUDIO MA, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-29. End: 2027-01-28.

What is the specific scope of 'selective improvements and bridging design' and how does it align with long-term embassy needs?

The specific scope of 'selective improvements and bridging design' needs detailed clarification. It likely refers to targeted upgrades and potentially connecting existing structures or functionalities. Alignment with long-term needs requires understanding the embassy's strategic plan, security posture, and future operational requirements. Without this context, it's difficult to assess if the improvements are merely cosmetic or strategically vital for the facility's longevity and effectiveness.

Are there any identified risks associated with the chosen architectural firm's experience on similar international embassy projects?

The provided data does not detail the specific experience of Studio Ma, Inc. on similar international embassy projects. A risk assessment would require reviewing their past performance, client references, and any history of project delays or cost overruns on comparable government contracts. The absence of this information presents a potential risk regarding the firm's suitability for the unique demands of overseas diplomatic facilities.

How will the effectiveness of these improvements be measured post-completion to ensure value for taxpayer investment?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through post-occupancy evaluations, user feedback from embassy staff, and verification against the initial project objectives and performance metrics. This includes assessing whether the improvements enhance functionality, security, and operational efficiency as intended. Regular inspections and adherence to the contract's quality assurance plan are crucial for ensuring the improvements meet standards and deliver long-term value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural 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: 4035 E INDIAN SCHOOL RD, PHOENIX, AZ, 85018

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,187,814

Exercised Options: $2,187,814

Current Obligation: $2,187,814

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM19D0072

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline