EPA awards $9.5M contract for tribal drinking water and wastewater technical assistance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,508,778 ($9.5M)

Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-08-15

End Date: 2026-08-14

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.0K/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 6 - GEOGRAPHIC AREA E SUPPORT LSLR AND EC ACTIVITIES FOR TRIBES IN REGION 6

Place of Performance

Location: CONCORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01742

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $9.5 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBES AND ALASKAN NATIVE VILLAGES REGION 6 - GEOGRAPHIC AREA E SUPPORT LSLR AND EC ACTIVITIES FOR TRIBES IN REGION 6 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential technical assistance for tribal communities. 2. Funding allocated for Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) and Environmental Compliance (EC) activities. 3. Eastern Research Group Inc. selected as contractor. 4. Contract duration is two years, ending August 2026. 5. Services provided under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. 6. Contract type is Time and Materials, allowing flexibility in resource allocation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.5 million over two years appears reasonable for specialized technical assistance to tribal communities. Benchmarking against similar EPA contracts for environmental consulting services suggests this is within expected ranges. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while common, requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the focus on critical infrastructure support for underserved populations is a positive indicator.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific mechanism used was a BPA Call, suggesting that Eastern Research Group Inc. was likely one of several pre-qualified vendors under an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement. The level of competition for the BPA itself would influence price discovery, but the call-off mechanism generally promotes competitive pricing among the BPA holders.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and encourages innovation among qualified vendors.

Public Impact

Tribal communities and Alaskan Native Villages in EPA Region 6 will benefit from improved drinking water and wastewater systems. Services will support compliance with environmental regulations, including the Lead and Copper Rule Revision. Enhanced technical assistance aims to improve public health and environmental quality in tribal areas. The contract supports the delivery of essential environmental services to historically underserved populations. Geographic impact is focused on tribes within EPA Region 6, covering states like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Louisiana.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure if not closely managed.
Ensuring equitable distribution of technical assistance across all eligible tribal communities within Region 6.
Measuring the long-term impact and effectiveness of the technical assistance provided.

Positive Signals

Focus on critical infrastructure improvements for public health and safety.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Contractor has expertise in environmental consulting services.
Supports EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment for tribal communities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Environmental Consulting Services sector, a segment of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is characterized by specialized expertise in areas such as environmental compliance, engineering, and technical assistance. The market size for environmental consulting is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements and increasing public demand for environmental protection. This specific contract addresses a niche but critical area of environmental services focused on tribal infrastructure, aligning with government initiatives to support these communities.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded through full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. Eastern Research Group Inc. is a large business. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically the office responsible for Region 6 and tribal environmental programs. The BPA Call mechanism allows for task-specific oversight. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, the EPA's Office of Inspector General typically oversees agency spending and program effectiveness.

Related Government Programs

EPA Tribal Environmental Programs
Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants
Wastewater Infrastructure Grants
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions Implementation
Environmental Compliance Assistance Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Ensuring equitable service delivery across diverse tribal communities.
Measuring the long-term impact and sustainability of technical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $9.5 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBES AND ALASKAN NATIVE VILLAGES REGION 6 - GEOGRAPHIC AREA E SUPPORT LSLR AND EC ACTIVITIES FOR TRIBES IN REGION 6

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 $9.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-15. End: 2026-08-14.

What is Eastern Research Group Inc.'s track record with the EPA and similar tribal environmental projects?

Eastern Research Group Inc. (ERG) has a significant history of contracting with federal agencies, including the EPA, across various environmental and scientific domains. Their past performance often includes providing technical assistance, data management, and research support. For tribal environmental projects, ERG has been involved in initiatives related to water quality, waste management, and regulatory compliance. A review of federal procurement data would reveal specific past projects, their values, and performance evaluations. While this contract focuses on Region 6, ERG's broader experience suggests a capacity to handle complex technical assistance requirements for tribal nations. Their ability to secure multiple contracts indicates a generally positive performance history, though specific project outcomes and client satisfaction would require deeper investigation.

How does the $9.5 million contract value compare to similar technical assistance contracts for tribal environmental programs?

The $9.5 million contract value over two years for drinking water and wastewater technical assistance to tribes in EPA Region 6 is within a reasonable range for specialized environmental consulting services. Similar contracts awarded by the EPA or other federal agencies to support tribal environmental infrastructure and compliance often fall within the multi-million dollar range, depending on the scope, duration, and geographic coverage. For instance, contracts for nationwide technical assistance or those involving extensive on-site support and capacity building can exceed this amount significantly. Conversely, smaller, geographically limited projects might be valued lower. The Time and Materials (T&M) nature of this contract means the final cost can fluctuate based on actual labor hours and materials used, making direct comparisons to fixed-price contracts less precise. However, the allocated budget suggests a substantial commitment to addressing critical needs in Region 6.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential cost overruns due to the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, which lacks a fixed ceiling for labor and materials. Mitigation involves rigorous oversight by the EPA to monitor hours, rates, and expenses, ensuring they align with the Statement of Work. Another risk is ensuring equitable distribution of technical assistance across diverse tribal communities within Region 6, each with unique needs and capacities. Mitigation here relies on the contractor's ability to tailor services and the EPA's effective program management. Performance risk, related to the quality and impact of the technical assistance, is managed through performance metrics, regular reporting, and potential contract modifications or termination for cause if performance is unsatisfactory. Finally, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability of improvements beyond the contract period is a programmatic risk that requires strategic planning by both the EPA and the contractor.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in improving tribal drinking water and wastewater systems?

The effectiveness of this contract hinges on the quality of technical assistance provided by Eastern Research Group Inc. and the specific needs of the recipient tribes. The contract aims to support compliance with federal regulations like the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) and general environmental compliance (EC). Effective technical assistance can lead to improved system operations, better maintenance practices, enhanced water quality monitoring, and successful implementation of infrastructure upgrades. For tribes, this translates to safer drinking water, reduced environmental contamination, and greater public health protection. The success will be measured by the tribes' improved capacity to manage their water and wastewater systems, achieve regulatory compliance, and ultimately, ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of these essential services. The EPA's oversight and the contractor's expertise are crucial factors in realizing these outcomes.

How has federal spending on tribal environmental technical assistance evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on tribal environmental technical assistance has generally seen an upward trend over the past five years, driven by increased recognition of infrastructure needs in tribal communities and evolving environmental regulations. Agencies like the EPA consistently allocate significant funds towards supporting tribes in areas such as drinking water, wastewater management, solid waste, air quality, and hazardous waste cleanup. Specific funding initiatives, such as those related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, have further boosted investments in tribal infrastructure, including water systems. While exact figures for 'technical assistance' specifically can be aggregated differently across various programs, the overall budget allocations for tribal environmental programs reflect a growing commitment. This $9.5 million EPA contract aligns with this broader trend of increased federal support for environmental health and infrastructure in Indian Country.

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: 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: $26,211,429

Exercised Options: $17,260,684

Current Obligation: $9,508,778

Actual Outlays: $2,065,881

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $2,819,512

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERH22A0020

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline