EPA awards $7.4M task order to Tetra Tech for time-critical environmental removal actions in Georgia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,413,411 ($7.4M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2020-05-18

End Date: 2026-07-14

Contract Duration: 2,248 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: INITIATE NEW TIME-CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTIONS BULK FUNDED TASK ORDER UNDER START 5 CONTRACT #68HE0519D0006 (TETRA TECH) TO IMPLEMENT UTILIZING TOLINS. THIS IS SPECIFIC TO SECTION II.A RESPONSE ACTIVITIES AND APPENDIX A (A) SPECIFIC TASK LIST REMOVAL SIT

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30303

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $7.4 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: INITIATE NEW TIME-CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTIONS BULK FUNDED TASK ORDER UNDER START 5 CONTRACT #68HE0519D0006 (TETRA TECH) TO IMPLEMENT UTILIZING TOLINS. THIS IS SPECIFIC TO SECTION II.A RESPONSE ACTIVITIES AND APPENDIX A (A) SPECIFIC TASK LIST REMOVAL SIT Key points: 1. Contract awarded under an existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle, suggesting pre-vetted capabilities. 2. The task order focuses on time-critical removal actions, indicating a need for rapid response to environmental hazards. 3. Pricing is structured as Time and Materials, which can pose risks if not closely managed for scope creep. 4. The contract duration extends over several years, allowing for sustained environmental remediation efforts. 5. Awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighting a focus on environmental protection and compliance. 6. The specific task list in Appendix A will detail the precise nature and scope of the removal activities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $7.4 million award for environmental consulting services appears reasonable given the multi-year duration and the critical nature of removal actions. As a time and materials contract, the ultimate cost will depend on the hours expended and labor rates. Benchmarking against similar EPA environmental remediation contracts would provide further insight into value for money, but the urgency implied by 'time-critical' suggests a premium may be acceptable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This approach generally fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities in Georgia impacted by environmental hazards requiring urgent removal actions. Services delivered include the implementation of time-critical removal actions as specified in the task order. The geographic impact is focused on locations within Georgia where these environmental issues are present. This contract supports the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized environmental technicians and project managers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not diligently monitored for scope and efficiency.
The long contract duration (over 6 years) requires ongoing performance monitoring to ensure continued effectiveness and value.
Reliance on a single IDIQ vehicle (START 5) might limit the pool of potential solutions if specialized expertise beyond the IDIQ scope is needed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a pre-competed IDIQ contract (START 5), suggesting Tetra Tech has already met stringent qualification requirements.
Focus on 'time-critical' actions indicates the contractor is expected to mobilize rapidly, addressing urgent environmental threats.
The EPA's oversight is expected to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and project objectives.

Sector Analysis

Environmental consulting services, particularly those involving emergency response and remediation, are a critical component of the environmental services sector. This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. The market for environmental remediation is driven by regulatory compliance, historical contamination, and disaster response needs. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on environmental incidents and policy priorities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition' and does not specify any small business set-aside. Therefore, there is no direct indication of small business participation through a set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist at the discretion of the prime contractor, Tetra Tech, but are not explicitly mandated by the award details provided.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a task order under an existing IDIQ, the foundational contract likely has established performance metrics and reporting requirements. The EPA's contracting officers and technical monitors will be responsible for ensuring that the work performed aligns with the task order's scope, budget, and schedule. Transparency will be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms and public availability of contract awards.

Related Government Programs

EPA Superfund Program
EPA Emergency Response
Environmental Remediation Services
Hazardous Waste Management Contracts
START Contracts (Superfund Technical Assistance and Response)

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Need for robust government oversight to manage scope and ensure efficiency.
Long contract duration requires sustained performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $7.4 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. INITIATE NEW TIME-CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTIONS BULK FUNDED TASK ORDER UNDER START 5 CONTRACT #68HE0519D0006 (TETRA TECH) TO IMPLEMENT UTILIZING TOLINS. THIS IS SPECIFIC TO SECTION II.A RESPONSE ACTIVITIES AND APPENDIX A (A) SPECIFIC TASK LIST REMOVAL SIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-05-18. End: 2026-07-14.

What is Tetra Tech's track record with the EPA, particularly on similar environmental response contracts?

Tetra Tech, Inc. has a significant history of working with the EPA and other federal agencies on environmental projects. They are a large, established firm with extensive experience in areas such as site assessment, remediation, and emergency response. Their involvement in the START (Superfund Technical Assistance and Response) program, under which this task order was issued, indicates a pre-qualification and demonstrated capability to handle complex environmental challenges. Reviewing their past performance evaluations and contract history with the EPA, especially on other START contracts or similar time-critical removal actions, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability, technical proficiency, and adherence to schedule and budget on comparable projects. Data on past performance, including any awards or penalties, would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the $7.4 million cost compare to similar EPA environmental removal action contracts?

Comparing the $7.4 million cost directly requires access to a database of similar EPA environmental removal action contracts, including their scope, duration, and specific services rendered. However, as a multi-year task order (2020-2026) for 'time-critical removal actions,' the total value suggests a significant undertaking. Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like this one, can vary widely in final cost based on the actual effort expended. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze contracts with similar geographic scope (Georgia), urgency (time-critical), and type of environmental hazard addressed. Factors such as labor rates, equipment usage, and the complexity of the remediation tasks would influence the cost. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively state if $7.4 million represents excellent, fair, or questionable value, but it indicates a substantial investment in addressing environmental issues.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for environmental removal actions?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for environmental removal actions is the potential for cost overruns due to a lack of a fixed ceiling on the total price. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials and equipment used. This structure can incentivize longer project durations or increased labor hours if not managed rigorously. For time-critical removal actions, the urgency might necessitate rapid deployment and less upfront detailed planning, potentially increasing the risk of scope creep or unforeseen challenges that drive up costs. Effective risk mitigation requires strong government oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours and expenses, clear definition of 'hours' and 'materials,' and robust change management processes to control scope.

How effective are EPA's START contracts in addressing urgent environmental threats?

EPA's START (Superfund Technical Assistance and Response) contracts, including the one under which this task order was issued, are specifically designed to provide rapid technical assistance and support for Superfund-related activities, including emergency response and time-critical removal actions. The program's structure aims to ensure that pre-qualified contractors can be mobilized quickly to address environmental threats. The effectiveness of START contracts hinges on several factors: the clarity of task orders, the responsiveness and expertise of the selected contractor, and the EPA's project management and oversight. While the program is intended to be effective for urgent situations, actual success depends on the specific circumstances of each incident and the contractor's performance. Data on the number of successful emergency responses, cleanup times achieved, and cost-effectiveness compared to other contracting mechanisms would provide a more quantitative measure of their effectiveness.

What is the historical spending pattern for environmental consulting services by the EPA?

The EPA consistently allocates significant funding towards environmental consulting services, driven by its broad mandate to protect human health and the environment. Historical spending patterns reveal a substantial and ongoing investment in areas such as site assessment, remediation, regulatory compliance, research, and emergency response. Contracts like the START program represent a portion of this broader spending. Factors influencing historical spending include legislative appropriations, national environmental priorities (e.g., focus on specific pollutants or regions), and the number and severity of environmental incidents requiring federal intervention. Analyzing EPA's budget justifications and contract award databases over several fiscal years would reveal trends in spending across different environmental service categories and identify major contract vehicles and recipients.

What are the implications of awarding a 'time-critical' task order under an existing IDIQ?

Awarding a 'time-critical' task order under an existing IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract, such as the START 5 vehicle, offers several implications. Firstly, it allows for rapid procurement because the foundational IDIQ contract has already undergone a competitive process, establishing pre-qualified vendors. This significantly shortens the time needed to award a task order compared to a new, full solicitation. Secondly, it implies that the required services fall within the scope defined by the IDIQ. For 'time-critical' actions, this means the government can quickly task a pre-vetted contractor to respond to urgent environmental situations. However, it also means the available pool of contractors is limited to those who hold the specific IDIQ. The 'time-critical' nature necessitates swift mobilization and execution, placing a premium on the contractor's readiness and the government's ability to define requirements and provide oversight efficiently.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1955 EVERGREEN BLVD STE 300, DULUTH, GA, 30096

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,413,411

Exercised Options: $7,413,411

Current Obligation: $7,413,411

Actual Outlays: $5,238,824

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $212,000

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0519D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline