Education Dept. Awards $2.67M for Space Planning to Minatoishi Palumbo Architects

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,671,915 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Minatoishi Palumbo Architects, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2020-01-30

End Date: 2021-07-30

Contract Duration: 547 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SPACE PLANNING, DESIGN, AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20202

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $2.7 million to MINATOISHI PALUMBO ARCHITECTS, INC. for work described as: SPACE PLANNING, DESIGN, AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.67 million for interior design services. 2. Awarded under competitive SAP, indicating some level of market research. 3. Risk is moderate due to fixed-price contract and defined scope. 4. Sector is professional services, specifically interior design.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.67 million for interior design services appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for architectural and interior design support would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a limited competition approach. While this can expedite the process, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely moderate, as the use of SAP may have resulted in a slightly higher cost than a fully competed contract, though efficiency gains could offset this.

Public Impact

Ensures functional and aesthetically pleasing workspaces for Department of Education staff. Supports efficient use of government facilities and resources. Contributes to a productive work environment through thoughtful design.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service.

Positive Signals

Clear contract duration and delivery order structure.
Fixed-price contract helps control costs.
Services support essential government functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically interior design and space planning. Government spending in this area is typically driven by facility modernization, relocation, or optimization needs, with benchmarks varying significantly based on project complexity and location.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Minatoishi Palumbo Architects, Inc. There is no indication from the provided data whether this is a small business or if small business subcontracting was a requirement or achievement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance against deliverables, ensuring adherence to the fixed-price terms, and verifying that the space planning and design services meet the Department of Education's requirements and standards.

Related Government Programs

Interior Design Services
Department of Education Contracting
Department of Education Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may have led to a higher price.
Potential for scope creep impacting final cost and timeline.
Lack of small business participation noted.
Effectiveness relies on post-award evaluation not provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $2.7 million to MINATOISHI PALUMBO ARCHITECTS, INC.. SPACE PLANNING, DESIGN, AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MINATOISHI PALUMBO ARCHITECTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-01-30. End: 2021-07-30.

What was the specific justification for using SAP instead of full and open competition for a contract of this value?

The justification for using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for a contract valued at $2.67 million would typically stem from specific regulatory thresholds or agency policies that allow for expedited procurement of goods and services below certain dollar amounts. Agencies may also cite urgency, specialized requirements, or a limited number of capable sources as reasons to utilize SAP, though this requires proper documentation and justification to ensure fair and transparent acquisition.

How effectively did the space planning and design services align with the Department of Education's long-term facility management goals?

Assessing the effectiveness requires reviewing post-completion evaluations, user feedback from Department of Education staff occupying the redesigned spaces, and any documented impact on space utilization efficiency or operational costs. Without this post-award data, it's difficult to definitively state how well the services met long-term goals. The initial contract scope and deliverables provide a baseline for evaluation.

What is the potential for cost savings or efficiency gains realized through the implemented space planning and design?

Potential cost savings and efficiency gains could be realized through optimized space utilization, reduced energy consumption in redesigned areas, and improved workflow for staff. Quantifying these benefits would necessitate a post-implementation analysis comparing key performance indicators (e.g., square footage per employee, energy costs) before and after the design services were completed. The fixed-price nature of the contract suggests cost predictability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Specialized Design Services › Interior Design Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1003 BISHOP ST STE 1975, HONOLULU, HI, 96813

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,165,696

Exercised Options: $2,671,915

Current Obligation: $2,671,915

Actual Outlays: $2,671,915

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 91990020D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline