Smithsonian's Bezos Learning Center Construction Contract Awarded for $162.16M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,216,371 ($16.2M)

Contractor: Clark/Smoot/Consigli, a Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2024-09-13

End Date: 2028-01-02

Contract Duration: 1,206 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: NASM: CONSTRUCT BEZOS LEARNING CENTER

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 $16.2 million to CLARK/SMOOT/CONSIGLI, A JOINT VENTURE for work described as: NASM: CONSTRUCT BEZOS LEARNING CENTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to CLARK/SMOOT/CONSIGLI, A JOINT VENTURE for construction. 2. Project aims to build the Bezos Learning Center for the National Air and Space Museum. 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this procurement. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 5. The estimated completion date is January 2, 2028.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar large-scale institutional construction projects is necessary to fully assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for the construction of a significant cultural and educational facility. Cost controls and efficient execution are crucial to maximize the value of this investment.

Public Impact

Enhances educational and public access to the National Air and Space Museum. Potential for job creation during the construction phase in Washington D.C. Represents a significant investment in cultural infrastructure. The Bezos Learning Center is expected to become a key attraction.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost escalation.
Long project duration (over 3 years) increases risk of delays and cost increases.
No specific mention of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures a competitive bidding process.
Significant investment in a high-profile cultural institution.
Clear project scope for a learning center.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Benchmarks for similar large-scale museum or educational facility construction projects would be relevant for cost comparison.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation goals for small businesses in this contract. Further investigation may be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Smithsonian Institution is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates rigorous monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long project duration.
Potential for scope creep.
Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Complexity of managing large construction projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $16.2 million to CLARK/SMOOT/CONSIGLI, A JOINT VENTURE. NASM: CONSTRUCT BEZOS LEARNING CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CLARK/SMOOT/CONSIGLI, A JOINT VENTURE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-13. End: 2028-01-02.

What is the estimated total cost breakdown for labor, materials, and profit under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?

A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. To understand the total cost, one would need to analyze the projected costs for labor, materials, equipment, and overhead, to which the fixed fee is added. The Smithsonian's oversight would focus on ensuring the 'costs' are reasonable and allocable, and that the 'fee' is commensurate with the risk and effort.

What are the specific risk mitigation strategies in place to manage potential cost overruns inherent in a CPFF contract for a project of this scale and duration?

Given the CPFF structure and long duration, risk mitigation likely involves detailed cost tracking, regular audits, milestone-based reviews, and strong project management by the Smithsonian. Establishing clear performance metrics and incentivizing efficiency, even within a CPFF framework, are crucial. The agency must actively manage scope changes and ensure all incurred costs are directly attributable and reasonable for the project's objectives.

How will the effectiveness of the Bezos Learning Center be measured post-construction to ensure it meets its educational and public engagement goals?

Effectiveness measurement will likely involve tracking visitor numbers, program participation rates, educational outreach statistics, and user feedback surveys. The Smithsonian may establish specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to visitor satisfaction, learning outcomes, and community engagement. Post-occupancy evaluations and periodic reviews will assess if the facility is fulfilling its intended purpose and delivering value to the public.

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

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: 33330224RT0010048

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7500 OLD GEORGETOWN RD, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,576,371

Exercised Options: $16,576,371

Current Obligation: $16,216,371

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline