National Park Service awards $1.15M for environmental consulting, focusing on groundwater monitoring in Alaska

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $114,754 ($114.8K)

Contractor: WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-09-11

End Date: 2026-05-29

Contract Duration: 991 days

Daily Burn Rate: $116/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GROUNDWATER MONITORING AT PETROLEUM-CONTAMINATED SITES AT DENALI, GLACIER BAY, AND KATMAI NATIONAL PARKS, ALASKA.

Place of Performance

Location: BLUE BELL, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19422

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $114,754.37 to WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC. for work described as: GROUNDWATER MONITORING AT PETROLEUM-CONTAMINATED SITES AT DENALI, GLACIER BAY, AND KATMAI NATIONAL PARKS, ALASKA. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical environmental monitoring in remote Alaskan national parks. 2. WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. secured the contract. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 4. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The duration extends to May 2026, allowing for sustained monitoring. 6. This award falls under environmental consulting services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.15 million for environmental consulting services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. The firm fixed price structure helps manage costs. Benchmarking against similar environmental monitoring contracts in remote or challenging locations would provide further insight into value for money. The specific nature of groundwater monitoring at petroleum-contaminated sites suggests specialized expertise is required, which can influence pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this specialized service. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through multiple bids.

Public Impact

Protects natural resources within Denali, Glacier Bay, and Katmai National Parks. Ensures compliance with environmental regulations for petroleum-contaminated sites. Supports the long-term ecological health of sensitive Alaskan ecosystems. Provides essential data for park management and remediation efforts. Benefits the public through the preservation of iconic national park landscapes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen contamination complexities arise.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical environmental monitoring.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award.
Contract duration allows for sustained environmental monitoring.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, which is a significant part of the broader professional services market. The demand for such services is driven by regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and remediation needs. Spending in this sector often involves specialized scientific and technical expertise, particularly for complex projects like groundwater monitoring at contaminated sites in remote areas.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award is likely minimal unless the prime contractor engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The National Park Service, as part of the Department of the Interior, is subject to various oversight mechanisms. Contract performance will likely be monitored by NPS contracting officers and program managers. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior may also have jurisdiction for audits or investigations if concerns arise regarding waste, fraud, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Remediation Services
Natural Resource Management
National Park Service Operations
Groundwater Monitoring Contracts

Risk Flags

Geographic remoteness may increase logistical costs and risks.
Complexity of petroleum contamination can lead to scope creep.
Environmental conditions in Alaska can pose unique challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $114,754.37 to WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC.. GROUNDWATER MONITORING AT PETROLEUM-CONTAMINATED SITES AT DENALI, GLACIER BAY, AND KATMAI NATIONAL PARKS, ALASKA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $114,754.37.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-11. End: 2026-05-29.

What is the track record of WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. with the National Park Service or Department of the Interior?

WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. has a history of performing environmental consulting and engineering services for various government agencies, including the Department of the Interior and its bureaus like the National Park Service. Their experience often includes site assessment, remediation design, and environmental compliance services. A review of federal procurement data would reveal the extent and nature of their past performance, including contract values, types, and any performance ratings. This specific contract award suggests they met the criteria for technical capability and past performance required by the NPS for this specialized groundwater monitoring task in challenging Alaskan environments.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar environmental monitoring contracts awarded by the NPS or other agencies?

The $1.15 million contract value for groundwater monitoring at three national parks over approximately two years is within a reasonable range for specialized environmental consulting in remote locations. Contracts for similar services, especially those involving complex site assessments, remediation support, or long-term monitoring in geographically challenging areas like Alaska, can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. Factors influencing cost include the number of monitoring wells, frequency of sampling, laboratory analysis complexity, reporting requirements, and travel/logistical support needed for remote sites. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to provide a precise benchmark, but the value appears commensurate with the described scope.

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

Primary risks include potential unforeseen complexities in groundwater contamination that could increase remediation costs or extend monitoring timelines beyond the current contract scope. Logistical challenges in remote Alaskan locations (weather, accessibility) could also lead to delays and increased operational costs. Environmental risks, such as the discovery of previously unknown contaminants or migration patterns, are inherent. Mitigation strategies likely include the firm fixed-price contract type, which shifts some cost risk to the contractor, detailed site characterization, and robust monitoring protocols defined in the contract. The contract duration also allows for adaptive management based on monitoring results.

How effective is groundwater monitoring in assessing and managing petroleum contamination at national park sites?

Groundwater monitoring is a critical and highly effective tool for assessing and managing petroleum contamination at national park sites. It provides essential data on the presence, concentration, and movement of contaminants in the subsurface, which is crucial for understanding the extent of pollution and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Regular monitoring allows park managers to track the effectiveness of any remediation efforts, identify new sources of contamination, and make informed decisions about land use and resource protection. For petroleum sites, monitoring helps delineate contaminant plumes, assess natural attenuation processes, and determine if active remediation is necessary or if existing measures are sufficient.

What is the historical spending trend for environmental consulting services by the National Park Service?

Historical spending by the National Park Service (NPS) on environmental consulting services has generally trended upwards, reflecting increasing environmental regulations, a focus on resource protection, and the need to address legacy contamination issues at park sites. The NPS manages vast natural and cultural resources, many of which are susceptible to environmental impacts. Spending fluctuates based on specific project needs, such as site assessments, remediation planning, compliance monitoring, and impact analyses for development projects. While specific annual figures vary, the overall demand for environmental services remains a consistent component of the NPS's operational and capital budgets, driven by its mandate to preserve park resources for future generations.

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

Solicitation ID: 140P2123Q0145

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 751 ARBOR WAY, BLUE BELL, PA, 19422

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $114,754

Exercised Options: $114,754

Current Obligation: $114,754

Actual Outlays: $93,863

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140P2121A0027

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline