USDA awards $707K environmental consulting BPA call for grain facility site assessments

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $707,211 ($707.2K)

Contractor: Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2028-04-12

Contract Duration: 730 days

Daily Burn Rate: $969/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BPA CALL #1 AGAINST BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR FORMER USDA GRAIN FACILITY SITE SCREENING PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS / SITE INSPECTIONS RPT APPROVAL FY26-005441

Place of Performance

Location: ACKWORTH, WARREN County, IOWA, 50001

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $707,211.36 to BLUESTONE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC. for work described as: BPA CALL #1 AGAINST BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR FORMER USDA GRAIN FACILITY SITE SCREENING PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS / SITE INSPECTIONS RPT APPROVAL FY26-005441 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on preliminary assessments and site inspections for former USDA grain facilities. 2. The firm fixed-price contract aims to ensure cost certainty for environmental services. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is two years, aligning with typical project timelines. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541620 indicates specialized environmental consulting services. 6. The award is a BPA Call, indicating it's a task order against a larger Blanket Purchase Agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $707,211.36 for two years of environmental consulting services appears reasonable given the scope of preliminary assessments and site inspections. Without specific benchmarks for similar former grain facility assessments, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests the government has negotiated a set cost, which is generally favorable for value. The contractor, Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc., is being awarded a task order under a BPA, implying they have likely been vetted for capability and pricing on a broader scale.

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 a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a robust competitive environment. Full and open competition is generally expected to drive down prices and encourage innovation as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and a wider selection of qualified contractors, ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the USDA and potentially state/local environmental agencies involved in managing former grain facility sites. Services delivered include preliminary assessments and site inspections, crucial for understanding environmental conditions. The geographic impact is focused on sites within Iowa, as indicated by the 'IA' state code. This contract supports environmental compliance and remediation efforts related to agricultural infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the number of bidders limits the assessment of competitive intensity.
The preliminary nature of the assessments means that future remediation costs are not yet defined.
Potential for scope creep if initial assessments uncover unforeseen complexities.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a BPA, suggesting pre-qualification of the contractor.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition indicates a competitive marketplace for these services.

Sector Analysis

Environmental consulting services, categorized under NAICS code 541620, is a significant sector supporting various government agencies. This contract fits within the broader environmental services market, which includes site assessment, remediation, and compliance consulting. The USDA's need for such services often arises from managing legacy agricultural infrastructure, like former grain facilities, where environmental due diligence is paramount. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar site assessment contracts can vary widely based on site complexity and geographic location.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific BPA call appears limited, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses in their broader operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the USDA's contracting officers and program managers responsible for environmental services. As a BPA call, oversight may also be integrated into the management of the parent Blanket Purchase Agreement. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, and while specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction isn't detailed here, the USDA OIG would have oversight authority over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USDA Environmental Management Programs
EPA Site Assessment and Remediation Programs
Department of Defense Environmental Services Contracts
State Environmental Agency Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen environmental conditions requiring additional scope or funding.
Reliance on contractor's expertise for accurate preliminary assessments.
Effectiveness of oversight in ensuring thoroughness of site inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $707,211.36 to BLUESTONE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC.. BPA CALL #1 AGAINST BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR FORMER USDA GRAIN FACILITY SITE SCREENING PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS / SITE INSPECTIONS RPT APPROVAL FY26-005441

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLUESTONE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $707,211.36.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2028-04-12.

What is the track record of Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc. with the USDA or similar federal agencies for environmental consulting services?

Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc. has a history of performing environmental consulting services for federal agencies. While specific details on their track record with the USDA for similar grain facility assessments are not provided in this data snippet, their selection for this BPA call suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Federal procurement databases would offer a more comprehensive view of their past performance, including contract values, types of services rendered, and client agencies. A review of their past performance would assess their ability to deliver on scope, schedule, and budget for similar projects, providing insight into their reliability and expertise in environmental site assessments.

How does the $707,211.36 contract value compare to similar USDA environmental consulting contracts for site assessments?

Comparing the $707,211.36 contract value requires benchmarking against similar USDA environmental consulting contracts for site assessments, particularly those involving former grain facilities. The provided data indicates this is a two-year, firm fixed-price contract for preliminary assessments and site inspections. Without access to a database of comparable contracts, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the value appears moderate for a two-year engagement covering potentially multiple sites. Factors influencing cost include the number of sites, the complexity of environmental conditions, the required depth of assessment, and the specific regulatory requirements. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, which aids in value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep if initial assessments reveal unforeseen environmental complexities, and the possibility that the preliminary assessments may not fully capture all future remediation needs. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price nature of the contract, which helps control costs for the defined scope, and the detailed requirements for preliminary assessments and site inspections. The two-year duration allows for phased work and review. The contractor's experience, implied by their selection for a BPA call, should also mitigate risks related to technical execution. Clear communication channels between the USDA and Bluestone Environmental Group are crucial for managing expectations and addressing any emerging issues promptly.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for money for this specific contract?

The full and open competition process is generally effective in ensuring value for money by fostering a competitive environment where multiple qualified contractors vie for the award. This typically leads to more favorable pricing and encourages contractors to offer their best solutions. For this USDA contract, the designation 'full and open competition' suggests that the government sought bids from all interested and capable sources. While the specific number of bidders isn't provided, the process itself is designed to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The firm fixed-price award further enhances value by providing cost certainty, assuming the scope was well-defined during the bidding process.

What is the historical spending pattern for environmental consulting services by the USDA, and how does this award fit within it?

Historical spending patterns for environmental consulting services by the USDA would reveal the agency's consistent investment in managing environmental aspects of its operations and legacy sites. This $707,211.36 BPA call for former grain facility site assessments fits within the USDA's broader mandate to ensure environmental stewardship and compliance. Such awards are likely recurring, especially given the number of agricultural facilities the USDA oversees or has overseen historically. Analyzing past spending would show trends in contract values, types of services procured (e.g., assessments, remediation design, compliance monitoring), and the primary contractors utilized. This specific award appears to be a standard task order supporting ongoing environmental due diligence efforts.

What are the potential long-term implications of these preliminary assessments for future environmental remediation efforts and associated costs?

The preliminary assessments and site inspections conducted under this contract are foundational for understanding the environmental condition of former USDA grain facilities. Their long-term implication is to inform future, more detailed investigations and potential remediation strategies. The accuracy and thoroughness of these initial assessments directly impact the planning and budgeting for subsequent phases. If the preliminary work is comprehensive, it can lead to more precise cost estimates for remediation and a more efficient cleanup process. Conversely, if critical issues are overlooked, it could result in unexpected costs and delays in later stages. This contract, therefore, plays a crucial role in setting the stage for effective and potentially more cost-controlled environmental management.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 301 LINDENWOOD DR #102, MALVERN, PA, 19355

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $707,211

Exercised Options: $707,211

Current Obligation: $707,211

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12FPC426A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline