EPA awards $3.96M for HQ Security Support Services to Eastern Research Group Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,965,429 ($4.0M)
Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2023-08-31
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,096 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: HQ SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES, OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION (OA)
Place of Performance
Location: CONCORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01742
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $4.0 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: HQ SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES, OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION (OA) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for security support services to the EPA's Office of Administration. 2. Eastern Research Group Inc. is the sole awardee for this BPA Call. 3. The contract duration is 1096 days, ending August 31, 2026. 4. The NAICS code 541620 indicates Environmental Consulting Services. 5. This contract was awarded under a Firm Fixed Price type.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.96M over approximately three years appears reasonable for specialized security support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative support and consulting services within federal agencies suggests this pricing is within expected ranges, though specific service details would refine this assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The use of a BPA Call suggests a pre-competed agreement was leveraged, likely contributing to efficient price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding processes that aim to secure services at the best possible value. The firm fixed price structure also provides cost certainty.
Public Impact
Ensures the physical and operational security of EPA headquarters. Supports the administrative functions of the Environmental Protection Agency. Provides specialized consulting services related to environmental compliance and safety. Maintains continuity of essential government operations through reliable support.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific detail on the 'security support' services provided.
- Potential for scope creep given the broad nature of 'consulting services'.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Long-term contract provides stability for essential services.
Sector Analysis
The Environmental Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541620) is a significant area of federal spending, supporting agencies in compliance, research, and operational management. This contract aligns with typical spending patterns for agencies requiring specialized expertise to manage complex environmental and security needs.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was solicited or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract falls under the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Administration, suggesting internal oversight mechanisms are in place. The use of a BPA Call implies adherence to established procurement procedures, but detailed performance reviews and audits would confirm accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- NAICS code mismatch potential.
- Lack of specific service details.
- No small business participation noted.
- Potential for scope creep in consulting services.
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, environmental-protection-agency, ma, bpa-call, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $4.0 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. HQ SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES, OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION (OA)
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 $4.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-31. End: 2026-08-31.
What specific security support services are included under this contract, and how do they align with the EPA's mission?
The contract specifies 'HQ Security Support Services' and falls under NAICS code 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services). While the exact services are not detailed, they likely encompass physical security, access control, emergency preparedness, and potentially consulting on security protocols relevant to EPA operations. These services are crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of EPA facilities and personnel, directly supporting the agency's mission by ensuring operational continuity and protecting sensitive information and infrastructure.
What are the potential risks associated with awarding security support services under a broad 'Environmental Consulting Services' NAICS code?
A primary risk is the potential for a mismatch between the specialized security expertise required and the broader consulting capabilities offered under the NAICS code. This could lead to suboptimal service delivery or require extensive contractor oversight. Additionally, if the scope is not tightly defined, there's a risk of scope creep, where services beyond the original intent are added, potentially increasing costs without commensurate value. Ensuring clear performance metrics and deliverables is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effectively does the firm fixed price contract type ensure value for money in this context?
The firm fixed price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money for well-defined services, as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. For security support services, where the scope can be clearly delineated, FFP provides cost certainty for the government. However, if the 'consulting' aspect involves significant uncertainty or evolving requirements, an FFP contract might incentivize the contractor to cut corners on quality or limit innovation to maintain profitability, potentially impacting long-term effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 68HERC23Q0127
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 561 VIRGINIA RD, CONCORD, MA, 01742
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: $5,890,612
Exercised Options: $4,522,676
Current Obligation: $3,965,429
Actual Outlays: $3,266,071
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $716,177
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERC23A0008
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-31
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2027-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-12
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)