EPA awards $3.6M technical assistance contract to Eastern Research Group Inc. for environmental consulting
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,593,649 ($3.6M)
Contractor: Eastern Research Group Inc
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2025-04-22
End Date: 2027-04-27
Contract Duration: 735 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: F999 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02421
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $3.6 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC for work described as: F999 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract provides essential technical assistance for environmental programs. 2. Eastern Research Group Inc. has a history of supporting federal agencies. 3. The contract duration of 735 days suggests a need for sustained support. 4. Fixed-fee pricing structure can offer cost predictability. 5. This award falls within the broader environmental consulting services sector. 6. The contract's value is moderate within the context of federal IT and professional services spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.6 million over approximately two years appears reasonable for specialized technical assistance. Benchmarking against similar environmental consulting contracts is challenging without more specific service details, but the fixed-fee structure suggests a degree of cost control. The award to a single entity implies a focused approach to service delivery, which can be efficient if the contractor is well-suited to the task.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to yield fair market pricing and ensure the government selects the best value offer. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery and selection of a capable contractor.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and encourages innovation, leading to better value for public funds.
Public Impact
Environmental protection programs and initiatives will benefit from enhanced technical support. The services delivered will likely involve expert advice and analysis to aid EPA in achieving its environmental goals. Geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting EPA's broad regulatory and programmatic responsibilities. Workforce implications may include specialized consulting roles and support for EPA staff.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if technical assistance needs are not clearly defined.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical technical support could pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- Fixed-fee pricing can provide cost certainty for the government.
- Contractor's established presence in federal contracting indicates familiarity with government requirements.
Sector Analysis
The environmental consulting services sector is a significant part of the professional services market, supporting government agencies in areas like regulatory compliance, environmental impact assessments, and program management. Federal spending in this sector is driven by the need for specialized expertise to address complex environmental challenges. This contract fits within that landscape, providing crucial support to the EPA's mission.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Eastern Research Group Inc., a mid-sized firm, suggests that the primary focus was on technical capability and best value rather than small business participation goals for this specific procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers responsible for environmental consulting services. Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-fee contract structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- Technical Assistance Programs
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for performance issues if contractor capabilities are overestimated.
- Risk of cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed, despite fixed-fee structure.
Tags
environmental-consulting, technical-assistance, environmental-protection-agency, epa, professional-services, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, federal-contract, consulting-services, environmental-programs, massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $3.6 million to EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC. F999 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT SERVICES
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 $3.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-22. End: 2027-04-27.
What is Eastern Research Group Inc.'s track record with the EPA and other federal agencies for similar technical assistance contracts?
Eastern Research Group Inc. (ERG) has a substantial history of contracting with federal agencies, including the EPA. They have been awarded numerous contracts for a variety of services, often related to environmental policy, data management, and technical assistance. For instance, ERG has previously supported EPA programs related to air quality, water resources, and environmental justice. Their experience often involves providing analytical support, developing guidance documents, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. This extensive background suggests a strong understanding of federal agency needs and operational procedures, making them a familiar and potentially reliable partner for technical assistance requirements.
How does the $3.6 million contract value compare to similar technical assistance contracts awarded by the EPA or other environmental agencies?
The $3.6 million contract value for technical assistance over approximately two years is within a common range for specialized professional services supporting federal environmental programs. While exact comparisons are difficult without knowing the precise scope of services, contracts for environmental consulting, policy analysis, and program support often fall within the low to mid-single-digit millions. Larger, more complex environmental projects or those involving extensive research and development could easily exceed this amount. Conversely, smaller, more targeted support tasks might be awarded for less. This award appears to represent a moderate investment for sustained technical expertise.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, and performance issues if the contractor fails to deliver the expected quality or timeliness of technical assistance. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear definition of tasks and deliverables in the contract, regular performance reviews by the EPA, and the fixed-fee pricing structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently. The full and open competition process also mitigates risk by selecting a contractor deemed capable and offering the best value. Furthermore, the contract duration allows for a phased approach to support, enabling adjustments if needed.
How effective is the fixed-fee pricing structure in ensuring value for money for this type of technical assistance?
The fixed-fee pricing structure is generally effective for technical assistance contracts where the scope of work can be reasonably defined upfront. It provides cost certainty for the government, as the contractor is obligated to complete the defined work for a set price. This incentivizes the contractor to be efficient and manage their resources effectively to maximize profit. For the EPA, this means predictable spending. However, if unforeseen complexities arise that significantly alter the scope, the fixed-fee structure might become less advantageous if change orders are extensive. Overall, for well-defined technical assistance, it promotes value by linking payment to completion of agreed-upon tasks.
What is the historical spending trend for environmental consulting services by the EPA over the past five years?
Historical spending by the EPA on environmental consulting services has generally remained robust, reflecting the agency's ongoing mission to protect human health and the environment. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and program priorities, the overall trend indicates a consistent need for external expertise. Factors such as new environmental regulations, emerging contaminants, and the need for scientific and technical support for policy development contribute to sustained demand. The EPA often utilizes a mix of contract types and competition levels within this spending category, with full and open competition being a common approach for significant service needs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 110 HARTWELL AVE STE 1, LEXINGTON, MA, 02421
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: $6,694,431
Exercised Options: $4,447,036
Current Obligation: $3,593,649
Actual Outlays: $371,964
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 68HERC23D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-22
Current End Date: 2027-04-27
Potential End Date: 2028-04-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-18
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