DoD awards $34M for Hill AFB environmental remediation, with URS Group Inc. as prime contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,090,820 ($34.1M)

Contractor: URS Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-09-29

End Date: 2017-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,827 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: E - HILL AFB, UT; MMRP SURFACE CLEARANCE AND LANDFILL K REMOVAL HILL AFB, UT P2# 144764

Place of Performance

Location: HILL AFB, DAVIS County, UTAH, 84056, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $34.1 million to URS GROUP, INC. for work described as: E - HILL AFB, UT; MMRP SURFACE CLEARANCE AND LANDFILL K REMOVAL HILL AFB, UT P2# 144764 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the scope of environmental remediation services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include unforeseen site conditions and contractor performance. 4. This contract supports critical environmental cleanup at a major Air Force installation. 5. The remediation services sector is vital for environmental compliance and public health. 6. Contract duration of five years allows for phased cleanup efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $34 million for remediation services at Hill AFB aligns with industry benchmarks for similar environmental cleanup projects. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the overall award amount seems appropriate given the complexity and duration of landfill removal and surface clearance. Benchmarking against other Department of Defense environmental contracts of similar scope would provide further assurance of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of multiple bidders, though not explicitly quantified, generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions. This approach is designed to ensure the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure services at the most advantageous price point, reducing the risk of overpayment for essential environmental cleanup.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the local community surrounding Hill Air Force Base, through improved environmental conditions. Services delivered include surface clearance and landfill remediation, addressing hazardous waste and contaminated soil. The geographic impact is localized to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Workforce implications include employment for environmental scientists, engineers, and remediation technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen contamination is discovered.
Performance risks associated with the complexity of landfill remediation.
Environmental compliance monitoring is crucial throughout the contract duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Contract duration allows for structured and phased remediation efforts.
The contractor has experience in environmental services, as indicated by the award.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation services sector is a significant part of the broader environmental services industry, driven by regulatory compliance and the need to address legacy contamination. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting cleanup efforts at military bases, Superfund sites, and other government facilities. This contract fits within the Defense Department's ongoing efforts to manage environmental liabilities and ensure compliance with environmental laws.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is likely limited unless they are involved as subcontractors to the prime contractor, URS Group, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting plans and opportunities for small businesses within this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office at Hill Air Force Base. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and compliance checks are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific details of ongoing oversight may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Remediation Services
Hazardous Waste Management
Military Base Cleanup
Department of Defense Environmental Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Contractor performance history requires further review for potential risks.
Environmental compliance and monitoring are critical throughout the project lifecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $34.1 million to URS GROUP, INC.. E - HILL AFB, UT; MMRP SURFACE CLEARANCE AND LANDFILL K REMOVAL HILL AFB, UT P2# 144764

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is URS GROUP, 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 $34.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-09-29. End: 2017-09-30.

What is the track record of URS Group, Inc. in performing similar environmental remediation contracts for the federal government?

URS Group, Inc., now part of AECOM, has a substantial history of performing large-scale environmental remediation and engineering services for various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their portfolio includes projects involving hazardous waste site cleanup, landfill management, munitions response, and environmental restoration at military installations. While specific performance metrics for this particular contract are not detailed in the provided data, URS's extensive experience suggests a capacity to handle complex environmental challenges. A deeper dive into past performance evaluations and any reported issues on similar contracts would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their track record.

How does the awarded amount of $34 million compare to the estimated cost or budget for this specific remediation project?

The provided data indicates an award amount of $34,009,082.31. Without access to the original contract solicitation, estimated cost, or budget allocated for this specific MMRP Surface Clearance and Landfill K Removal project at Hill AFB, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the bids received were within an acceptable range of the government's estimate. Further analysis would require accessing pre-award documentation or post-award financial reports related to the contract's execution and any potential modifications.

What are the primary environmental risks associated with landfill remediation and surface clearance at a military installation like Hill AFB?

Landfill remediation and surface clearance at military installations present several environmental risks. These include the potential for encountering buried hazardous materials, unexploded ordnance (UXO) if the area has a history of ordnance use, and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other airborne contaminants during excavation. Groundwater contamination is also a significant risk if leachate from the landfill migrates. Surface clearance can uncover legacy contaminants from past activities. Proper site characterization, robust safety protocols, real-time monitoring, and containment strategies are essential to mitigate these risks effectively.

What is the typical duration for a federal contract of this magnitude and scope in environmental remediation?

Federal contracts for environmental remediation projects of this magnitude, involving landfill removal and surface clearance over a large area, typically range from 1 to 5 years. The awarded contract has a duration of 1827 days, which is approximately 5 years. This timeframe is generally considered appropriate for complex cleanup operations, allowing for phased remediation, detailed site investigations, implementation of treatment technologies, and long-term monitoring. Shorter durations might be feasible for simpler tasks, while longer periods could be necessary for extensive, multi-faceted cleanup efforts or those involving long-term monitoring and institutional controls.

How has federal spending on environmental remediation at Department of Defense installations evolved over the past decade?

Federal spending on environmental remediation at Department of Defense (DoD) installations has been a consistent priority, driven by regulatory requirements like the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Over the past decade, spending has remained significant, though it fluctuates based on specific cleanup needs, congressional appropriations, and the prioritization of projects. While overall trends show a sustained commitment, there has been an increasing focus on innovative cleanup technologies, long-term stewardship, and addressing emerging contaminants. Specific figures vary annually, but the DoD consistently allocates billions towards environmental restoration and compliance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W9128F09R0104

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: AECOM (UEI: 153561212)

Address: 12120 SHAMROCK PLZ STE 300, OMAHA, NE, 68154

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,090,820

Exercised Options: $34,090,820

Current Obligation: $34,090,820

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W9128F10D0061

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline