Smithsonian Institution Awards $704K for Sustainability Consulting to Green Living Consulting LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $70,469 ($70.5K)

Contractor: Green Living Consulting LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2021-12-21

End Date: 2027-01-01

Contract Duration: 1,837 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING SERVICES FOR NZP.

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 $70,468.61 to GREEN LIVING CONSULTING LLC for work described as: SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING SERVICES FOR NZP. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for sustainability consulting services. 2. Green Living Consulting LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans over 1800 days. 4. The sector is Museums, with NAICS code 712110.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is $704,686.10 over approximately five years. Without comparable contract data for similar sustainability consulting services within the museum sector, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. The benchmark of 38% (br) suggests potential for overpayment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this contract. The lack of competition raises concerns about the efficiency of spending and whether the best possible price was secured.

Public Impact

Environmental sustainability initiatives within museums. Potential impact on public access to information on sustainability. Use of taxpayer funds for specialized consulting services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 38 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment based on benchmark
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Focus on sustainability
Specific sector expertise

Sector Analysis

The Smithsonian Institution operates within the Museums sector (NAICS 712110). Spending in this sector often involves specialized services related to preservation, exhibition, and public engagement. Benchmarking sustainability consulting costs within this niche can be challenging due to unique operational needs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Green Living Consulting LLC. Information regarding whether this entity is a small business is not provided, nor is there data on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this sole-source contract will be crucial to ensure the Smithsonian Institution receives value for its investment and that the sustainability goals are met effectively. Accountability rests with the agency to manage the contractor's performance.

Related Government Programs

Museums
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency on specific deliverables and success metrics
Long contract duration without clear performance milestones

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $70,468.61 to GREEN LIVING CONSULTING LLC. SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTING SERVICES FOR NZP.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GREEN LIVING CONSULTING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $70,468.61.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-12-21. End: 2027-01-01.

What specific sustainability goals does this contract aim to achieve for the Smithsonian Institution?

The contract aims to provide sustainability consulting services to the Smithsonian Institution. While the exact goals are not detailed in the provided data, such services typically involve assessing environmental impact, developing strategies for resource conservation (energy, water, waste), promoting sustainable practices in operations and exhibits, and potentially advising on green building standards or climate resilience.

How does the 38% benchmark (br) specifically relate to the value or cost-effectiveness of this sustainability consulting contract?

The 'br' value of 38% likely represents a benchmark percentage, possibly related to cost savings, efficiency gains, or a comparison to industry standards for similar services. A higher percentage might indicate a higher potential for cost savings or a more competitive pricing structure relative to benchmarks. Without further context on what 'br' specifically measures, its direct implication on the value or cost-effectiveness of this particular contract remains unclear but suggests a potential area for scrutiny.

What is the expected impact of these sustainability consulting services on the Smithsonian's operational effectiveness and public perception?

These services are expected to enhance the Smithsonian's operational effectiveness by identifying and implementing efficiencies in resource management, potentially reducing long-term costs and environmental footprint. For public perception, successful sustainability initiatives can bolster the institution's image as a responsible and forward-thinking organization, aligning with growing public interest in environmental stewardship and potentially influencing visitor engagement with sustainability-related exhibits or programs.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1138 SIDONIA ST, ENCINITAS, CA, 92024

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $70,469

Exercised Options: $70,469

Current Obligation: $70,469

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline