EPA awards $68.3M R&D contract for intertidal biochar amendments, focusing on Year 2 analysis

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $68,270 ($68.3K)

Contractor: Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2025-04-08

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 663 days

Daily Burn Rate: $103/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AJ11 - GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES. SALT CHUCK COPPER MINE INTERTIDAL BIOCHAR AMENDMENTS- YEAR 2 ANALYSIS

Place of Performance

Location: CORVALLIS, BENTON County, OREGON, 97333

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $68,269.78 to CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED for work described as: AJ11 - GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES. SALT CHUCK COPPER MINE INTERTIDAL BIOCHAR AMENDMENTS- YEAR 2 ANALYSIS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized R&D services in environmental science. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Contract duration of nearly two years indicates a substantial research scope. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. Focus on intertidal biochar amendments points to a niche but important environmental research area. 6. The award to Consolidated Safety Services Inc. requires assessment of their R&D capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $68.3 million for nearly two years of R&D services seems within a reasonable range for specialized scientific research. Benchmarking against similar contracts for environmental R&D, particularly those involving novel material applications like biochar in intertidal zones, would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the agency has a clear scope of work and expects the contractor to manage costs effectively to deliver the defined outcomes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the initial solicitation may have had some exclusions, the final award was made through a competitive process open to all eligible offerors. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation generally implies multiple interested parties, which is conducive to competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging high-quality service delivery through market forces.

Public Impact

This contract will benefit environmental scientists and researchers studying coastal ecosystems. Services delivered include detailed analysis of intertidal biochar amendments, contributing to scientific understanding. The geographic impact is likely focused on coastal regions where intertidal zones are present, particularly in Oregon given the state code. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, researchers, technicians, and support staff involved in the R&D process.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if research objectives are not tightly defined.
Reliance on contractor's scientific expertise requires robust oversight.
Ensuring data integrity and reproducibility in R&D is critical.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract aligns incentives for contractor efficiency.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market for these services.
Clear focus on a specific research area (biochar amendments) allows for specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The niche area of intertidal biochar amendments suggests a specialized segment within environmental science R&D. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other federal contracts for environmental remediation, materials science R&D, and coastal ecosystem research, which can vary significantly based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus is on large business participation. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which would typically be a consideration in larger R&D contracts to ensure broader economic impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program officials responsible for environmental science research. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of research milestones and final analysis reports as stipulated in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through public reporting of research findings, although specific contract details might be subject to confidentiality. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Protection Agency Research and Development Programs
Coastal Ecosystem Research Initiatives
Materials Science and Engineering Research
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Research

Risk Flags

Potential for scientific uncertainty in R&D outcomes.
Contractor's capacity to execute complex intertidal research.
Ensuring data integrity and reproducibility of findings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $68,269.78 to CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED. AJ11 - GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES. SALT CHUCK COPPER MINE INTERTIDAL BIOCHAR AMENDMENTS- YEAR 2 ANALYSIS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CONSOLIDATED SAFETY SERVICES INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $68,269.78.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-08. End: 2027-01-31.

What is the track record of Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated in performing similar R&D contracts for the EPA or other federal agencies?

A thorough review of Consolidated Safety Services Incorporated's past performance is crucial. This would involve examining their contract history with the EPA and other federal entities, specifically looking for prior experience in environmental science R&D, materials science, and coastal ecosystem studies. Key indicators would include past performance evaluations, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and the successful completion of projects with similar scientific complexity and objectives. Understanding their demonstrated capabilities in managing R&D projects, adhering to timelines, and delivering high-quality scientific outputs will inform the assessment of their suitability for this significant award.

How does the $68.3 million contract value compare to the typical cost of similar R&D projects in intertidal biochar amendments?

Benchmarking the $68.3 million contract value against similar R&D projects requires access to detailed cost data for comparable studies. Without specific market data on intertidal biochar amendment research, a direct comparison is challenging. However, given the contract duration of nearly two years and the specialized nature of the research (intertidal zones, biochar application, year 2 analysis), the investment suggests a comprehensive and potentially multi-faceted research effort. Factors influencing cost include the scale of experimentation, the number of research sites, the complexity of analytical methods, and the required scientific expertise. A preliminary assessment suggests the value is substantial, reflecting the specialized R&D focus.

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

Primary risks for this R&D contract include scientific uncertainty (research outcomes may not meet expectations), technical challenges in implementing biochar amendments in intertidal environments, potential delays due to environmental conditions or logistical issues, and the risk of cost overruns if the fixed-price contract is not managed effectively by the contractor. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous project planning, phased research approaches with clear go/no-go decision points, robust contractor oversight by the EPA, and detailed performance metrics. The fixed-price contract itself mitigates cost overrun risk for the government, placing that burden on the contractor, provided the scope is well-defined.

What is the expected effectiveness of the research funded by this contract in advancing the understanding of intertidal biochar amendments?

The expected effectiveness hinges on the quality of the research design, the rigor of the scientific methodology employed, and the expertise of the research team. This contract specifically targets 'Year 2 Analysis,' implying a continuation or expansion of previous work, which could lead to more robust and conclusive findings. If the research successfully elucidates the mechanisms of biochar interaction in intertidal ecosystems, its impact on nutrient cycling, sediment stability, and the associated biota, it could significantly advance scientific understanding. The findings could inform future environmental management strategies, restoration efforts, and policy decisions related to coastal ecosystem health and the application of novel materials.

How has the EPA's spending on R&D in environmental science and materials evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit?

Analyzing the EPA's historical spending on R&D in environmental science and materials over the past five years would reveal trends in investment priorities. This contract, valued at $68.3 million for specialized R&D in intertidal biochar amendments, represents a significant, albeit niche, investment within the broader environmental R&D portfolio. If EPA spending in related areas like coastal resilience, sustainable materials, or ecosystem restoration has been increasing, this contract aligns with those strategic directions. Conversely, if spending in these specific areas has been declining, this award might represent a renewed focus or a targeted initiative. Understanding this context helps assess the strategic importance of this particular research effort.

What are the potential long-term implications of successful research on intertidal biochar amendments for environmental policy and practice?

Successful research on intertidal biochar amendments could have significant long-term implications for environmental policy and practice. If the studies demonstrate clear benefits, such as improved water quality, enhanced sediment stabilization, or support for biodiversity in intertidal zones, this could lead to the development of new best management practices for coastal areas. Policy implications might include the integration of biochar application into coastal resilience plans, climate change adaptation strategies, or habitat restoration guidelines. Furthermore, it could spur further innovation in biochar production and application technologies, potentially creating new economic opportunities while addressing critical environmental challenges.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HERC25R0068

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE STE 220, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $68,270

Exercised Options: $68,270

Current Obligation: $68,270

Actual Outlays: $7,900

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HERC21D0024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline