EPA Awards $7.9M Task Order to Battelle for Environmental Remediation Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,912,975 ($7.9M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2022-08-04

End Date: 2026-08-04

Contract Duration: 1,461 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NEW STREAMS IV TASK ORDER: FIELD, ANALYTICAL, RESEARCH, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR REMEDIATION, RESTORATION, AND REVITALIZATION ON SITES.

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $7.9 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: NEW STREAMS IV TASK ORDER: FIELD, ANALYTICAL, RESEARCH, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR REMEDIATION, RESTORATION, AND REVITALIZATION ON SITES. Key points: 1. Battelle Memorial Institute secured a significant task order for critical environmental remediation services. 2. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a specialized sector. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 4. The Time and Materials pricing structure warrants close monitoring for cost control.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $7.9M award for a 4-year period appears reasonable given the specialized nature of environmental remediation and research. Benchmarking against similar EPA task orders for R&D support would provide a more precise 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 vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to yield fair pricing, maximizing the value of taxpayer funds allocated for environmental cleanup and research.

Public Impact

Supports critical environmental cleanup and restoration efforts across various sites. Leverages Battelle's expertise in research and technical support for complex environmental challenges. Ensures continued progress on EPA's remediation and revitalization initiatives. Potential for long-term environmental improvements and public health benefits.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Scope creep on complex remediation projects is a potential risk.
Dependence on a single vendor for specialized support.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports vital EPA mission objectives.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained effort.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). Spending in this sector is often project-specific and driven by government research priorities, with significant variation based on the complexity and duration of the R&D efforts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this task order was not set aside for small businesses and Battelle Memorial Institute is a large business. There is no direct indication of small business participation in this specific award, though subcontracting opportunities may exist.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing this task order. Standard contract management practices and performance reviews will be crucial to ensure successful execution and accountability for the funds expended.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing structure.
Potential for scope creep on complex projects.
Reliance on a single large business contractor.
Need for robust performance monitoring and reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $7.9 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. NEW STREAMS IV TASK ORDER: FIELD, ANALYTICAL, RESEARCH, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR REMEDIATION, RESTORATION, AND REVITALIZATION ON SITES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-04. End: 2026-08-04.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the remediation, restoration, and revitalization efforts under this task order?

Success metrics will likely be defined within the task order's statement of work and may include quantifiable environmental improvements such as reduced contaminant levels, successful site restoration milestones, and adherence to regulatory standards. Performance will be monitored through regular reporting, site inspections, and technical reviews by the EPA to ensure objectives are met within the agreed-upon timeframe and budget.

How will the EPA mitigate the risk of cost overruns associated with the Time and Materials pricing structure?

The EPA will mitigate cost overrun risks through rigorous contract oversight, including detailed review of all labor hours and material costs submitted by Battelle. Establishing clear ceiling prices for labor categories and specific approval thresholds for material purchases will be essential. Regular performance reviews and proactive communication with the contractor will help identify potential issues early and allow for corrective actions.

What is the expected long-term impact of this contract on the EPA's ability to address environmental challenges?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the EPA's capacity to address complex environmental challenges by providing specialized analytical, research, and technical support. It allows the agency to leverage Battelle's expertise for critical remediation and restoration projects, potentially accelerating cleanup timelines and improving environmental outcomes. The sustained support over four years ensures continuity in addressing ongoing environmental issues.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HERC22R0181

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,282,952

Exercised Options: $14,282,952

Current Obligation: $7,912,975

Actual Outlays: $7,720,304

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 31

Total Subaward Amount: $2,677,876

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERC21D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline