EPA awards $15M to Hydrogeologic, Inc. for Superfund site remediation in Waterbury, CT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,976,580 ($15.0M)

Contractor: Hydrogeologic, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-09-18

End Date: 2027-05-07

Contract Duration: 1,327 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RES SCOVILL RA LANDFILL SUPERFUND SITE, STORE AVENUE WATERBURY, CT 06705

Place of Performance

Location: WATERBURY, NEW HAVEN County, CONNECTICUT, 06705

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $15.0 million to HYDROGEOLOGIC, INC. for work described as: RES SCOVILL RA LANDFILL SUPERFUND SITE, STORE AVENUE WATERBURY, CT 06705 Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of over 3 years indicates a significant, long-term remediation effort. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type may offer cost certainty for the government. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 562910 points to specialized remediation services. 5. Awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a key agency for environmental cleanup. 6. The contract is a delivery order, likely part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more data on comparable Superfund site remediation projects. The firm fixed price structure provides some cost predictability. However, the total award amount of $14.98 million over approximately 3.6 years suggests a significant investment in environmental cleanup. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of work and unit costs to similar EPA remediation contracts to determine if the pricing is competitive and represents good value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The fact that it was competed suggests that the EPA sought to leverage market competition to obtain the best value. The number of bids received (2) is on the lower side for a full and open competition, which could warrant further investigation into potential barriers to entry or market concentration for this type of specialized service.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering price discovery and potentially leading to lower costs compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and environment of Waterbury, Connecticut, impacted by the Superfund site. The contract will deliver critical environmental remediation services to address hazardous waste contamination. The geographic impact is localized to the RES SCOVILL RA LANDFILL SUPERFUND SITE on Store Avenue in Waterbury, CT. Workforce implications may include the employment of environmental engineers, geologists, technicians, and construction workers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited number of bidders (2) in a full and open competition could indicate potential market limitations or high barriers to entry for specialized remediation services.
The specific remediation techniques and their long-term effectiveness will be crucial to monitor for successful site closure.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the firm fixed price structure.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, aiming for competitive pricing and best value.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract addresses a critical Superfund site, indicating a commitment to environmental protection.
The contractor, Hydrogeologic, Inc., is likely experienced in environmental remediation services.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation sector is a specialized segment of the broader construction and engineering industry. It involves addressing contamination from hazardous substances and pollutants. The market is driven by regulatory requirements, such as those under the Superfund program, and involves companies with expertise in geology, hydrogeology, chemical engineering, and environmental science. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on the identification of new Superfund sites and the prioritization of cleanup efforts. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the average cost per acre or per cubic yard of contaminated material remediated across similar Superfund projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a specific set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, Hydrogeologic, Inc., may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall project management strategy. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Hydrogeologic, Inc. actively seeks out and engages small business partners for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the awarding agency. The EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting requirements. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Regular progress reports and site inspections are likely components of the oversight process.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Remediation Services
Site Cleanup Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition (2 bidders)
Potential for unforeseen site conditions in landfill remediation
Long contract duration increases exposure to changing conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $15.0 million to HYDROGEOLOGIC, INC.. RES SCOVILL RA LANDFILL SUPERFUND SITE, STORE AVENUE WATERBURY, CT 06705

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HYDROGEOLOGIC, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-18. End: 2027-05-07.

What is the track record of Hydrogeologic, Inc. with the EPA on similar Superfund remediation projects?

Assessing Hydrogeologic, Inc.'s track record with the EPA on similar Superfund remediation projects requires a deep dive into historical contract data. This would involve searching federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards to Hydrogeologic, Inc. specifically for Superfund site cleanups, particularly those involving landfill remediation or groundwater contamination. Key metrics to examine would include contract performance ratings (if available), any instances of contract modifications or disputes, and the successful completion of project objectives within budget and schedule. Understanding their experience with the specific types of contaminants and geological conditions present at the RES SCOVILL RA LANDFILL site would also be crucial. A history of successful, on-time, and on-budget performance on comparable projects would indicate a lower risk profile for this current award.

How does the awarded amount of $14.98 million compare to the average cost of remediating similar Superfund sites?

Comparing the $14.98 million award to the average cost of remediating similar Superfund sites is complex due to the highly variable nature of contamination and site conditions. Superfund sites can range dramatically in size, the type and concentration of contaminants, the geological makeup of the area, and the chosen remediation technologies. A landfill Superfund site in Connecticut could have vastly different cost drivers than a former industrial facility in a different region. To establish a benchmark, one would need to identify comparable sites based on factors like the volume of waste, the extent of groundwater plume, the complexity of the remediation plan (e.g., excavation vs. in-situ treatment), and the duration of the cleanup. Publicly available EPA reports on site remediation costs and case studies could provide some comparative data, but a direct, apples-to-apples comparison is often difficult without detailed site-specific information.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific Superfund site remediation contract?

The primary risks associated with this Superfund site remediation contract include: 1) Unforeseen Site Conditions: Landfill sites, especially older ones, can harbor unexpected hazardous materials, buried utilities, or unstable geological formations that could increase remediation complexity and costs. 2) Technological Challenges: The chosen remediation technologies may encounter unforeseen difficulties in effectively treating the specific contaminants or achieving cleanup standards, potentially leading to delays or the need for alternative, more expensive methods. 3) Regulatory Changes: Evolving environmental regulations or stricter cleanup standards could necessitate modifications to the remediation plan, impacting cost and schedule. 4) Contractor Performance: While competed, there's always a risk that the contractor may not perform to expectations, leading to delays, quality issues, or cost overruns, although the firm fixed price contract offers some protection against cost escalation for the government. 5) Community Relations: Managing community concerns and expectations regarding the cleanup process and its potential impacts can be a significant challenge.

What is the expected effectiveness and long-term impact of the remediation services to be provided?

The expected effectiveness and long-term impact of the remediation services hinge on the specific cleanup goals defined for the RES SCOVILL RA LANDFILL SUPERFUND SITE and the chosen remediation technologies. The ultimate goal of Superfund remediation is to protect human health and the environment by reducing or eliminating the risks posed by hazardous substances. This contract aims to achieve that by addressing contamination at the specified site. The long-term impact will be measured by the successful containment or removal of hazardous materials, the restoration of groundwater quality (if applicable), and the prevention of future exposure pathways. Effectiveness will be evaluated through post-remediation monitoring and site assessments to ensure that cleanup standards are met and remain protective over time. The EPA's Record of Decision (ROD) for this site would detail the specific cleanup objectives and the selected remedies.

How has federal spending on environmental remediation services, particularly Superfund sites, trended over the past five years?

Federal spending on environmental remediation services, including Superfund sites, has generally seen fluctuations influenced by budget appropriations, administration priorities, and the number of sites requiring cleanup. While specific figures for 'environmental remediation services' as a broad category can vary, the Superfund program itself has experienced periods of both increased and decreased funding. Recent years, particularly following infrastructure legislation, have seen renewed focus and potential increases in funding for environmental cleanup initiatives. However, the overall trend is subject to the annual appropriations process. Analyzing historical spending data from agencies like the EPA and the Department of Defense (which also conducts significant remediation) would reveal trends in obligated amounts for remediation contracts. Factors like the aging of industrial infrastructure and increased environmental awareness contribute to sustained demand for these services.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HER123R0002

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11107 SUNSET HILLS RD STE 400, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,976,580

Exercised Options: $14,976,580

Current Obligation: $14,976,580

Actual Outlays: $4,412,810

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH19D0010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline