Smithsonian Institution Awards $21.2M for Collections Storage Improvements to Clark Construction Group
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,249,143 ($21.2M)
Contractor: Clark Construction Group LLC
Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution
Start Date: 2008-07-11
End Date: 2013-10-01
Contract Duration: 1,908 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: MSC: POD 3 COLLECTIONS STORAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND RENOVATION
Place of Performance
Location: SUITLAND, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20746
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Smithsonian Institution obligated $21.2 million to CLARK CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC for work described as: MSC: POD 3 COLLECTIONS STORAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND RENOVATION Key points: 1. The contract value of $21.2 million is significant for a construction project of this nature. 2. Clark Construction Group LLC, a large firm, secured this contract, indicating substantial competition in the large-scale construction sector. 3. The project involves building construction, a sector with inherent risks related to material costs, labor availability, and project timelines. 4. The Smithsonian Institution's need for storage improvements suggests ongoing investment in preserving and managing its vast collections.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $21.2 million for a 1908-day duration project appears reasonable given the scope of building construction and renovation. Benchmarking against similar large-scale institutional building projects would provide a more precise assessment.
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. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple qualified contractors vie for the work.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process likely ensured taxpayer funds were used efficiently for this necessary infrastructure improvement.
Public Impact
Enhances preservation capabilities for the Smithsonian's extensive collections. Supports the long-term accessibility and research potential of cultural artifacts. Represents a significant investment in national heritage infrastructure. Potential for job creation within the construction sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to construction complexity.
- Risk of schedule delays impacting collections management.
- Dependence on a single large contractor for execution.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear need for infrastructure improvement.
- Fixed-price contract can help control costs.
Sector Analysis
This project falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a sector characterized by large contracts, significant labor requirements, and material cost volatility. Benchmarks for similar institutional renovations are typically in the millions of dollars, depending on scale and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Clark Construction Group LLC, a large business. There is no indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses in the provided data, which could be an area for further review.
Oversight & Accountability
The Smithsonian Institution, as a federal agency, is subject to standard oversight mechanisms. The fixed-price contract type provides a degree of cost control, but project management and performance monitoring are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Smithsonian Institution Contracting
- Smithsonian Institution Programs
Risk Flags
- Large contract value.
- Long project duration.
- Construction sector volatility.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, smithsonian-institution, md, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Smithsonian Institution awarded $21.2 million to CLARK CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC. MSC: POD 3 COLLECTIONS STORAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND RENOVATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CLARK CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-07-11. End: 2013-10-01.
What specific improvements are included in the 'Collections Storage Improvements and Renovation' to justify the $21.2 million cost?
The provided data does not detail the specific improvements. However, such projects typically involve structural upgrades, climate control systems, enhanced security, shelving, and specialized storage solutions to preserve artifacts. The scale and complexity of the Smithsonian's collections likely necessitate advanced and costly solutions.
What are the primary risks associated with a large-scale construction project like this for the Smithsonian?
Key risks include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions or material price fluctuations, schedule delays impacting the institution's operational timelines for collections management, and ensuring the quality of construction meets stringent preservation standards. The long duration also increases exposure to these risks.
How effectively does a fixed-price contract manage the value for money in this type of renovation?
A firm fixed-price contract aims to ensure value by shifting most of the risk to the contractor, who must absorb cost overruns. This incentivizes efficient project management and cost control by the contractor. However, it requires a well-defined scope upfront to avoid change orders that can inflate costs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Clark Enterprises, Inc. (UEI: 064862345)
Address: 7500 OLD GEORGETOWN RD, BETHESDA, MD, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,249,143
Exercised Options: $21,249,143
Current Obligation: $21,249,143
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-07-11
Current End Date: 2013-10-01
Potential End Date: 2013-10-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-09-27
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