Smithsonian Renovates Homestead/Sellman House for $6.5M, Awarded to Severn Associates LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,496,563 ($6.5M)

Contractor: Severn Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2018-09-19

End Date: 2024-07-31

Contract Duration: 2,142 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: SERC: HOMESTEAD/SELLMAN HOUSE RENOVATION

Place of Performance

Location: EDGEWATER, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21037

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $6.5 million to SEVERN ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: SERC: HOMESTEAD/SELLMAN HOUSE RENOVATION Key points: 1. Significant investment in historic building preservation. 2. Competition method suggests potential for price discovery. 3. Long contract duration may indicate complex scope. 4. Construction sector spending aligns with typical project costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.5M for a building renovation appears within a reasonable range for a project of this nature and scale, especially considering the historical significance and potential complexities of renovating existing structures. Benchmarking against similar institutional building renovations would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. While not fully open, this method still allows for multiple bids, which should contribute to price discovery. However, the exclusion of certain sources might limit the competitive pressure.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for the renovation of Smithsonian facilities. The effectiveness of the competition in securing a fair price will directly impact the overall value for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Preservation of historical structures for public access and educational purposes. Potential for improved visitor experience and facility usability. Economic impact through construction jobs and material procurement. Ensuring the long-term structural integrity of significant buildings.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have impacted price.
Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns.
Scope creep risk in renovation projects.

Positive Signals

Investment in historical preservation.
Potential for improved facility functionality.
Award to a specific LLC suggests targeted expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending benchmarks for similar renovations vary widely based on size, complexity, and historical preservation requirements. The $6.5M value is substantial but not unusual for significant institutional building work.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Severn Associates LLC, a firm. There is no explicit indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved or could have been.

Oversight & Accountability

The Smithsonian Institution is responsible for overseeing this contract. The long duration and fixed-price nature suggest a need for diligent oversight to manage scope, quality, and adherence to the schedule to ensure taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Long contract duration.
Potential for scope creep.
Lack of explicit small business involvement.
Need for detailed performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $6.5 million to SEVERN ASSOCIATES LLC. SERC: HOMESTEAD/SELLMAN HOUSE RENOVATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEVERN ASSOCIATES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-19. End: 2024-07-31.

What specific renovation activities are included in this contract, and how do they align with the Smithsonian's preservation goals?

The contract details for the Homestead/Sellman House renovation are not fully specified in the provided data. However, given the context of historic building renovation, activities likely include structural repairs, system upgrades (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), interior restoration, and potentially accessibility improvements. These activities should align with the Smithsonian's mission to preserve and interpret its collections and historic structures for public benefit and educational purposes.

How did the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process affect the final price and the range of potential contractors?

The 'exclusion of sources' implies that not all potential contractors were eligible to bid, potentially limiting the competitive pool. This could lead to a higher price than if the competition were fully open. The impact on price depends on the number and competitiveness of the bidders who remained eligible. A thorough review of the justification for excluding sources is necessary to assess its impact on price discovery and overall value.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and oversight mechanisms in place to ensure the successful completion and value for money of this long-term renovation project?

Specific KPIs and oversight mechanisms are not detailed in the provided data. However, for a project of this duration and value, effective oversight would typically involve regular progress reviews, quality control inspections, budget tracking, and change order management. Key performance indicators might include adherence to schedule, budget compliance, quality of workmanship, and successful completion of renovation milestones, all aimed at ensuring the project delivers its intended value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2139 ESPEY CT STE 4, CROFTON, MD, 21114

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,596,563

Exercised Options: $6,596,563

Current Obligation: $6,496,563

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F16CC10421

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline