DoD awards $11.6M contract for Facility Operating Services to National Infantry Museum Foundation, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,591,860 ($11.6M)
Contractor: National Infantry Museum Foundation, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-06-30
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,461 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: FACILITY OPERATING SERIVCES - BASE YEAR
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, MUSCOGEE County, GEORGIA, 31903
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.6 million to NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM FOUNDATION, INC. for work described as: FACILITY OPERATING SERIVCES - BASE YEAR Key points: 1. The contract is for facility operating services, with a base year value of $11.6 million. 2. The awardee is the National Infantry Museum Foundation, Inc., suggesting a specialized or unique relationship. 3. The contract was not competed, raising questions about price discovery and potential value. 4. The sector is museums, a niche area within broader facility operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $11.6 million for facility operating services over 1461 days (approximately $7,934 per day) needs comparison to similar museum or large facility operating contracts. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this pricing is optimal.
Cost Per Unit: $7,934
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This method bypasses the typical price discovery mechanisms of competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers compared to a competitively awarded contract for similar services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding for museum facility operations. The specialized nature of operating a museum facility could justify a non-competitive award, but transparency is key. The long-term nature of the contract (4 years) means any inefficiencies or overpricing will have a sustained impact.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Supports a specific institution (National Infantry Museum)
- Ensures continuity of operations for a key cultural asset
Sector Analysis
The museum sector often involves unique operational needs, including preservation, public access, and specialized staffing. Benchmarking spending in this niche is challenging without comparable contracts, but general facility operating costs can provide a rough comparison.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. The award went to a specific foundation, suggesting a direct relationship rather than a prime-contractor model that might subcontract.
Oversight & Accountability
The non-competitive nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services are necessary, performed effectively, and priced reasonably. The Department of the Army should have robust internal controls to validate sole-source justifications.
Related Government Programs
- Museums
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks transparency.
- Potential for inflated pricing due to no competition.
- Limited visibility into specific services provided for the cost.
- Long contract duration may mask inefficiencies.
Tags
museums, department-of-defense, ga, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.6 million to NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM FOUNDATION, INC.. FACILITY OPERATING SERIVCES - BASE YEAR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM FOUNDATION, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-06-30. End: 2026-06-30.
What specific justification was provided for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and how does it align with federal procurement regulations for non-competitive procurements?
Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. For a museum, this might involve unique expertise, historical preservation requirements, or a pre-existing relationship tied to the facility's mission. The justification must demonstrate why competition is not feasible or not in the government's best interest, often requiring detailed documentation and approval from higher authorities within the agency.
How does the daily operating cost of $7,934 compare to industry benchmarks for similar museum or large-scale facility management contracts, considering the specific services provided?
Benchmarking this cost requires detailed knowledge of the services included (e.g., maintenance, security, utilities, staffing, exhibit upkeep). However, $7,934 per day is substantial. Industry averages for facility management vary widely by size and type of facility. For a large museum, this figure might be within range if it includes extensive staffing and specialized preservation, but without a competitive process, it's difficult to confirm value for money.
What performance metrics and oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure the National Infantry Museum Foundation, Inc. is delivering effective facility operating services under this contract?
Effective oversight requires clear performance standards, regular reporting, and site inspections. The contract should define key performance indicators (KPIs) related to facility upkeep, safety, visitor experience support, and operational efficiency. The contracting officer's representative (COR) plays a crucial role in monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms, especially in sole-source situations where accountability is paramount.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation › Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions › Museums
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: W56HZV22RL032
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1775 LEGACY WAY, COLUMBUS, GA, 31903
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,835,412
Exercised Options: $11,591,860
Current Obligation: $11,591,860
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-06-30
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2027-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-02
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