EPA awards $23.2M contract for Jefferson County mining site cleanup, focusing on residential yards

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,225,727 ($23.2M)

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

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-09-26

End Date: 2027-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,526 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: Other

Official Description: R7 RES SOUTHWEST JEFFERSON COUNTY MINING SITE OU1 RESIDENTIAL YARDS REMEDIAL ACTION 02

Place of Performance

Location: LENEXA, JOHNSON County, KANSAS, 66219

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $23.2 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: R7 RES SOUTHWEST JEFFERSON COUNTY MINING SITE OU1 RESIDENTIAL YARDS REMEDIAL ACTION 02 Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in environmental remediation for the region. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this specialized service. 3. Performance risk is moderate, given the fixed-price incentive structure and multi-year duration. 4. The contract addresses a critical environmental need, prioritizing public health in affected residential areas. 5. This award positions EA Engineering as a key player in EPA's Superfund remediation efforts. 6. The project's success hinges on effective management of remediation activities and stakeholder engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23.2 million for remediation services appears reasonable for a multi-year Superfund site cleanup. Benchmarking against similar large-scale environmental remediation projects managed by the EPA indicates that costs can vary widely based on site complexity, contamination levels, and geographic location. Without specific details on the scope of work for these residential yards, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price incentive contract type suggests an effort to control costs while incentivizing efficient performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified contractors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderately competitive environment for this specialized remediation service. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical approaches, but even two bidders can drive down costs compared to a sole-source award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a full and open competition as it generally leads to more cost-effective solutions and ensures that the government receives the best value for its investment in environmental cleanup.

Public Impact

Residents in Jefferson County, Kansas, particularly those in affected residential yards, will benefit from the cleanup of contaminated soil and environmental hazards. The primary service delivered is remedial action, aimed at reducing exposure risks and restoring the environmental quality of the affected areas. The geographic impact is focused on specific residential yards within the Jefferson County mining site's Operable Unit 1 (OU1) in Kansas. This contract supports specialized environmental remediation jobs, potentially involving local and regional technical expertise in hazardous waste management and site restoration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise, despite the incentive structure.
Ensuring timely completion within the fixed-price incentive framework requires diligent project management.
Effectiveness of remediation techniques in diverse residential yard settings needs careful monitoring.
Coordination with local authorities and residents is crucial for successful site access and community relations.

Positive Signals

The fixed-price incentive contract structure encourages cost efficiency and performance.
Awarding to a single contractor streamlines management and accountability for the remediation effort.
The multi-year duration allows for sustained focus and completion of complex remediation tasks.
The EPA's oversight is expected to ensure adherence to environmental standards and project goals.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation sector is a critical component of the broader environmental services industry, driven by regulatory compliance and the need to address legacy contamination. This contract falls within the remediation services sub-sector, which includes activities like hazardous waste site cleanup, soil and groundwater remediation, and demolition. The market is characterized by specialized firms with expertise in engineering, geology, and environmental science. Spending in this area is often tied to government programs like the EPA's Superfund, which addresses the nation's most contaminated sites.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no explicit indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The primary contractor, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, is a large business. The absence of set-aside provisions means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract may be limited unless they are sought out as subcontractors by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms likely include regular progress reports, site inspections, and performance reviews to ensure compliance with contract terms and environmental regulations. Accountability is managed through the contract's performance metrics and the fixed-price incentive structure. Transparency is generally maintained through public dockets for Superfund sites and contract award announcements, though specific details of remediation activities may be subject to proprietary or sensitive information.

Related Government Programs

EPA Superfund Program
Hazardous Waste Site Remediation
Environmental Consulting Services
Remedial Action Contracts
Federal Environmental Cleanup Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unforeseen site conditions impacting cost and schedule.
Ensuring long-term effectiveness of remediation in residential settings.
Managing community relations and resident access throughout the project.
Adherence to evolving environmental regulations during the contract period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $23.2 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. R7 RES SOUTHWEST JEFFERSON COUNTY MINING SITE OU1 RESIDENTIAL YARDS REMEDIAL ACTION 02

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 $23.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-26. End: 2027-11-30.

What is the specific nature of the contamination at the Jefferson County mining site OU1 residential yards?

The provided data does not specify the exact contaminants present in the residential yards of the Jefferson County mining site OU1. However, given the context of a 'mining site,' common contaminants could include heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic, cadmium), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), or radioactive materials, depending on the type of mining operations previously conducted. The EPA's Remedial Investigation (RI) phase for Superfund sites typically identifies the nature and extent of contamination. The remedial action contract awarded to EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, will focus on addressing the identified contamination to reduce risks to human health and the environment.

How does the $23.2 million contract value compare to other EPA remediation projects of similar scope?

Comparing the $23.2 million contract value requires understanding the scope and complexity of the work. Remedial actions for Superfund sites can range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Projects involving residential yards often focus on soil excavation and replacement, which can be labor-intensive and require careful management of logistics and community relations. Without detailed site-specific information (e.g., acreage affected, depth of contamination, specific contaminants, remediation technologies employed), a direct comparison is challenging. However, for a multi-year cleanup of contaminated residential areas within a larger mining site, $23.2 million represents a substantial but not necessarily outlier investment, reflecting the EPA's commitment to addressing public health risks.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate EA Engineering's performance under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, under a Fixed Price Incentive (FPI) contract, performance is typically evaluated based on achieving specific milestones, meeting quality standards for the remediation work, adhering to safety protocols, and managing costs within the target range. The 'incentive' aspect suggests that the contractor may receive a higher profit or fee if they perform above certain targets (e.g., cost savings, faster completion) or face penalties if performance falls short. The EPA will likely monitor progress through regular reporting, site inspections, and potentially independent verification of cleanup effectiveness.

What is EA Engineering's track record with the EPA on similar environmental remediation projects?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC has a history of working with the EPA and other federal agencies on environmental projects. While specific details of their past performance on Superfund sites or similar remediation efforts are not in the provided data, their selection for this significant contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and past performance record deemed acceptable by the EPA. Companies in this sector often build a portfolio of successful projects, demonstrating their capability in areas like site assessment, risk management, and the execution of complex cleanup operations under various contract types.

What are the potential risks associated with the long duration (1526 days) of this contract?

The 1526-day (approximately 4.2 years) duration of this contract presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's the risk of escalating costs due to inflation over the contract period, although the fixed-price nature aims to mitigate this for the government. Secondly, changes in environmental regulations or scientific understanding during the project's lifespan could necessitate modifications to the remediation plan, potentially leading to scope creep or delays. Thirdly, maintaining consistent project oversight and contractor performance over such an extended period requires sustained effort from the EPA. Finally, long-term projects can face challenges in retaining key personnel and maintaining momentum, which could impact efficiency and effectiveness.

How will the success of the remediation efforts be measured and verified?

The success of the remediation efforts will be measured and verified through a combination of methods typically employed by the EPA. This includes comparing post-remediation environmental sampling results against established cleanup standards and regulatory requirements. Verification often involves independent third-party assessments, review of the contractor's detailed work plans and final reports, and potentially long-term monitoring to ensure the remedy remains protective. The EPA's project managers and technical experts will oversee the verification process, ensuring that the contractor has effectively removed or contained the contaminants to acceptable levels, thereby reducing risks to residents and 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: 68HE0723R0044

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 SCHILLING CIR STE 400, 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: $31,162,622

Exercised Options: $23,225,727

Current Obligation: $23,225,727

Actual Outlays: $14,662,999

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $6,208,120

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH19D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline