Smithsonian Institution awards $2.8M for Adobe software licenses to CDW Government LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,811,510 ($2.8M)
Contractor: CDW Government LLC
Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution
Start Date: 2025-04-07
End Date: 2026-04-10
Contract Duration: 368 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: ADOBE SOFTWARE LICENSES
Place of Performance
Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20170
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Smithsonian Institution obligated $2.8 million to CDW GOVERNMENT LLC for work described as: ADOBE SOFTWARE LICENSES Key points: 1. Spending on Adobe software licenses totals $2.81M. 2. Competition was conducted under SAP, with CDW Government LLC as the awardee. 3. The contract is a BPA Call, indicating a pre-negotiated agreement. 4. The sector is IT, specifically software procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.81M for Adobe licenses appears reasonable given the duration and the nature of software licensing. Benchmarking against similar enterprise-level software agreements would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP, which suggests a limited competition environment. While a competition occurred, the specific parameters of SAP and the BPA Call limit broader market engagement, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are impacted by the cost of software licenses, which are essential for government operations. The pricing needs to be competitive to ensure efficient use of funds.
Public Impact
Ensures continued access to essential Adobe software for Smithsonian operations. Supports digital workflows and creative processes within the institution. Potential for cost savings if negotiated effectively within the BPA framework.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP.
- Reliance on a single vendor for software licenses.
Positive Signals
- Procurement through an existing BPA streamlines the process.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically software licensing. Government spending on software is substantial, with benchmarks varying widely based on software type, volume, and vendor agreements.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have specific provisions for small business participation. The awardee, CDW Government LLC, is a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
The Smithsonian Institution is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for BPA Calls and software license agreements would apply, focusing on delivery, performance, and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers
- Smithsonian Institution Contracting
- Smithsonian Institution Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.
- Risk of vendor lock-in with proprietary software.
- Need for ongoing budget allocation for renewals and upgrades.
- Dependency on a single software provider.
Tags
computer-and-computer-peripheral-equipme, smithsonian-institution, va, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Smithsonian Institution awarded $2.8 million to CDW GOVERNMENT LLC. ADOBE SOFTWARE LICENSES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CDW GOVERNMENT LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-07. End: 2026-04-10.
What is the total cost of ownership for these Adobe licenses over their lifespan, including potential support and upgrade costs?
The total cost of ownership extends beyond the initial $2.81M award. It should encompass ongoing maintenance, support fees, and future upgrade costs associated with Adobe's software. Understanding these additional expenses is crucial for a comprehensive financial assessment and for budgeting future requirements accurately.
Are there alternative software solutions that could meet the Smithsonian's needs at a lower cost or with better terms?
Exploring alternative software solutions is vital for ensuring cost-effectiveness and avoiding vendor lock-in. Agencies should regularly assess the market for competing products that offer similar functionalities. A comparative analysis of features, pricing, and support for open-source or other commercial alternatives could reveal significant savings opportunities.
How does the per-unit cost of these Adobe licenses compare to other federal agencies or commercial entities purchasing similar software volumes?
Benchmarking the per-unit cost against similar federal or commercial contracts is essential for validating value. Without this comparison, it's difficult to ascertain if the Smithsonian Institution secured competitive pricing. Access to GSA schedules or other interagency agreements can provide valuable data points for this assessment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
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: 230 N MILWAUKEE AVE, VERNON HILLS, IL, 60061
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,811,510
Exercised Options: $2,811,510
Current Obligation: $2,811,510
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 33330224A0513045
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-07
Current End Date: 2026-04-10
Potential End Date: 2026-04-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-20
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