EPA awards $3.16M for tribal drinking water and wastewater technical assistance in Region 5

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,164,399 ($3.2M)

Contractor: S C & a Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-06-18

End Date: 2026-06-17

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBES AND ALASKAN NATIVE VILLAGES REGION 5 - GEOGRAPHIC AREA D SUPPORT LSLR AND EC ACTIVITIES FOR TRIBES IN REGION 5

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $3.2 million to S C & A INC for work described as: DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBES AND ALASKAN NATIVE VILLAGES REGION 5 - GEOGRAPHIC AREA D SUPPORT LSLR AND EC ACTIVITIES FOR TRIBES IN REGION 5 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical infrastructure support for tribes and Alaskan Native Villages. 2. Technical assistance aims to improve drinking water and wastewater systems, addressing public health. 3. The contract is a Time and Materials type, allowing flexibility for evolving needs. 4. Region 5 includes states like Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 5. The award supports Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) and Environmental Cleanup (EC) activities. 6. This award is a BPA Call, indicating it's part of a larger existing agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.16 million over two years for technical assistance services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting tribal infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts for environmental consulting services to tribal entities suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while requiring careful monitoring, allows for adaptation to the specific technical needs of the recipient tribes. The absence of a fixed price may indicate a need for flexibility in addressing unforeseen technical challenges.

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 offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a competitive process that should drive fair pricing and encourage a range of qualified contractors to participate. This approach is generally favored for ensuring the government receives the best value and technical solutions available in the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure cost-effective solutions and high-quality technical expertise for essential tribal infrastructure projects.

Public Impact

Tribal nations and Alaskan Native Villages within EPA Region 5 will receive vital technical support. Services will enhance the reliability and safety of drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. The contract directly contributes to improving public health and environmental quality in these communities. Support for LCRR and EC activities will help tribes meet federal regulatory requirements. Geographic impact is focused on tribal lands within Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized environmental engineers and technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
Scope definition for technical assistance can be broad, necessitating clear task orders.
Ensuring equitable distribution of technical assistance across eligible tribal entities.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process for qualified contractors.
Focus on critical infrastructure for vulnerable populations is a positive public service.
Contract duration of two years allows for sustained support and project completion.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, specifically focusing on technical assistance for water and wastewater infrastructure. The market for such services is driven by regulatory compliance, public health concerns, and the need for specialized engineering and environmental expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector often reflect the complexity of environmental regulations and the critical nature of water infrastructure. The EPA's consistent investment in tribal environmental programs highlights the ongoing demand for these specialized services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor, S C & A INC, is not specified as small or large, the absence of a set-aside suggests that the primary focus was on obtaining the best technical solution through full and open competition. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist depending on the prime contractor's strategy, but they are not mandated by this award structure.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the awarding agency. As a BPA Call, oversight may also be influenced by the terms of the underlying Blanket Purchase Agreement. Transparency is expected through standard federal procurement reporting mechanisms. Accountability measures will likely involve performance reviews, adherence to task orders, and timely delivery of technical assistance. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

EPA Tribal Environmental Programs
Safe Drinking Water Act Implementation
Clean Water Act Implementation
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) - Water Programs
Indian Health Service Sanitation Facilities Construction Program

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
Need for clear scope definition and task order management.
Ensuring contractor cultural competency and understanding of tribal needs.
Dependency on tribal cooperation and access for effective technical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $3.2 million to S C & A INC. DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBES AND ALASKAN NATIVE VILLAGES REGION 5 - GEOGRAPHIC AREA D SUPPORT LSLR AND EC ACTIVITIES FOR TRIBES IN REGION 5

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is S C & A INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-18. End: 2026-06-17.

What is the track record of S C & A INC in providing similar technical assistance to tribal governments?

Information regarding the specific track record of S C & A INC in providing technical assistance to tribal governments for drinking water and wastewater systems is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive review would require examining past performance evaluations, contract history with similar agencies or entities, and client testimonials. Federal procurement databases and agency performance rating systems (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be the primary sources for assessing their experience and past performance in this specialized area. Understanding their success in similar projects, adherence to timelines, and client satisfaction is crucial for evaluating their capability to execute this current contract effectively.

How does the $3.16 million contract value compare to similar EPA technical assistance contracts for tribal regions?

The $3.16 million contract value for technical assistance to tribes in EPA Region 5 appears to be within a reasonable range for a two-year engagement focused on critical infrastructure support. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to benchmark against other EPA contracts awarded for similar services, such as environmental consulting, engineering support, and regulatory compliance assistance, specifically targeting tribal nations or Alaskan Native Villages. Factors such as the number of tribes served, the complexity of the technical issues (e.g., specific water quality challenges, infrastructure age, regulatory updates like LCRR), and the geographic scope within Region 5 would influence the cost. Generally, contracts of this nature require specialized expertise and can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars depending on the scale and duration.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for this type of technical assistance?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for technical assistance is the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. This structure can lead to higher overall costs if the scope of work is not well-defined, if the contractor's efficiency is low, or if unforeseen issues require extensive labor or materials. For this contract, risks include the complexity of tribal infrastructure needs, potential delays in accessing sites or receiving necessary information from tribes, and the need for specialized expertise that might be difficult to procure quickly. Robust oversight, clear task order definitions, and regular progress monitoring are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring quality technical assistance for tribal water systems?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally effective in ensuring quality technical assistance because it allows the widest possible pool of qualified contractors to bid on the contract. This broad competition typically drives innovation, encourages competitive pricing, and increases the likelihood that the government will select a contractor with the best technical capabilities and relevant experience. For tribal water systems, which often face unique challenges and require culturally sensitive approaches, open competition can bring diverse perspectives and specialized expertise to the forefront. The EPA's selection process under this framework would involve evaluating not only price but also the technical approach, past performance, and qualifications of each bidder, thereby maximizing the chances of securing high-quality, effective assistance.

What historical spending patterns exist for EPA technical assistance programs supporting tribal environmental infrastructure?

The EPA has a consistent history of allocating significant funding towards technical assistance programs for tribal environmental infrastructure, recognizing the unique challenges faced by these communities in managing water and wastewater systems. Historical spending patterns show a steady commitment to supporting tribes in meeting federal environmental regulations, improving system operations, and planning for future infrastructure needs. This often involves grants, cooperative agreements, and contract awards similar to the one described. Spending levels can fluctuate based on federal appropriations, specific program initiatives (like addressing emerging contaminants or lead pipe replacement), and the overall infrastructure needs identified within tribal nations across different EPA regions. The current award aligns with this established pattern of federal support.

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: PR-OW-24-00250

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2200 WILSON BLVD, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,153,539

Exercised Options: $16,212,623

Current Obligation: $3,164,399

Actual Outlays: $1,209,805

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH22A0029

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline