EPA awards $14.3M contract to Tetra Tech for environmental consulting at Navajo Nation uranium mines

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,279,978 ($14.3M)

Contractor: Tetra Tech, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-07-20

End Date: 2026-11-19

Contract Duration: 1,218 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM REQUIRED TO CONDUCT THE ENGINEERING EVALUATION/COST ANALYSIS (EE/CA) AND RELATED TASKS AT THE FOLLOWING TRONOX ABANDONED URANIUM MINES LOCATED IN NAVAJO NATION'S NORTHERN AGENCY. THIS IS A TASK ORDER UNDER RAES 2 CON

Place of Performance

Location: ROUND ROCK, APACHE County, ARIZONA, 86547

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $14.3 million to TETRA TECH, INC. for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM REQUIRED TO CONDUCT THE ENGINEERING EVALUATION/COST ANALYSIS (EE/CA) AND RELATED TASKS AT THE FOLLOWING TRONOX ABANDONED URANIUM MINES LOCATED IN NAVAJO NATION'S NORTHERN AGENCY. THIS IS A TASK ORDER UNDER RAES 2 CON Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical environmental evaluation and cost analysis for abandoned uranium mines. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is over three years, indicating a significant, long-term project. 4. Services are categorized under Environmental Consulting, a key area for regulatory compliance and remediation. 5. The contract is a task order under a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract (RAES 2 CON). 6. The project is located in Arizona, within the Navajo Nation's Northern Agency.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.3 million for environmental consulting services over three years appears reasonable given the scope of work involving abandoned uranium mines. Benchmarking against similar large-scale environmental remediation and assessment contracts would provide further context. The use of Time and Materials pricing allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to manage costs effectively. Without specific cost breakdowns for the engineering evaluation and cost analysis, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the scale of the project suggests a significant undertaking.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive environment. This approach is generally expected to yield fair market pricing and encourage innovative solutions from multiple qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive marketplace, driving down costs and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Navajo Nation benefits from crucial environmental assessments and cost analyses at abandoned uranium mine sites within its territory. Services delivered include engineering evaluations and cost analyses essential for understanding and addressing environmental hazards. The geographic impact is concentrated in Arizona, specifically within the Navajo Nation's Northern Agency. The contract supports specialized environmental consulting services, potentially involving a workforce with expertise in mining, environmental science, and engineering.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials pricing if not closely monitored.
Complexity of environmental remediation at abandoned uranium mines presents inherent technical and logistical risks.
Ensuring equitable benefit and engagement with the Navajo Nation throughout the project lifecycle.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing structure.
Task order under a larger IDIQ contract may indicate pre-qualification of contractors and streamlined processes.
Focus on critical environmental evaluation and cost analysis addresses significant public health and safety concerns.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a segment of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is vital for regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and remediation efforts. The market size for environmental consulting is substantial, driven by government regulations, industrial activity, and increasing focus on sustainability. This specific contract addresses a niche but critical area: the assessment and management of legacy environmental impacts from uranium mining.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside. However, the prime contractor, Tetra Tech, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services, depending on the project's needs and their subcontracting plans. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on Tetra Tech's subcontracting practices.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the contracting agency. As a task order under an IDIQ contract, there are established procedures for monitoring performance and costs. The Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates rigorous oversight to ensure that labor hours and material costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract. Transparency will be maintained through regular reporting requirements and potential site visits. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) cleanups
Department of Energy Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Program
Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable (FRTR)
Environmental Impact Statements

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation with Time and Materials contract type.
Complexity of environmental hazards at abandoned uranium mines.
Ensuring adequate stakeholder engagement with the Navajo Nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $14.3 million to TETRA TECH, INC.. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM REQUIRED TO CONDUCT THE ENGINEERING EVALUATION/COST ANALYSIS (EE/CA) AND RELATED TASKS AT THE FOLLOWING TRONOX ABANDONED URANIUM MINES LOCATED IN NAVAJO NATION'S NORTHERN AGENCY. THIS IS A TASK ORDER UNDER RAES 2 CON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-20. End: 2026-11-19.

What is Tetra Tech's track record with the EPA on similar environmental consulting contracts?

Tetra Tech, Inc. has a significant history of working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on various environmental consulting and remediation projects. Their portfolio includes numerous contracts related to Superfund sites, hazardous waste management, and environmental assessments. Given their extensive experience, it is likely they have successfully managed contracts of similar scope and complexity. A detailed review of their past performance ratings and any past performance issues with the EPA would provide a clearer picture of their reliability for this specific task order. Their established presence suggests a strong understanding of EPA's requirements and regulatory frameworks.

How does the $14.3 million contract value compare to similar environmental assessments at abandoned mine sites?

The $14.3 million contract value for engineering evaluation and cost analysis at abandoned uranium mines in the Navajo Nation is substantial, reflecting the complexity and potential risks associated with such sites. Comparable contracts for large-scale environmental assessments, particularly those involving legacy mining operations and tribal lands, often range from several million to tens of millions of dollars. Factors influencing cost include the number of sites, the extent of contamination, the required depth of analysis, and the duration of the project. Without specific details on the number of mines and the scope of contamination, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the value appears aligned with the significant environmental challenges posed by abandoned uranium mines.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns due to the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, unforeseen environmental complexities at the abandoned uranium mines, and logistical challenges in remote locations. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous EPA oversight of labor hours and material costs, detailed site investigations to understand contamination levels, and robust project management plans to address logistical hurdles. The contractor's technical expertise in environmental consulting and cost analysis is a key factor in mitigating technical risks. Furthermore, clear communication and collaboration with the Navajo Nation are crucial for managing community relations and ensuring project success.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process in ensuring value for taxpayers on environmental consulting contracts of this nature?

The 'full and open competition' process is generally considered highly effective in ensuring value for taxpayers on environmental consulting contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to bid, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages contractors to offer their best technical solutions at competitive rates. This process increases transparency and reduces the likelihood of contractors overcharging. For complex environmental projects like the assessment of abandoned uranium mines, competition can also lead to the selection of contractors with specialized expertise and innovative approaches, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective outcomes, thereby maximizing taxpayer value.

What is the historical spending pattern for environmental consulting services by the EPA, and how does this contract fit?

The EPA consistently allocates significant funding towards environmental consulting and remediation services, driven by its mandate to protect human health and the environment. Historical spending patterns show substantial investments in programs like Superfund, RCRA, and various site-specific cleanups, many of which involve extensive consulting contracts. This $14.3 million contract for engineering evaluation and cost analysis at abandoned uranium mines aligns with the EPA's ongoing efforts to address legacy environmental contamination, particularly in historically impacted areas like the Navajo Nation. It represents a focused investment within the broader category of environmental services, addressing a specific and critical need.

What are the potential long-term implications of this contract for environmental remediation efforts in the region?

This contract is a crucial step in addressing the long-term environmental legacy of abandoned uranium mines. The engineering evaluation and cost analysis conducted will provide essential data for planning and executing future remediation efforts. By understanding the scope of contamination and associated costs, the EPA and relevant stakeholders can develop effective, long-term strategies to mitigate environmental and health risks. The findings from this contract could inform policy, guide future funding allocations, and set precedents for managing similar sites across the region and potentially nationwide, contributing to improved environmental quality and public health for the Navajo Nation and beyond.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting 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: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1999 HARRISON ST STE 500, OAKLAND, CA, 94612

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,279,978

Exercised Options: $14,279,978

Current Obligation: $14,279,978

Actual Outlays: $11,310,871

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 25

Total Subaward Amount: $3,580,940

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0923D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline