EPA awards $3.1M contract for technical assistance, highlighting environmental consulting services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,112,721 ($3.1M)
Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2023-03-08
End Date: 2025-03-07
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02421
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $3.1 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on specialized environmental consulting, a key area for agency operations. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 730 days allows for sustained support. 4. Delivery order structure indicates flexibility in service provision. 5. Pricing will be assessed against similar consulting contracts for value. 6. Performance context will be evaluated based on the successful delivery of technical assistance.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.1 million over two years for technical assistance support appears reasonable for specialized environmental consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for environmental consulting by agencies like the EPA or other federal bodies will be crucial to definitively assess value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure they remain within expected parameters.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a healthy market response for these environmental consulting services.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that is likely to result in more cost-effective service delivery compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.
Public Impact
Environmental protection initiatives will benefit from expert technical guidance. Services delivered will support the EPA's mission in environmental consulting. The primary geographic impact is likely national, supporting EPA's broad mandate. Workforce implications include the engagement of specialized environmental consultants.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
- The specific deliverables and performance metrics need clear definition to ensure successful outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
- The contract duration allows for sustained and potentially more efficient service delivery.
- Focus on technical assistance aligns with critical agency needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a segment of the broader professional services market. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise in areas such as environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and technical support. The market size for federal environmental consulting is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements and agency missions. This contract represents a typical engagement for providing such specialized support to a federal agency.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses participated in the bidding process. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were mandated or utilized.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers responsible for environmental consulting services. Accountability measures will be tied to the terms and conditions of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal contract databases, though specific details of performance may be internal.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Technical Assistance Contracts
- EPA Professional Services
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost oversight.
- Potential for scope creep if not clearly defined.
- Dependence on contractor expertise necessitates strong performance management.
Tags
environmental-consulting, technical-assistance, environmental-protection-agency, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, professional-services, consulting-services, federal-contract, epa, massachusetts, environmental-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $3.1 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $3.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-03-08. End: 2025-03-07.
What is the track record of Eastern Research Group Inc. with the EPA or similar agencies?
Eastern Research Group Inc. (ERG) has a significant history of contracting with federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They specialize in providing technical assistance, research, and consulting services related to environmental policy, regulations, and programs. ERG has been involved in numerous projects supporting EPA's mission across various environmental domains, such as air quality, water resources, and waste management. Their experience often includes developing guidance documents, conducting analyses, and providing support for public outreach and stakeholder engagement. A review of their past performance on similar contracts would reveal their ability to meet deadlines, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality technical expertise, which is crucial for assessing their suitability for this current contract.
How does the $3.1 million contract value compare to similar environmental consulting contracts awarded by the EPA?
The $3.1 million contract value for technical assistance support over two years is within a common range for specialized environmental consulting services procured by the EPA. Federal agencies often award contracts of this magnitude for expert support in areas like regulatory analysis, policy development, and technical guidance. Benchmarking this specific contract against others for similar services, such as environmental impact assessments, compliance support, or scientific research, would provide a clearer picture of its relative value. Factors such as the specific scope of work, the level of expertise required, and the duration of the contract influence pricing. Without direct comparison data, it's reasonable to assume this value is commensurate with the specialized nature of environmental consulting.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for technical assistance?
The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for technical assistance revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may incur higher costs than anticipated, potentially leading to a final price exceeding initial estimates, even with a fixed fee. Contractors, while guaranteed their fee, may have less incentive to aggressively control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as allowable costs are reimbursed. This necessitates robust government oversight to scrutinize incurred costs, ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract, and verify that the contractor is performing efficiently. The fixed fee itself is negotiated upfront, providing some cost certainty for that component.
How effective is 'full and open competition' in ensuring value for money in specialized consulting services?
Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in specialized consulting services. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment where multiple companies vie for the contract. This competition drives down prices and encourages contractors to offer their best technical solutions and pricing strategies. For specialized services like environmental consulting, a broad competition can uncover innovative approaches and ensure that the government selects a contractor with the most suitable expertise at a competitive rate. While it requires more administrative effort to manage the solicitation and evaluation process, the potential for cost savings and superior service quality typically outweighs these efforts.
What is the typical duration for technical assistance contracts of this nature?
Technical assistance contracts, particularly those involving specialized consulting services for federal agencies, often have durations ranging from one to five years. A two-year period, as seen in this contract (730 days), is quite typical. This duration allows for the establishment of a working relationship, the development of necessary expertise and understanding of the agency's specific needs, and the sustained delivery of services. Shorter durations might not provide enough time for meaningful impact or knowledge transfer, while excessively long contracts could lead to complacency or a lack of adaptability to evolving requirements. The delivery order structure within this contract also allows for flexibility in tasking and funding over the period of performance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 110 HARTWELL AVE STE 1, LEXINGTON, MA, 02421
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,892,282
Exercised Options: $4,892,282
Current Obligation: $3,112,721
Actual Outlays: $3,113,338
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $785,732
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERC23D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-03-08
Current End Date: 2025-03-07
Potential End Date: 2025-03-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-28
More Contracts from Eastern Research Group Inc
- Design Engineering, Project Management, Planning and Development, Facility Inspection, Testing and Maintenance to Support Continued Execution of Energetics Manufacturing Employed Throughout the DOD Weapon Systems — $87.4M (Department of Defense)
- Engineering and Technical Services in Support of Nswc IHD Energetics Department M Mission Execution — $37.9M (Department of Defense)
- Federal Contract — $30.0M (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Closing Americas Wastewater Access GAP Community Program Support — $29.6M (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Mission Contract in Support of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, Office of Civil Enforcement. Igf::ot::igf — $23.0M (Environmental Protection Agency)
Other Environmental Protection Agency Contracts
- Remedial Action Contract 2 — $383.3M (CH2M Hill, Inc)
- A&E Services — $309.2M (Sultrac, JV)
- Federal Contract — $181.4M (Weston Solutions Inc)
- Central Data Exchange (CDX) Support Services — $160.9M (CGI Federal Inc.)
- This Remedial Action Contract 2 Full Service (RAC 2 FS) for Epa's Region 8 Provides Professional Architect/Engineer, Technical, and Management Services to Support Remedial Response, Enforcement Oversight and Non-Time Critical Removal Activities Under Cercla, AS Amended by Sara; and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance ACT Pursuant to the Federal Response Plan (FRP) and Other Laws to Help Address And/Or Mitigate Endangerment to the Public Health, Welfare or Environment, and to Support States and Communities in Preparing for Responses to Releases of Hazardous Substances, AS Well AS Counter-Terrorism — $145.9M (CDM Federal Programs Corporation)