EPA Awards $4.4M Task Order for Remediation Support at Anniston OU1 & OU2 to Hydrogeologic, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $444,746 ($444.7K)

Contractor: Hydrogeologic, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2021-03-30

End Date: 2028-09-28

Contract Duration: 2,739 days

Daily Burn Rate: $162/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DES CONTRACT - NEW TASK ORDER- THIS IS A REQUEST TO INITIATE A NEW TASK ORDER TO PROVIDE RD SUPPORT DURING RA AT ANNISTON OU1 & OU2

Place of Performance

Location: TALLADEGA, TALLADEGA County, ALABAMA, 35160

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $444,746.19 to HYDROGEOLOGIC, INC. for work described as: DES CONTRACT - NEW TASK ORDER- THIS IS A REQUEST TO INITIATE A NEW TASK ORDER TO PROVIDE RD SUPPORT DURING RA AT ANNISTON OU1 & OU2 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical environmental remediation support services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is substantial, spanning nearly 7.5 years. 4. Focus on environmental protection aligns with agency mission.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a cost-plus-no-fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking per-unit costs is difficult without more detailed service breakdowns.

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 promotes competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential environmental cleanup, which has long-term public health and ecological benefits, though the cost-plus structure warrants monitoring.

Public Impact

Ensures continued cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Supports environmental restoration and public health protection in Alabama. Long-term contract provides stability for remediation efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-no-fee structure requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Long contract duration may not reflect current market conditions or evolving remediation needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses critical environmental remediation needs.
Long-term commitment to site cleanup.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Remediation sector, which is crucial for addressing legacy pollution and ensuring public safety. Spending in this area is often driven by regulatory requirements and the need for long-term site management.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The cost-plus-no-fee structure necessitates strong government oversight to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds and adherence to project scope. Regular performance reviews and cost tracking are essential.

Related Government Programs

Remediation Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-no-fee structure
Long contract duration
Potential for cost overruns
Limited visibility into subcontractor participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $444,746.19 to HYDROGEOLOGIC, INC.. DES CONTRACT - NEW TASK ORDER- THIS IS A REQUEST TO INITIATE A NEW TASK ORDER TO PROVIDE RD SUPPORT DURING RA AT ANNISTON OU1 & OU2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HYDROGEOLOGIC, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $444,746.19.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-30. End: 2028-09-28.

What is the estimated total cost per year for this task order, and how does it compare to similar remediation contracts?

The total award amount is $4,447,461.90 over approximately 2739 days (7.5 years). This averages to roughly $1.6 million per year. Direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging without detailed service breakdowns and specific site complexities. However, this annual figure provides a baseline for evaluating cost-effectiveness against industry benchmarks for environmental remediation services.

What are the primary risks associated with the cost-plus-no-fee contract type in this environmental remediation context?

The primary risk with a cost-plus-no-fee (CPNF) contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee (in this case, zero fee). While the lack of a fee might incentivize efficiency, it doesn't eliminate the risk of inflated costs if government oversight is insufficient. Unforeseen site conditions or scope creep can significantly increase expenses.

How effectively does this long-term task order ensure the successful and timely completion of environmental remediation goals?

The long duration (nearly 7.5 years) provides continuity and stability for complex, long-term remediation projects, which is generally positive for effectiveness. It allows for phased approaches and adaptation to evolving site conditions. However, effectiveness also depends on robust project management, clear performance metrics, and diligent oversight to ensure progress and prevent complacency over the extended period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation 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

Solicitation ID: 68HE0421R0006

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11107 SUNSET HILLS RD STE 400, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $948,774

Exercised Options: $682,781

Current Obligation: $444,746

Actual Outlays: $143,268

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0318D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline