State Department awards $2.96M contract for conventional weapons destruction in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,964,591 ($3.0M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2023-12-24

End Date: 2025-12-23

Contract Duration: 730 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: BIH CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS OF DESTRUCTION/ CONVENTIONAL MUNITIONS STOCKPILE REDUCTION BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA WITH A BASE YEAR + FOUR OPTION YEARS.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $3.0 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: BIH CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS OF DESTRUCTION/ CONVENTIONAL MUNITIONS STOCKPILE REDUCTION BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA WITH A BASE YEAR + FOUR OPTION YEARS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on reducing conventional munitions stockpiles, a critical security and humanitarian effort. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Tetra Tech, Inc. is the selected contractor, indicating a reliance on established expertise in remediation services. 4. The contract duration of two years (base year + option years) allows for sustained effort. 5. The specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 562910 points to environmental remediation services. 6. The contract type is 'Labor Hours', which can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.96 million over two years for conventional weapons destruction in Bosnia and Herzegovina appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar international security and environmental remediation contracts is challenging due to the unique geopolitical context and specific scope. However, the 'Labor Hours' contract type necessitates close monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent scope creep, as it directly ties costs to the hours worked by personnel.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The agency sought proposals from all interested parties, suggesting a commitment to obtaining the best value through a broad market solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and ensures that the government explores a wide range of potential solutions and providers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will experience enhanced safety and security through the reduction of dangerous munitions. The contract delivers services related to the destruction and safe management of conventional weapons stockpiles. The geographic impact is focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressing a specific regional security concern. The contract supports a specialized workforce skilled in hazardous material handling, demilitarization, and environmental remediation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Labor Hours' contract type can be susceptible to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and monitored for efficiency.
Lack of specific performance metrics or detailed scope of work in the provided data makes it difficult to assess performance risks.
Geopolitical instability in the region could potentially impact project timelines and operational costs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and competitive bidding process.
Contractor (Tetra Tech, Inc.) likely possesses specialized expertise required for hazardous materials and munitions disposal.
The contract addresses a critical international security and humanitarian need, aligning with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the environmental remediation and specialized services sector, specifically addressing the complex and hazardous task of conventional weapons destruction. The market for such services is niche, often involving government contracts due to the security implications and international scope. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of munitions stockpile reduction, but it aligns with broader U.S. government efforts in international security assistance and non-proliferation.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, the prime contractor, Tetra Tech, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific aspects of the contract, depending on their subcontracting plans and the availability of specialized small business capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which oversees conventional weapons destruction programs. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards, reporting requirements, and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed operational reporting may be limited due to security considerations.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Conventional Ammunition Programs
U.S. Department of State - Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement
NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) Demilitarization Programs
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Programs

Risk Flags

Labor Hours Contract Type Risk
Geopolitical Instability
Environmental Remediation Complexity
Munitions Safety Hazard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $3.0 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. BIH CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS OF DESTRUCTION/ CONVENTIONAL MUNITIONS STOCKPILE REDUCTION BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA WITH A BASE YEAR + FOUR OPTION YEARS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-24. End: 2025-12-23.

What is Tetra Tech, Inc.'s track record with similar conventional weapons destruction or hazardous material remediation contracts for the U.S. government?

Tetra Tech, Inc. has a significant history of performing environmental remediation and engineering services for various U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency. While specific details on their involvement in conventional weapons destruction contracts are not immediately available in this data, their extensive experience in hazardous waste management, site cleanup, and infrastructure support suggests a strong capability. A deeper dive into their contract history, particularly with the Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs or similar international security programs, would be necessary to fully assess their specific track record in this niche area. Their past performance on complex environmental projects indicates a capacity to manage challenging logistical and technical requirements.

How does the $2.96 million contract value compare to similar international munitions stockpile reduction efforts managed by the U.S. or other international bodies?

Benchmarking this $2.96 million contract against similar international munitions stockpile reduction efforts is complex due to the highly variable nature of such projects. Factors influencing cost include the type and quantity of munitions, the geographic location (affecting logistics and security), the specific destruction technologies employed, and the duration of the effort. Smaller-scale or localized efforts might cost less, while large-scale, multi-year programs involving significant quantities of hazardous materials could run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. This contract, spanning two years for Bosnia and Herzegovina, appears to be a focused initiative. Without more granular data on the scope of work (e.g., tons of munitions, types of explosives), a precise comparison is difficult, but the value suggests a targeted intervention rather than a comprehensive national demilitarization program.

What are the primary risks associated with executing conventional weapons destruction in a post-conflict region like Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Executing conventional weapons destruction in a post-conflict region like Bosnia and Herzegovina presents several significant risks. These include: 1) **Safety Risks:** Handling and destroying aging or unstable munitions poses inherent dangers to personnel involved. 2) **Environmental Risks:** Improper disposal methods could lead to soil and water contamination. 3) **Security Risks:** The presence of unsecured or poorly stored munitions could pose risks to local populations or be exploited by illicit actors. 4) **Logistical Challenges:** Remoteness, underdeveloped infrastructure, and potential bureaucratic hurdles can complicate the transport and processing of materials. 5) **Political Instability:** Lingering ethnic tensions or political disagreements could impact project access and cooperation. 6) **Unforeseen Discoveries:** Excavation or site work might uncover previously unknown caches of weapons or hazardous materials, requiring adaptive planning and resources.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in contributing to regional security and stability in the Balkans?

This contract is expected to contribute to regional security and stability by directly reducing the physical threat posed by conventional munitions stockpiles in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The removal and destruction of these weapons mitigate risks of accidental detonation, diversion to illicit markets, or use in future conflicts. By addressing a legacy issue from past conflicts, the program can foster greater trust and cooperation within the region and demonstrate a commitment by international partners to long-term security. While the impact of a single contract is localized, it forms part of a broader international effort to manage and eliminate dangerous remnants of war, thereby enhancing overall safety and preventing potential escalations.

How has U.S. federal spending on conventional weapons destruction and related security assistance programs evolved over the past decade?

U.S. federal spending on conventional weapons destruction (CWD) and related security assistance programs has been a consistent, albeit fluctuating, component of foreign policy and national security budgets over the past decade. Programs like the Department of State's Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (WRA) and the Department of Defense's Humanitarian Demining Training Center and various CWD initiatives receive dedicated funding. Spending levels are often influenced by geopolitical events, emerging threats, and the specific needs of partner nations. While precise year-over-year figures require detailed budget analysis, overall trends show a sustained commitment to addressing the global problem of excess, unsecured, or otherwise dangerous conventional weapons. Funding often supports activities such as stockpile security, demilitarization, mine action, and the destruction of specific weapon types, including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 19AQMM23R0293

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3475 E FOOTHILL BLVD, PASADENA, CA, 91107

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,502,794

Exercised Options: $3,707,032

Current Obligation: $2,964,591

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM18D0080

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline