EPA awards $221K for environmental lab support, with competition indicating potential value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $221,198 ($221.2K)

Contractor: Serco Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2021-03-29

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,950 days

Daily Burn Rate: $113/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REGION 7 LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE TEAMS (ESAT) WATER PROGRAM SUPPORT PER THE ATTACHED STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Place of Performance

Location: KANSAS CITY, WYANDOTTE County, KANSAS, 66101

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $221,197.53 to SERCO INC for work described as: REGION 7 LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE TEAMS (ESAT) WATER PROGRAM SUPPORT PER THE ATTACHED STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) Key points: 1. Contract value appears modest, suggesting a focused scope of work. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, which typically fosters competitive pricing. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. Contract duration extends over several years, implying a need for sustained support. 5. The specific NAICS code points to specialized testing laboratory services. 6. The award is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $221,197.53 for environmental laboratory services over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for specialized support. Without direct benchmarks for similar ESAT water program support contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can incentivize efficiency. The modest total value suggests a well-defined and potentially limited scope, which could contribute to cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This method generally leads to a wider pool of potential bidders and encourages competitive pricing. The number of bidders is not specified, but the use of this procurement method suggests that the agency sought to maximize competition and achieve the best possible value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring that government funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from specialized laboratory services to support its environmental monitoring and compliance efforts. The contract ensures the availability of technical expertise for water program support, contributing to environmental protection. Services are likely concentrated in Kansas (ST: KS, SN: KANSAS), supporting regional environmental initiatives. The contract supports specialized scientific and technical roles within the environmental services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess contractor performance beyond adherence to the SOW.
The duration of the contract (nearly 4 years) could lead to complacency if not actively managed.
Potential for scope creep if the Statement of Work is not rigidly defined and enforced.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a commitment to achieving competitive pricing and value.
The firm-fixed-price contract type effectively transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The award is for a specific, defined service (ESAT Water Program Support), indicating a focused need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' sector (NAICS 541380), a segment of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise in analysis, measurement, and testing across various domains, including environmental science. The market size for environmental testing services is substantial, driven by regulatory compliance, research, and industrial needs. This specific contract appears to be a niche requirement within the EPA's broader environmental monitoring and enforcement activities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (SB: false, SS: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from set-aside requirements. However, the prime contractor, Serco Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors if it aligns with their overall subcontracting plan, though this is not mandated by the contract terms.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically the contracting officer and program managers responsible for the Region 7 ESAT Water Program. Accountability is established through the firm-fixed-price contract terms and the Statement of Work, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally facilitated by federal contract databases, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

EPA Environmental Monitoring Programs
Water Quality Testing Contracts
Environmental Laboratory Services
Federal Scientific Support Contracts
Region 7 EPA Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Potential for Scope Creep
Limited Public Performance Data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $221,197.53 to SERCO INC. REGION 7 LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE TEAMS (ESAT) WATER PROGRAM SUPPORT PER THE ATTACHED STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

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 $221,197.53.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-29. End: 2026-07-31.

What is Serco Inc.'s track record with the EPA and similar environmental service contracts?

Serco Inc. has a significant history of contracting with various U.S. federal agencies, including the EPA. Their portfolio often includes a wide range of services, from IT and logistics to scientific and technical support. For environmental services specifically, Serco has been involved in contracts related to environmental compliance, remediation, and data management. A detailed review of their past performance with the EPA, particularly on contracts with similar scopes to the ESAT Water Program Support, would be necessary to fully assess their suitability and historical success rate. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any contract disputes or terminations, and their ability to meet technical and schedule requirements on previous EPA engagements.

How does the $221,197.53 contract value compare to similar environmental laboratory support contracts awarded by the EPA or other agencies?

The contract value of $221,197.53 for approximately 5 years of support is relatively modest, especially for a federal contract. This suggests a focused scope of work, potentially for a specific region or a limited set of services within the ESAT Water Program. Comparable contracts could range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the scale, duration, complexity, and geographic coverage. For instance, larger EPA contracts might involve nationwide monitoring, extensive field sampling, or complex analytical testing requiring significant resources and personnel. Without more specific details on the SOW, it's difficult to provide precise benchmarks, but this award appears to be for specialized, targeted support rather than broad-scale environmental services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential underperformance by the contractor (Serco Inc.), scope creep beyond the defined Statement of Work (SOW), and potential cost inefficiencies if not managed tightly. Underperformance risk is mitigated by the firm-fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to meet requirements efficiently to maintain profitability. The EPA's oversight, including contract management and performance monitoring, is crucial. Scope creep is managed by clearly defining the SOW and adhering strictly to it, with any changes requiring formal modification. Cost inefficiencies are mitigated by the fixed-price nature and competitive bidding process, which should have established a reasonable price point. The duration of the contract also presents a risk of evolving needs or technological changes, which would require proactive contract management.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' method in ensuring value for this specific type of environmental support service?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for services like environmental laboratory support, as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing. By allowing all responsible sources to bid, the EPA can leverage market forces to obtain the best possible price and technical solution. This method is particularly valuable for specialized services where multiple qualified contractors may exist. The effectiveness is further enhanced if the SOW is clearly defined, allowing bidders to accurately price their proposals. While this method doesn't guarantee the lowest price, it creates a strong incentive for bidders to offer competitive terms to win the contract, ultimately benefiting taxpayers.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar environmental laboratory support services by the EPA?

Historical spending patterns for EPA environmental laboratory support services can vary significantly based on program needs, regulatory changes, and funding appropriations. Agencies like the EPA often award numerous contracts for laboratory services, ranging from routine testing to highly specialized research and development support. Spending can fluctuate year-to-year, influenced by major environmental initiatives, compliance requirements, and budget cycles. Analyzing historical data for NAICS code 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) awarded by the EPA would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and types of services procured. This specific contract's value appears modest compared to potentially larger, multi-year contracts for broader environmental monitoring or remediation projects.

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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $340,115

Exercised Options: $340,115

Current Obligation: $221,198

Actual Outlays: $124,348

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