Smithsonian Buys $19,915 in Silica Gel for Museum Needs, Awarded via Purchase Order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,915 ($19.9K)

Contractor: ART Preservation Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-04-06

Contract Duration: 4 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GOODS: SILICA GEL

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 $19,915 to ART PRESERVATION SERVICES INC for work described as: GOODS: SILICA GEL Key points: 1. Spending on silica gel for museum preservation is a niche but essential need. 2. The contract was not competed under the simplified acquisition procedure, raising questions about price discovery. 3. Potential risk lies in the lack of competition, which could lead to inflated prices. 4. The sector is museums and cultural institutions, with specific material needs for artifact preservation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is relatively small ($19,915). Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the price is fair. Benchmarking against similar, competitively procured silica gel contracts would be necessary for a proper valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best price for the government as it restricts the pool of potential bidders and reduces price pressure.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely minimal due to the small contract value, but the lack of competition represents a missed opportunity for potential cost savings.

Public Impact

Ensures preservation of museum artifacts through essential material procurement. Supports the operational needs of the Smithsonian Institution's museums. Highlights the specialized procurement needs within cultural heritage institutions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment due to limited bidding

Positive Signals

Supports critical museum operations
Specific material for artifact preservation

Sector Analysis

Spending in the museum sector often involves specialized goods and services for preservation and exhibition. While this contract is for a common material, its application is specific to artifact care, a critical function for institutions like the Smithsonian.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication whether small businesses were considered or participated in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, which is a common method for smaller procurements. Oversight would focus on ensuring the procurement process followed agency guidelines for limited competition and that the price paid was reasonable.

Related Government Programs

Museums
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for non-optimal pricing
Limited transparency in award process

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $19,915 to ART PRESERVATION SERVICES INC. GOODS: SILICA GEL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ART PRESERVATION SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19,915.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-04-06.

What is the typical market price for silica gel used in museum preservation, and how does this contract's pricing compare?

The market price for silica gel varies based on quantity, grade, and packaging. For museum-grade silica gel, prices can range from $20-$100+ per pound. Without specific details on the quantity and type purchased by the Smithsonian, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the total contract value of $19,915 suggests a significant quantity, and the lack of competition makes it hard to ascertain if the price paid aligns with market benchmarks for similar institutional purchases.

What are the risks associated with procuring specialized materials like silica gel through limited competition?

Procuring specialized materials through limited competition carries the risk of reduced price competition, potentially leading to higher costs for the government. It can also limit access to innovative solutions or better quality products from a wider range of suppliers. For the Smithsonian, this could mean overpaying for essential preservation materials or not securing the most effective products available on the market.

How effective is this procurement in meeting the Smithsonian's artifact preservation needs?

This procurement is likely effective in meeting the immediate need for silica gel, a crucial desiccant for artifact preservation. The purchase order ensures the Smithsonian receives the necessary materials. However, the effectiveness in terms of value for money is questionable due to the limited competition. A more competitive process could have potentially secured the same or better quality materials at a lower cost, thus enhancing overall procurement effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation › Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions › Museums

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4402 11TH ST STE 314, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11101

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,915

Exercised Options: $19,915

Current Obligation: $19,915

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline