EPA awards $1.5M for environmental remediation services in California

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,019,150 ($1.0M)

Contractor: Environmental Quality Management, Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2020-09-14

End Date: 2021-11-01

Contract Duration: 413 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: $1.5M PR FOR THE CUSTOM CHROME AND BUMPER SITE ON THE ERRS 5 CONTRACT. TO NO. D0001-9035.

Place of Performance

Location: YUBA CITY, SUTTER County, CALIFORNIA, 95991

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $1.0 million to ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, INC for work described as: $1.5M PR FOR THE CUSTOM CHROME AND BUMPER SITE ON THE ERRS 5 CONTRACT. TO NO. D0001-9035. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Environmental Quality Management, Inc. for remediation services. 2. The contract is a delivery order under the larger ERRS 5 contract. 3. Services are for the Custom Chrome and Bumper site in California. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, indicating potential for cost overruns. 5. The award was made after exclusion of sources, raising questions about competition. 6. The duration of the contract is 413 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.5 million for environmental remediation services appears to be within a reasonable range for such specialized work. However, without specific details on the scope of remediation and the complexity of the site, a direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while common for remediation projects where the full scope may not be known upfront, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking against other EPA remediation contracts of similar size and complexity would provide a clearer picture of value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the contract was initially intended for full and open competition, certain sources were excluded, leading to a limited competitive environment. The specific reasons for excluding sources are not detailed, which makes it difficult to assess the impact on price discovery. A limited competition can sometimes lead to higher prices compared to full and open competition with multiple bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in a higher price for taxpayers than if all potential sources had been allowed to bid. This procurement approach warrants further scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and potentially the local community in California by addressing environmental contamination. The services delivered involve the remediation of the Custom Chrome and Bumper site, aiming to clean up hazardous substances. The geographic impact is localized to the specific site in California where the remediation activities will take place. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled personnel in environmental remediation, engineering, and project management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential price inflation.
Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Lack of transparency regarding the exclusion of sources hinders full assessment of competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a single contractor, potentially streamlining project execution.
Contract addresses critical environmental remediation needs.

Sector Analysis

Environmental remediation services fall within the broader environmental services sector, which includes waste management, site cleanup, and consulting. This sector is crucial for regulatory compliance and environmental protection. The market for environmental remediation is driven by government regulations, industrial activity, and historical contamination. The EPA is a major client in this sector, awarding numerous contracts for site cleanup and monitoring. This specific contract, valued at $1.5 million, represents a moderate-sized project within the larger federal environmental services spending landscape.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting. Further investigation into the prime contractor's subcontracting plan would be necessary to fully assess its impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA's contracting officers and program managers are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports are often not publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

EPA Superfund Program
Environmental Remediation Services Contracts
Defense Environmental Restoration Program
Federal Remediation Management Support

Risk Flags

Limited competition procurement method.
Time and Materials pricing structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $1.0 million to ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, INC. $1.5M PR FOR THE CUSTOM CHROME AND BUMPER SITE ON THE ERRS 5 CONTRACT. TO NO. D0001-9035.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-14. End: 2021-11-01.

What is the specific nature of the environmental contamination at the Custom Chrome and Bumper site, and what remediation techniques are planned?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the contamination at the Custom Chrome and Bumper site. Environmental remediation contracts typically address a range of contaminants, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), petroleum hydrocarbons, and other hazardous substances. The remediation techniques employed would depend on the type and extent of contamination, as well as site-specific conditions. Common methods include excavation and disposal, in-situ treatment (e.g., bioremediation, chemical oxidation), soil vapor extraction, and groundwater treatment. A detailed site assessment report and remediation plan, usually developed by the contractor and approved by the EPA, would outline the specific contaminants and the chosen remediation strategies.

What were the specific reasons for excluding other sources in this 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award?

The data indicates the contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This procurement method suggests that while the intent was for broad competition, certain potential bidders were disqualified or deemed ineligible based on specific criteria outlined in the solicitation or federal acquisition regulations. Reasons for exclusion can vary widely and might include failure to meet technical qualifications, past performance issues, inability to meet security requirements, or specific statutory limitations. Without access to the detailed justification for exclusion, it is impossible to determine the precise reasons. This lack of transparency can raise concerns about whether the exclusion was fully justified and if it unduly limited competition, potentially impacting the final price.

How does the $1.5 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar remediation projects by the EPA in California?

Comparing the $1.5 million contract value requires access to historical spending data for similar EPA remediation projects in California. The provided data is limited to this single contract. Generally, environmental remediation projects can vary significantly in cost based on the size of the site, the type and concentration of contaminants, the complexity of the geology, and the chosen remediation technologies. A $1.5 million contract could represent a small to medium-sized project. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze a portfolio of EPA contracts for sites with comparable contamination profiles and geographical characteristics within California over recent years. This would help determine if the current award is cost-competitive.

What is the track record of Environmental Quality Management, Inc. in performing similar environmental remediation contracts for the federal government?

Environmental Quality Management, Inc. (EQM) has a history of performing environmental services for government agencies. While the provided data confirms EQM as the awardee for this specific $1.5 million contract, a comprehensive assessment of their track record would involve reviewing their past performance on similar federal contracts, particularly those involving hazardous waste site remediation. This would include examining contract values, project durations, client satisfaction ratings, and any history of performance issues or disputes. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or agency-specific performance evaluation systems (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be crucial resources for this analysis. A strong past performance record typically indicates a contractor's ability to successfully deliver services within budget and schedule.

What are the potential risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for this remediation project?

The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, used for this $1.5 million award, carries inherent risks, primarily related to cost control. In a T&M contract, the government pays the contractor for the actual labor hours expended at specified hourly rates and for the cost of materials used. While T&M is often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change, it provides less cost certainty for the government compared to fixed-price contracts. The primary risk is that the contractor may not be as incentivized to control labor hours or material costs, potentially leading to cost overruns if not rigorously monitored. Effective oversight, detailed tracking of hours and materials, and clear task definitions are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

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

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 CARILLON BLVD 100, CINCINNATI, OH, 45240

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,019,150

Exercised Options: $1,019,150

Current Obligation: $1,019,150

Actual Outlays: $6,484

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $1,084,827

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0919D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline