USIBWC Awards $17.5M Contract for Sludge Drying at NIWTP to Sunstate Environmental Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,520,666 ($17.5M)
Contractor: Sunstate Environmental Services Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2025-10-01
End Date: 2027-03-27
Contract Duration: 542 days
Daily Burn Rate: $32.3K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ---------- COMMENTS: THE USIBWC SEEKS SLUDGE DRYING/DEWATERING EFFORTS AT THE NIWTP THRU CURRENT OR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL REDUCE THE VOLUME OF SLUDGE THAT IS PRODUCED AND TRANSPORTED TO LANDFILLS, PROVIDING UNATTENDED OPERATING CAPABILITIE
Place of Performance
Location: RIO RICO, SANTA CRUZ County, ARIZONA, 85648
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $17.5 million to SUNSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC for work described as: ---------- COMMENTS: THE USIBWC SEEKS SLUDGE DRYING/DEWATERING EFFORTS AT THE NIWTP THRU CURRENT OR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL REDUCE THE VOLUME OF SLUDGE THAT IS PRODUCED AND TRANSPORTED TO LANDFILLS, PROVIDING UNATTENDED OPERATING CAPABILITIE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on reducing sludge volume and transportation costs through innovative technology. 2. Competition method (SAP) suggests a potentially streamlined but possibly less broad outreach. 3. Risk of technology not meeting performance expectations or unforeseen operational challenges. 4. Sector: Environmental services, specifically wastewater treatment and waste management.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $17.5M for a 542-day duration appears reasonable for sludge dewatering services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced sludge treatment technologies is difficult without more specific technical details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. This method may expedite the acquisition process but could limit the pool of potential offerors and potentially impact price discovery compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to improve wastewater treatment efficiency and reduce long-term disposal costs, which is a positive fiscal impact.
Public Impact
Improved environmental conditions at the NIWTP through more efficient sludge management. Potential reduction in landfill usage and associated environmental impacts. Modernization of wastewater treatment infrastructure, contributing to public health and safety. Creation of jobs related to the implementation and operation of the new technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technology performance risk
- Operational complexity
- Vendor lock-in potential
Positive Signals
- Cost savings through reduced transport
- Environmental benefits
- Potential for unattended operations
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the environmental services sector, specifically focusing on wastewater treatment and sludge management. Spending in this area is driven by regulatory compliance and the need for efficient, sustainable waste disposal solutions.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the selected technology meets the stated goals of volume reduction and operational efficiency. The Department of State's International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) will be responsible for monitoring contract performance and adherence to environmental standards.
Related Government Programs
- Sewage Treatment Facilities
- Department of State Contracting
- International Boundary and Water Commission: U.S.-Mexico Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technology underperformance
- Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing
- Reliance on vendor expertise for innovative solutions
- Unforeseen operational and maintenance costs
- Ensuring long-term environmental compliance
Tags
sewage-treatment-facilities, department-of-state, az, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $17.5 million to SUNSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC. ---------- COMMENTS: THE USIBWC SEEKS SLUDGE DRYING/DEWATERING EFFORTS AT THE NIWTP THRU CURRENT OR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL REDUCE THE VOLUME OF SLUDGE THAT IS PRODUCED AND TRANSPORTED TO LANDFILLS, PROVIDING UNATTENDED OPERATING CAPABILITIE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SUNSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (International Boundary and Water Commission: U.S.-Mexico).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2027-03-27.
What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the sludge drying/dewatering technology?
Success will likely be measured by the percentage of sludge volume reduction achieved, the final moisture content of the dewatered sludge, the reliability and uptime of the equipment, and the overall operational costs compared to the previous method. Adherence to environmental regulations regarding sludge disposal will also be a key metric.
What are the primary risks associated with implementing potentially 'innovative' sludge drying technology in a public facility?
Key risks include the technology failing to perform as expected, leading to continued high disposal costs or environmental non-compliance. There's also the risk of unforeseen operational challenges, higher-than-anticipated maintenance costs, and potential difficulties in finding skilled personnel to operate and maintain novel systems. Integration with existing infrastructure could also pose challenges.
How will the effectiveness of the cost savings be measured and verified over the life of the contract?
Effectiveness will be measured by comparing the total cost of sludge management (including processing, transportation, and disposal) before and after the implementation of the new technology. Key performance indicators will track the reduction in hauling trips, landfill tipping fees, and operational expenses. Regular audits and performance reports will verify these savings.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Utilities › Water, Sewage and Other Systems › Sewage Treatment Facilities
Product/Service Code: WATER PURIFICATION/SEWAGE TREATMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 191BWC25R0002
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4743 E 30TH PL, YUMA, AZ, 85365
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,520,666
Exercised Options: $17,520,666
Current Obligation: $17,520,666
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-10-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-27
Potential End Date: 2027-03-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-29
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