Smithsonian Institution awards $545M for National Air & Space Museum revitalization, a large-scale construction project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $544,973,076 ($545.0M)

Contractor: Clark/Smoot/Consigli, a Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2017-01-09

End Date: 2024-08-23

Contract Duration: 2,783 days

Daily Burn Rate: $195.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PRE-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, NATIONAL AIR&SPACE MUSEUM REVITALIZATION

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 $545.0 million to CLARK/SMOOT/CONSIGLI, A JOINT VENTURE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PRE-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, NATIONAL AIR&SPACE MUSEUM REVITALIZATION Key points: 1. This contract represents a significant investment in cultural heritage preservation and modernization. 2. The project scope includes extensive pre-construction services, indicating complex planning requirements. 3. A firm-fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for this large-scale endeavor. 4. The duration of the contract suggests a phased approach to the revitalization. 5. Competition was robust, potentially leading to favorable pricing for the Smithsonian.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $545 million for pre-construction services for a major museum revitalization is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale cultural institution renovations is challenging due to unique project scopes. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests an effort to establish clear cost expectations early in the process. The extensive scope of pre-construction services, including design, planning, and initial site work, justifies a significant portion of the overall project budget.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders were able to submit proposals. With four bidders identified, this suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this significant project. A competitive bidding process is expected to drive more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for the Smithsonian Institution.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value and prevent cost overruns on this major public infrastructure project.

Public Impact

The public will benefit from a modernized and revitalized National Air and Space Museum, enhancing its educational and cultural offerings. Visitors will experience improved exhibits, facilities, and accessibility. The project will support jobs in construction, architecture, engineering, and related trades within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The revitalization ensures the preservation of significant historical artifacts and the museum's role as a national treasure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen complexities arise during the extensive pre-construction and subsequent construction phases.
Long project duration increases exposure to market fluctuations in material and labor costs.
Coordination challenges among multiple stakeholders and contractors on a project of this magnitude.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the Smithsonian.
Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing and quality services.
Extensive pre-construction phase allows for thorough planning and risk mitigation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically for a large-scale cultural institution. The market for such specialized construction services is competitive, with a few large firms capable of handling projects of this complexity and scale. The Smithsonian Institution's revitalization project is a significant undertaking that requires specialized expertise in historical preservation, museum design, and complex logistical planning.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that this was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses explicitly stated in the provided data. Larger construction firms are likely to be the primary awardees, with potential for small business involvement through subcontracting opportunities managed by the prime contractor. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Smithsonian Institution's internal procurement and project management teams. Given the scale and public nature of the project, there may also be oversight from the Smithsonian's Office of Inspector General to ensure financial accountability and adherence to regulations. Transparency will be maintained through public reporting on project milestones and expenditures.

Related Government Programs

National Museum of Natural History Renovation
National Gallery of Art Capital Improvements
Library of Congress Preservation Projects
General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service

Risk Flags

Long project duration increases risk of cost escalation and scope creep.
Complexity of museum revitalization requires specialized expertise and careful management.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting schedule and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $545.0 million to CLARK/SMOOT/CONSIGLI, A JOINT VENTURE. IGF::OT::IGF PRE-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, NATIONAL AIR&SPACE MUSEUM REVITALIZATION

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 $545.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-01-09. End: 2024-08-23.

What is the historical spending pattern for the National Air and Space Museum revitalization project?

The provided data reflects a single, large contract valued at $544,973,057.60 for pre-construction services, awarded in 2017 and set to conclude in August 2024. This suggests that this contract represents a significant, if not the entirety, of the initial phase of the revitalization effort. Without access to broader historical financial data for the museum's capital improvement projects, it's difficult to establish a long-term spending trend. However, the magnitude of this award indicates a substantial commitment to the project's planning and initial execution stages. Future spending would likely involve subsequent construction phases, which would be reflected in separate contract awards.

How does the cost of pre-construction services compare to similar large-scale museum or cultural institution revitalization projects?

Benchmarking the $545 million pre-construction services contract for the National Air and Space Museum revitalization is complex due to the unique nature and scale of such projects. Typically, pre-construction services can represent 5-15% of the total project cost, depending on the complexity of design, planning, and site investigations. For a project of this magnitude, involving extensive architectural, engineering, and historical preservation elements, a higher percentage might be justifiable. Without specific cost breakdowns for comparable projects, it's difficult to definitively state if this figure is high or low. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests an effort to contain these initial costs.

What are the key risks associated with a project of this duration and value?

The primary risks associated with a project spanning nearly eight years and valued at over half a billion dollars include significant cost escalation due to inflation and market volatility in materials and labor. Unforeseen site conditions, such as historical artifacts or structural issues, could lead to delays and budget overruns. Changes in museum programming or exhibition strategies during the long planning and construction phases could necessitate costly design modifications. Furthermore, managing a complex web of contractors, subcontractors, and stakeholders over an extended period presents substantial coordination and oversight challenges. Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to historical preservation standards throughout the project lifecycle is also a critical risk factor.

What is the track record of CLARK/SMOOT/CONSIGLI, A JOINT VENTURE, on similar large-scale public construction projects?

CLARK/SMOOT/CONSIGLI, A JOINT VENTURE, has a notable track record in large-scale construction, particularly in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Clark Construction Group, a principal partner in the joint venture, has a history of managing complex projects including cultural institutions, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure. While specific details on their prior work on museum revitalizations of this exact scale are not immediately available in this dataset, their experience with large, high-profile public works suggests a capability to handle the demands of the National Air and Space Museum project. Their portfolio often includes projects with significant historical or architectural significance, indicating familiarity with the challenges inherent in such endeavors.

How will the success of the pre-construction phase impact the overall project timeline and budget?

The success of the pre-construction phase is critical for the overall project timeline and budget of the National Air and Space Museum revitalization. This phase is designed to meticulously plan, design, and de-risk the project before major construction begins. Thorough site investigations, detailed architectural and engineering plans, accurate cost estimations, and the establishment of a robust procurement strategy are key deliverables. If this phase is executed effectively, it minimizes the likelihood of costly change orders, delays, and unforeseen issues during the subsequent construction phases. Conversely, shortcomings in pre-construction planning, such as incomplete designs or inaccurate cost projections, can lead to significant budget overruns and schedule slippage, jeopardizing the entire project's success.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: F16SOL10024

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $565,330,939

Exercised Options: $565,330,939

Current Obligation: $544,973,076

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline