EPA awards $4.6M for Superfund site risk assessment and feasibility study to HydroGeoLogic, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $461,820 ($461.8K)

Contractor: Hydrogeologic, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2025-03-18

End Date: 2028-03-17

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $422/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: R7 DES: ELLISVILLE SUPERFUND SITE, OPERABLE UNIT 2, RISK ASSESSMENT / FOCUSED FEASIBILITY STUDY

Place of Performance

Location: ELLISVILLE, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63011

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $461,820.29 to HYDROGEOLOGIC, INC. for work described as: R7 DES: ELLISVILLE SUPERFUND SITE, OPERABLE UNIT 2, RISK ASSESSMENT / FOCUSED FEASIBILITY STUDY Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical environmental remediation planning for the Ellisville Superfund site. 2. The award represents a significant investment in assessing and mitigating environmental risks. 3. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Contract duration of three years allows for thorough study and planning. 5. The chosen contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) balances flexibility with cost control. 6. This award aligns with EPA's ongoing commitment to Superfund site cleanup.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.6 million for a risk assessment and focused feasibility study appears reasonable given the complexity of Superfund sites. Benchmarking against similar EPA Superfund remediation planning contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is common for studies where scope may evolve, but requires careful oversight to manage costs effectively. The duration of the contract (three years) is appropriate for a comprehensive assessment.

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 vendors had the opportunity to bid. With five bidders, the competition level suggests a healthy market for these specialized environmental services. This level of competition generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors, benefiting the agency.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for funds allocated to environmental cleanup and risk assessment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities impacted by the Ellisville Superfund site, through improved environmental safety. The contract will deliver crucial risk assessment and feasibility study services. Geographic impact is focused on the Ellisville, Missouri area. The services support the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. This contract contributes to the broader goal of remediating hazardous waste sites across the nation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to prevent scope creep and ensure cost efficiency.
The long-term effectiveness of the study's recommendations will depend on subsequent funding and implementation.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
The contract duration is sufficient for a thorough and comprehensive study.
The contractor, HydroGeoLogic, Inc., likely possesses specialized expertise in environmental remediation services.

Sector Analysis

The environmental consulting and remediation services sector is a critical component of the broader environmental industry. This contract falls within the niche of environmental assessment and planning, specifically for hazardous waste sites managed under the Superfund program. The market for such services is driven by regulatory requirements and government funding for cleanup initiatives. Comparable spending benchmarks for Superfund feasibility studies can vary widely based on site complexity and scope, but $4.6 million for a comprehensive assessment is within a typical range.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on whether HydroGeoLogic, Inc. engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), likely through contracting officers and technical monitors. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated by public reporting on Superfund activities. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
Hazardous Waste Site Remediation
Environmental Risk Assessment
Feasibility Studies
EPA Cleanup Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
Reliance on accurate and complete site data for study validity.
Timeliness of subsequent funding for implementing study recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $461,820.29 to HYDROGEOLOGIC, INC.. R7 DES: ELLISVILLE SUPERFUND SITE, OPERABLE UNIT 2, RISK ASSESSMENT / FOCUSED FEASIBILITY STUDY

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 $461,820.29.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-18. End: 2028-03-17.

What is HydroGeoLogic, Inc.'s track record with EPA Superfund contracts?

HydroGeoLogic, Inc. has a history of performing environmental consulting and remediation services for various government agencies, including the EPA. While specific details on their Superfund contract performance require deeper database analysis, their selection for this significant award suggests they meet the agency's requirements for expertise in areas like risk assessment and feasibility studies. Past performance evaluations, typically available through federal procurement databases, would offer more granular insights into their success rates, adherence to schedules, and budget management on previous EPA projects. Their continued engagement in this sector indicates a level of established capability and client satisfaction.

How does the $4.6 million award compare to similar Superfund feasibility studies?

The $4.6 million award for the Ellisville Superfund site's Operable Unit 2 risk assessment and focused feasibility study is within a common range for such complex environmental planning tasks. The cost of these studies can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as the site's size, the nature and extent of contamination, the number of operable units, and the specific technical challenges involved. Larger, more complex sites with extensive contamination may require studies costing tens of millions of dollars, while smaller or less contaminated sites might have planning costs in the low millions. The 'focused' nature of this feasibility study suggests a targeted approach, which could influence its cost relative to a broader, comprehensive study.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of environmental study contract?

The primary risks associated with this type of contract include potential scope creep, where the study's objectives expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns. Inaccurate or incomplete data collection during the risk assessment phase can compromise the study's findings and subsequent remediation decisions. Delays in obtaining necessary permits or access to the site can impact the project timeline. Furthermore, unforeseen technical challenges related to contaminant characterization or modeling could arise. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while offering flexibility, necessitates robust oversight from the EPA to manage these risks effectively and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate.

How effective are risk assessments and feasibility studies in ensuring successful Superfund site cleanups?

Risk assessments and feasibility studies are foundational to the successful cleanup of Superfund sites. The risk assessment identifies potential threats to human health and the environment posed by the contamination, establishing the necessity and urgency for action. The feasibility study then evaluates various cleanup technologies and strategies, considering factors like effectiveness, cost, implementability, and long-term reliability. These studies provide the technical basis for selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective remedy. Without thorough assessments and studies, cleanup decisions could be suboptimal, leading to ineffective remediation, increased long-term costs, or failure to adequately protect public health and the environment.

What has been the historical spending trend for EPA Superfund planning and assessment contracts?

Historical spending on EPA Superfund planning and assessment contracts has generally followed the overall funding allocated to the Superfund program, which can fluctuate based on congressional appropriations and administration priorities. While specific figures for 'risk assessment' and 'feasibility study' categories require detailed analysis of historical EPA procurement data, these activities represent a crucial upfront investment in the cleanup process. Spending in these areas is typically concentrated in the early phases of site remediation. Trends may show increased investment during periods of heightened focus on environmental protection or when new legislative mandates require re-evaluation of existing sites. Fluctuations can also occur due to the number of new sites added to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) and the progression of existing sites through the remedial process.

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: 68HE0724R0051

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

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: $506,988

Exercised Options: $506,988

Current Obligation: $461,820

Actual Outlays: $93,945

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