Architect-Engineer Information Center

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Contractor Resources

Please see the resource below.

What is CPARS?

The Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and is a web-enabled reporting system for government contracts. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) require that a CPARS evaluation must be completed for all contracts that meet the specific dollar value thresholds within the three different business sectors, Architect-Engineer, Construction, and Services. Beginning in the fall of 2015, the Smithsonian Institution (SI) will complete a CPARS evaluation for each task/purchase order awarded by SI. Each evaluation includes a narrative and a rating in the following areas: quality, schedule, cost control, management, and regulatory compliance. Once complete, each evaluation will be submitted to a designated contractor representative for review. After the evaluation is accepted by both parties, it is transmitted to the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) which provides timely and relevant information on Contractor performance for use in source selection. Please use the link below for more information.

CPARS.gov

OPDC is dedicated to integrating the principles of Best Practice as fostered by The Construction Industry Institute (CII) into our operating processes. The mission of CII is to improve the business effectiveness of the capital facilities life cycle, including safety, quality, schedule, cost, security, reliability, and operability. The A/E shall participate in the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) for buildings process as defined the in the A/E SOW. To learn more about the PDRI process visit: ​ ​

Contractors that require a temporary ID need to collect the appropriate documentation from the project COTR. Once the forms are signed, Contractors should make an appointment with the Office of Protection Services Personnel Security and ID Office (PSIO) located in the Capital Gallery Building, Washington, DC. Appointments can be made on-line https://security.si.edu/psio. 

If you have any questions about obtaining a temporary ID, please contact your Project COTR.

Utilize the Smithsonian Institution Request for Payment format, accompanied by a signed cover letter on the A/E firm's letterhead describing the specific services rendered and back-up documentation as necessary. Back up documentation for ODC's and subconsultant invoices are required when submitting the request for payment. Refer to the A/E Special Conditions for additional details.

Facilities Management manages a collection of digital repositories related to facilities information, such as original building as-builts, completed design and construction project records, and facilities related studies and reports.

Digital Archives Contents:

  • Original as-built records and historic construction drawings
  • Landscape plans for SI Buildings
  • SI Design and Construction project records
  • SI Facilities studies and facilities master plans
  • Master Architectural records (existing architectural conditions for SI buildings)

To Set Up an Appointment:

To obtain access to the system, please contact us via e-mail to SFArchivesHelpDesk@si.edu.
Your message must include:

  • Your name
  • Your company’s name,
  • SI COTR name (typically a design manager)
  • The project number and name associated with you investigation(s)
  • The date and time you would like to come in
  • Please cc your COTR in all requests for access

If this is your first time accessing OPDC’s digital repositories, you will need to obtain a Smithsonian network account through your project COTR before you can use the system. This might take several days to complete – please plan ahead. Your project COTR will provide appropriate forms to complete this process.

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