EPA Awards $5.06M for Torch Lake Drum Removal Pilot Study to EA Engineering

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,059,266 ($5.1M)

Contractor: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-06-20

End Date: 2025-07-31

Contract Duration: 406 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SUPERFUND AND GREAT LAKES ARCHITECT & ENGINEERING SERVICES (SFGLAES) - TORCH LAKE DRUM REMOVAL PILOT STUDY

Place of Performance

Location: HOUGHTON, HOUGHTON County, MICHIGAN, 49931

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $5.1 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: SUPERFUND AND GREAT LAKES ARCHITECT & ENGINEERING SERVICES (SFGLAES) - TORCH LAKE DRUM REMOVAL PILOT STUDY Key points: 1. The EPA is investing $5.06 million in a pilot study for drum removal at Torch Lake. 2. EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC secured the contract. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. This initiative falls under Remediation Services within the Environmental Protection Agency. 5. The project aims to address environmental concerns at the Superfund site.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.06 million for a pilot study appears reasonable given the specialized nature of Superfund site remediation. Benchmarking against similar environmental cleanup pilot projects would provide further context, but the fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded through 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating a competitive process but with specific criteria or limitations that may have narrowed the field. This method aims to ensure fair pricing while potentially focusing on specialized expertise.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical environmental cleanup pilot, aiming for long-term cost savings by addressing contamination effectively.

Public Impact

Addresses environmental contamination at a Superfund site, potentially improving public health and ecosystem quality. Pilot study approach allows for testing and refining methods before larger-scale remediation efforts. Supports specialized environmental engineering services, contributing to the remediation industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition method could potentially impact price discovery.
Pilot study scope may not fully represent long-term remediation costs.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical environmental remediation needs.
Utilizes a pilot study to optimize future remediation strategies.
Awarded to a firm with specialized environmental expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Remediation sector, specifically focusing on Superfund sites. Spending in this area is driven by regulatory requirements and the need to address legacy pollution, with costs varying significantly based on site complexity and remediation technology.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, which is a public benefit corporation. Analysis of small business participation or subcontracting is not directly available from the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the awarding and contracting agency, responsible for overseeing the execution of this pilot study to ensure it meets environmental standards and project objectives.

Related Government Programs

Remediation Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition impacting price.
Environmental risks during drum handling.
Unforeseen site conditions.
Cost overruns on pilot study scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $5.1 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. SUPERFUND AND GREAT LAKES ARCHITECT & ENGINEERING SERVICES (SFGLAES) - TORCH LAKE DRUM REMOVAL PILOT STUDY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-20. End: 2025-07-31.

What is the expected outcome of this pilot study in terms of drum removal efficiency and cost-effectiveness?

The pilot study is expected to evaluate the effectiveness of specific drum removal techniques in the unique conditions of the Torch Lake site. Key outcomes will include data on removal rates, potential environmental impacts during the process, and preliminary cost estimates. This information will inform decisions on whether to proceed with full-scale remediation and which methods are most suitable, ultimately aiming for a cost-effective and environmentally sound cleanup.

What are the primary risks associated with this drum removal pilot study, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include potential environmental releases during drum handling, unforeseen site conditions impacting removal efficiency, and cost overruns. Mitigation strategies likely involve stringent safety protocols, detailed site assessments, contingency planning, and the firm-fixed-price contract structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively. The pilot nature itself serves as a risk mitigation tool by testing methods on a smaller scale.

How does this pilot study contribute to the long-term effectiveness of the Superfund cleanup at Torch Lake?

This pilot study is crucial for the long-term effectiveness of the Superfund cleanup by providing empirical data on the feasibility and efficiency of drum removal techniques. It allows the EPA to validate or refine remediation strategies before committing to a larger, more expensive phase. Successful outcomes can lead to optimized cleanup plans, reduced environmental risks, and potentially lower overall remediation costs for the entire Torch Lake site.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HE0524R0011

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 SCHILLING CIRCLE, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,059,266

Exercised Options: $5,059,266

Current Obligation: $5,059,266

Actual Outlays: $5,062,704

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $3,761,235

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0523D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline