EPA Awards $4.2M Task Order to Serco Inc. for Superfund Support Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,238,308 ($4.2M)

Contractor: Serco Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2021-03-18

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,961 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER SHALL BE USED FOR ORDERING ESAT CONTRACTOR SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE EPA PROGRAMS THAT ARE MANAGED BY THE REGION 4 SUPERFUND AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION (SEMD). THIS INCLUDES SUPERFUND REMEDIAL, SUPERFUND ENFORCEMENT, SUPERFUND E

Place of Performance

Location: ATHENS, CLARKE County, GEORGIA, 30605

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $4.2 million to SERCO INC for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER SHALL BE USED FOR ORDERING ESAT CONTRACTOR SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE EPA PROGRAMS THAT ARE MANAGED BY THE REGION 4 SUPERFUND AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION (SEMD). THIS INCLUDES SUPERFUND REMEDIAL, SUPERFUND ENFORCEMENT, SUPERFUND E Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Serco Inc. for environmental services supporting EPA's Superfund program. 2. Significant funding allocated for remedial, enforcement, and emergency management activities. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market participation. 4. The contract duration extends over 5 years, indicating long-term program needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The awarded amount of $4.2M over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for specialized environmental support services. Benchmarking against similar EPA Superfund support contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition', which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of qualified contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to address critical environmental cleanup and management needs, aiming for long-term public health and safety benefits.

Public Impact

Supports the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. Addresses critical Superfund sites requiring remediation and emergency response. Ensures continued management and enforcement of environmental regulations. Potential for improved environmental quality in affected regions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial estimates.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical program support.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a vital national environmental program.
Long contract duration allows for stable program execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting environmental consulting and management. Spending in this area is driven by regulatory requirements and the need for specialized expertise in areas like Superfund site cleanup.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses and does not mention small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing this task order. Standard government oversight mechanisms, including contract performance reviews and financial audits, should be in place to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Testing Laboratories and Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may not align with evolving environmental needs.
Potential for scope creep without strict management.
Limited information on specific performance metrics.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $4.2 million to SERCO INC. THIS TASK ORDER SHALL BE USED FOR ORDERING ESAT CONTRACTOR SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE EPA PROGRAMS THAT ARE MANAGED BY THE REGION 4 SUPERFUND AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION (SEMD). THIS INCLUDES SUPERFUND REMEDIAL, SUPERFUND ENFORCEMENT, SUPERFUND E

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SERCO INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-18. End: 2026-07-31.

What specific environmental challenges are being addressed by this task order, and what are the expected outcomes?

This task order supports the EPA Region 4 Superfund and Emergency Management Division (SEMD) by providing contractor services for Superfund remedial actions, enforcement activities, and emergency management. The expected outcomes include progress in cleaning up contaminated sites, enforcing environmental laws, and responding effectively to environmental emergencies, ultimately contributing to improved public health and environmental safety in the affected regions.

How does the pricing structure and duration of this contract mitigate risks associated with long-term environmental projects?

The contract's duration of over five years (March 2021 - July 2026) allows for consistent support and planning for complex, long-term environmental projects. While the provided data doesn't detail the pricing structure (e.g., fixed-price, cost-plus), a labor-hour contract type can offer flexibility. However, it also introduces risk if not closely managed, as costs can escalate. Robust oversight and clear task definitions are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What is the potential impact of Serco Inc.'s services on the effectiveness of the EPA's Superfund program in Region 4?

Serco Inc.'s services are intended to directly enhance the effectiveness of the EPA's Superfund program by providing essential support for remedial activities, enforcement, and emergency management. Their expertise can expedite cleanup processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve response times to environmental incidents. The success of these services will depend on Serco's performance, the clarity of task orders, and the EPA's oversight in achieving program goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HE0421R0014

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12930 WORLDGATE DR STE 600, HERNDON, VA, 20170

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,799,433

Exercised Options: $5,799,433

Current Obligation: $4,238,308

Actual Outlays: $3,656,696

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0121D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline