EPA's $10.4M contract to EA Engineering for drinking water support aims to bolster state and community infrastructure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,406,573 ($10.4M)

Contractor: EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-09-06

End Date: 2026-08-19

Contract Duration: 1,078 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT OF THE DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF DIRECT TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO STATES, TRIBES, TERRITORIES, AND COMMUNITIES. THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT EFFORT WILL HELP RECIPIENTS TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLE

Place of Performance

Location: HUNT VALLEY, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21031

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $10.4 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC for work described as: ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT OF THE DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF DIRECT TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO STATES, TRIBES, TERRITORIES, AND COMMUNITIES. THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT EFFORT WILL HELP RECIPIENTS TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLE Key points: 1. Contract provides crucial technical assistance for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. 2. Focus on supporting states, tribes, territories, and communities in identifying and implementing solutions. 3. Technical support is vital for improving drinking water infrastructure and compliance. 4. The contract duration of over 1000 days indicates a sustained need for this support. 5. EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, is the selected contractor. 6. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, suggesting flexibility in scope with a defined profit margin.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.4 million for technical assistance over approximately three years appears reasonable given the scope of supporting national drinking water infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar technical assistance contracts for environmental programs would provide further context on value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for adjustments while ensuring a predictable profit for the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process where all eligible sources were considered. The specific details of the bidding process, such as the number of proposals received, are not provided, but the designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for taxpayers compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

States, tribes, and territories will benefit from enhanced technical expertise to manage their drinking water infrastructure. Communities will receive support in identifying and implementing solutions for drinking water challenges. The program aims to improve the overall quality and safety of drinking water across the nation. Workforce implications include the potential for specialized technical roles within EA Engineering and indirectly within recipient organizations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical technical support could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Contractor has a stated focus on engineering, science, and technology, aligning with the contract's technical nature.
The long duration suggests a recognized and ongoing need for this type of support.
Awarded under full and open competition implies a selection based on merit and value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on environmental engineering and technical support services. The market for environmental consulting and technical assistance is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements and the need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure. This contract represents a portion of the federal government's investment in ensuring safe drinking water, a critical component of public health and environmental protection.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, the extent of small business participation would depend on the bidding process and any specific subcontracting goals set by the agency. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program office responsible for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Accountability measures would be tied to performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal contract databases, though specific performance reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program
Environmental Protection Agency Grants and Technical Assistance
Water Infrastructure Improvement Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration may exceed actual need if scope is not managed.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent cost oversight.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $10.4 million to EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC. ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT OF THE DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF DIRECT TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO STATES, TRIBES, TERRITORIES, AND COMMUNITIES. THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT EFFORT WILL HELP RECIPIENTS TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EA ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY, INC., PBC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-06. End: 2026-08-19.

What is the specific technical expertise EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC brings to this contract?

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, specializes in environmental consulting and engineering services. Their expertise typically includes areas such as water resources management, environmental compliance, infrastructure assessment, and technical assistance for regulatory programs. For this contract supporting the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, their capabilities likely encompass providing guidance on project planning, financing, asset management, regulatory interpretation, and technology implementation to states, tribes, and communities. Their background in physical, engineering, and life sciences (NAICS 541715) suggests a strong foundation in the scientific and technical aspects required to address complex drinking water challenges and support the effective use of federal funds.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence the cost-effectiveness for taxpayers?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure can be advantageous when the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset or is expected to evolve, as is common in technical assistance and research-oriented projects. For taxpayers, cost-effectiveness hinges on the agency's ability to effectively manage and audit the contractor's costs to ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract. While the fixed fee provides cost certainty regarding the contractor's profit, the overall cost can fluctuate based on actual expenses. Robust oversight is crucial to prevent cost overruns and ensure the value delivered aligns with the funds expended.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for this critical technical support?

Relying on a single contractor, even one selected through full and open competition, presents several risks. Firstly, there's a risk of contractor performance degradation over the contract's duration; if EA Engineering faces internal challenges or loses focus, the quality and timeliness of support could suffer, impacting the effectiveness of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Secondly, a sole provider might limit the exposure of recipient entities to a diverse range of innovative solutions or best practices that could emerge from a more competitive environment. Lastly, should the contractor experience significant financial or operational difficulties, it could lead to disruptions in service delivery, requiring a potentially costly and time-consuming transition to a new provider.

What does the contract's duration of 1078 days imply about the nature of the support needed?

The contract duration of 1078 days (approximately three years) suggests that the technical support required for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program is substantial and ongoing, rather than a short-term or one-off need. This extended timeframe indicates a requirement for sustained engagement, capacity building, and continuous assistance to states, tribes, territories, and communities. It implies that addressing drinking water infrastructure challenges and effectively utilizing the revolving fund program involves complex, long-term planning, implementation, and management processes that necessitate consistent expert guidance and support over multiple fiscal cycles.

How does this contract align with the EPA's broader mission regarding water infrastructure?

This contract directly aligns with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) core mission to protect human health and the environment, particularly concerning safe drinking water. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is a primary mechanism through which the EPA provides financial assistance to states to help water systems and directly to communities improve infrastructure. By providing technical assistance through this contract, the EPA is enhancing the capacity of states and local entities to effectively plan, finance, and execute projects that upgrade aging water systems, ensure compliance with drinking water standards, and ultimately safeguard public health. It represents a crucial component of the EPA's strategy to address the nation's water infrastructure needs.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 68HERC23R0148

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 225 SCHILLING CIRCLE, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,920,552

Exercised Options: $10,580,055

Current Obligation: $10,406,573

Actual Outlays: $4,868,329

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 28

Total Subaward Amount: $4,558,856

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D4032

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline