Smithsonian Institution Awards $2.58M for Perimeter Security Upgrades to Associated Builders, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,576,424 ($2.6M)

Contractor: Associated Builders, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2024-09-18

End Date: 2026-07-18

Contract Duration: 668 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: NZP-DC: IMPROVE PERIMETER SECURITY SEG8-BUS LOT (PN 2033120).

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20008

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $2.6 million to ASSOCIATED BUILDERS, INC. for work described as: NZP-DC: IMPROVE PERIMETER SECURITY SEG8-BUS LOT (PN 2033120). Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for commercial and institutional building construction, focusing on perimeter security. 3. Associated Builders, Inc. is the prime contractor, with the Smithsonian Institution as the agency. 4. The contract duration is 668 days, ending in July 2026. 5. The award type is a delivery order under a larger contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.58 million for a 668-day duration appears reasonable for perimeter security construction. Benchmarking against similar projects would provide a clearer assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential infrastructure improvements to secure a federal facility.

Public Impact

Enhances security at a Smithsonian Institution facility, protecting valuable assets and public spaces. Supports the construction industry through a contract awarded via competitive bidding. Ensures operational continuity and safety for staff and visitors at the facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
No indication of small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses critical perimeter security needs.
Clear contract duration and delivery schedule.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Spending in this sector is driven by infrastructure needs, facility upgrades, and security enhancements across various government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this specific award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Smithsonian Institution is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for construction projects, including site inspections and progress reviews, should be in place to ensure quality and adherence to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

No small business participation noted.
Limited detail on specific security measures.
Potential for scope creep in construction projects.
Reliance on a single delivery order for a significant security upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $2.6 million to ASSOCIATED BUILDERS, INC.. NZP-DC: IMPROVE PERIMETER SECURITY SEG8-BUS LOT (PN 2033120).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASSOCIATED BUILDERS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-18. End: 2026-07-18.

What specific security technologies or materials are included in this perimeter security upgrade, and how do they compare to industry standards?

The provided data does not specify the exact security technologies or materials. A detailed review of the contract's statement of work and technical specifications would be necessary to assess their alignment with current industry standards and best practices for perimeter security.

What is the historical performance of Associated Builders, Inc. on similar government contracts, particularly regarding cost, schedule, and quality?

Information on Associated Builders, Inc.'s historical performance is not included in the provided data. A thorough review of past performance records, past performance questionnaires, and any debriefing information from previous solicitations would be required to evaluate their track record.

How will the effectiveness of the improved perimeter security be measured and validated post-completion?

The data does not outline the methods for measuring the effectiveness of the perimeter security upgrade. Typically, validation involves post-construction testing, threat assessments, and potentially simulations to ensure the new systems meet the intended security objectives and deter unauthorized access.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4903 BALTIMORE AVE, HYATTSVILLE, MD, 20781

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,598,171

Exercised Options: $2,598,171

Current Obligation: $2,576,424

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F16CC10364

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline