NSF Awards $1.99M for Bio-Inspired "Forever Chemicals" Degradation Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,992,066 ($2.0M)
Contractor: Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation
Start Date: 2025-07-08
End Date: 2026-07-07
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 47
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NSF CONVERGENCE ACCELERATOR BAA - TRACK M - PHASE 2 AWARD- PROJECT TITLED: BIO-INSPIRED AND BIOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF "FOREVER CHEMICALS"
Place of Performance
Location: COSTA MESA, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92626
Plain-Language Summary
National Science Foundation obligated $2.0 million to GEOSYNTEC CONSULTANTS, INC. for work described as: NSF CONVERGENCE ACCELERATOR BAA - TRACK M - PHASE 2 AWARD- PROJECT TITLED: BIO-INSPIRED AND BIOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF "FOREVER CHEMICALS" Key points: 1. Focuses on critical environmental issue of PFAS contamination. 2. Leverages advanced R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Competition method ensures fair pricing and selection. 4. Potential for significant environmental and public health impact.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $1.99 million for a 12-month Phase 2 project appears reasonable given the specialized R&D nature. Benchmarking against similar NSF convergence accelerator awards would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust process for selecting the best value proposal. This method generally promotes competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in innovative research to address a significant environmental challenge, potentially leading to cost-effective solutions for pollution remediation.
Public Impact
Addresses the urgent need to clean up persistent environmental pollutants (PFAS). Supports cutting-edge scientific research with potential for real-world application. Advances national capabilities in environmental remediation technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Project duration is relatively short for complex R&D.
- Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a high-priority environmental concern.
- Utilizes a competitive award process.
- Focuses on innovative, potentially disruptive technology.
Sector Analysis
This award falls under the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and addressing societal challenges.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., is not identified as a small business. The focus on R&D may not always lend itself to significant small business subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is responsible for overseeing this award. The competitive nature of the award process and the agency's mission suggest a degree of accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Science Foundation Contracting
- National Science Foundation Programs
Risk Flags
- Technology readiness level at award initiation.
- Scalability of the proposed degradation method.
- Long-term environmental impact of byproducts.
- Dependence on specific biological agents or conditions.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-science-foundation, ca, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Science Foundation awarded $2.0 million to GEOSYNTEC CONSULTANTS, INC.. NSF CONVERGENCE ACCELERATOR BAA - TRACK M - PHASE 2 AWARD- PROJECT TITLED: BIO-INSPIRED AND BIOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF "FOREVER CHEMICALS"
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GEOSYNTEC CONSULTANTS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-07-08. End: 2026-07-07.
What is the projected timeline for translating these research findings into deployable remediation technologies?
The current award is for a 12-month Phase 2 project, suggesting it is focused on further development and validation of the proposed bio-inspired and biocatalytic degradation methods. Translating research into deployable technologies typically involves multiple subsequent phases, including pilot studies and scaling, which would likely require additional funding and time beyond this initial award.
How does the cost-effectiveness of this proposed degradation method compare to existing PFAS remediation techniques?
The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this novel bio-inspired and biocatalytic approach compared to existing methods like activated carbon adsorption or incineration are key research questions. This Phase 2 award aims to provide data to answer these questions, potentially demonstrating a more sustainable and economical solution if successful.
What are the potential environmental risks associated with the byproducts of this bio-degradation process?
A critical aspect of this research will be to thoroughly analyze any byproducts generated by the bio-inspired and biocatalytic degradation process. Ensuring that the degradation process does not create new, equally or more harmful substances is paramount for environmental safety and the overall success of the technology.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: NSFBAA-CA23-01
Offers Received: 47
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 777 YAMATO RD STE 600, BOCA RATON, FL, 33431
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,981,076
Exercised Options: $1,992,066
Current Obligation: $1,992,066
Actual Outlays: $1,162,039
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-07-08
Current End Date: 2026-07-07
Potential End Date: 2028-07-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-23
More Contracts from Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
- Base Integrated Environmental Support Tasks (biest) II — $9.3M (General Services Administration)
- Base Integrated Environmental Support Tasks III — $3.1M (General Services Administration)
- Va-Env Compliance Br-Pdi Work Plans OU1 — $119.5K (Department of the Interior)
Other National Science Foundation Contracts
- Science Operation and Maintenance Support for the United States Antarctic Program — $3.1B (Leidos, Inc.)
- Stand Alone Contract MOD 054 — $657.2M (Raytheon Company)
- System Integration for the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (iodp) — $609.8M (Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Inc.)
- Other Functions IT Services — $281.4M (Booz Allen Hamilton Inc)
- Arctic Research Support and Logistics Services — $255.6M (CH2M Facility Support Services, LLC)