EPA awards $21.2M for Superfund site remediation, with AECOM Technical Services leading remediation services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,234,581 ($21.2M)

Contractor: AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-08-21

End Date: 2027-01-28

Contract Duration: 890 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WALTON & LONSBURY RA001/RA003 (RES) SUPERFUND SITE

Place of Performance

Location: ATTLEBORO, BRISTOL County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02703

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $21.2 million to AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: WALTON & LONSBURY RA001/RA003 (RES) SUPERFUND SITE Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which incentivizes performance but requires careful oversight. 3. The duration of 890 days indicates a significant, long-term remediation effort. 4. The award amount is substantial, reflecting the complexity and scale of Superfund site cleanup. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 562910 points to specialized hazardous waste management services. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work and the remediation technologies employed. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure means the final cost could vary based on performance. However, the initial award amount of $21.2 million for a Superfund site remediation over nearly three years suggests a significant investment. Comparing this to similar large-scale Superfund cleanups would provide better context for 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 multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 5 bids (implied by 'no': 5) suggests a reasonable level of competition for this specialized remediation service. A competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and service quality.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for environmental cleanup, reducing the risk of overpayment for essential Superfund site remediation services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities impacted by the WALTON & LONSBURY RA001/RA003 (RES) Superfund site, through the cleanup of hazardous environmental conditions. The services delivered involve complex remediation activities to address contamination at the Superfund site. The geographic impact is localized to the specific area of the Superfund site in Massachusetts. This contract supports a specialized workforce in environmental engineering, hazardous waste management, and site remediation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently, as contractor profit is tied to performance metrics.
The long duration of the contract (890 days) increases the risk of unforeseen site conditions or changes in regulatory requirements impacting cost and schedule.
The specific remediation technologies and their effectiveness will be critical to achieving the desired environmental outcomes.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
The contract is for Superfund site remediation, addressing critical environmental protection needs.
The delivery order structure suggests it is part of a pre-competed IDIQ vehicle, potentially streamlining acquisition.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation services sector is a critical component of the broader environmental services industry, which is driven by regulatory compliance and cleanup mandates. Superfund sites, managed under the EPA's Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), represent some of the most complex and costly environmental cleanup projects. Companies in this sector require specialized expertise in hazardous waste management, engineering, and regulatory affairs. Spending in this area is often project-specific and can fluctuate based on the identification and prioritization of new sites and the progression of ongoing cleanups.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Given the specialized nature and scale of Superfund site remediation, large, experienced contractors like AECOM Technical Services are typically best positioned to handle such complex projects. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific delivery order, but larger prime contractors often engage small businesses for specific support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a Cost Plus Award Fee contract, performance metrics and cost controls will be critical areas of oversight to ensure value for money and successful remediation. The EPA's established procurement and contract management processes, potentially including Inspector General reviews, are expected to ensure accountability and transparency.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Remediation Services
CERCLA Contracts
IDIQ Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contract requires diligent oversight to manage costs and ensure performance.
Long contract duration increases exposure to changing site conditions and regulatory requirements.
Effectiveness of specific remediation technologies needs careful monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $21.2 million to AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.. WALTON & LONSBURY RA001/RA003 (RES) SUPERFUND SITE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-21. End: 2027-01-28.

What is the track record of AECOM Technical Services in managing Superfund site cleanups?

AECOM Technical Services, Inc. is a major global provider of professional, technical, and management support services, including extensive experience in environmental remediation. They have a significant history of working on complex environmental projects, including those under the EPA's Superfund program. Their portfolio often includes site investigation, risk assessment, design, and construction of remediation systems for contaminated sites. Specific details on their performance on past Superfund contracts, including cost performance, schedule adherence, and environmental outcomes, would require a deeper dive into EPA contract databases and performance reports. However, their status as a large, established firm suggests they possess the requisite capabilities and experience for such projects.

How does the $21.2 million award compare to typical Superfund remediation contract values?

The $21.2 million award for the WALTON & LONSBURY RA001/RA003 (RES) Superfund site falls within a common range for significant remediation projects. Superfund site cleanups are inherently complex and costly, often involving multi-year efforts and advanced technologies. Contract values can range from a few million dollars for smaller sites or specific tasks to hundreds of millions for extensive, long-term remedial actions at large, heavily contaminated locations. This award suggests a moderately to significantly complex site requiring substantial investment over its contract duration. Benchmarking against similar-sized sites with comparable contamination types and remediation approaches would provide a more precise comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure for Superfund remediation?

The primary risks with a CPAF contract for Superfund remediation revolve around cost control and performance assurance. While CPAF incentivizes contractors to exceed performance standards by offering award fees, it can also lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed meticulously. The 'cost-plus' element means the government reimburses allowable costs, and the 'award fee' is based on subjective performance evaluations. Risks include potential for scope creep, contractor focus on achieving award fee criteria over optimal cost-efficiency, and the need for robust government oversight to ensure fair and accurate performance assessments. For Superfund sites, unforeseen site conditions or evolving regulatory requirements can also complicate cost management under this structure.

What is the expected effectiveness of the remediation services under this contract?

The expected effectiveness of the remediation services hinges on the specific technical approach chosen for the WALTON & LONSBURY RA001/RA003 (RES) Superfund site and the contractor's execution. The EPA selects remedies based on feasibility, effectiveness, cost, and long-term sustainability. AECOM Technical Services, as the selected contractor, will be responsible for implementing the chosen remediation technologies. Effectiveness will be measured by the reduction in contaminant levels to meet regulatory standards, protection of human health and the environment, and long-term site stability. Ongoing monitoring and reporting throughout the contract period will be crucial for assessing progress and ensuring the remediation goals are met.

How has federal spending on environmental remediation services evolved, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on environmental remediation services, particularly through the EPA's Superfund program, has been a consistent but evolving area of government expenditure. Historically, the program has funded cleanups of the nation's most hazardous waste sites. Spending levels can fluctuate based on congressional appropriations, the number of sites prioritized for cleanup, and the complexity of the remedial actions undertaken. This $21.2 million award represents a specific investment within the broader federal commitment to environmental protection and hazardous site cleanup. It fits within the category of site-specific remedial action contracts, which form a significant portion of the Superfund program's operational budget.

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: 68HE0123R0004

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 S GRAND AVE STE 1100, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90071

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,913,530

Exercised Options: $20,913,530

Current Obligation: $21,234,581

Actual Outlays: $18,728,794

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 9

Total Subaward Amount: $16,637,164

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH19D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline