EPA Awards $7.5M for Groundwater Treatment System at Mississippi Superfund Site

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,539,423 ($7.5M)

Contractor: Versar-Envirocon JV

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2020-06-29

End Date: 2028-06-28

Contract Duration: 2,921 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Environmental

Official Description: RAF / RES TASK ORDER TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, MONITOR AND MAINTAIN THE GROUNDWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AT THE PICAYUNE WOOD TREATMENT SUPERFUND SITE LOCATED IN THE CITY OF PICAYUNE, PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.

Place of Performance

Location: PICAYUNE, PEARL RIVER County, MISSISSIPPI, 39466

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $7.5 million to VERSAR-ENVIROCON JV for work described as: RAF / RES TASK ORDER TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, MONITOR AND MAINTAIN THE GROUNDWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AT THE PICAYUNE WOOD TREATMENT SUPERFUND SITE LOCATED IN THE CITY OF PICAYUNE, PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Versar-Envirocon JV for long-term environmental remediation. 2. Focus on groundwater treatment at Picayune Wood Treatment Superfund Site. 3. Long duration (8 years) suggests complex, ongoing environmental challenges. 4. Environmental remediation sector is critical for public health and ecological restoration.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7.5M over 8 years is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the scope of work. However, for a Superfund site remediation, this amount appears to be within a reasonable range for comprehensive groundwater treatment, operation, and monitoring.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing as multiple qualified vendors can bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is managed through competitive bidding, aiming for cost-effectiveness in addressing a significant environmental hazard.

Public Impact

Protects local water resources from hazardous contamination. Ensures long-term environmental safety for the Picayune community. Addresses legacy pollution from former wood treatment operations. Supports EPA's mission to clean up hazardous waste sites nationwide.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration may lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting remediation costs.
Reliance on a single JV for an extended period could pose performance risks.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition promotes cost efficiency.
Clear objective to remediate a Superfund site.
Experienced contractor likely selected through competitive process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the environmental remediation sector, specifically focusing on hazardous waste site cleanup. Spending in this area is driven by regulatory requirements and the need to mitigate long-term environmental and health risks, often involving significant, multi-year investments.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to a joint venture (Versar-Envirocon JV) and there is no indication of small business participation in this specific award. Larger, specialized firms often handle complex Superfund site remediation projects.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor meets performance standards, stays within budget, and adheres to environmental regulations throughout the project's lifecycle.

Related Government Programs

Remediation Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (8 years) increases risk of cost escalation and performance drift.
Superfund sites often present complex and unpredictable environmental conditions.
Potential for unforeseen technical challenges impacting remediation effectiveness.
Reliance on a joint venture for an extended period requires careful performance management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $7.5 million to VERSAR-ENVIROCON JV. RAF / RES TASK ORDER TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, MONITOR AND MAINTAIN THE GROUNDWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AT THE PICAYUNE WOOD TREATMENT SUPERFUND SITE LOCATED IN THE CITY OF PICAYUNE, PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VERSAR-ENVIROCON JV.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-29. End: 2028-06-28.

What are the specific performance metrics and milestones for the groundwater treatment system's operation and maintenance?

Detailed performance metrics and milestones are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the groundwater treatment system. These should include quantifiable targets for contaminant removal rates, system uptime, water quality monitoring results, and compliance with regulatory discharge limits. Regular progress reports and independent verification of data will be essential for accountability and to confirm the system is achieving its intended environmental protection goals.

What is the contingency plan for unexpected geological or chemical challenges at the Superfund site?

A comprehensive contingency plan is vital given the inherent uncertainties of Superfund sites. This plan should outline procedures for identifying, assessing, and responding to unforeseen geological formations, unexpected contaminant plumes, or chemical reactions. It should also detail how budget and schedule adjustments will be managed, including pre-approved thresholds for scope changes and a clear process for seeking additional funding or contract modifications if significant deviations from the original plan are required.

How will the long-term effectiveness of the remediation be monitored and verified post-operation?

Post-operation monitoring and verification are crucial for confirming the long-term success of the remediation. This typically involves establishing a long-term monitoring plan with defined sampling frequencies and locations to track groundwater quality trends. Independent third-party assessments or regulatory reviews may be employed to verify that contaminant levels remain below action levels and that the site no longer poses an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.

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: 68HE0420R0011

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6850 VERSAR CTR STE 201, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 22151

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,163,212

Exercised Options: $9,136,650

Current Obligation: $7,539,423

Actual Outlays: $4,455,324

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $412,713

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH19D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline