Smithsonian Institution Awards $2.4M for Short Circuit Analysis, EWING COLE INC. Selected

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,422,195 ($2.4M)

Contractor: Ewing Cole Inc.

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2015-08-19

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 3,907 days

Daily Burn Rate: $620/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: UPGRADE SHORT CIRCUIT ANALYSIS / NMNH; WASHINGTON, D.C. IGF::OT::IGF

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 $2.4 million to EWING COLE INC. for work described as: UPGRADE SHORT CIRCUIT ANALYSIS / NMNH; WASHINGTON, D.C. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. The contract is for architectural services related to short circuit analysis. 2. EWING COLE INC. is the contractor, with the Smithsonian Institution as the agency. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The contract duration is 3907 days, ending in April 2026. 5. The total value is $2,422,195.03.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.4M for architectural services seems reasonable for a long-term project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar specialized architectural analysis contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple bidders vie for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, likely resulting in a fair market price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Enhances safety and operational reliability of Smithsonian facilities through detailed electrical system analysis. Supports long-term infrastructure maintenance and upgrades at a national institution. Ensures compliance with electrical safety standards and regulations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (3907 days) may lead to cost overruns or scope creep.
Potential for contractor performance issues over an extended period.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating competitive pricing.
Focus on critical infrastructure analysis suggests high importance.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Architectural Services (NAICS 541310), a sector focused on designing buildings and infrastructure. Spending in this sector is often project-driven and can vary significantly based on the scale and complexity of the undertaking.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any set-asides for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is not evident from this information.

Oversight & Accountability

The Smithsonian Institution is responsible for oversight. The long duration of the contract necessitates diligent monitoring to ensure performance, adherence to scope, and cost control.

Related Government Programs

Architectural Services
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
Potential for contractor performance degradation over an extended period.
Lack of specific performance metrics provided.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical, long-term analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $2.4 million to EWING COLE INC.. UPGRADE SHORT CIRCUIT ANALYSIS / NMNH; WASHINGTON, D.C. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EWING COLE INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-08-19. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific deliverables are expected from the short circuit analysis, and how will their quality be assessed?

The specific deliverables are not detailed in the provided data. However, for architectural services, typical deliverables include detailed reports, schematics, and recommendations for system upgrades or repairs. Quality assessment would likely involve peer reviews, adherence to industry standards (e.g., IEEE), and verification by Smithsonian engineers.

Are there any identified risks associated with the electrical infrastructure that this analysis aims to mitigate?

The contract title 'UPGRADE SHORT CIRCUIT ANALYSIS' implies a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks related to electrical system failures or hazards. Potential risks could include equipment malfunction, power outages, safety hazards for personnel, and damage to sensitive collections or facilities.

How does the firm fixed price structure ensure cost-effectiveness given the long contract duration?

A firm fixed price contract establishes a ceiling on costs, providing budget certainty. For a long duration, this structure incentivizes the contractor to manage their costs efficiently to maintain profitability. However, it also places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor, which could potentially lead to reduced quality if not carefully monitored.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Architectural Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 N 6TH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19106

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,422,195

Exercised Options: $2,422,195

Current Obligation: $2,422,195

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F13CC10379

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline