EPA awards $678K remedial technical assistance contract to Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $769,598 ($769.6K)

Contractor: Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2025-03-21

End Date: 2026-09-21

Contract Duration: 549 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FISCHER & PORTER (0308) OU01 $678,099.83 CONTRACT: REMEDIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT (RTAC), POC: JOSH CROOKS 215-814-2386

Place of Performance

Location: MALVERN, CHESTER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19355

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $769,598.41 to BLUESTONE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC. for work described as: FISCHER & PORTER (0308) OU01 $678,099.83 CONTRACT: REMEDIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT (RTAC), POC: JOSH CROOKS 215-814-2386 Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for remedial technical assistance, indicating a need for specialized environmental consulting services. 3. The duration of 549 days suggests a medium-term project requiring sustained support. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the agency. 5. The contract is a BPA Call, implying it's an order against a pre-existing Blanket Purchase Agreement. 6. The contract is being performed in Pennsylvania, indicating a specific geographic focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $678,099.83 for approximately 18 months of remedial technical assistance appears reasonable given the specialized nature of environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for environmental remediation support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure offers cost control. Without specific deliverables or scope details, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the price seems within a plausible range for such services.

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 a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The agency's choice of full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified contractors for this type of specialized environmental service.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and access to a wider range of innovative solutions. This approach ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, thereby promoting efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from this contract by securing expert assistance for environmental remediation projects. The contract delivers specialized technical consulting services crucial for addressing environmental contamination and cleanup efforts. Services are likely to be delivered within Pennsylvania, impacting local environmental conditions and potentially public health in that region. The contract supports the environmental consulting sector, potentially involving skilled environmental scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the number of bidders limits the assessment of competitive intensity.
The exact scope of 'remedial technical assistance' is not detailed, making it difficult to fully assess performance expectations.
No information is provided on past performance of Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc. for similar EPA contracts.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad market search.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
The contract is a BPA Call, suggesting it leverages an existing, potentially pre-vetted, agreement.

Sector Analysis

The environmental consulting services sector is a significant market driven by regulatory compliance, remediation needs, and sustainability initiatives. This contract falls within the broader environmental services industry, which includes areas like site assessment, remediation design, and technical support. The EPA is a major client for such services, frequently engaging contractors for complex environmental projects. Spending in this sector is often influenced by federal and state environmental regulations and the need to address legacy contamination sites.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the best value through full and open competition, rather than specifically targeting small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc. has a history of subcontracting with small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including program management reviews and financial audits. The contract's performance will likely be monitored by the Point of Contact, Josh Crooks. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and public reporting, though specific performance metrics are often internal.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Remedial Program
RCRA Corrective Action
Brownfields Program
Environmental Consulting Services
Remedial Action Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Contractor performance risk
Lack of detailed competition metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $769,598.41 to BLUESTONE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC.. FISCHER & PORTER (0308) OU01 $678,099.83 CONTRACT: REMEDIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT (RTAC), POC: JOSH CROOKS 215-814-2386

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLUESTONE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $769,598.41.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-21. End: 2026-09-21.

What is the track record of Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc. with the EPA or similar agencies for remedial technical assistance?

Information regarding Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc.'s specific track record with the EPA or similar agencies for remedial technical assistance is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous projects. Without this data, it is difficult to gauge their experience level and reliability for this specific contract. Further research into federal procurement databases and agency performance reports would be necessary to establish a baseline of their past performance and suitability for this role.

How does the awarded amount of $678,099.83 compare to similar remedial technical assistance contracts awarded by the EPA?

The awarded amount of $678,099.83 for remedial technical assistance over approximately 18 months (549 days) needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts to assess its value. Factors such as the complexity of the remediation, the specific technical services required, and the geographic location can influence pricing. Without access to a database of similar EPA contracts, including their scope, duration, and final cost, a precise comparison is challenging. However, for specialized environmental consulting, this figure appears to be within a reasonable range, assuming the scope of work is substantial but not exceptionally complex or lengthy.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract could include scope creep, where the project's requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is the potential for underperformance by the contractor, failing to deliver the required technical expertise. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. Mitigation for performance risks would typically involve clear performance standards, regular progress reviews, and the EPA's ability to withhold payment or terminate the contract for non-compliance. The specific mitigation strategies employed by the EPA for this contract are not detailed.

What is the expected effectiveness of the services provided under this contract in achieving environmental remediation goals?

The expected effectiveness of the services hinges on the quality of the technical assistance provided by Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc. and the clarity of the EPA's objectives. Remedial technical assistance typically involves expert analysis, guidance on cleanup strategies, and support in navigating regulatory requirements. If the contractor provides sound scientific and engineering advice, and the EPA effectively implements this guidance, the services should contribute positively to achieving environmental remediation goals. However, the ultimate effectiveness depends on the specific site conditions, the chosen remediation technologies, and the overall project management by the EPA.

What are the historical spending patterns of the EPA for environmental consulting services, and how does this contract fit within that pattern?

The EPA historically spends significant amounts on environmental consulting services to support its various programs, including Superfund, RCRA, and other cleanup initiatives. Annual spending can fluctuate based on program priorities, available funding, and the number and scale of active remediation projects. This $678K contract, awarded as a BPA Call, suggests it is part of a larger framework for procuring such services. It represents a moderate investment for a specific technical assistance need, fitting within the EPA's ongoing operational expenditures for environmental management and remediation support.

What is the significance of this contract being a BPA Call rather than a standalone contract?

This contract being a BPA Call signifies that it is an order placed against a pre-existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). BPAs are established with vendors to streamline the procurement of recurring or anticipated needs, often for supplies or services. Using a BPA Call can expedite the contracting process, potentially offer better pricing through pre-negotiated terms, and simplify administrative tasks. It implies that Bluestone Environmental Group, Inc. was previously selected through a competitive process to be a vendor under an overarching BPA, and this specific task order represents a defined scope of work within that agreement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting 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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 301 LINDENWOOD DR #102, MALVERN, PA, 19355

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $769,598

Exercised Options: $769,598

Current Obligation: $769,598

Actual Outlays: $291,753

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0324A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline