EPA awards $24M to A&M Engineering for Tri-State Mining District cleanup, a significant remediation effort

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,036,334 ($24.0M)

Contractor: A and M Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-09-22

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 1,227 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: R7 ORONOGO-DUENWEG MINING BELT, OPERABLE UNIT 1 REMEDIAL ACTION, TRI-STATE MINING DISTRICT.

Place of Performance

Location: JOPLIN, JASPER County, MISSOURI, 64801

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $24.0 million to A AND M ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC for work described as: R7 ORONOGO-DUENWEG MINING BELT, OPERABLE UNIT 1 REMEDIAL ACTION, TRI-STATE MINING DISTRICT. Key points: 1. The contract value of $24 million for remediation services appears substantial, warranting a close look at the scope and deliverables to ensure value. 2. Competition was conducted under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' suggesting a potentially complex procurement process that may have limited initial bidders. 3. The contract duration of 1227 days (over 3 years) indicates a long-term commitment to a complex environmental challenge. 4. The fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government, but requires careful management to ensure the contractor meets all performance requirements. 5. This award falls within the 'Remediation Services' category, a critical area for environmental protection and public health. 6. The geographic focus on the Tri-State Mining District highlights the contract's role in addressing specific regional environmental concerns.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $24 million for the R7 ORONOGO-DUENWEG MINING BELT, OPERABLE UNIT 1 REMEDIAL ACTION is a significant investment. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale environmental remediation projects is crucial to assess value for money. Without specific details on the scope of work, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but the amount suggests a complex and extensive cleanup operation. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost predictability, but the ultimate value will depend on the successful and complete remediation of the site.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This procurement method indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources may have been excluded, potentially limiting the number of bidders. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but this approach can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing compared to truly unrestricted full and open competition. Further investigation into the exclusion criteria would be beneficial.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'limited' competition level, stemming from the exclusion of sources, may have resulted in a higher price for taxpayers than if a broader range of bidders had been considered. It also raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the initial bidding pool.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the residents and environment of the Tri-State Mining District, particularly in Missouri, who will experience improved environmental conditions. The contract will deliver critical remedial action services for Operable Unit 1 of the R7 ORONOGO-DUENWEG MINING BELT. The geographic impact is concentrated in the Tri-State Mining District, a region historically affected by mining operations. Workforce implications may include the creation of specialized jobs in environmental engineering, remediation, and project management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.
The long contract duration (1227 days) increases the risk of scope creep or unforeseen cost escalations if not managed meticulously.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it challenging to assess the contractor's past performance or potential risks.
The specific nature of 'Remediation Services' can involve complex technical challenges and potential environmental risks that require robust oversight.

Positive Signals

The award to A AND M ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. suggests they possess the necessary expertise for this complex environmental task.
The use of a Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget certainty for the Environmental Protection Agency.
The contract addresses a specific, identified environmental issue (Operable Unit 1 Remedial Action), indicating a focused approach to problem-solving.
The long duration allows for thorough and potentially more effective remediation, rather than a rushed, potentially incomplete job.

Sector Analysis

The environmental remediation sector is a critical component of the broader environmental services industry, focused on cleaning up contaminated sites. This contract falls under the 'Remediation Services' NAICS code (562910). The market for environmental remediation is driven by regulatory requirements, historical industrial activity, and increasing public awareness of environmental health. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on the scale and complexity of contamination, with large-scale Superfund site cleanups representing substantial investments. This contract appears to be a significant award within this specialized niche.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this contract, as 'sb' is false and 'ss' is false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. This suggests that the prime contractor, A AND M ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC., is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses may be limited to potential lower-tier subcontracts, if any are planned.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be primarily managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the awarding agency. As a federal contract, it is subject to standard government oversight mechanisms, including contract performance monitoring, financial audits, and compliance reviews. The specific details of oversight, such as reporting requirements and inspection protocols, would be outlined in the contract itself. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
RCRA Corrective Action
Brownfields Program
Defense Environmental Remediation
DOE Environmental Cleanup

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Long Contract Duration Risk
Potential for Unforeseen Site Conditions
Complexity of Remediation Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $24.0 million to A AND M ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. R7 ORONOGO-DUENWEG MINING BELT, OPERABLE UNIT 1 REMEDIAL ACTION, TRI-STATE MINING DISTRICT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is A AND M ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-22. End: 2027-01-31.

What is the specific scope of work for the R7 ORONOGO-DUENWEG MINING BELT, OPERABLE UNIT 1 REMEDIAL ACTION?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of work. However, the contract title 'R7 ORONOGO-DUENWEG MINING BELT, OPERABLE UNIT 1 REMEDIAL ACTION' suggests the project involves cleaning up a designated area (Operable Unit 1) within the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt. Remedial actions typically include containment, removal, or treatment of hazardous substances to reduce risks to human health and the environment. This could involve excavation of contaminated soil, groundwater treatment, or long-term monitoring, depending on the nature and extent of the contamination identified at the site.

How does the $24 million contract value compare to similar environmental remediation projects managed by the EPA?

The $24 million contract value is substantial and indicative of a significant environmental remediation effort. Large-scale Superfund site cleanups or complex industrial site remediations managed by the EPA can range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Without knowing the specific contaminants, the size of the affected area, and the required remediation technologies for Operable Unit 1, a direct comparison is difficult. However, this award falls within the typical range for major environmental cleanup actions undertaken by the agency, suggesting a project of considerable scope and complexity.

What were the reasons for excluding certain sources in the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' procurement method?

The specific reasons for excluding sources in this procurement are not detailed in the provided data. This procurement method, often referred to as 'Other than Full and Open Competition' (or a variation thereof), is typically used when specific conditions are met, such as the need for a unique capability, urgency, or when only a limited number of responsible sources can fulfill the requirement. The agency must justify these exclusions. Potential reasons could include specialized technical expertise required for this particular mining belt remediation, prior work on the site, or specific regulatory compliance needs that only certain firms could meet. A review of the contract's Justification and Approval (J&A) document would provide the official rationale.

What is the track record of A AND M ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. with the EPA or similar agencies?

The provided data identifies A AND M ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. as the contractor but does not offer details on their specific track record with the EPA or other agencies. To assess their past performance, one would typically look at contract databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for previous awards, contract completion history, any past performance evaluations, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Given the nature of environmental remediation, a strong track record in managing complex projects, adhering to safety and environmental regulations, and delivering results on time and within budget would be critical indicators of their capability for this $24 million contract.

What are the potential risks associated with a 1227-day (over 3-year) environmental remediation contract?

A contract duration of 1227 days presents several potential risks. Firstly, the longer timeframe increases the likelihood of encountering unforeseen site conditions (e.g., unexpected contaminant plumes, geological issues) that could necessitate scope changes and cost adjustments, even under a fixed-price contract. Secondly, regulatory landscapes can evolve over three years, potentially requiring modifications to remediation plans. Thirdly, maintaining consistent project oversight and contractor performance over an extended period requires sustained effort from the agency. Finally, there's a risk of key personnel turnover within the contractor's team, potentially impacting institutional knowledge and project continuity. Robust contract management and contingency planning are essential to mitigate these risks.

How does the 'Remediation Services' category (NAICS 562910) typically involve competition and pricing?

The 'Remediation Services' category (NAICS 562910) encompasses a wide range of activities, from hazardous waste site cleanup to industrial facility decommissioning. Competition within this sector can be intense, particularly for less specialized services. However, for complex projects like the Oronogo-Duenweg Mining Belt cleanup, competition may be more limited to firms with demonstrated expertise in specific remediation technologies or experience with similar geological and contamination challenges. Pricing is often driven by the estimated volume of work, complexity of the site, required technologies, labor rates, and regulatory compliance costs. Firm Fixed Price contracts, like this one, aim to shift risk to the contractor, but require thorough pre-award cost analysis and negotiation to ensure fairness.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HE0723R0047

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10010 E 16TH ST, TULSA, OK, 74128

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,715,165

Exercised Options: $24,036,334

Current Obligation: $24,036,334

Actual Outlays: $12,543,236

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0723D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline