EPA awards $772,622 contract for Cayuga Groundwater Contamination Remedial Action Oversight to CDM Federal Programs Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $772,622 ($772.6K)

Contractor: CDM Federal Programs Corporation

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-10-01

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,338 days

Daily Burn Rate: $577/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CAYUGA GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION OU 1 AND OU2 - REMEDIAL ACTION OVERSIGHT

Place of Performance

Location: AUBURN, CAYUGA County, NEW YORK, 13021

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $772,622 to CDM FEDERAL PROGRAMS CORPORATION for work described as: CAYUGA GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION OU 1 AND OU2 - REMEDIAL ACTION OVERSIGHT Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in environmental remediation oversight. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these specialized services. 3. The contract duration indicates a long-term commitment to addressing groundwater contamination. 4. Oversight services are critical for ensuring effective and compliant cleanup operations. 5. The chosen contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility in complex projects. 6. Geographic focus on New York highlights regional environmental concerns.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $772,622 for remedial action oversight appears reasonable given the multi-year duration and the complexity of groundwater contamination sites. Benchmarking against similar EPA oversight contracts for Superfund sites would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is common for such services, balancing contractor incentive with project scope flexibility. Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed scope of work, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the overall award seems aligned with typical environmental remediation support.

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 firms were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages a wider pool of contractors to participate. The EPA's use of full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide the necessary expertise for remedial action oversight.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and access to a broader range of innovative solutions. This process helps ensure that the government secures the best value for its investment in environmental cleanup oversight.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and environment of the Cayuga region impacted by groundwater contamination. The contract delivers essential oversight services for the remedial action phase of the cleanup. Geographic impact is concentrated in New York, specifically the Cayuga area. The contract supports specialized technical and project management jobs within the environmental consulting sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely managed.
Ensuring consistent quality of oversight across the multi-year duration requires robust performance monitoring.
Dependency on contractor expertise for critical environmental decision-making.

Positive Signals

Award to CDM Federal Programs Corporation, a known entity in environmental services, suggests established capability.
Full and open competition indicates a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
Long contract duration allows for sustained focus and deep understanding of the remediation process.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation services sector is a critical component of the broader environmental consulting industry, driven by regulatory compliance and the need to address legacy contamination. This contract falls within the remediation services sub-sector, which includes site investigation, cleanup, and long-term monitoring. The market is characterized by specialized firms with expertise in engineering, hydrogeology, and regulatory affairs. Spending in this area is often tied to federal and state environmental programs like Superfund.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While CDM Federal Programs Corporation is the prime contractor, there is potential for subcontracting opportunities for small businesses with specialized environmental services. The extent of small business participation will depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and the availability of qualified small business vendors for specific tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract will be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), likely through designated contracting officers and technical monitors. The EPA's Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations to ensure compliance and prevent fraud. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting requirements for federal spending. The effectiveness of oversight will depend on the rigor of performance reviews and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
RCRA Corrective Actions
Brownfields Program
Water Quality Monitoring Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent monitoring to control costs.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained performance management.
Complexity of groundwater contamination may present unforeseen challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $772,622 to CDM FEDERAL PROGRAMS CORPORATION. CAYUGA GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION OU 1 AND OU2 - REMEDIAL ACTION OVERSIGHT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CDM FEDERAL PROGRAMS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $772,622.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2027-05-31.

What is CDM Federal Programs Corporation's track record with the EPA on similar environmental remediation oversight contracts?

CDM Federal Programs Corporation has a substantial history of working with the EPA and other federal agencies on environmental projects, including remediation oversight. They are a well-established firm with significant experience in areas such as hazardous waste management, site cleanup, and environmental consulting. Their past performance on similar contracts would be a key factor in the EPA's decision-making process for this award. Reviewing their performance history, including any past issues or commendations on federal contracts, provides insight into their reliability and capability to manage complex oversight tasks effectively. This specific contract award suggests a positive assessment of their prior experience and qualifications by the EPA.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated cost or budget for this remedial action oversight?

The awarded amount of $772,622 represents the total value obligated for the duration of the contract, from October 1, 2023, to May 31, 2027. Without access to the EPA's internal cost estimates or the specific details of the work required, it is difficult to definitively state how this compares to the budget. However, the contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives the final award price towards the lower end of acceptable bids. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the final cost could vary based on actual labor and other direct costs incurred, plus a fixed fee. A detailed comparison would require analyzing the proposed labor rates, hours, and overhead applied by CDM Federal Programs Corporation against EPA's benchmarks for similar services.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of remedial action oversight contract?

Key risks include potential scope creep, where the oversight requirements expand beyond the initial definition, leading to increased costs and schedule delays. Another risk is the contractor's ability to maintain consistent quality and vigilance over the multi-year duration, ensuring that the remedial actions are performed effectively and in compliance with regulations. Technical risks related to unforeseen site conditions or complexities in the remediation process could also impact the oversight requirements. Furthermore, ensuring adequate communication and coordination between the EPA, the responsible parties performing the cleanup, and the oversight contractor is crucial to mitigate risks. The CPFF contract type itself carries a risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently.

What is the expected effectiveness of the remedial action oversight provided by this contract?

The effectiveness of the oversight is expected to ensure that the remedial actions at the Cayuga Groundwater Contamination site are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the approved work plans and regulatory requirements. The contractor will likely monitor site activities, review technical reports, verify compliance, and provide recommendations to the EPA. This ensures that the cleanup objectives are met, protecting human health and the environment. The multi-year duration suggests a commitment to thorough oversight throughout the critical phases of the remedial action. Success will be measured by the progress towards site closure and the achievement of cleanup standards.

What has been the historical spending trend for remedial action oversight by the EPA in New York?

Historical spending by the EPA on remedial action oversight in New York, particularly for sites like Cayuga, is generally substantial and driven by the number and complexity of Superfund and other contaminated sites within the state. New York has a significant number of legacy contamination issues requiring long-term management. While specific figures for 'remedial action oversight' as a distinct category can be difficult to isolate from overall Superfund program expenditures, the EPA consistently allocates significant resources to ensure the proper execution of cleanup activities. Trends are influenced by federal budget allocations, the pace of site cleanups, and regulatory changes. This contract represents a portion of that ongoing investment in environmental protection within the state.

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 › ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROTECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HE0223R0017

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10560 ARROWHEAD DR STE 500, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,004,736

Exercised Options: $772,622

Current Obligation: $772,622

Actual Outlays: $285,952

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0318D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline