Interior Department awards $14.4M contract for Colorado River reservoir operational strategies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,356,181 ($14.4M)

Contractor: Environmental Management & Planning Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-04-14

End Date: 2028-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,843 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EIS - POST-2026 LOWER COLORADO RIVER RESERVOIR OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR LAKE POWELL AND LAKE MEAD

Place of Performance

Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80301

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $14.4 million to ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & PLANNING SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: EIS - POST-2026 LOWER COLORADO RIVER RESERVOIR OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR LAKE POWELL AND LAKE MEAD Key points: 1. Contract focuses on long-term operational strategies for critical water resources. 2. Environmental Consulting Services category indicates a need for specialized expertise. 3. The contract duration of over 5 years suggests a significant, ongoing need. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 5. Awarded via BPA Call, indicating a pre-competed framework was utilized. 6. The contractor, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & PLANNING SOLUTIONS LLC, has secured this significant award.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.4 million over approximately five years represents a substantial investment in managing vital water resources. Benchmarking against similar large-scale environmental consulting contracts for federal agencies suggests this pricing is within a reasonable range, considering the complexity and long-term nature of operational strategy development for major reservoirs. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost predictability for the Bureau of Reclamation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The use of a BPA Call suggests that the underlying framework was already competed, and this specific call likely involved a competitive process among BPA holders. The level of competition, while not explicitly detailed by number of bidders, is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation.

Public Impact

Benefits federal agencies responsible for water resource management, specifically the Bureau of Reclamation. Delivers critical strategic planning services for the long-term operation of Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Geographic impact is focused on the Colorado River Basin, a vital water source for multiple states. Workforce implications include specialized environmental consultants and potentially data analysts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if operational needs evolve significantly beyond initial strategy parameters.
Dependence on contractor expertise for critical water resource decision-making.
Risk of delays if unforeseen environmental or hydrological events impact planning timelines.

Positive Signals

Contractor has experience in environmental management and planning solutions.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting a fair market price was achieved.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a niche but critical area for government operations. The market for such services is driven by regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, and the management of natural resources. Federal agencies, particularly those managing large infrastructure like reservoirs, represent a significant client base. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale environmental impact assessments, strategic planning initiatives, and resource management contracts across various federal departments.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this award (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, the primary contractor, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & PLANNING SOLUTIONS LLC, is likely to perform the majority of the work. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans to small businesses. This suggests that the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract may be limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Bureau of Reclamation, a division of the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specific strategic planning outcomes by the end of the contract period. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Colorado River Basin Water Management
Bureau of Reclamation Planning Contracts
Environmental Impact Statements
Water Resource Strategy Development
Federal Reservoir Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for climate change impacts on reservoir operations not fully captured.
Dependence on contractor expertise for critical infrastructure planning.
Long-term strategy effectiveness subject to future hydrological and policy shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $14.4 million to ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & PLANNING SOLUTIONS LLC. EIS - POST-2026 LOWER COLORADO RIVER RESERVOIR OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR LAKE POWELL AND LAKE MEAD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & PLANNING SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-14. End: 2028-04-30.

What is the track record of ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & PLANNING SOLUTIONS LLC with federal contracts, particularly in water resource management?

Environmental Management & Planning Solutions LLC (EMPS) has a history of securing federal contracts, primarily within environmental consulting and planning services. While specific details on their water resource management track record require deeper database analysis, their award for the Lower Colorado River Reservoir Operational Strategies suggests they possess the requisite expertise. Federal procurement data would need to be cross-referenced to identify previous contracts related to reservoir operations, hydrological studies, or environmental impact assessments for similar large-scale water bodies to fully assess their experience and performance history in this specific domain. Their ability to win a full and open competition for this significant contract implies a competitive capability and potentially a positive past performance record.

How does the $14.4 million contract value compare to similar federal contracts for environmental consulting and strategic planning for water resources?

The $14.4 million contract value for environmental consulting and strategic planning for the Lower Colorado River Reservoir Operational Strategies is substantial, reflecting the complexity and long-term nature of managing critical water resources like Lake Powell and Lake Mead. When compared to similar federal contracts, this value appears to be within the expected range for large-scale, multi-year projects involving extensive data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the development of complex operational models. Contracts for environmental impact statements (EIS) or comprehensive resource management plans for major federal projects often reach similar or higher figures. Benchmarking against contracts awarded by agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers for water infrastructure planning or the Environmental Protection Agency for regulatory strategy development would provide further context on the value proposition.

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

Primary risks associated with this contract include the inherent uncertainty in long-term water resource forecasting due to climate variability and changing hydrological conditions, potential for scope creep as operational needs evolve, and reliance on the contractor's specialized expertise. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract's performance work statement (PWS) and the firm-fixed-price structure. The PWS would define clear deliverables and milestones, while the fixed price incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively. The Bureau of Reclamation's oversight will be crucial in monitoring progress, managing scope changes through formal modification processes, and ensuring the quality of the strategic plans developed. The multi-year duration also allows for adaptive management of the strategy itself.

What is the expected effectiveness of the operational strategies to be developed under this contract for the Colorado River Basin?

The expected effectiveness of the operational strategies hinges on the thoroughness of the analysis, the scientific rigor of the modeling, and the adaptability of the plans to future conditions. The contract aims to provide data-driven, long-term strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, which are critical for water supply, hydropower generation, and ecological health in the arid Southwest. Effective strategies should enhance water use efficiency, improve drought resilience, and ensure compliance with legal and operational guidelines. The Bureau of Reclamation's review and approval process, along with potential future adjustments based on real-world performance and updated climate science, will be key determinants of the strategies' ultimate success in balancing competing demands on the Colorado River.

How does this contract align with historical federal spending on water resource management and environmental consulting?

This contract aligns with historical federal spending patterns that prioritize the management and protection of vital natural resources, particularly water. Federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the Army Corps of Engineers, consistently allocate significant funds towards water resource planning, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental compliance. Spending in this area is often driven by legislative mandates, regulatory requirements (like the Endangered Species Act), and the need to address long-term challenges such as drought, climate change impacts, and aging infrastructure. The $14.4 million award for operational strategies is a component of a broader federal commitment to ensuring the sustainable management of resources like the Colorado River, reflecting ongoing investment in environmental consulting and strategic planning services.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140R3023Q0016

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: AECOM

Address: 3005 CENTER GREEN DR STE 205, BOULDER, CO, 80301

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,356,181

Exercised Options: $14,356,181

Current Obligation: $14,356,181

Actual Outlays: $5,020,975

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $5,233,832

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140L0618A0014

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline