Versar, Inc. awarded $1.9M contract for Next Generation Air Dominance Program EIS

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,899,995 ($1.9M)

Contractor: Versar, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2028-04-02

Contract Duration: 730 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR THE NEXT GENERATION AIR DOMINANCE PROGRAM AT A CLASSFIED INSTALLATION

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20005

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $1.9 million to VERSAR, INC. for work described as: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR THE NEXT GENERATION AIR DOMINANCE PROGRAM AT A CLASSFIED INSTALLATION Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 730 days indicates a medium-term project. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 points to engineering services. 5. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The award is for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), crucial for regulatory compliance and project planning.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.9 million for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a classified program appears reasonable given the complexity and scope typically associated with such analyses, especially for advanced defense initiatives. Benchmarking against similar EIS contracts for major defense programs suggests that this value falls within a typical range, though specific details of the classified installation and program requirements would be needed for a precise comparison. The firm-fixed-price contract type indicates that the government has negotiated a set price, which is generally favorable for cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 5 bids indicates a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process like this generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government receives proposals from multiple qualified contractors, increasing the likelihood of selecting the best value option.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through multiple bids and ensuring that the government secures services at a competitive market rate, maximizing the value of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force (implied by the program name) and potentially other defense agencies requiring environmental impact assessments for major acquisitions. The service delivered is a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a critical document for understanding and mitigating the environmental effects of proposed federal actions. The geographic impact is localized to a classified installation, but the implications of the Next Generation Air Dominance Program could be national or global. Workforce implications include employment for environmental scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff within Versar, Inc. and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in EIS if program requirements evolve significantly during the contract period.
Dependence on the contractor's ability to navigate complex environmental regulations and classified program constraints.
Risk of delays if unforeseen environmental issues arise during the assessment phase.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Contract duration aligns with the typical timeline for developing comprehensive EIS documents.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector, particularly within aerospace and advanced technology development, relies heavily on comprehensive environmental impact assessments to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other regulations. The market for environmental consulting services supporting defense programs is substantial, with numerous firms capable of conducting EIS studies. This contract fits within the broader category of engineering and technical support services for defense acquisition programs, where specialized expertise in environmental science and regulatory compliance is paramount.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The contractor, Versar, Inc., is a mid-sized company. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting plans exist that would benefit the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting agency (likely the Department of the Air Force, given the program context) and potentially the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for bid protests or performance reviews. Transparency is limited due to the classified nature of the installation and program, but the EIS process itself typically involves public comment periods for non-classified aspects. Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Impact Statements
Defense Acquisition Programs
Next Generation Air Dominance Program
Engineering Services Contracts
Department of the Air Force Contracts

Risk Flags

Classified Installation
Potential for Scope Creep
Environmental Regulatory Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $1.9 million to VERSAR, INC.. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR THE NEXT GENERATION AIR DOMINANCE PROGRAM AT A CLASSFIED INSTALLATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VERSAR, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2028-04-02.

What is Versar, Inc.'s track record with similar environmental impact assessment contracts, particularly for defense programs?

Versar, Inc. has a history of providing environmental consulting and engineering services to government agencies, including defense clients. While specific details on EIS contracts for classified defense programs are often not publicly disclosed, their general experience in environmental compliance, site assessments, and regulatory support suggests a capability to handle such requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history, focusing on past performance evaluations for similar scope and complexity, would be necessary to fully assess their suitability and past success in delivering EIS documents for high-stakes defense initiatives. Reviewing any publicly available past performance questionnaires or award decisions for related contracts could provide further insight.

How does the $1.9 million contract value compare to other EIS contracts for major defense acquisition programs?

The $1.9 million award for an EIS for the Next Generation Air Dominance Program appears to be within a reasonable range for such a critical and complex undertaking within the defense sector. EIS processes for major defense systems can vary significantly in cost depending on the scope of analysis, the number of alternatives considered, the complexity of the environmental setting, and the level of detail required. Contracts for similar large-scale defense projects have ranged from several hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars. Factors such as the specific classified installation's environmental sensitivity, the technological novelty of the program, and the anticipated environmental impacts would influence the final cost. Without more specific details on the program's environmental footprint and the exact requirements of the EIS, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the awarded amount does not immediately suggest overpricing.

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

Key risks include potential scope creep if the program's requirements evolve during the EIS development, leading to cost overruns or schedule delays. Another risk is the contractor's ability to effectively navigate the complexities of both environmental regulations and classified program constraints, potentially impacting the thoroughness or timeliness of the EIS. Furthermore, unforeseen environmental conditions at the classified installation could necessitate additional studies or mitigation measures, adding complexity and cost. Mitigation strategies likely include robust contract management by the government, clear definition of the EIS scope, regular progress reviews, and potentially contingency planning within the contract for unforeseen environmental discoveries. The firm-fixed-price nature also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to maintain profitability.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific EIS requirement?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and the risks are manageable. For an EIS, where the core requirements are dictated by regulations like NEPA, an FFP contract incentivizes the contractor to perform the work efficiently and within budget to maximize profit. This shifts the cost-risk burden to Versar, Inc. The government benefits from cost certainty, as the total price is fixed unless changes are formally negotiated. However, if unforeseen complexities arise that significantly alter the scope, the FFP structure could potentially lead to disputes or a less-than-optimal outcome if not managed carefully. Overall, for a defined EIS process, FFP is a strong choice for cost control and value.

What is the historical spending pattern for Environmental Impact Statements within the Department of the Air Force or similar defense agencies?

Historical spending on Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) within the Department of the Air Force and other defense agencies can be substantial, reflecting the significant environmental considerations associated with military operations, training ranges, and major weapons system acquisitions. Annual spending can fluctuate based on the number and scale of new programs entering the environmental review phase. Major defense programs, such as aircraft development (like the Next Generation Air Dominance Program), base expansions, or infrastructure upgrades, often trigger the need for comprehensive EISs, with costs potentially ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars per study. Analyzing historical data reveals a consistent need for these services, underscoring their importance in the defense acquisition lifecycle and the associated budget allocations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1025 VERMONT AVE NW STE 500, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,899,995

Exercised Options: $1,899,995

Current Obligation: $1,899,995

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0425D0056

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline