EPA awards $4.5M for Superfund soil lead studies, with research firm to provide technical support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,525,477 ($4.5M)

Contractor: Research Triangle Institute

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2024-11-06

End Date: 2026-11-05

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: STREAMS TASK ORDER TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL SUPERFUND RESIDENTIAL SOIL LEAD BACKGROUND STUDIES.

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27709

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $4.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE for work described as: STREAMS TASK ORDER TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL SUPERFUND RESIDENTIAL SOIL LEAD BACKGROUND STUDIES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical environmental research for Superfund sites. 2. Value-for-money assessment pending detailed cost analysis and benchmarking. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 4. Risk indicators include the time-and-materials pricing structure, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. 5. Performance context relies on the contractor's ability to deliver specialized technical support. 6. Sector positioning within R&D highlights the contract's role in scientific advancement. 7. Geographic impact is focused on North Carolina, with potential national implications for Superfund remediation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.5 million for technical support over two years appears moderate for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for environmental research and technical support is necessary to fully assess value. The time-and-materials pricing structure introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding final costs, as it is dependent on actual hours worked and material usage. Without more granular data on labor rates and material markups, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but a full and open process generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to more favorable pricing and better quality services for the government. This approach allows the agency to select the most capable and cost-effective solution from a broad range of potential offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a competitive price, thereby maximizing the efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and communities impacted by Superfund sites, through enhanced research capabilities. Services delivered include technical support for national Superfund residential soil lead background studies. Geographic impact is initially focused on North Carolina, where the contractor is located, but the research has national implications for Superfund remediation efforts. Workforce implications involve specialized scientific and technical personnel contributing to environmental research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time-and-materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty and potential overruns if not closely monitored.
The duration of the contract (729 days) requires sustained oversight to ensure progress and adherence to scope.
Reliance on a single task order for a specific research area may limit flexibility if research needs evolve significantly.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process, likely yielding a qualified contractor.
The contract supports critical environmental research, aligning with the EPA's core mission.
The contractor's location in North Carolina may facilitate localized support for regional Superfund initiatives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for environmental consulting and R&D services supporting regulatory agencies like the EPA is substantial. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar technical support services related to environmental remediation and scientific studies. The size of this specific award is moderate within the broader context of federal R&D spending.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. The primary contractor, Research Triangle Institute, is a non-profit research institute, and its subcontracting practices would depend on its internal policies and the specific needs of the project, rather than federal small business set-aside requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Accountability measures will be tied to the delivery of technical support and the successful completion of milestones outlined in the task order. Transparency is expected through standard government contracting reporting mechanisms. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Superfund Program
Environmental Research and Development
Hazardous Substance Remediation
National Priorities List (NPL) Sites

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Need for strong government oversight to manage contractor hours and material costs.
Scope definition and management are critical for project success.
Reliance on specialized technical expertise requires careful contractor vetting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $4.5 million to RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE. STREAMS TASK ORDER TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL SUPERFUND RESIDENTIAL SOIL LEAD BACKGROUND STUDIES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-06. End: 2026-11-05.

What is the track record of Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in performing similar environmental R&D contracts for the EPA or other federal agencies?

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has a significant track record in conducting research and providing technical assistance for federal agencies, including the EPA. RTI is a well-established non-profit research institute known for its work in environmental science, public health, and social sciences. They have been involved in numerous projects related to environmental monitoring, risk assessment, and remediation strategies. Specific to the Superfund program, RTI has supported various aspects of site assessment and cleanup efforts. A detailed review of their past performance on similar EPA contracts, including contract values, performance ratings, and any past performance issues, would be necessary to fully assess their suitability for this specific task order. Their extensive experience suggests a strong capability to deliver the required technical support.

How does the $4.5 million award compare to typical spending on technical support for Superfund studies?

The $4.5 million award for technical support over two years for national Superfund residential soil lead background studies is a moderate-sized contract within the context of federal environmental R&D. Spending on Superfund-related activities can vary widely, with major site cleanups often involving hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. However, specific technical support contracts for research, data analysis, and study design typically fall within the millions. Benchmarking this against similar task orders or contracts for specialized scientific support for environmental agencies would provide a clearer picture. Factors like the complexity of the studies, the number of sites involved, and the duration of the support influence the overall cost. Without direct comparative data on similar 'background studies' contracts, it's difficult to definitively label this as high or low, but it appears aligned with specialized R&D support.

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

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for this research is cost uncertainty and the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours expended and the cost of materials used, plus a fixed fee or profit. If the scope of work is not well-defined, or if the project encounters unforeseen complexities, the contractor may incur more hours or require more materials than initially anticipated, leading to a higher final cost. For the government, this necessitates robust oversight to ensure that hours are reasonable and necessary, and that material costs are fair. Effective project management and clear communication are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the project stays within budget expectations.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach in ensuring the best value for taxpayer money in environmental R&D contracts?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring the best value for taxpayer money, especially in complex R&D fields like environmental science. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, the government maximizes the pool of potential contractors, increasing the likelihood of receiving innovative solutions and competitive pricing. This broad competition drives down costs and encourages higher quality performance as contractors vie for the award. While it requires more administrative effort upfront to solicit and evaluate bids, the long-term benefits of cost savings and superior service delivery typically outweigh these initial costs. For specialized R&D, it ensures that the most technically capable and cost-efficient provider is selected.

What are the historical spending patterns for technical support related to the EPA's Superfund program?

Historical spending patterns for technical support related to the EPA's Superfund program have been substantial and varied. The Superfund program itself is a multi-billion dollar initiative aimed at cleaning up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste sites. Technical support contracts encompass a wide range of services, including site investigation, risk assessment, feasibility studies, remedial design, construction oversight, and community outreach. Spending on these support services can fluctuate annually based on the number of sites undergoing active remediation, the complexity of the environmental challenges, and specific research needs. Agencies like the EPA often utilize a mix of contract types, including T&M, cost-plus, and fixed-price, depending on the nature of the work. Analyzing historical data from contract databases would reveal trends in spending levels, dominant contract types, and key service providers within this domain.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3040 E CORNWALLIS RD, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 27709

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,525,477

Exercised Options: $4,525,477

Current Obligation: $4,525,477

Actual Outlays: $739,558

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $512,817

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERC21D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline