Arctic Slope Mission Services LLC awarded $7.6M for records management, facing limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,629,990 ($7.6M)

Contractor: Arctic Slope Mission Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2017-02-14

End Date: 2023-01-31

Contract Duration: 2,177 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER FOR RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES REGION 10 SUPERFUND RECORDS CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98101

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $7.6 million to ARCTIC SLOPE MISSION SERVICES LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER FOR RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES REGION 10 SUPERFUND RECORDS CENTER Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the extended contract duration and specialized nature of records management for superfund sites. 2. Competition dynamics were limited, suggesting potential for higher pricing than a fully open market might yield. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, primarily related to the potential for scope creep in long-term records management. 4. Performance context involves supporting the EPA's Region 10 Superfund Records Center, a critical function for environmental cleanup oversight. 5. Sector positioning is within professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically supporting environmental compliance and data management.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $7.6 million over approximately six years (February 2017 to January 2023) averages around $1.27 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for specialized records and information management services for environmental agencies is challenging due to the niche nature of superfund site data. However, the time and materials pricing structure, while flexible, can sometimes lead to costs exceeding fixed-price contracts if not closely managed. The duration suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded. This suggests a limited competitive landscape, potentially due to specific requirements or existing relationships. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the award type implies fewer than a truly full and open competition, which could impact price discovery and potentially lead to less aggressive bidding.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition can mean that the government may not achieve the lowest possible price. While the exclusion of sources might be justified by specific needs, it reduces the pressure on bidders to offer the most cost-effective solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Region 10 Superfund program, ensuring proper management of critical environmental data. Services delivered include records and information management, crucial for tracking and managing data related to hazardous waste sites. The geographic impact is focused on EPA Region 10, which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, supporting superfund site activities within these states. Workforce implications are indirect, supporting the operational capacity of the EPA's environmental cleanup and regulatory functions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to the time and materials pricing model if not rigorously monitored.
Risk of data security breaches or loss given the sensitive nature of environmental records.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical information management functions over an extended period.
Limited competitive pressure may result in suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.

Positive Signals

Contractor has a long-standing presence, suggesting experience and reliability in performing these specialized services.
The extended duration indicates a consistent need and successful performance recognized by the agency.
Focus on records management is essential for regulatory compliance and long-term environmental stewardship.
The contract supports a critical government function related to environmental protection and public health.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code (541990). This sector is vast, encompassing a wide range of specialized expertise. Spending in this area often supports government functions requiring deep technical knowledge, data analysis, and administrative support. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult without more specific service details, but federal spending on information management and technical support services is substantial, often running into billions annually across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this contract, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) and 'sb' (small business) flags are false. This suggests the contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor was it awarded to a small business prime contractor. Consequently, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is minimal, although the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracting officers and program managers. The Inspector General's office for the EPA likely has jurisdiction for audits and investigations into potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which provide basic award details. However, detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are typically internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

EPA Superfund Program
Environmental Data Management Services
Federal Records Management
Information Technology Support Services
Professional and Technical Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Time and Materials Pricing
Long Contract Duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $7.6 million to ARCTIC SLOPE MISSION SERVICES LLC. IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER FOR RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES REGION 10 SUPERFUND RECORDS CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARCTIC SLOPE MISSION SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-02-14. End: 2023-01-31.

What is the track record of Arctic Slope Mission Services LLC with the federal government, particularly in records management?

Arctic Slope Mission Services LLC (ASMS) has a history of federal contracting, primarily with agencies like the Department of Defense and the EPA. Their experience often involves logistics, base operations support, and technical services. For records management, particularly within specialized contexts like the Superfund program, their track record would need to be assessed based on past performance reviews and contract completion history. The fact that they were awarded this multi-year contract by the EPA suggests a level of established capability and satisfactory performance in supporting agency operations. Further analysis would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and any documented issues or commendations on previous EPA or similar contracts.

How does the $7.6 million award compare to typical spending on similar records management contracts?

Comparing the $7.6 million award for Arctic Slope Mission Services LLC's records management contract requires context. This figure represents the total value over its approximately six-year duration (February 2017 - January 2023), averaging about $1.27 million annually. Federal spending on records and information management varies significantly based on scope, complexity, and agency needs. Contracts supporting large-scale environmental programs like Superfund, which involve extensive historical data, regulatory compliance, and long-term archiving, can command higher values. While specific benchmarks for Superfund records management are scarce, general IT and professional services contracts can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions annually. The 'limited competition' aspect also suggests pricing might be higher than in a more competitive environment. Therefore, while substantial, the value appears plausible for the specialized, long-term nature of the service provided to the EPA.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of contract and contractor?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns due to its Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, which necessitates diligent oversight to prevent scope creep and inefficient labor utilization. Data security and integrity are also significant risks, given the sensitive nature of Superfund records; any breach or loss could have severe regulatory and environmental consequences. Furthermore, the limited competition award mechanism introduces a risk of suboptimal pricing for taxpayers. For the contractor, risks might include meeting the stringent requirements of environmental data management and maintaining compliance with evolving EPA regulations. The long duration also poses a risk of technological obsolescence if records management systems are not updated.

How effective is the EPA's management of Superfund records, and does this contract contribute to that effectiveness?

The effectiveness of the EPA's Superfund records management is crucial for the program's success in addressing hazardous waste sites. This contract directly supports that effectiveness by providing essential services for organizing, storing, and retrieving critical data. The EPA relies on accurate and accessible records for site assessments, remediation planning, legal compliance, and public information dissemination. The long-term nature of this contract suggests the EPA views these services as vital and has found the contractor, Arctic Slope Mission Services LLC, to be a reliable provider. While direct measures of 'effectiveness' are internal to the EPA's program management, the sustained award indicates the contract is fulfilling its intended purpose of maintaining the integrity and accessibility of Superfund information within Region 10.

What are the historical spending patterns for records and information management services within the EPA or similar environmental agencies?

Historical spending patterns for records and information management (RIM) services within the EPA and similar environmental agencies show a consistent and significant investment. Agencies like the EPA manage vast amounts of data related to environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, site remediation, and scientific research. Spending on RIM services, including digitization, archiving, database management, and secure storage, typically increases with the volume of data generated and the complexity of regulatory requirements. Over the past decade, federal agencies have increasingly focused on digital transformation, leading to shifts in RIM spending towards electronic records management solutions. While specific figures for EPA's Superfund RIM contracts fluctuate, the overall trend indicates a sustained need and budget allocation for these critical support functions, often awarded through competitive processes but sometimes involving specialized sole-source or limited-competition contracts for unique requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7000 MUIRKIRK MEADOWS DR STE 100, BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,210,229

Exercised Options: $8,210,229

Current Obligation: $7,629,990

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $1,233,019

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: EPW17011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline